Page 16 of Stolen By the Hit Man
Chapter Six
Joaquin
Jasmyn seems to accept my non-specific answers to her questions. As well as my request to not dig deeper.
“So, how do we get you unmarried, since you don’t believe me that you’re not actually legally married?” I say patiently.
I try to focus on anything other than Jasmyn’s mouth as she explains protocol. Her forehead? Too cute when she’s thinking hard. Her throat? Begging to be licked…and sucked…and nibbled. Her eyes? I’m instantly lost in them.
“…and then, we bring our case to the elders. They interview me alone, and then they interview Braydon. After six weeks, they take a vote. If it’s unanimous, they can grant us a spiritual release.”
Yeah, that’s a whole lot of bullshit that I’m not participating in. Six weeks, my ass.
I know I told Grady I would stop this thirst for revenge one day, but this is bigger than that. What I’m about to do, I’m not doing for money.
She claps her hands together. “So. How does a spiritual release sound?”
I nod. “Oh, we’re gonna release some spirits today.”
Jasmyn’s studies me with her clear eyes, seemingly stunned.
“T-tonight?” she stammers. I doubt the elders will be able to fit me in on their schedule?—”
“They’ll fit us in.”
She blinks. “Why today? What’s the rush?”
“Because I’m sitting here trying to convince you that everything you’ve been taught was wrong. That you’ve been brainwashed by a bunch of violent losers. It’s especially important to me that you understand that.”
I let that comment hang in the air until she gets my meaning.
Her cheeks flush pink. “Joaquin, we can’t?—”
“We can. And do you know why?”
Her throat bobs. “Why?”
“Because more than money, more than revenge, more than I want Grady to be proud of me, I can’t let you out of my sight. I’m invested in making sure you’re okay.”
“You think you’re going to make me fall in love with you because you’re some big dumb hero?”
He leans forward. “I’m not going to make you do anything. I’m just being honest that I liked you the minute I laid eyes on you. But none of that is as important as your safety. And you’re not safe until you really believe that you’re not married anymore. You have to take back your power. I can’t do that for you. Do you understand?”
Her foot idly kicks at the leg of the metal desk. I’m perched on the edge, crowding her space. “I think so.”
“I’m not going to touch you. But I am asking you to let me handle things my way.”
I wait for her to agree. It’s the longest thirty seconds of my life.
Finally, she breathes, “Okay. Let’s go.”
“Go? No, you’re staying here under lock and key. You can’t be there for this.”
Jasmyn scoffs. “Of course I’ll be there. They’re not going to grant me a release if I’m not there to apply for it.”
How do I handle this delicately? How do I explain that what’s about to happen is not for her eyes?
But the longer I look into that determined face, the more I know I have to let her come with me.
