Page 53 of Captured By Fate

"Fine. We'll accept your offer, but if it turns out that she is involved, you'll lose more than just your shares."

Jackson nods, understanding the risk he's taking. "I understand. I'm willing to take that chance."

I can't take my eyes off of Jackson as he stands before the club members, his expression set and determined. I can see the resolve in his eyes, the unyielding determination to protect me at all costs. It's a testament to the depth of his feelings for me, and my heart pounds with a tumult of emotions.

I'm bewildered by his sacrifice, the fact that he's willing to risk everything for me. It's more than I could have ever asked for, and I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude and love for him. I realize now that he doesn't hate me, despite what I may have thought. He's risking everything for me, and it's a revelation that brings tears to my eyes.

As the club members disperse, Jackson turns to me and takes my hand. I can see the remorse in his eyes, the guilt for ever doubting me.

"I'm sorry I doubted you," he says, his voice filled with emotion. "I should have known that you would never betray me or the club."

I reach up and cup his face in my hands, my own eyes filled with tears. "It's okay, Jackson. I understand why you were upset. But I'm just glad that you're here now and that you believe me."

He leans in and kisses me, and in that moment, everything else fades away. I know that there will still be challenges ahead, but with Jackson by my side, I know that I can face anything. I'm grateful for his love and support, and I'm determined to make things right.

As we walk out of the clubhouse, I can't help but feel a sense of hope and relief. I know that Jackson's sacrifice is a heavy one, but it's also a testament to the strength of our relationship.

He's risking everything for me, and I know that I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to him. I'll prove my innocence and make things right, not just for myself, but for Jackson and the club as well.

33

KELLEY

Jackson rounds on me as soon as we’re outside. "Are you okay?"

I open my mouth but no words come out. The reality of what just happened threatens to crash over me. Sensing my fragility, Jackson cups my face in his hands.

"It's over now. You're safe." His voice is uncharacteristically gentle.

I nod weakly, afraid if I speak the floodgates will open. Jackson studies me a moment longer before dropping his hands with a sigh.

Even now, his rugged features make my heart skip. The warmth of his body so close makes my skin tingle. His strength and protectiveness wrap around me like a shield, at once comforting and exhilarating. No matter the turmoil between us, my body can't resist reacting to his commanding presence. He stirs a fire in my core I'm helpless to extinguish.

"Let’s get out of here,” he commands, gripping my hand with his.

"No, not yet" I whisper hoarsely.

Jackson looks torn, emotions warring on his face. His hand tightens on mine as he moves to guide me to his car. But I stop, my voice trembling but insistent, as I grab his hand and place it over my heart.

"Feel it. Listen. I didn't betray you."

My eyes implore him to believe me, tears streaking down my cheeks. "I love you, that's the truth. Why can't you see?"

Jackson's stoic mask cracks, anguish flooding his rugged features. His hand splays across my chest, feeling the frantic beat of my heart.

"Kelley..." he rasps, almost a plea.

"From that first moment in the alley, I felt it," I forge on desperately. "This connection between us. You have my whole heart, believe me."

Jackson searches my face, eyes roaming hungrily as if trying to etch every detail into memory. The hard lines of his face soften, raw emotion pouring out.

He’s swift, crushing me against his broad chest. I cling to him just as fiercely, overwhelmed with relief.

"I want to believe you."

I clutch his face between my hands, forcing his stormy eyes to meet mine. He wavers, years of barricaded emotions waging war behind his eyes. I held my breath, laid bare before him.

The moment stretches endlessly...until finally Jackson's defenses shatter. He captures my lips in a blistering kiss that steals the air from my lungs. I pour all my love into it, healing his battered spirit.

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