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?"

lost for the first time—like a stray dog caught in the rain, cornered

the

still has nothing to do with you!" Julien cut him off, his voice sharp enough to wound. "Who the hell do you think you are? You mean nothing to

them on. Then, digging into his wallet, he pulled out a stack of Aerian

a resounding smack, he slapped the money against

ever show your face in front

he turned on his heel

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

so hard to find him! You can't give

remained motionless, his face

mounted. He had witnessed Jonah's last heartbreak, watching him spiral into an abyss

said, his voice barely more than a

He clenched them tightly, his fingers pressing into the crumpled notes. "Evan...

he just spewed? Words said

swore I'd blow up the president's house in a fit of rage. Does that mean I'd actually do it?

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

looked like

time ago," he murmured. "I was the one who refused