Page 65 of Jack

They both jerked at the knock on the door.

"My brother, no doubt."

"I am not sure the door is locked-"

"He won't come in," she grinned."Go away Zach," she called out.

"Everything okay in there?"

"Yes. Leave now."

"Just making certain."

"We're fine."

They waited a few more minutes, before shelaughingly assured him that he was gone.

"When do you have to leave?"

"I was planning to spend the night,"he murmured. "Is that okay with you?"

"I was hoping you would say that."

His eyes wandered over her face, and hefelt the familiar jolt as he studied her features.

"I want to apologize in advance."

"For?"

"I need you again."

"Don't you dare apologize," shewhispered, her hands wrapping around his neck.

Their bodies moved in a synchronizedrhythm, driven by a relentless yearning. Every touch, every whisperwas a testament to their insatiable desire. As the moonlight filteredthrough the curtains, it bathed them in a silvery glow, accentuatingthe intensity of their connection. Time seemed to stand still, lostin the fervor of their embrace.

Afterwards, they lay entwined, heartsbeating in unison. He gently traced patterns on her skin, each strokea silent promise. She nestled closer, her breath warm against hischest, and he felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. This moment,wrapped in her arms, was all he ever needed.

And they talked. Another first for him. Hefound himself opening up to her, delving into the misery of hischildhood. He felt the tension easing from around his heart as heunburdened himself. When he was finished, he buried his face in herhair, feeling relief when her arms wrapped securely around him.

*****

She persuaded him the next morning to tellJason about them.

"I would not want him to hear it fromsomeplace else." And she was firm on that. In the morning, shehad been so afraid that he would wake up and decide that he could notbe with her, but she did not have to fear. He was the one who wrappedhis arms around her protectively and woke up as she stirred, keepingher in bed and making love to her.

"I have to go home and change."He stopped in front of her, hands framing her face, eyes smoldering."We might as well get it over and done with this morning. Jasondoesn't have classes this morning until in the afternoon."

"Perfect."

The drive to the manor was done mostly insilence, but to her surprise and wonder, he kept her hand in his,negotiating the traffic one-handed. It was as if he had discoveredthe magic of being in love and did not want to lose sight of it orher.

Now they were inside the tidy and elegantblue and gold salon with his mother.

Since he had called ahead and alerted her,Millicent met them with outstretched arms, tears glittering in hereyes.

"I am so happy! I asked thehousekeeper to bring in a tray." She glanced at her son and wasshocked at the transformation on his face. No longer was his featuresstamped with cynicism and bitterness, but he was actually smiling,Zuri's hand tucked securely in his. "I hope you have time forbreakfast."

"Of course we do," Zuri assuredher, interpreting the woman's grateful smile.

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