Chapter 29. Severing All Ties

“I’m indebted to you, Hayley,” he whispered, gazing at her longingly, unable to answer her question. Yes, they were dating, but not anymore. After Gambino’s threat, he didn’t have the courage to start any sort of relationship with Hayley. She was just eighteen, and she had a beautiful life awaiting her. It was better he stayed away from her.

Hayley went closer and touched his hand, cradling it in hers. Her eyes searched his for an answer, but all she saw in them was a feeling of hopelessness. “I will heal you soon, Ashton. Then we can go out on dates like before.” Her voice trembled with raw emotions bubbling deep inside her, ready to overflow any minute. She wanted to tell him how much she loved him. Looks, wounds, danger, nothing mattered to her. All she needed was him in her life!

“We can’t continue dating each other, Hayley. It wasn’t a good idea, anyway.” Shocked, Hayley left his hand and gazed at him in disbelief. Was he severing all ties with her? Was he breaking of