Forever Breathing (Just Breathe #3) by Heather Allen

true or are you here to take information back to Jaspen?”
    I dismiss Sara from my mind for the moment. I’m such a pushover.
    I answer simply, “I’m not here for Jaspen.”
    He seems satisfied with my answer and turns to look over my shoulder, “Alex, meet me in the planning room in fifteen minutes.” Alex nods and Roman leaves not giving me or Sara a second glance.
    Alex settles in front of me. But all I can do is stare at Sara. She did it again and I fell for it. She keeps her eyes averted staring at the marbled floor.
    Alex clears his throat, “AHH James, we need to talk.”
    I look up at him and see the seriousness in his face. I follow him out not giving Sara another moment of my time. I’m done. She won’t get anything else from me.
    Alex leads us across the hall to another room, much smaller than the room we left. It is pure white with rock structures that look like chairs built into the walls. I sink onto a chair, realizing my energy has been depleted. Alex hovers in front of me, “James, I’m guessing you are not here to help this city.”
    I frown looking at the floor I didn’t notice before. How they built with marble under the sea, I haven’t a clue. After a minute of silence I finally look up and shake my head slightly.
    “They view you as a threat. I can appease them for only so long before they suspect why you are really here.”
    I glare at him, “How is it that you can fight against my sister if you care for her so much?”
    He slides into the chair beside mine shaking his head.
    He responds quietly, “You don’t get it do you? I tried to get her to come with me but she chose to stay. “
    I’m starting to get angry with him, “You could have stayed and helped. You know they will need all the help they can get.”
    He shakes his head, getting up suddenly and replies angrily, “She made her choice. I can’t help her anymore.”
    He starts to leave the room but turns slightly and sighs, “I would suggest you leave the city as soon as possible. I guarantee Roman will see right through you.”
    He leaves and the water settles around me. Guess I’m on my own after all.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 17
    Ever
     
     
    Opening my eyes to the light slowly gathering through the water, I realize today is it. The day I have to say good-bye. It’s not really good-bye I tell myself, it’s more of a when I am done, hello to forever. But we have to get to that point first and I have to do the one thing I suck at so completely, acting like someone I’m not. I roll over in Jack’s arms and face him. His breath ripples the water and tickles my cheek. I smile at how wonderful he is. He is so accepting of every little flaw. How in the world did I get so lucky?
    His eyes flutter open as if on cue. He doesn’t flinch or back away in surprise. He lays there staring at me with the clearest, bluest eyes. We lay there for a few minutes before he breaks the silence, “Ever, I absolutely adore you.” My heart soars and wavers at his words. This is going to be so hard.
    As if he can read my mind, he utters, “Today is going to be one of the hardest days of my life.”
    I hold my breath afraid that if I let myself breathe, a sob will come out.
    His hand lightly brushes my cheek and he lowers his lips to mine. Finally, I let myself breathe and tenderly kiss him.
    We break apart and his gaze focuses on me but I can tell he is somewhere else.
    “Ever, If Alex lets anything happen to you, I will kill him.”
    He looks away and back really seeing me this time.
    I nod my head, no words are necessary. I’m not thrilled to be leading Alex on again. This time for real but it has to be done. Or so I tell myself. I know Alex won’t let anything happen to me. Hopefully he won’t see through my terrible acting. I can’t voice any of my worries to Jack because I know this whole thing is so hard for him already.
    He gets up and pulls me with him. I follow him out toward the kitchen not