I know it's not ideal," he said, his voice strained but steady, "but it's the only way to protect Hazel from my mother's threats."
"You've got to be kidding me, Jaxon," I shot back, shaking my head. "This is insane. A fake engagement? You think this is the solution? How is this even going to work?
Isabel, we have to do something," he said now, his tone softer, almost pleading. "I can't let her tear us apart. I can't let her take Hazel away."
I paused, his words hitting harder than I anticipated. I knew Jaxon's mom had been a real force to be reckoned with, but hearing him admit how far she was willing to go tied my stomach up in knots.
"I'm not saying it's perfect," he added, his eyes a little closer to mine, "but let's just put on an act, pretend that we are a family.She'll back off.
