Riele's heart raced as she walked down the school hallway. Jace's words echoed in her mind: "I won't let you go." The way he had looked at her, fierce and unyielding, had sent a shiver down her spine. It was possessive, almost territorial, and for a moment, she had felt both exhilarated and trapped.
She had always known Jace wasn't one to let things slip through his fingers, but this intensity was different. It was as though he'd sensed the danger surrounding her and, instead of backing away, had decided to dig in deeper. Riele could hardly blame him—she had pulled him into this, and he didn't even know half of the truth.
As she stepped into her next class, her mind wandered to her mother's threats. It wasn't just a simple warning anymore. Her mother's goons were always watching, reminding her of what was at stake. She couldn't allow herself to get distracted, especially now.
---
After school, Jace appeared at her side as if he'd been waiting for her.
"Walk with me," he said, his tone gentle but leaving no room for argument.
She nodded, falling in step beside him. They walked in silence, moving farther from the bustling halls of the school and out into the quieter grounds. He led her to a secluded spot behind one of the campus buildings, a place where they wouldn't be disturbed.
"Jace…" Riele began, feeling the weight of his gaze on her.
He didn't let her finish. "Felix, I need to ask you something." His voice was low, intense.
She swallowed hard. "What is it?"
"Are you…hiding something from me?"
The directness of his question caught her off guard. She looked away, searching for a way to deflect without lying outright, but he reached out, his fingers brushing against her arm, urging her to face him.
"I've been patient, haven't I?" he asked, his voice soft but with an edge of frustration. "I've given you space, respected whatever walls you have, but I can't shake the feeling that there's more."
Riele's heart ached. She could feel his need for honesty, his desperation to bridge the gap between them. But she couldn't give him what he wanted, not without tearing down everything she'd worked so hard to protect.
"Jace," she murmured, "I can't… It's complicated."
His expression darkened, a mixture of hurt and determination. "So, it's true. There is something."
Riele hesitated, then gave a small nod. "But it's not what you think. I…I just need you to trust me."
He studied her, his gaze piercing. "Trust is earned, Felix. And I don't know if I can keep giving it if you keep pulling away."
A surge of guilt washed over her. This wasn't fair to him. She was leading him down a path that could only end in heartbreak, yet here he was, holding onto her as if she were the most precious thing in the world.
"Jace…" she whispered, "I'm sorry."
A bitter smile twisted his lips. "Sorry doesn't fix things, Felix. It doesn't change the fact that every time I look at you, I feel like I'm falling for someone I don't even fully know."
Riele felt a sharp pang in her chest, but she held herself together. She had to. "I know. But please, just…give me a little more time."
He sighed, the frustration evident in his posture, but he didn't let go. "Fine. But know this—I'm not letting you slip away. No matter what you're hiding, I'm not going to walk away."
Riele could only nod, knowing his possessiveness was a double-edged sword. He'd protect her fiercely, but if he ever uncovered her secrets, his love could quickly turn into something dangerous.
---
As the days passed, Riele found herself growing closer to Jace, even as she tried to keep him at arm's length. Every stolen glance, every lingering touch, every word they exchanged felt like a countdown ticking towards an inevitable explosion. She was getting tangled in emotions she'd sworn she'd avoid, and each day, she felt her resolve weakening.
At home, her mother's pressure was intensifying. During dinner one night, her mother looked at her with a cold, calculating gaze.
"Any progress?" her mother asked, her tone neutral but her eyes sharp.
Riele forced herself to remain calm. "I'm working on it. Jace trusts me."
"Good," her mother replied, not missing a beat. "Remember, Riele, loyalty to the family above all. Jace is just a means to an end. Don't let emotions cloud your judgment."
The warning stung. Her mother's words were a harsh reminder of the loyalty she was expected to uphold, of the boundaries she couldn't cross. But Riele wasn't sure if she could keep up the facade much longer.
The next day, Jace surprised her with a quiet afternoon by the lake near the edge of town. The calm water reflected the autumn sky, and as they sat together, Jace took her hand, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"Thank you," he said, his voice soft.
Riele raised an eyebrow, surprised. "For what?"
"For being here," he murmured, his gaze gentle and open. "I know we're both a little messed up, but I… I don't know what I'd do without you, Felix."
Her heart ached at his words, guilt clawing at her. She wanted so badly to tell him the truth, to reveal the person she truly was, but fear kept her silent.
Before she could respond, he leaned closer, pressing his forehead against hers. The tenderness in his touch made her heart race, and for a moment, she allowed herself to forget the lies, the secrets, the danger.
But that moment was short-lived. The rustling of bushes nearby snapped them both to attention, and Riele's heart plummeted as Marcus, one of her mother's goons, appeared, his expression unreadable.
Jace narrowed his eyes, instantly defensive. "Who's he?"
"Just…someone from my mom's side," she stammered, trying to keep calm. "Don't worry about it."
Marcus's gaze was a silent reminder. Riele knew he was there to keep her in line, to ensure her loyalty. She forced a smile, squeezing Jace's hand. "I need to go. Family business."
Jace's grip tightened, his jaw clenching. "I don't like this, Felix. I don't like you being around these people."
She gave him a weak smile, trying to reassure him. "I'll be fine. Just trust me, okay?"
But as she walked away, she felt the weight of his gaze on her back. Each step she took felt like a betrayal, and she knew that eventually, she'd have to choose between love and loyalty.