The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 85 – Jane Sets a Date

Jane

“I swear he’s losing it.” The man in question is back home with our pups, while I try to wrap my head around what just happened with the help of Linda and Eric. I’m seated on my friend’s plush sofa, with Eric beside me and Linda looking on from the kitchen while she brews a pot of tea. “He threatened to blackmail me tonight.”

“I warned you he wasn’t really going to let the pups go.” Eric frowns, “what on earth did he try to blackmail you with?”

My face flushes with color as I stare at my lap, fidgeting nervously. “Well…” I begin, trying to find the courage to speak the

words aloud.

“Oh I know that look!” Linda chimes in, a

note of humor in her voice. “What did you do, you bad girl?”

“I sort of slept with him.” I confess,

burying my face in my hands rather than

face their scrutiny. “So he threatened to tell Eric so he’d call of our wedding.”

“I knew it!” Linda exclaims, “How did it

happen, when did it happen – I want

details!”

“You slept with him?!” Eric adds,

sounding appalled.

“It was the other day, when we went wine

tasting.” I share, peeking at Eric through my fingers and seeing his furious face.” We got a little tipsy and -”

“You were drunk?” Eric repeats,

immediately rising to my defense. “He took advantage of you!”

“He didn’t.” I murmur. “I mean yes I

lowered my inhibitions, but I wanted it.

I’ve been resisting him for so long.” Eric is fuming, and I suddenly feel very guilty for sharing this with him when I know he has feelings for me. “I’m sorry.” I profess, resting my hand on his arm, “I shouldn’t be sharing this kind of thing

with you. I’m not trying to be insensitive, I just… I told him you already knew.”

“No it’s okay.” He assures me, quickly covering my hand with his own, “I need to know these things if I’m going to help you. If he says anything about it, I’ll pretend I knew all along.”

“Are you sure?” I inquire hesitantly. “I feel like I’m asking way too much of you.”

“I’m sure.” Eric promises, “and if you ask me Ethan isn’t losing it, he’s just showing you his true colors. If you want to see the man behind the mask you should keep pushing him, otherwise

you’ll simply be letting him fool you

again.”

Linda, clearly reading my slightly affronted energy, interjects, “I don’t think she “let” him do anything.” She says with a frown, her eyes locked on Eric even as she speaks to me. “And I don’t know that pushing him is a good idea, Janey. He’s clearly feeling desperate and

more conflict isn’t good for anyone. I

if you force him into a corner he

the depth

Eric tells her

argue with Eric, they’ve always gotten along like gangbusters, but now she actually seems annoyed

him then

Why are

don’t argue, you guys.” I

just want to relax with my

my leg in comfort, “I’m

know any better I might think she was angry he’s

never even hinted at being interested in him. “I don’t understand.” She muses, finally turning away from him. “How did the pups

simply, pursing my lips, “my best guess is that they were eavesdropping again. Eric you were

racking his brain. “No, they seemed fine. But if they overheard something and asked Ethan about it, I doubt they waited very

the truth about whatever they heard, so it must have happened today. A niggling doubt enters the back of my mind. The only two people who were with them today were Eric and Ethan. I know Eric would never do anything to hurt me… but Ethan

Linda presses, her brow furrowed in concern as she reads

expression.

just…” Trailing off, I rise to

me check,”

on Jane, this clearly isn’t

a very public statement blaming Eve for Petra’s murder. He’s defended me with the investigator

turn and he truly seems

what happened between us…

“But?” Eric prompts.

beta or something, about taking me prisoner again now that he has proof

think that’s entirely possible.”

to comfort me, but isn’t sure if I’ll accept it. I can’t help but think

needed it he’d impose it even if I fought him tooth and nail… and he’d probably be right. How twisted is it that he’s the reason I’m afraid of letting people get too close to me, and yet

total leap!” Linda calls from the kitchen,

no reason

And if he was talking to

it was probably his

that not a

questions her stiffly.

of all because the

they probably would have told Jane, especially because they

hawk. I’ve seen him

telling you he’s changed. He

friend’s words are

tormented nerves. I know Eric

help, but he seems so protective

he’s become as paranoid as I am —

he was

me try to recover from Ethan, while Linda’s

cope with my death. I

side, and I know

she’s sounding more logical than Eric at

moment.

you.” I breathe,

letting the warm steam

right,

crazy.”

get a bit crazy sometimes.”

at Eric, who is mutinously grumbling under his

and return to my

shows that I was right about leaving. I can’t wait for the perfume launch, I need