Page 55 of James

“So, where’s Jye’s evil stepmother?” I ask, my voice spiked with sarcasm, as I slide into James’ car. Kade decided to stay at the bar.

“Sasha, that’s enough,” James demands, slamming his hands down on the steering wheel in frustration.

I make a sound of disgust.

“I’m sorry, I’m so fucking sorry, okay?” he says softly, his voice full or hurt and regret. We drive to Layla’s and pick up Jye before heading home.

“I’ll give Jye his dinner and a bath. You go have a shower and then we'll talk,” he decides. I roll my eyes at being told what to do but then a shower and bed does sound really good right now. I hug and kiss Jye and then head for a long, scalding hot shower. The ride home sobered me right up, and now I just feel agitated. I dress in my least sexy pajamas, flannel with cupcakes on them, and go to check on Jye. He's freshly bathed and in his own pajamas.

“Did he eat?” I ask James.

“Yes, I made him a sandwich,” James says, his expression not giving away his mood.

I read Jye a book in his bed until he falls asleep.

Time to face James.

***

James

I watch as Sasha walks out of Jye’s room and plops down ungracefully onto the chair. Her eyes are slightly red, they get like that after she has a few drinks.

“Will you listen to what I have to say?” I ask gently. She nods, her wide brown eyes locked with mine.

“I messed up. I just didn’t want to hurt you, Sasha. I know I’ve only made it worse now, but fuck. I couldn’t let you run again. I won’t let you run again. I want us to be a family more than anything, and I promise you I'll never let you down again. I’m willing to do anything to build the trust back between us. I'll put in so much effort to fix this. Just give me a chance, please, that’s all I’m asking for. One chance.”

I watch as different emotions flicker in her eyes.

Pain.

Hurt.

Regret.

I never want to see her upset again. Her pink lips are slightly pouted, and I want nothing more than to kiss her, to erase the last few days. When she says nothing, I can’t take it anymore. I walk over to her and push her long thick hair onto one side of her neck. With the tip of my index finger I lift her chin up and stare into soulful brown eyes.

“I love you so much. I want you in my life, Sasha. Now that I know what it feels like to have you here, I can’t go back to being without you. You know I'll never take you for granted and I'll always treat you like the princess you are. We're perfect together, please don’t give up on me,” I whisper. I’m begging and I don’t even care. I will get down on my knees if I have too. I guess it’s true, love has no pride.

Sasha exhales, her shoulders drooping as she leans her head on my chest. I cradle her head to my chest, closing my eyes and savouring the feel of her touch.

“Let’s go to bed, James,” she finally says, putting me out of my misery. She stands and I take the opportunity to taste her lips in a soft kiss. She doesn’t respond but she doesn’t push me away either. She wants me, but doesn’t want to. It hurts that she feels like that, but I can fix it. I know I can.

We lay next to each other, only slightly touching.

“Are you still married?” she whispers.

“Just need a few days for the annulment to go through. It’s getting taken care of, don’t worry, okay?” I tell her, hoping I’m saying the right words. I shuffle closer to her and take her into my arms. I kiss her on her forehead, breathe in her scent, so fucking happy she’s home where she belongs.

***

Chapter Twenty-Two

Two weeks later

Sasha

Work drags by slowly. I know it’s not helping staring at the clock every five minutes, but I can’t seem to help myself. Finally five thirty arrives and I can’t get out of there soon enough. I sing along to Incubus ‘Love Hurts’ on the drive home, probably more loudly than I should be. When I get home Jye is sitting on the floor playing with his toys. I scoop him up in my arms, and place kisses all over his face. He giggles and happy coos, “Mama.”

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