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"Jace," I whisper, against my will.

He hums low as he nips at my throat, dragging his tongue over the sting.

"I'm leaving soon, remember?"

"Mhmm," he says, pressing a kiss below my ear. "So am I." He kisses me again as he wraps his hand around the back of my neck. "Away series. We leave tonight."

"No," I say. I tilt my head back, giving him more access—more of me—then say the words I never thought I'd dread. "My contract at GCG. will be over in a few weeks."

That does it.

His lips pause on my skin before he fully pulls back. "Then…"

Alaska.

The word echoes in the back of my mind for the millionth time since his lips first touched mine last night.

And for the millionth time—

I ignore it.

"Then… I'm gone."

Jace exhales. Then a soft smile builds on his face as his thumb slowly traces my mouth. "Sounds about right."

The words should sting, but they don't.

"So, what now?"

He sucks in a slow steady breath, his hand landing loosely around my throat. "What do you mean?"

My eyes flit between his. "I'm leaving, Jace. Eventually."

His stare hardens as he works his jaw like he's doing everything he can not to say these next words. "Yeah, well…" he finally starts. He kisses me—hard but quick—like he needed to do it before he changed his mind.

Then he rests his forehead against mine. "At least I know this time."

The words settle between us, heavy and honest, and for a second, neither of us moves. I'm not sure I even could if I wanted to.

And I damn sure don't want to.

After some time, Jace breathes a quiet laugh and drops his hand, stepping away. He stares at the space between us like he wants it gone, then grins. "Come on," he says, tipping his chin. "Let's finish what we started."

I know he means the run, but just briefly, I let myself think he doesn't.

That kiss.

This moment.

Us.

There's so much more that feels unfinished. But after everything, I'll take whatever I can get.

One careful step at a time.

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Jace