Alina's POV
Jaxon slipped the shirt over his head without any ceremony, revealing a striking tattoo. A rose and a snake were intertwined, both appearing to bleed, capturing a mix of pain and beauty.
“Tell me about it,” I said, reaching out to trace it with my fingertips.
His skin was warm, and I felt him react to my touch, tensing slightly. “Not happening.”
“Dare,” I insisted, outlining the rose with my finger. “You have to tell me.”
He caught my wrist, his grip firm but not harsh. “Some stories aren’t pretty, Alina.”
“I’m not looking for pretty,” I replied, locking eyes with him. “I want the truth.”
For a moment, he was silent. Then, he let go of my wrist, as if he had made a decision.
“My sister,” he said, his voice stripped of everything but the words. “Maya. She was with the ca
