Page 111 of Lost Paradise

Chapter 34

As I carry Evethrough the jungle, her protests are a constant murmur in my ear, but I don't let her down. Her small fists pound lightly against my back, and her efforts are futile against my resolve. The path to the lagoon is well-trodden, each step bringing us closer to the secluded spot.

"Jack, put me down!" she demands again, her voice a mix of frustration and exasperation.

I ignore her, focusing on the familiar sounds of the jungle around us—the rustling leaves, the distant calls of birds, and the soft crunch of my steps on the forest floor. Finally, the trees open up, revealing the shimmering lagoon. I stride forward until we're at the water's edge and then gently set her down.

Eve glares at me, brushing the dirt off her clothes. "Oh, is that what you wanted? Just to do your usual voyeurism?" she snaps, her eyes flashing with anger. "Should I undress and bathe in the lagoon and let you watch? Is that the kind oftalkyou want to have?"

I cross my arms over my chest, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. I observe her with interest, my eyes tracing the curves of her body, lingering on her face and plump lips. My mind wanders to all the illicit things she's capable of doing with them, and despite my best efforts, I feel the heat rising within me, suffering a severe sudden stiffie.

"You're impossible," she mutters, her cheeks flushing under my gaze.

I stay silent, my smirk widening slightly. The frustration and fire in her eyes only add to her allure. I can see the confusion and anger battling within her, and it fascinates me. She crosses her arms, mirroring my stance, and stands her ground.

"Jack, what do you want?" she finally asks, her voice softer but still laced with irritation.

I take a step closer, our faces inches apart. “There’s not going to be a great discussion here. Not like the banter you have with Foster, Byron, or Zane.”

Eve narrows her eyes. "I knew it."

"But if you ever disappear again like you did, leaving me reeling with worry, I’ll make my own sacrifice of you," I warn, my tone serious despite the playful smirk on my face.

Her eyes search mine, the anger giving way to something more vulnerable. She swallows hard, the tension between us thickening. For a moment, neither of us speaks, the only sounds being the gentle waterfall and the distant calls of the jungle.

I watch her intently, my smirk widening as I revel in the closeness, in the unspoken connection that has been simmering between us. She hesitates, opening her mouth to speak, then closing it again as if searching for the right words. Her fingers fidget, and she takes a deep breath.

"Jack, I..." She trails off, her eyes dropping to the ground before meeting mine again. "I believe I'm falling in love with you."

Her confession hangs in the air, heavy and electric. My smirk fades, replaced by a genuine smile as I step even closer, my hands gently cupping her face.

"I'm already there with you," I say softly, my voice steady and full of conviction.

Her eyes widen, a mix of surprise and relief flooding her expression. "You are?"

"Yes," I reply, my thumb brushing across her cheek. " This whole time, I've been falling for you, Eve. From the moment I spotted you waiting for the ferry in Dunrowan, I knew you were mine."

The revelation is mind-blowing for her, and I can see the emotions swirling in her eyes—disbelief, joy, and a touch of fear. She blinks rapidly, a tear escaping down her cheek. I catch it with my thumb, my smile growing.

"You don’t have to worry about disappearing again," she whispers, her voice shaky but resolute. "I won’t leave you, Jack.”

I pull her into a tight embrace, my heart pounding with a mix of relief and elation. Holding her close, I feel the weight of our circumstances lift, if only for a moment.

Evelooks up at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, her lips slightly part. The vulnerability in her gaze draws me in, and I can’t resist the pull any longer. Leaning down, I capture her lips in a hot, fervent kiss.

Her lips are soft and warm against mine, and she responds immediately, her hands gripping the front of my jacket as if anchoring herself to me. The kiss deepens, growing more urgent as our shared emotions pour out in this intimate moment. I slide one hand to the back of her neck, holding her firmly but gently, while the other wraps around her waist, pulling her even closer.

The heat of the kiss, the taste of her, the feel of her body against mine—it's overwhelming and intoxicating.

When we finally break apart, both of us are breathless, our foreheads resting against each other. Eve’s eyes flutter open, her cheeks flushed, and a dazed smile sits on her lips. I kiss the tip of her nose, and she smiles wider.

"Jack," she whispers, her voice a blend of awe and affection.

I smile back at her, my heart swelling with a mix of love and determination. "We’re in this together, Eve. No matter what."

She nods, her fingers tracing the line of my jaw. "Together," she repeats, her voice firm with resolve.

I reach over and grab the back of her neck, dragging her closer to me. Looking down at her big blue eyes, I see them flare with need, dancing with erotic thoughts. Sinking into the kiss, I hold her face and stroke my thumb over her jaw, fascinated by her soft skin.

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