Chapter 279

As much as Trees hated that voice, it was rational. He couldn’t keep recklessly falling into Laila without self-destructing, so if he had any intention of saving himself and figuring out what the hell was going on, he had to break away from her now.

Tearing his mouth free, he released her and stepped back, his panting breaths harsh. He swiped a hand down his face, pausing to palm her taste from his lips, trying not to give in to his need for Laila’s sweetness again. “I won’t be long.”

Terror crossed her face. “You will not leave me in the dark, will you?”

He softened. “No. I know you’re afraid. I would never intentionally scare you.”

She stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Thank you. And I am sorry. For everything. Perhaps my plan does not make sense to you, but I only meant to spare you the danger…”

Because she supposedly loved him.

His heart urged him to believe her and take a leap of faith. His head told him she was a bad bet and to back off.<