Fractured Vows

tely disconnected from her tumultuous feelings. She was exhausted from the stress of the previous weeks, but she experienced an odd sense of serenity as she

d, his dark, untidy hair brushing the tops of his eyebrows. He looked easily threatening and effortlessly

deep voice velvety smoot

elf and George's cousin at a family gathering. However, things were different today. She

ware of the implicit tension between them. Unlike George, who was constantly hurried or contemptu

y was still recovering from the consequences of every emotiona

, saying, "I can't imagine how much you've been through." George's b

while, but Jessica tried to ignore it, clenching her

"I can tell it's been a long, difficult journey for you without knowing every detail." He spoke in a pleasan

A gentle smile curved his lips. However, you don't have to bear

anted to, she couldn't ignore it. However, she ignored it because

sonal tone. "Jessica, I can be that person. I am able t

or was he just being nice? His

amuel's tr

presence that made Jessica uneasy. She started to see how his eyes would stay on her for a fraction of a second longe

judgment or the aloofness she had become used to. She was aware of it, though. There was no denying their chemistry, and it was

n was far worse. The barriers she had so meticulously erecte

strategy she was gradually implementing, and how the city felt like a jail. Samuel listened thro

egan to conflate with the quiet rage that had been feeding her for months.

ay, his arms folded, observing them. There was an obvious tension between him and

George, his lips quirked up a little. "Doe

at she was playing a risky game. However, she continued to stare at George, and her chest began to ache. Geor

ave to make him uncomfortable." Allow him to experience

across from a man who had a knack of making everything seem so easy. Was sh

was his r

essive. Her wounds felt soothed by Samuel's compassion and underst

take him down," in a voice that was almost aud

m? She hesitated because of something in his eyes, even though he had only offered her support.

ffering me?" Her tone was colder

y made up his mind. "I understand how this operates. I can assist you in dismantling George's

was pounding in her chest. He was giving her access to resources, c

uel, I'm not here to play your games." "I'm

Samuel's eyes softened. Then have faith in me. The only pe

. Jessica experienced the draw once more, the silent all

was too much. But did she

uld she