Page 48 of Stephan

“What do you think?”

Detective Web crossed his arms over his chestand studied Jade and I. “I’ve seen Miss Black there almost everyday now for two weeks. She’s been a huge help in catching some hugedrug runners, but you know that. You Silverman have meneverywhere.”

I didn’t say anything, I didn’t need to. Iwaited and listened, still rubbing Jade’s back.

“I don’t think she’s slept in weeks, and notbecause of the shooting. That girl is broken. Until she got therestraining order, I didn’t realize how broken. I see now though.By law I have to take her, but as I stand here watching her, Ican’t. When she wakes, call me back. If you don’t, I won’t be asnice the next time I visit and you will come with me in cuffs.”

I nodded and watched as the detective left.Jade didn’t wake once and I settled back against the bedheadboard.

Chapter Twelve

Jade

I was warm. I hadn’t been warm or comfortablein weeks. I hadn’t slept for more than a couple of hours in weeks.Vanilla and coco invaded my senses and I took deep breaths, takingas much in as I could. My chest ached and I didn’t want to wakefrom this dream. I didn’t want to wake and see I wasn’t home. Ihated what my heart and body felt was home. I should have learnedby now you can’t rely on people. I couldn’t trust anyone with anypart of me.

Sighing, I stretched my well-rested body andslowly opened my eyes. I knew what I’d see. I knew who I’d see. Itried to muster anger, but right now I didn’t have anything left.“I still hate you.”

“Jade, I’m so, so, sorry. I love yo—”

“Don’t. Don’t you dare say it. I swear if youfinish that sentence I will never forgive you.” I could handle alot but hearing those words from him I couldn’t take, especiallynow.

“I thought it was me and my family causingyou to get hurt and shot at.”

“Oh so it’s okay now because it was my familywho was trying to kill me?”

“Yes, no. Can’t you give me a break?”

“What like you gave me when I needed youmost, when I awoke in hospital all alone after being shot?” Iwhacked him with my cast as I still couldn’t use my other one. Idon’t know why he brought out my violent side but he did.

“That was hard for me too.”

“Bullshit. You pushed your way into my lifefrom the get-go. I pretty much begged you to stay away from me. Itold you I couldn’t handle your kind of ‘love’. I can’t do this,Stephan. I won’t put myself through this again.”

“I promise I won’t ever hurt you again.”

“You’re a liar.” I climbed off the bed. “Youdon’t know how not to hurt me. All you’ve done since you met me ishurt me.”

Stephan got of the bed and reached forme.

“Stay back. Don’t you touch me. Don’t youever touch me again.”

In usual Silverman style Stephan didn’tlisten to me and gathered me to him, cupping my face and forcing meto stare at him. “No. You’re mine. I will always want you and Iknow you don’t want to hear this now but I need to say it. I loveyou. I will always love you, Jade. I regret the last few weeks morethan I regret anything in my life. I was scared. Terrified. I neverwanted this. What you and me have. Before you I hadn’t ever had arelationship with a woman or girl other than my aunties and mum.I’d seen how us Silvermans acted with our mates and I didn’t wantany of it. Then I saw you and knew I wanted exactly what they hadand more with you. Please, Jade, give me another chance. ”

Shit. I could feel my will crumbling and anyfight I had against Stephan vanishing. Gazing into his deep blueeyes, I groaned, “I hate you.”

“You’ve said that.”

“Well I mean it.” Jerking from his hold, Ipaced. “You get one more chance. I swear, Stephan, that’s it. If Ifeel any unwanted pressure I will never, and mean never, give youanother chance.”

He smiled and his damn dimples popped. Iprayed I’d done the right thing.

*****

Stephan

“Man, I advise against this. You’re young tohave a girl’s name tattooed on you.”

“Oh, my brother won’t regret this.” I grinnedover at Derick. I told him what I had booked and he was eager tocome and watch.

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