Split at the Seams Read Free

already in the corridor just outside the living room.
    “Sierra, what the hell’s going on with you?”
    I kept walking until he grabbed my arm and spun me around to face him. I nearly lost my balance but he caught me in his arms and held me steady when I made a move to take a step back.
    “Jonathan, I think you need to leave.” I wanted him to leave.
    He tightened his arms around me. “You don’t mean that.”
    Before I could respond, he caressed the side of my face and lowered his mouth to mine. His lips were warm, familiar, and so willing, that for just a moment I forgot I didn’t want this. Almost forgot Papan was in the other room and could probably hear everything.
    I pulled out of the kiss. “Jonathan, don’t.”
    “Come on, it’s been so long.” His mouth moved lower, licking a line down the side of my neck.
    “Jonathan!” I pushed him away. “I told you to stop.” I struggled to catch my breath. He was trying to gloss over what I’d said in the kitchen, the reason why I walked out. This was his idea of reclaiming his territory but I’d had enough. I certainly didn’t belong to anyone and meant what I’d said. This was over.
    His dark eyes burned with desire. “What the fuck’s going on?”
    “Don’t do this. I already told you what’s going on—”
    “You didn’t mean it.”
    I met his gaze. “I did, Jonathan. This isn’t working anymore.”
    “It’s because of him, isn’t it?” The desire fizzled out of his eyes and was replaced with anger. “Don’t you think he’s milking this injury to his advantage?” He stepped closer, his brown eyes intense on mine. “He’s faking being hurt so you’ll let him stay.”
    “Don’t pretend you don’t know what’s really going on. I have to keep him away from the werewolf hunter. I’ve already told you that.”
    His jaw was clenched so tight, a vein wobbled. “It doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
    “You’re right, because this isn’t your problem anymore.”
    “I don’t like the way he looks at you.”
    Anger rolled around inside me, blinding me with rage. “Like I said, it’s not your problem.”
    “You’re enjoying playing nurse with the dog. That’s it, isn’t it? That’s why you don’t want me anymore.” He shook his head. “You’re actually choosing him over me.”
    My cheeks burned and I couldn’t meet his eyes. “Papan’s a friend. I’m just helping him stay safe.”
    Jonathan stepped closer and leaned down, his lips near my ear. “Has he been warming your bed? Because I know I haven’t. You’ve refused every attempt at physical contact I’ve tried since he’s been here.”
    I pressed a hand against his chest to push him away and slapped him with the other. “How dare you! Just get out!”
    His eyes were shiny as he recoiled.
    I didn’t move, just glared at him. My heart was pounding so loudly I could hear it in my ears.
    “Why are you so gung-ho about protecting him?”
    “He saved my life!”
    He closed the distance between us and grabbed me by the shoulders, digging his fingers into my skin and pushing my back against the wall. “This isn’t over. I think you’re just upset right now.”
    “Get your hands off me.”
    Jonathan grinned, and it shook me to the core. I’d never seen him act like such a jerk, but I was glad he was showing his true colors now. This violent, jealous streak was making this a hell of a lot easier.
    “You’ve always wanted him instead of me. I was just a temporary filler, wasn’t I?”
    “Just go.” I glared into his eyes, ready to tell him the truth when I caught a glimpse of Papan standing in the doorway.
    “You better get your hands off her before I make you,” Papan said, flexing his hands at his sides.
    Jonathan’s smile widened when he dropped his harsh grip on me.
    I hated the way things were turning out, but what had I expected? There was bound to be some sort of casualty in all of this. I tried to keep my hands from going to my shoulders to rub away