"What are you talking about? Get away from me!" I shouted, jumping off the bed and putting distance between us. The way he looked at me, I was like some rare specimen under a microscope. I couldn't stand it, not even for a second. "Take me back to Jadeiles. Now!" Tears prickled at the corners of my eyes. I couldn't let him see me cry—not again. Not after everything he had put me through in the past.

"Aliyah, we're meant to be together. You know it deep down," Brayden insisted. "I understand if you're scared or confused, but please, just give me a chance to explain. I promise you, I...