Page 38 of Jasper

I tilt my head slightly. “Like what?”

He’s quiet for a second, and then he answers roughly, “Like take you to my bed instead of one of the guest rooms.”

My heart does a little flip.

Still half-asleep, I hum and blink up at him. “I’d like that,” I whisper.

His gaze snaps to mine without saying a word.

He just keeps walking.

Up the stairs.

Eyes still locked on mine.

Every step is deliberate, his arms holding me tightly.

He doesn’t stop until we reach the very last room at the end of the hallway.

And it’s not a guest room.

It’shis.

He kicks the door shut behind us.

15

JASPER

Shit.

What the hell am I doing?

I should have better control than this. Idohave better control than this. I’ve been trained—taught to compartmentalize, to make decisions based on logic and necessity, not impulse. Control isn’t just something Ipractice—it’s part of me. A reflex. It’s how I’ve survived this long.

Except… when it comes to her, it’s like that switch is broken.

“Rainbow,” I murmur, gently setting her on the edge of my bed.

My bed.

Seeing her here, inthisspace, does something to me I can’t explain. She looks so small, so innocent and sleepy, her eyes barely open. She looks like she belongs here.

Maybe because she does.

My jaw clenches as a possessive thought coils in my chest. I want to keep her here. Wrap her up in safety and warmth and never let her leave. I want to shield her from everything cruel and hard and cold. I want towatch her thrive because I know, under my care, she will.

I’ll make damn sure of it.

“Did you fall asleep on the couch?” she asks softly.

I drag my gaze from where I’ve been standing, frozen by the dresser, and nod. “Yeah. Woke up to Fluffy headbutting me. We forgot to feed him, and he wasn’t subtle about reminding me. I got him his kibble and fresh water.”

She giggles, tucking her knees to her chest and hugging them, her oversized shirt swallowing her frame.

“For a guy who hates my cat,” she teases, “you sure seem soft for him. Starting to think you’re not as grumpy as you let on.”

I shoot her a stern glare.

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