PART II: THE LOVE THAT COULDN'T LIVE
Chapter 4: The Way He Watches Her
Tristana avoids him.
At first, it's instinct.
Then it becomes a necessity.
But Justin Crimean doesn't make it easy.
He never corners her. Never demands her attention. Never invokes the bond.
He simply… exists near her.
A quiet, steady presence.
And somehow that's worse.
Because she can feel him.
Even when she's not looking.
Even when she's trying to forget.
That pull in her chest—soft, persistent, dangerous.
"You haven't been sleeping," he says one afternoon.
She startles. She hadn't heard him approach.
"I'm fine," she replies automatically.
"You're lying."
Her jaw tightens. "You don't know me."
Something flickers in his eyes.
"I know enough."
Her temper sparks. "Then you know I'm married."
The word hangs between them like a wall.
Justin doesn't flinch.
"I know," he says quietly.
And somehow… that hurts more.