Page 54 of Jasper

“I want that.”

He slowly nods. “I’ve got you, baby girl. I’m gonna show you everything you deserve.”

I curl tighter into him, letting him wrap both arms around me like he’s building a fortress out of his body. As I listen to the steady thud of his heart, my eyes drift shut, and for the first time in a long time, I fall asleep smiling.

Because somehow, after all the running and surviving and hiding I’ve done…

I think I might’ve just found my home.

Even if it is just temporary.

* * *

The soft thud of a hammer and the occasional scrape of wood carry from the other side of the garden as I work. I’m on my knees, gently tucking tiny seeds into place, my fingers caked with dirt and my heart full. The garden beds are already starting to look better. Neater rows, weeded spaces, fresh soil. The air smells like sunshine and earth. It’s perfect.

I glance up and spot Jasper finishing the wooden bench he bought beside the largest garden bed. He gives the final screw a few strong twists, then stands and wipes his hands on a rag before lowering himself onto it.

“Perfect view,” he says, watching me with a satisfied expression.

I smile at him and keep working.

He sits back, relaxed, arms stretched out over the backrest like a king surveying his territory.

Then he focuses his attention on me again. “Come over here a second.”

I pause mid-scoop and peer up at him. “Why?”

He holds up a small tube. “You need more sunblock on your face.”

“I’m fine,” I reply quickly. “I put some on this morning.”

“You’ve been out here for hours. Your cheeks are already turning pink.”

“I’m busy.”

There’s a pause.

Then he shifts forward, elbows on his knees, voice dark with warning. “I’m going to count to three, Little girl. And if you’re not sitting next to me by the time I hit three, I’m going to pull you over my lap and spank your bottom right here on this bench.”

I freeze, heart lurching in my chest.

He wouldn’t.

It’s Jasper.

Shoot.

He would.

The look in his eyes says heabsolutelywould.

My face goes up in flames. “You wouldn’t dare,” I whisper, horrified.

He just raises a brow and begins. “One.”

I scramble to my feet so fast I nearly trip over the watering can. My hands are still dirty as I rush over to him, cheeks burning with embarrassment.

He chuckles low as I plop down beside him.

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