56

He held me more firmly as I struggled desperately, but somehow he grabbed my face forcefully, leaving me petrified when his lips touched mine.

He had done it again, completely losing me with his cheap tricks.

My willpower wilted the moment he touched me, or even when he looked at me in that inexplicable way.

"It's just a damn useless title!" he growled exasperated. "When the person I want is you, what do you expect me to do?"

"The right thing, Jack!"

"The right thing for me is to end this charade and be with you, but I know you don't have the guts to tell me what happened 8 years ago, much less to be by my side without feeling bad for the rest of your life about what Victoria or Lucila might think."

"Aren't you worried about the pain your daughter will feel?"

"Lucila is smart enough to accept it. The love for her is the most precious thing I have, and she's the most important person in my life. But you are too," he replied, holding me tightly in his arms while stroking my hair. I rest