Page 64 of Hunting Justice

She glanced at him. “What?”

“It’s not that I don’t want to. I do, very much so. But I want you to enjoy the night without the worry or stress.” He swiped a finger down her nose. “That doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future, though.”

She rested her head on his chest. “I think I’d like that.”

He chuckled. “Good.”

“Jonah?”

“Yeah, babe?” His lips brushed her hair.

“Do you have a tattoo?”

He stiffened. “Why do you ask?”

“Raven asked if you planned to get one. I don’t know.” She shrugged. “You seemed to get lost in thought.”

He tucked her in closer. “Yes, I do.”

“What is it?”

“The Latin words for First, do no harm.” His fingers trailed along her arm. “A memory of my mentor.”

“Can I see it?”

He choked. “That would be a no.”

She twisted to look at him. “Why not?” Her eyes widened. “Never mind. Forget I asked.” Heat flamed her face.

He threw his head back and laughed. “Oh, honey. That pink flowing up your neck and onto your cheeks is adorable.”

“It’s not funny. It’s embarrassing.”

“Elle, look at me.” He placed his finger under her chin and lifted. “It’s not that private. My tattoo is on my upper thigh. I chose a place where no one can see it.”

“Oh.” She burrowed back into his arms. “Do you regret it?”

He exhaled. “Regret? No. Would I choose to do it now that I’m older? Probably not. I am glad that I decided to have something meaningful, though.”

“I can understand that.” She closed her eyes. “I didn’t get a choice with mine.”

“Would you like to have yours removed?” His tone held no judgment, only kindness.

“I’ve thought about it. But ultimately, no. I can’t see it unless I look in a mirror at the right angle, so that helps.” She played with the buttons on his Henley shirt. “It serves as a reminder that I survived.”

“That’s a nice way to look at it.” He laid his cheek on her head. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

He squeezed her tighter against him. “Tonight. Us. This.”

“I should thank you. No one has ever treated me like this before.”

“You deserve it.”

Tears dripped from her chin and onto his shirt. Never in her life had anyone cherished her like Jonah had tonight.

God, it feels too good to be true. Am I setting myself up for heartbreak? Or is this my future?

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