June First

by Jennifer Hartmann

“That’s not what I meant to say,” he murmurs under his breath. “Maybe it was what you wanted to say.” Brant slowly lifts his eyes to mine, his hands fisted at his sides like he’s trying so hard not to touch me. His nostrils flare. “We have to stop, June. I can’t do this to you,” he says. “I think it’s for the best if you move out.” No. No, no, no. “You won’t break me, Brant,” I insist. My feet inch forward, desperate to shatter his walls. Desperate to change his mind. “I’m not as fragile as you think I am.” “That’s not what I’m afraid of.” “What are you afraid of? Hurting me?” “Worse.” I frown, trying to read between the lines. “What’s worse than hurting me?” He swallows, shaking his head a little, inhaling a troubled breath. Our eyes lock as he replies, “Ruining you.” A gasp leaves me. “I’m terrified of ruining you for the poor bastard who has the unfortunate burden of loving you after me, that when you finally let him kiss you all he’ll taste is my ashes. When he brings you to his bed, it’s my name you’ll scream. And that’s not fair. You deserve so much more than to live your life in the shadow of this…curse.”