"I'm sorry, but I can't, Michelle," he said apologetically, shaking his head. He let go of the woman. "It's too late for that, and never ask me that again. It will be the same answer you will get from me though I don't intend to hurt you."
"Why not? I can wait, Jake. I will wait just over two years for you to be free. I'm willing to wait until everything in that business is stable..."
Jacob shook his head. His hand went up to his head, his fingers combing his hair from crown to nape as he walked in front of the woman.
"No, Mich. I don't think that will work for us," he refused the woman's wishes. "I am sorry that I'm hurting you this time, but I already made up my mind when I talked to you. There's no us anymore. That can never be this time. I am a married man."
"But you said you will marry her in name only."
"Yes, I remember telling you that, but I realized that she needs protection. And I'm happy to be that protector for her."
