Javier rested his forehead against mine. âI feel the same, Sarina.â
âYou do?â The elation filled my chest and I leaned up to kiss him, but his words stopped me.
âI feel the same, but youâre not really mine. Not permanently. What right do I have to feel jealous or angry?â
âBut you have every right,â I pleaded with him. âIf you think weâre together.â
The emotions shifted in his eyes as he struggled with his answer. âMaybe I tried to pretend at first. That you could mean nothing. But I couldnât. I care about you, Sarina. And in another time or place, I could see myself wanting so much more with you. But the more we feel, the harder it ends.â
âYou donât think I know that?â I whispered. âI know you will hurt me. Eventually.â
âBut I donât want to hurt you. So I have to ask you this. Do you want to stop now before this gets more serious? Before it hurts more?â
âNo,â I gushed. I didnât even hesitate. The idea of him pulling away sent a panic through me. I didnât care about the heartbreak that would come later when he left me. I needed him in my life right now. âI donât want to stop seeing you.â