Page 117 of Wolf's Mark

“And stop saying my name as if I’m constantly in the doghouse.” I rolled my eyes after making the comment. “Bad choice of words. As if I’m a very bad girl. You’re still patronizing me, acting as if I should know you can fully read my mind.”

“Not always. You’re very difficult to read when you don’t want anyone to know what you’re thinking.”

“Like now?” I had one arm folded, still holding onto the wine as a prop. But I could tell all five other adults were watchingour interaction as if they were enjoying their favorite reality television show.

“I gather you’re calling me an asshole and a jerk in your mind.”

“Well, you are spot on today.” I turned my head, disgusted with myself. “That wasn’t fair nor was it nice. I’m just a bit frazzled.”

“Still very much understandable.”

“I need to be very careful around my daughter. She’s been through a lot. She’s a tough cookie, but I want her life to seem very normal. And I don’t want her to get the wrong idea about every man I date.”

My little girl had impeccable timing. I’d been so absorbed in acting like a bratty child in pushing Jax away, I hadn’t noticed she was now standing right in front of us.

“Mama. Is that your boyfriend? If so, he’s a hunk.”

Her very adult words shouldn’t surprise me.

Jax grinned and I was surprised when we both said the same word at the same time.

“Mattie.”

“Thank you very much,” Jax said as he crouched down to her size. “Are you Miss Britney?”

“My mama calls me a princess.”

“Well, Princess Britney, I’m Jax, your lowly servant.” He held out his hand for her to shake, which she did with her mother’s usual flair.

When she pulled her hand away, I was thoroughly shocked when she placed her tiny hand on his rugged cheek. She’d never done anything like that before.

Jax didn’t move, allowing her to take her time. When she backed away, she lifted her head toward me as if she truly was a princess.

“Mama. He’s a keeper. Can he come home with us for pizza tonight? Pwease?”

“I would love to join you. But only if your mother approves.”

I scowled at him as he stood, his grin entirely too mischievous. How was I supposed to say no at this point?

“Of course he can. I think Jax might have brought you a new furry friend. Maybe one day he can be real.” I pointed to the table of presents and she squealed, racing toward the dog as if he was real. I watched in silence and love as she pulled the heavy stuffed animal from the table with ease, wrapping her little arms around the dog’s neck.

Her squeals made me smile.

“I’m glad she likes it,” he said.

“Nicely played, Mr. McHotness,” Camille told him as she grabbed another bottle of wine from the table, flipping her hair as she walked away.

Jax was a formidable man and one who refused to take no for an answer. Right now, I didn’t want to push or shove him away. I didn’t feel the need to say no, even if he’d bargained his way into an invitation.

Even though a small part of my brain still told me this wasn’t a good idea, I made the ultimate decision not to listen to common sense or some crazy thought about not needing him in my life. The truth was we were connected. Whether by fate, chemistry, or some crazy curse, there was no denying it.

For likely all the wrong reasons, I couldn’t wait to spend a very normal night in my little world with the man I was falling hard for.

CHAPTER 29

Jax

I felt her presence even before she walked into the kitchen. The burning sensations were more intense than before, my hunger entirely different. Our connection was growing stronger with every encounter.

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