Page 12 of A Moment Too Soon

“Rebecca,” he growls and promptly comes after me. I fold instantly and bring myself down to the ground as I start sobbing. “Jesus… Jett?”

“I warned you that she was on the edge,” Jett says simply as he walks over and kneels beside me. Jerome squats down to be onmy level, but I am quickly melting down. “Bex, baby. Look at me.”

“I can’t lose you again,” I say as my tears start to turn hysterical.

“Bex, you don’t even know what he was going to say,” Jett says. “Come sit, and let’s just go through this one step at a time, okay?”

“Okay,” I whimper. Jett pulls me up and brings me back over to sit. This time, Jerome takes one of my hands, and Jett takes the other.

“Bex, I paid two-point-five million dollars for this. For you,” he says. “It was a rather public transaction too, so I am not in a position to get refunds or make deals. I have a reputation to uphold, and if I let this go, it will cause several problems.”

“Please don’t do this,” I cry. “Please don’t take me from Jett.”

“I’m not,” Jerome says. “But you two are coming with me.”

“What?” I ask. “I can’t give you a child, Jerome.”

“Bex, I don’t want children,” he says. “I have the option of taking on an apprentice and ensuring they know everything they need to know so they can take over one day… I don’t need a child to do that. Yes, a child is more ideal, but I won’t be at risk of being attacked if I take an apprentice rather than letting you off the hook.”

“I don’t want to marry you,” I frown.

“I didn’t say you had to,” Jerome says, squeezing my hand. “All I am saying is that you two need to be with me. I won’t cut your family out of your life either. You live in my home and occasionally make an appearance if needed.”

“What about Jett?” I ask.

“He’s saying it would appear as though you have two partners,” Jett says.

“And you are okay with this?” I snap at him but sigh when he raises his eyebrow at me.

“Bex, I am keeping an open mind,” Jett says. “I have to try and see things from his point of view, and I get it. He would look weak if he gave you a pass. He also didn’t say it was permanent.”

“At least a year or two,” Jerome says.

“And then we are free?” I ask Jerome.

“You won’t be a prisoner, Bex,” he says. “All I ask is that you keep your mouth shut about the things you might see, and you remain respectful in public. When we are at home, be a brat all you want. I will never subject you to being around violence, and you will never be in any danger. Neither of you.”

“I mean, I don’t have a choice, so… whatever,” I say coldly.

“Okay,” he shrugs. “Get your stuff. We can buy you anything else you need. Let your family know what’s going on so they do not worry. I’d like for them to be invited to the house so they can see that you are safe.”

“I can text Levi,” Jett says before hugging me. “You are safe, Bex. I know you are triggered, but you are safe.”

“Is it the bags in the room?” Jerome asks.

“Yes,” Jett says.

“Take her out, and I’ll get my men to handle it,” he says, gently patting my leg. Jett scoops me into his arms and carries me out of the cabin, and I cling to him as we walk.

I stay with my face buried in Jett’s chest for the entire drive. Jerome checks on me but doesn’t make me move or speak. Even when Jett gets us out and carries me into the house, I keep my face hidden. I am so afraid to let go of him, so I don’t move an inch.

Jett’s phone starts ringing, and he answers it on speaker. “Hello?”

“What the fuck is going on?” Levi demands. “Are you okay? Is Bex okay?”

“We are fine. Bex is triggered, but it’s because of our history, not what’s happening. We are at Jerome’s house, and he said y’all are encouraged to come visit so you can see us and know all is well,” Jett says.

“I don’t give a goddamn who the fuck he is. If he hurts you or Rebecca, I will put a goddamn bullet in his brain,” Levi says matter-of-factly. I sit up because now I’m invested. I look at Jerome, and he simply smiles.

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