Prologue

PROLOGUE

TRISTAN

“ T his isn’t going to be easy,” I tell her, the most difficult words I’ve ever spoken.

“What isn’t?” Maya asks.

Reaching into my jacket pocket with one hand while still holding Loki in the other, I hand her an envelope. As she takes it, I do my best not to let our fingers touch. It’s taking every shred of effort not to forget about my plan and just grab her, kiss her, and taste her again. Go all the way this time.

“What is it?” she says.

“I’m sorry, Maya,” I say, not looking at her as I put Loki down. “I wanted to make this work, whatever it was. The truth is, with you, I’ve felt different. Good. Like maybe I could be a new man.”

“Good.” Her eyes glisten like she’s going to break down, making me feel like the biggest POS ever. “I feel the same, Tristan. With you, I can be somebody new.”

“ Feel ,” I go on, hating myself. “Present tense. The Mob came here, Maya. They could’ve done anything. They could have hurt you bad. You need to forget about me.”

Her voice cracks heartbreakingly. “Forget?”

I turn away. I can’t look at her any longer. It makes me think about everything that’s happened, everything that could happen between us. “Open the envelope when I’m gone. It’s the most I can do. I’ll send for the dogs.”