Chapter 0330

Jacks sighs and deftly takes the glass from me, setting it on a table by his side as he speaks. "Luca doesn't want me to come," he murmurs, raising an eyebrow at me.

"Oh, Luca won't even know you're there," I say, waving a hand to dismiss the idea. "Seriously, Jacks"

"No, seriously, Ariel," he says, his tone a little sharper than I've heard from him before. I go still, looking up into his face, realizing that Jackson is asserting himself. Which I certainly want him to do - I just...am not used to it. He sighs and takes my face between his palms, stepping close, speaking more softly now. "I'm fine with it, okay? This is Luca's big night, he's worked hard for it, he deserves the spotlight. And he deserves your full attention. And beyond that, you deserve to have a night where you just get to concentrate on him - I know that if I'm there you'll check yourself, always looking over your shoulder to make sure that I'm okay."

I sigh too, my expression falling as I gaze up at my sweet, thoughtful mate. "I just...always want you to be okay."

"I know," he murmurs, slipping his hand around to the back of my head and wrapping his other arm around me, pulling me close, bringing my head to his chest so I can hear his words rumbling as he speaks them. "Take the night, Ariel. Feel what it's like to be Luca's mate, to give him your full attention. I think that's...important."

murmur, hating the idea of Jackson not

be like as Luca's mate - all the highs and lows. I'm

never accuse you

smirking and laughing a little. "But

at him. "I think you're too good, McClintock," I whisper, shaking my

He takes my chin in his hands, then, sharp, and pulls me up

in circles, urging me to try to find a way to stay in his arms. To make him come with us, or stay here, or run away to Aunt Cora's beach cottage with him and just live on whatever canned food they've got stocked

precisely like this - pressed wann against Jackson's body, tight in

have to admit, I'm a little dazed when he pulls away,

at me. And his eyes twinkle a bit, like he's daring me to have more fun than I could with him. Because he kind

my family is starting to head out the door. Jackson raises a hand

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255