Can’t Win Me Back

When Jonah reached the bedside, he leaned in slowly, giving Julien an unobstructed view of his tanned skin, well defined abs, and that devastatingly captivating face.

Reclining against the headboard, Julien found himself lost in Jonah's eyes. His breath hitched, and his mind momentarily blanked as Jonah's mesmerizing gaze locked onto him.

What could he do? His heart still betrayed him, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He was a fool-a pathetic fool.

Jonah braced his arms on either side of Julien's head, his dark eyes overflowing with a raw, possessive affection. It was as if he sought to consume Julien-just as he had last night.

"Julien, does it still hurt—"

"Fuck you!"

Julien's bloodshot eyes blazed as he swung his hand, landing a sharp slap across Jonah's face.

The illusion of his frailty shattered. A crimson handprint bloomed on Jonah's cheek in a split second, the flesh puffing up visibly.

But the sting barely registered. Not when the ache in Jonah's chest was already unbearable.

"Jonah, right now, not only do I loathe you, but everything about you every single thing you do disgusts me!"

With all his strength, Julien shoved Jonah away. Shaking, he yelled, "What made you think that you could touch me? What made you think you had the fucking right?"

for the first time—like a

at the bar last night

his voice sharp enough to wound. "Who the

his clothes from the floor and hastily put them on. Then, digging into his wallet, he pulled out a stack

smack, he slapped the money

don't ever show your face in front of me again. I never want to see

another word, he turned on his heel and stormed

only by the leaden thud of Jonah's heart, a lonely drumbeat

burst open, and Evan rushed inside, panic written all over his face. "Mr. Lovelace took off! You fought so hard to find

motionless, his

watching him spiral into an abyss so

me," Jonah said, his voice barely

bills one by one. He clenched them tightly, his fingers pressing into the crumpled notes. "Evan... Perhaps it's time for me to let

actually believed the shit he just spewed? Words said out of anger don't mean

fit of rage. Does that mean I'd actually

out a bitter laugh. "I'd give up everything-my pride, my dignity-just to hold onto him. But what

in on himself, he looked like a discarded

the one who refused to see it. I was the one who