Broken Bond by C.J. Primer

25

VANESSA

I have a feeling Miles was expecting more than a movie night when I took him up on his offer to come back to his apartment. He’s been visibly agitated since the moment I suggested it, his knee bouncing and his posture tense from his seat beside me on the couch. It’s Italian leather, by the way- everything in his place is super nice, and he goes out of his way to brag about the finery of his furnishings whenever he has the chance, like he wants me to know how much money he has. I think it’s his way of showing that he could provide for me, but I tend to find his boasting in poor taste. And if he thinks I’m after money, he doesn’t know me at all.

I nearly breathe a sigh of relief when the credits roll, anxious for an excuse to head back home. I’ve set clear boundaries with

Miles, but he’s been pushing them tonight, no doubt fueled by the beers that he’s been downing like it’s his job. There’s a cluster of empty bottles on the marble coffee table in front of us, only one of which was mine.

They knock together noisily when he bumps the table with his leg as he scooches closer to I’ve moved away each time, but now I’m officially out of room, pinned between him and the arm of the couch with nowhere to go.

“Nessa…” he croons in my ear, his hand landing on my thigh.

I shiver, and it’s not the good kind. It’s the ‘ get me out of here’ kind. A shiver of panic.

His fingers apply pressure to my thigh as he leans in closer, his eyes slipping closed, his mouth angled toward mine.

I launch myself forward, shooting to my feet and stumbling away from the couch, putting the coffee table between us. “I should get going.”

Miles’ bewildered eyes fly open, his face reddening in embarrassment. He shoves up from the sofa, a little wobbly on his feet and his expression shifting to frustration. “

You’re not gonna stay the night?”

I wrap my arms around myself, giving a little shake of my head. He should already know the answer to that question- I’ve never spent the night here. He knows I’m not ready for a physical relationship, and he has always seemed understanding of that. Until right now.

“But I thought…” Miles stammers, his voice trailing off as he scrubs a hand over his face.

When he drops his hand, his eyes are narrowed on me, blazing with a look I’ve never seen from him before. “You were all over me when we were dancing, and then you said you wanted to come back here…”

I arch a brow in challenge, irritated by his insinuation. “And?”

huffs in frustration, shaking his head. ” And I thought that meant you were ready to … that you wanted to

reminding me of everything I hated about guys when my ‘no dating’ rule was firmly in place. The toxic sense of entitlement, like I somehow owe him something for being flirty. Like I’m a tease that led him on. I won’t let him make me feel guilty for dancing, as if

the night,” I clarify, remaining calm even though I’m fuming

flinch back at his outburst and he draws a deep breath, pinching his nose between his thumb and forefinger and squeezing his eyes closed as if to collect himself. “We’re dating, Nessa,” he sighs, his eyes fluttering open and his gaze fixing on mine again. “I’ve been patient. I

I have been keeping him at arm’s length. I’m scared for anyone to get too close, and

I’m broken.

around my middle. “I know it’s not fair to you. I understand if you

as he approaches me. “Hey,” he coos, reaching out to set both hands on my shoulders and staring down into my eyes. That’s not what I want.” He pulls me

clean, crisp scent. His fingers stroke through my hair and

of my head, offering him a weak smile. “I’m gonna walk.

pressing a light kiss to my forehead before stepping back.

I nod.

get why he’s upset, I really do- but I gave him an out. Gave him

suppose that’s more than I

knowledge that he could actually be behind it this time has an ache blooming in my chest, echoing through the chasm of space that

he left, he broke

connection

are already on

the door to exit the building, and I’m completely unprepared to come face to face with the pain of the past for a second time tonight. Turquoise eyes meet mine as Callum strides from the parking lot, and aside from the obvious look of surprise in them upon seeing

a wide berth as I pass.

“Why’d you leave?”

my hands balling into fists at my

holding my stare. For a moment, he doesn’t say a word. We both stand frozen in silence, paralyzed by our past. The kisses, the touches, the little inside jokes. The way

the parking lot illuminates the sharp line of his jaw. His tongue snakes out to wet his lips as he

Bullshit,” I spit, stomping toward him. “You could’ve told me about the mission, but you didn’t. You just left! And what the hell was that note?! I’m setting you free? When did I ever ask for you to set me free, Callum?” I close the distance between us,

best. You seem to be doing just fine without me.”

fine waking up in that cabin