“I spoke to my father. He was adamant that the only time he warned you away from me was six years ago.” I gulped, tugging ineffectually on Jesse’s branding grip. “You don’t believe me?” Hurt flashed over his face. My silence spoke volumes, and his shoulders slumped. Jesse shook his head, as if trying to escape the revelation. I didn’t know what to believe anymore. My heart might still nurture our deep connection, despite all efforts to purge it. We were done. I would keep repeating it until it became truth.
