Page 119 of Just Like That

Fuck, why was this so hard?

I cleared my throat. “I think after you slept with Olive, she came here and lied about being pregnant. Thinking back, she was going through one of her wild streaks around that time, and money was always tight. She’d have a job for a few weeks and then just decide to stop showing up. I think she met you and—” My voice cracked. “I think maybe she met you and saw an easy paycheck.”

He was rigid and cold, but nodded. “My father intervened. Sent her away just so he could be a source of comfort for her.”

My voice wobbled. “After that, I think she knew Russell was Teddy’s father. She kept it a secret from everyone, but when she realized he would never choose her or maybe when she saw his true colors ... then she got sick and I don’t know—I think she thought the better option was to lead you to believe you’d gotten her pregnant.”

His face was hard and angry as the pieces started fitting together in a sad, manipulative puzzle. JP had been my sister’s pawn, and she’d used her son to her advantage. It was horrible, even if she thought it was the best thing for her child.

“I’m so sorry, JP. I swear, I had no idea.” I melted into him and his strong arms pulled me closer.

“I know,” he soothed.

Concern flashed over his gorgeous features before his logical demeanor took over. “My father is getting out of prison, which means he will be back. He isn’t one to let go of any influence he has over any situation. He manipulated your sister, and he’ll try to manipulate you. When he gets out, he will be in control of the narrative.”

Fear seeped into my awareness and gripped my chest.In control of the narrative?What does that even mean?

I searched his eyes for answers. “Will he try to hurt us? What should I do?” Panic was rising, and all I wanted to do was bury my head into JP’s chest so he could tell me everything would be all right.

JP stood, hard and unmoving, in front of me. “There’s no telling what he will do. My best guess is that he’ll assess the situation—see if he can manipulate you the same way he did Olive. He’ll see Teddy as a pawn, something to stroke his ego. He will seek custody, Hazel.”

My heart pounded as I shook my head. “That’s impossible. No judge would give him custody over me with his record, would they?”

JP’s lips flattened into a grim line. “He could make things happen.”

I sucked in a shocked breath, taking a step backward. “No. Why would he even want custody?”

JP stared at me. “It’s what I would do.”

I was sickened at the thought. “You’re nothing like him.”

A sad, disbelieving grunt was all he gave me.

Tears filled my eyes. “What should I do? JP, what do I do? Do I leave—take Teddy and run? I?—”

A sob broke free and I crumpled.

JP’s hands pulled my shoulders. “I will not let him near you or Teddy. I will keep you safe, even if it kills me.”

His hands stroked my face, and my eyes lifted to meet his. “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

His lips lowered to mine. In the dark kitchen, I pinched my eyes closed, willing every worried thought to float away.

“You think I don’t see the candles and the tarot cards and whatever else is burning on my kitchen island? I know what I’ve gotten myself into.”

A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. “A hex?”

He smiled back. “MyHex.”

I let his mouth warm my skin as his lips touched my neck. I hummed, luxuriating in the way his touch let every worry float away and pop like tiny bubbles.

With him, we were safe.

We could figure anything out.

We were loved.

My mind was exhausted, and I wanted nothing more than to get lost in the man I had fallen in love with. I leaned into his kiss, pressing my body against his.

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