Page 35 of Jasper

ARIANA

Islowly make my way down the stairs, the soft sounds of conversations growing louder with each step. When I round the corner and step into the dining room, a dozen sets of eyes turn toward me.

Everyone’s waiting.

A strange warmth spreads across my chest—and then nervousness crashes over me like a wave. They waited forme.

My steps falter for half a second, but Jasper’s gaze finds mine and softens. He pulls out the chair beside him without saying a word, and I hurry over and sit down, cheeks hot. As soon as I lower myself, he pushes me in so I’m closer to the enormous table.

He leans in slightly, voice low and gentle. “Is there anything you’re allergic to? Or anything you don’t like?”

I glance at the platters of food covering the table—roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, a huge salad, steamed vegetables, rolls, and some kind of baked pasta—and shake my head. “Everything looks great. This is… a lot of food.”

More than I’ve seen in years… And my mouth is watering as the aromas fill the room.

He nods and starts piling food onto my plate. He cuts my steak into neat bite-sized pieces without even being asked.

Across the table, Cage is doing the same thing for Ember, murmuring something low in her ear that makes her giggle. On the other side, Theo is cutting Rowie’s food while she chats excitedly with the man they keep calling Ghost about the butterfly she saw this morning.

I glance around the table and can’t help but wonder… are all theses men Daddies?

So many questions swirl in my head. Is Jasper really a Daddy? Has he ever had a Little of his own? Would he ever want one?

Would he ever want… me?

I shove the thought away almost as soon as it forms. Someone like Jasper—strong, steady, capable, smart, wealthy—would never want someone like me. Not long-term. Maybe as a friend. Maybe.

And I should be grateful for that.

I focus on my food, forcing myself to eat even though the ache in my chest dulls the flavor. Every bite is still delicious, and I try unsuccessfully to slow down so I don’t look like a starving dog at their table.

“Hey, Ariana,” Rylan calls from a few seats down. “I like your camper. It’s got personality.”

Before I can respond, a low growl vibrates beside me.

I glance at Jasper.

He’s glaring at Rylan.

Rylan grins smugly and takes a long sip of his drink, clearly enjoying the reaction.

Was Rylan being sarcastic about my camper? Or did he say that just to irritate Jasper? Because if so, it worked.

I don’t say anything, but the tension between them crackles.

By the time I finish my plate, I’m much more relaxed—maybe from the food, maybe from Jasper’s quiet presence at my side as he eats his own meal.

He turns to me, his voice gentle again. “Want some more?”

I nod. “Can I have more salad?”

Clatter.

Both Ember and Rowie drop their forks.

They gape at me like I’ve just announced I enjoy licking dirt.

“Are you feeling okay?” Ember asks, eyes wide.

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