Page 129 of Sweet Wicked Vows

“Art never really made any sense to me,” I said swiftly. “I guess writing is art in a way. The written word. Writing just makes more sense than colors splattered on a page, you know?” Was I rambling? Pretty sure I was rambling like a lunatic now. “Half the time, famous paintings look like a toddler drew them.”

“Do you want to dance?” Jaxon asked unexpectedly.

He set his untouched glass down and offered me his hand. My eyes fell on the wedding band still wrapped around his finger.

I wasn’t sure why I decided to place my hand in his. I couldn’t explain why I let him guide us to the sectioned-off dance floor, or why my lungs seized, and my stomach burst to life with vibrant butterflies. But the second our bodies connected, and his hand rested on my waist while the other interlocked our fingers perfectly together, I didn’t give a damn.

My hand rested on his chest, the heavy rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my touch.

Thump.

Thump.

For just that moment, for one dance, I allowed myself to forget everything that happened.

I pushed it all away and melted into his touch, promising myself it was only for one dance.

“I’ve missed you.” His breath brushed the top of my head.

I’ve missed you too.The words fizzled out on my tongue, remaining unspoken.

Thump.

Thump.

Peeking a look up at him, he seemed in pain. When our eyes met, he didn’t look away. He kept his focus on me and only me until his anguish melted away and a shadow of a smile touched his lips.

I didn’t fight mirroring it. “I like it when you do that.”

“Do what?”

“Smile,” I said. “You should do it more often.”

When Jaxon smiled, it felt as if it were just for me.

Two small dimples formed. “You have an unnatural ability of coaxing them out of me, my love.”

My heart somersaulted.

“I know you’re still learning to forgive me,” he said quietly. “And I understand that you’re scared to trust me again. And,merde, I wish there was another way to prove to you that I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure I never hurt you again.”

“I know.”

It’s what made it so damn hard to stay angry.

He swallowed deeply. “My feelings for you will never change. You’re the only woman I have ever loved. You’re it for me, no matter what.” His hand cupped my cheek. “I hope there’s a day when you can see me and not my mistakes. But I know it’s a lot to ask.”

I leaned into the heat of his palm. It felt so right and so wrong. Like I was made to be nowhere else except right here with him, and at the same time alarm bells told me to run.

“I came here to tell you that I’m leaving for a while,” his voice croaked. “It’s not something I want to do, but I need to go to Monaco for a few weeks.”

“Is everything okay?” I asked, concern jumping into my throat. “Is your grandmother okay?”

“She had a stroke two days ago.”

“Jaxon, I’m so sorry.”

“She’s going to be okay. The doctors reckon she will make a good recovery with time and care,” he said. “I need to go and handle things out there. I’m hoping it’s only for a couple of weeks, but I’m not sure. It could be longer.”

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