Page 43 of My End

“It’s true.”

She shook her head. “You’re just... Jake. And I like Jake.”

I stiffened for a second, and then I kissed her again, slower this time, letting myself get lost.

She tasted like warm summer nights and things I couldn’t have.

When we finally pulled apart, she leaned her forehead against my chest.

“I don’t want to stop,” she murmured.

“I know,” I said roughly. “But if we don’t stop, we’re not gonna stop until I’ve got you screaming my name in the middle of this garden.”

She laughed softly. “That sounds like a challenge.”

I closed my eyes. “Don’t tempt me, sweetheart.”

She stepped back. Barely. Just enough to breathe.

“Then maybe we should take a break,” she said. “Before we do something you’ll regret.”

I reached for her hand and lifted it to my lips. Kissed her knuckles.

“I wouldn’t regret you,” I said. “But I’d regret hurting you. Or putting you in the middle of something dangerous.”

Her brow furrowed. “Dangerous?”

I shook my head. “Just... stick close to me, okay? If something feels off, you come find me.”

She nodded slowly.

“Promise me, Tilly.”

“I promise.”

I stared down at her for another long second before stepping back.

“I should get some sleep,” I said, though we both knew I wouldn’t.

She smiled sadly. “Me too.”

I let her go and watched her walk away until she was back in the shadows.

Only when the garden was empty did I turn and lean against the wall.

I’d kissed her again.

Touched her.

Wanted her like I hadn’t wanted anything in years.

And now?

I had no choice but to end this. Soon. Or I’d take her down with me.

And I couldn’t live with that.

Chapter Eighteen