~SCARLETT.

"Jake?" The name slipped from my lips, a broken whisper of shock.

He smiled, that same small, knowing smile I'd come to hate, and stood up slowly from the bed. On instinct, I took a step back, heart pounding so hard it rattled my ribs.

He looked... different.

Still Jake, still the same cruel memory burned into my bones, but somehow sharper now. His raven-black hair was cropped shorter, and dark stubble shadowed his jaw, making him look older. More put together.

Almost... ...