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I’ve lost Jackson and might lose Ethan because I can’t bear to be near Jackson—the irony.
Ethan clears his throat. “Just tonight. I have to fly back tomorrow evening.”
I yearn to run my fingers through his hair and kiss his neck, but I don’t.
I’m affectionate—or clingy, whatever. It’s part of my personality and everything I need to be happy. But right now, I’m not up for the disappointment of Ethan’s rejection.
When I remain silent, he asks, “Are you staying in New York?”
If leaving ishisultimatum, our relationship will be over before it starts.
My muscles tense, readying for a fight. “I signed a contract for seven weeks.”
His fingers pause while combing through my hair. “That puts you at six months pregnant. I need you home, taking care of yourself and the baby.”
Raw vulnerability resonates in his voice, and I nearly cave.
I want him. I want this. But the three of us are so intertwined, it’s impossible to separate him and Jackson. I can’t go back to LA and risk seeing my ex and falling apart. I need space and time to figure myself out.
Ethan kisses my forehead, breaking me from the uncertainties wreaking havoc inside my mind. I glance up, and his thunderous gray eyes capture me, their intensity matching the storm raging outside.
His brows furrow in that distinctive scowl. “Come home with me. I can give you everything you need.”
In my heart of hearts, I would love nothing more than to surrender fully to Ethan, but I’ve already done that with another man, and look where that got me.
“Don’t you think the next step should be dating before we move in together?”
“I think we’ve skipped a few steps.” He glances at my stomach. “I also think this isn’t about me.”
His stern gaze penetrates through me, dissecting my insecurities with surgical precision.
As usual, he’s right, and, at an impasse, we stare at each other.
His expression softens, and before I’m able to brace myself, he slips past the walls I’ve painstakingly erected.
“You can talk to me about Jax.”
I wince. That shortened name, a term of endearment, is a sharp knife piercing my soul. I realize Ethan will continue to call himJax—will continue his close relationship with my ex.
Where does that leave me? On the outside? Or constantly being confronted with the greatest loss of my life?
No thanks.
I push away, opening my mouth to end this, when his arms tighten around me.
“What did I tell you? Don’t try it, Aurora. It’s pointless.”
“This won’t work.” I swallow the painful lump in my throat. “I’m not returning to LA.”
He clenches his jaw, and his nostrils flare. “You are, even if I have to drag you back. Jackson relapsed—it’s part of addiction. He didn’t mean it.”
Tears of anger sting my eyes, and I laugh incredulously. How many times did I tell myself the same thing?He didn’t mean it.
Fuck that.
I hurl all my hurt and frustration at Ethan in a single word. “Don’t.”
He ignores my plea. “I was there. I saw the devastation on his face when he found out what he did. He’dnevercheat on you.”