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?"

his entire body locking up. He looked lost for the first time—like a stray

the

that still has nothing to do with you!" Julien cut him off, his voice sharp enough

them on. Then, digging into his wallet, he pulled out

he slapped the money against

it payment for last night. And don't ever show your face in front of me again. I never

another word, he turned on

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

door burst open, and Evan rushed inside, panic written all over his face. "Mr. Lovelace took off! You fought so hard to find him! You can't give up now! You have to win him back no

remained motionless, his face

Jonah's last heartbreak, watching him spiral into an abyss so deep that it nearly swallowed

said, his voice barely more than

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

actually believed the shit he just spewed? Words said out of

house in a fit of rage.

pride, my dignity-just to

on himself, he looked like a discarded tin

over a long time ago," he murmured. "I was the one who refused to see it. I was the one who clung to a fantasy that