Page 36 of Jack's Devotion

"I want to see him one more time before the press conference," I whisper.

Jack goes rigid on top of me.

"I need to see him, Jack."

"Why?" he growls.

"Because I have things to say that the whole world doesn't need to hear," I murmur. "He cheated on my mom the whole time she was sick. And he used me like a weapon to keep her chained to their marriage. He pretended to love me so he could hold custody over her head. I was just something he could manipulate to ensure she didn't leave him. By the time I was old enough to see him for who he really was, she was too sick to leave. I want to tell him…"

"That you hate him," he murmurs, stroking my cheek.

"That I forgive him."

Jack eyes me silently.

"He doesn't deserve it. He'll never deserve it. But I do, Jack. I've carried it for long enough," I whisper. "I'm ready to let it go."

"And you think this will help you do that?"

"No, you helped me do that. Facing him is just closing that chapter. It's me looking him in the eye and reminding myself that he's the past and will always be the past now. It's giving myself permission to stop hating him." I brush my thumb along his bottom lip. "I'd really like to stop hating him. It's so damn heavy."

"Jesus," Jack rumbles, sliding his hand into my hair to pull me down to him. He claims my mouth in a deep kiss, not letting up until we're both breathing hard. "You're fucking incredible, you know that?"

"I'm really not," I whisper, cuddling up against him. "I just figured out what I want."

"Yeah? What's that?"

"A future without shadows of the past lingering," I murmur, stretching until my lips are close to his ear. "One where my husband fucks his baby into me."

"Madison," he growls, gripping my ass.

"Please, Jack," I whisper, done talking as I reach for his cock. "Please, I need it."

"You naughty little minx," he groans, throwing his head back. He doesn't tell me no, though. Of course he doesn't.

Chapter Nine

Jack

"Why the fuck are you here so early?" I growl, scowling at Dillon, who is standing on my doorstep with a smirk on his face. The sun is barely even up. And I've been up half the night. Just so we're clear, I'm not complaining about that last part. Spending half the night fucking Madison raw is worth it every damn time. Especially on our wedding night.

"I need to see your wife."

I stare at Dillon for a long moment before slowing inching the door closed. He shoves his foot into the opening, laughing at me.

"Stop being a possessive asshole and go get Madison, Jack. This is important."

"Better be," I mutter. "You're interrupting the best night of my life."

"It's morning."

"Not when you only went to sleep three hours ago it isn't."

He laughs again, letting himself in while I go in search of my wife. I find her in the kitchen, making coffee, looking like a goddess. I stand in the doorway for a long moment, just drinking in the sight of her. Goddamn, she's gorgeous.

"You're staring again."

"You're wearing my ring. Unabashed staring is covered in the fine print, baby."