Chapter 87

“I think that’s probably the reason for all this recent tension; I need to let off steam,” he smirks icily, devoid of feeling. I don’t know this Jake. I hate this Jake. I want my regular Jake to come back, the one who would never talk to me this way, hurt me this way. My Jake would never abandon me to go off and be a lothario!

So, kissing me was ‘recent tension’?

I’ve never known this uncaring, distant, and angry Carrero. I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all. I want to throw myself at his feet, cry, and hold him back from going, but I won’t. I pull my chin up defiantly and push down the hurt, replacing it with anger and a glare; I let that trained part of me take over in all her ice-maiden coolness. That old reliable self-preservation has kicked in.

I have pride!

“Enjoy yourself.” I turn on my heel, close to tears. Inside I’m chaos of emotions and trauma, but my exterior is calm and unflustered as if this means nothing to me.

“Don’t miss me while I’m