I instantly catch his hand to stop him from removing it. His fingers are quivering. I know he is afraid, and it isn’t the best time for him to reveal everything. Maybe later, or tonight, or perhaps another day.“I would love to see you, Brandon. I just don’t think now is the right time.” I kiss his mouth softly. “But I did mention that you are beautiful, right? Whatever happened to your face doesn’t reflect how great a person you are.”His eyes soften. “This is what I love so much about you. You lift me all the time. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you.”I smile. “You make me happy. What else should it be? You are mysterious, but you’re kind, you’re generous, and you’re honest. But you are hurting too, so I want to take care of you.”“I should be the one who’s protecting you and taking care of you, but I can’t if I’m like this,” he murmurs.“But you are getting better,” I remind him.“I am, but it’s not enough.” He sighs, staring back at me. “I think I should give you a tour fi

BRANDONI contact Cassius after Alayna leaves with John.“Where are you now, Cassius?” I ask as soon as he picks up.“I took an immediate flight. Expect me there in ten hours. How’re the girls?”“Alayna’s going to town now with Betty.”“Good. What you need to do is wait,” he instructs. “I already told Oliver to call for security to escort you. You okay?”“I’m fine,” I assure him. “No one’s tried to harm me up to this point.”“Don’t be so sure,” he warns. “You still need to be watchful. The security will be there in an hour. Did you tell Alayna?”“Not yet.”“What? Brandon that is the plan. You’re there because you’re supposed to tell her.”“But she’s not ready yet, and I can’t if she’s—” I pause, massaging the back of my neck. “She likes it here, Cassius.”“She’s never going to be ready.” He exhales. “But there’s nothing we can do about that for now. Just stick to the plan and don’t go out alone.”“Thank you, Cassius. I owe you this time,” I finally say, after the long cold war we just

The moonlight is the only source of light in the hot spring, but the beauty of the clear water still stands out. The spring water falls into a rectangular marble pool. Around it are bamboo parapets and cherry blossom trees. The lights are warm and almost solemn. It’s so peaceful here.Brandon walks close to the water first, then he pulls off his shirt, revealing his broad back. Gradually, he strips off his pants. My throat dries up, but oddly my mouth salivates at the sight of his immaculate buttocks. I remember seeing him the first time this way, and his body is exactly the same as I remembered.He slightly shifts his body to face me, preventing my eyes from looking down. “Come, Alayna,” he invites softly and steps in the spring water.I take my clothes off, letting them drop to the ground before I stride into warm spring water. I blow out a breath of relief, shutting my eyes as the soothing liquid touches my skin. I follow Brandon to the middle of the pool.“Beautiful, isn't it?” Br

I wake up in the middle of the night after a terrifying dream, and when I open my eyes, Brandon is staring at me.He wipes away my tears. “Are you okay? You were crying.”“Hey...” I bury my face in his chest and embrace him. “I thought you left without saying goodbye.”“Alayna, I’ll never do that to you. But are you sure you’re okay with this?”“I am okay with this,” I whisper. “I’m happy that you wanted to finally do this.”“Then what are you worried about?”“We don’t know what’s going to happen. Everything is going to change.”“My feelings for you will never change.”I force another smile at his vow. “You should have decided to do this a long time ago, you know?”A soft murmur escapes his lips, and he embraces me. “It will be torture without you.”“That is why you have to heal fast,” I tell him. “I’m looking forward to seeing you succeed.” But I then laugh softly between tears. “Is this going to be our last night together?”He does not bother to reply because we both know the answer

“It’s me! Have you forgotten about me?” I scream from the top of my lungs, but there’s no sound coming from my throat. There seems to be a wall dividing me from him as I ram my fist on the invisible surface.“No! Please, come back! It’s me! Brandon, it’s Alayna,” I cry hard, but it’s no use. He can see me from the other side but remains still. Seconds later, a beautiful woman steps closer to him, and she slides her arms around his waist.My heart shatters into a thousand pieces.“Who is she, Brandon?” the woman asks, looking at me with blank, soulless eyes.“No one.”“No! It’s me, Brandon. It’s Alayna!” I shout, but there’s still no sound coming from me.He sneers at me, and I watch him hold the woman’s waist and kiss her cheek.“No!” I yell in anguish. I can’t breathe. I bang the wall once more with all my remaining strength, but I’m too late.Brandon and the woman stride away.“Come back, please!” I sob. “Oh, please don’t leave me...”“Alayna! Wake up! Alayna!” I snap back to my sen