Chapter 20

• Aliyah
• "What are you talking about? Get away from me!" I shouted, jumping off the bed and putting distance between us. The way he looked at me, I was like some rare specimen under a microscope. I couldn't stand it, not even for a second. "Take me back to Jadeiles. Now!" Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I couldn't let him see me cry—not again. Not after everything he had put me through in the past.
• "Aliyah, we're meant to be together. You know it deep down," Brayden insisted. "I understand if you're scared or confused, but please, just give me a chance to explain. I promise you, I will never hurt you like before. Let me show you how much I've changed. I never stopped loving you."