Chapter 49. Losing Him Again

Lea’s POV

I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him closer, needing to feel him, to remind myself that he was real. When we finally broke apart, both of us were breathless, resting his forehead against mine.

“Every day, I wished I could take it all back. Wished we never left our village. I wish we could go back. I wished to leave everything and run.” Jake’s forehead pressed against mine, and I could feel his breath mingling with mine.

“I still can’t believe you’re here,” I whispered, my voice thick with tears. “After everything...I...I was scared.”

“Scared of what?” he asked softly, his fingers tracing the curve of my jaw.

“Scared that I would be the cause of your downfall. That you might hate me for that... I didn’t want to ruin your...”

Jake’s grip tightened slightly, his eyes full of anguish. “I could never hate you, Lea. All I am is only because of you. I was hurt and confused, but I could never hate you. You’re the love of my