Page 31 of His Pretty Little Lies
"You're a dork, and you can't just write up an article. I have to approve you to be a columnist."
"Damn, it's like that?"
"You Marinos have to learn that you can't get everything you want."
"Challenge accepted." I flash the dimple at her for good measure.
"Shut up. The dimple is not going to help you this time, buddy.” Kinsley hits me playfully with the back of her hand on my chest. I pull into my parking spot before taking the hand she assaulted me with and kiss the back of it. Kinsley's whole face softens, and she shifts her body to partly face me. "You're making me really like you, Jax."
"That's my plan."
She gives a tentative nod.
"Please don't make me get attached to you and then break my heart," she says. "Not that you have my heart or anything," she quickly adds.
"Of course not." I'll give that one to her. "But for the record, you already have mine."
"See, that's the shit I'm talking about." She tries to give me one of her glares, but it's not going to work. I'm seeing that shit right now. She's scared, and I get it. A person doting and adoring her isn't the norm. She’s used to flying solo in the world, but that era is over for her. To be honest, it has been for a while. I’ve been by her side this whole time.
It's crazy that our family is feared by everyone, yet love is abundant in our homes. That said, there is a good amount of violence that goes on when dealing with the family business.
Then you have Kinsley's parents who handle her with sterile gloves, as they would anyone who came to the hospital. Fuck, the random people that show up at the hospital get more attention from them.
"I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me," I tell her.
"Fine, I guess I'll learn to deal with you."
"I'd appreciate that."
"You're welcome." I bark a laugh.
"Now keep your ass in that seat. I'll get your door." She lets out a small huff, but I know she’ll sit still. For as much as she protests, she loves the attention I shower her with.
"Jax…"
"Bunny, it's better we rip off the Band-Aid and let everyone know. The sooner it's out there, the sooner it's old news." As much as I want everyone to know she's mine, I care more about her being comfortable.
Besides, it’s for the best. If whoever was in that warehouse saw her and they know Kinsley’s with me, that can offer a layer of protection. They’ll know she isn’t just some random girl in this city. That if they so much as touch a hair on her head, they’ll pay the consequences with their life. These are the times that all the rumors about the Marino family work in our favor.
Kinsley Blake now belongs to the Marino family. She belongs to me.
Chapter Sixteen
KINSLEY
“That kiss was a bit much.” I touch my lips. “I bet they’re all swollen now.” Jax kissed the hell out of me. I felt it all the way down to my toes. I’d forgotten for a second I was standing outside of his car in front of the school.
He tends to have that effect on me. I may act as though it’s annoying, but I’m loving every single second of his attention. That’s new to me. I never wanted attention before, but maybe I’m not used to it, and Jax’s is different; he’s different.
“Don’t girls pay to make their lips swollen?”
“Are you saying I need to get my lips done?” I stop walking to stare up at him. People move around us, not wanting to run into Jax. You’d probably bounce off him and fall backwards onto your ass.
“No, I’m offering to be at your beck and call to keep them extra puffy.” I never would have pegged him for being so clever with his words.
“All right, you smooth-talked your way out of that one. I’ll allow it.” I keep walking. Jax throws his arm over my shoulder, tucking me into his side. I do have to admit it's nice that people hurry out of his path.
The day goes smoothly, and no one says anything to me about Jax, but he is also constantly at my side. He only left once, and it was so I could pee. Pretty sure he held himself back from going in with me.
