ANNA'S POV

“Please, let’s just forget the past now that we are friends and move on. Just help a friend out,” James said, his voice low, almost careful, like he was testing how far he could push me.

I let out a slow breath and leaned back slightly, crossing my arms. “Let me think about it real quick,” I said, dragging the words on deliberately. Then I tilted my head and looked straight at him. “I refuse.”

The change on his face was instant. His brows pulled together, confusion and disbelief flashing across his eyes like he genuinely hadn’t prepared himself for that answer. He stared at me as though...