Page 97 of His to Burn

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He wielded the words as effectively as a weapon.

But I didn’t fall for it.

“Did you do that for me, too?” I said.

He glared at me, like I was stupid to even ask the question.

I smiled. I couldn’t help it.

He scowled even deeper.

“Don’t do that,” Jack said, his voice stern.

“Do what?” I said.

His eyes locked on mine.

“Look at me like I’m some sort of hero. I’m not,” he said.

“Then you better stop acting like one,” I said.

I kissed him then.

Deep.

Certain.

Then pulled back.

“I’ll take first watch.”

His eyes shone with so much emotion, andI licked my lips, suddenly nervous about the revelation he was about to share.

Felt like I was on the verge of something momentous.

“I’m still wired up. I’ll take it,” he said.

He blinked, and whatever I thought I’d seen before was gone.

I let go first.

Jack didn’t try to stop me.

TWENTY-THREE

Jack

“Asia,” I whispered.

It was hard to hear my voice over my pounding heart, but Asia responded instantly. She stirred and then looked up at me, surprisingly clear-eyed.

But then again, it took her hours to fall asleep, and I knew her well enough to know she didn’t sleep soundly.

“There’s company,” I whispered.

She nodded, a deep furrow between her eyebrows as she glanced toward the door. Almost instantly, that furrow was gone, and she was focused.

At least I thought she was.

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