Page 62 of Seducing Jenny
“For which I do not blame you. You don’t know me. You only know my reputation. That will take time to undo. I am willing to put in that time. For Tiger and Jenny’s sakes.”
The knife eased from my back, giving me the ability to breath normally again.
Jac glared at me. “I will never trust Justice’s son.”
“I’m not his son. I was his ward.”
“Whatever you want to call it, he raised you.” He turned his attention to Tiger. “If you ever—”
The hull door whooshed open, and Jade stumbled out ofCheesecake, her legs seemingly unsteady. “Oh hey, party on the lawn?”
Tiger rushed to her side to help her down the ramp. “Are you okay? Mal said you were doing worse.”
She shrugged awkwardly. “What’s going on here? I heard raised voices. You boys about to fight over me?” She sounded excited about the possibility.
A scornful laugh escaped Jac. “Uh, no. I don’t think Ripper wants to know how that would end.”
“You’re right, Jac. I don’t,” I said, my tone annoyed. I did not wish to sully the ground with his brain matter. Sarah’s manor was too pretty for that.
Jade sidled up to me, putting her arm around my waist. “That’s good. If you’re going to fight over me, you should both be naked and covered in honey.”
Well, that’s inappropriate, I thought, and didn’t miss the odd look both Tiger and Jac sent her way.
“Headache still bothering you?” I asked, because why else would she say such a thing?
“Less now.” She glanced up at the manor. “Is Sarah around?”
Jac cleared his throat. “I was just telling them, she’s asleep and—”
“Say no more,” she said, looking indifferent. “It’s late. I don’t want to be a bother. Let’s go, boys.”
Jac glanced at Tiger, his expression serious. “If you decide at any point that you are unhappy with any aspect of things on Orhon, you always have a home with us.” He scowled at me, making it clear what thosethingswere. “Always.”
Jade laughed like he’d cracked a joke. “So serious, Jac. Lighten up.”
His lips tightened with disapproval. “You’re both with a known murderer, so I’m not exactly thrilled about it, Jenny, even if your sister is more accepting of the situation than I am. If I thought I could talk either of you out of it, I would.”
“Right.” She smirked toward Tiger. “He’s very protective of you.”
“Even when I don’t need it,” he grumbled, obviously not happy with Jac’s attitude.
Jac reached out and rested a hand on Tiger’s shoulder. “I’m sorry,” he said, his tone not as harsh now. “You’ll always be my crew and crew means family. I don’t mean to push. I just wantyou safe. Especially with Kapok gone, I need to know you’re okay.”
“I’m better than okay, Jac,” Tiger said. “I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”
Jac gave a small huff, his eyes sliding to me again. “I don’t understand your choices, but I don’t have to.”
“Ooh, so serious again,” Jade said in a mocking tone. “You’re allergic to fun, aren’t you?”
Jac blinked at her, then frowned. “Serious times call for serious tones, Jenny.”
“Well, I’m fun and you’re all boring. I’m going back in the ship. Wake me when something fun and interesting happens.” She spun on her heel and flounced back intoCheesecake.
The four of us stood there, looking after her for a moment with equally confused expressions. It was almost nice to be on the same page as Jac, at least when it came to the oddity of Jade’s behavior, which even I couldn’t explain.
Jac glanced back at Tiger. “I didn’t get much of a chance to know her yet, and Sarah says she’s flighty, but is she normally likethat?”
“Not really,” Tiger said, scratching his head.
