Page 42 of Jager's Prey
I dropped my tired body into the seat across from Hermes and exhaled loudly.
“You’re still going to try convincing me that Mack doesn’t have a thing for you?” Hermes’ asked. “Better yet, are you going to try telling me you don’t have a thing for Mack?”
“I’m not sure what to do with what’s goin’ on in me right now.” I admitted. “I’ve never been so angry as seein’ him bleedin’. I couldn’t control the rage—it made me sloppy, took my mind off the fight but I didn’t care.”
“That’s what love is, Jager.” Hermes leaned forward.
When I tried to deny it, he shook his head.
“Let me finish,” he said. “When Tianna was in danger after her brother was killed, I knew almost immediately that I wanted her. And when she was in danger, I couldn’t believe how angry it made me. I wanted to kill them all—all of them.”
“So, you get it?”
He nodded. “Listen, you can deny how you feel for him. Maybe it’s because you’re not ready or because you’re scared. But whatever the reason, don’t let him walk out of your life before the two of you sit down and have a conversation.”
I hung my head.
“If you do, you’ll regret it.”
“I just—” I paused to glance back to ensure they were still sleeping, then returned my attention to Hermes. “I don’t know how to be the woman he wants.”
“Do you know what kind of woman he wants?”
I shrugged. “I assume he wants one ofthosewomen. The pretty, petite, fashionable women. I’m not that.”
“Don’t you think you should let him tell you what he wants?”
“I wouldn’t be able to take the rejection.”
“Personal question alert.” Hermes leaned close and lowered his voice. “Has the two of you made love yet?”
My cheeks heated and I leaned away and hung my head.
“I’m going to take that as a yes.” Hermes spoke up. “How did it feel?”
“What do you mean how did it feel?”
“Have you been in another man’s arms, and react the way you did when you were in Mack’s arms?”
“No.” I admitted freely. “What does that tell you?”
For a moment, I said nothing. The question wrapped itself around my thoughts and all the other advice Hermes had given me since the first time he told me Mack had a thing for me. It trailed through the embers of my hesitation with the timing of it all and the fact people would talk about Mack behind his back for being with me.
But in the end, I couldn’t ignore the fact the answer to Hermes’ question as simple.
It told me that I had a thing for Mack as well—a seriously strong thing and I didn’t really want to fight it anymore.
But the fear of this exploding in my face sat on the top of my head like a bag of dirt.
“Talk to him.” Hermes told me. “I know you—conversation isn’t easy, but this is one of those battles you should fight.”
Nodding, I rose, patted his shoulder, and walked over to where Mack was lying. I left him to clean up in the bathroom, changed into a fresh pair of pants and a tank top. It took me longer than usual since the effects of the whiskey was wearing off and my shoulder was reminding me, I’d left myself open.
When I entered the main area of the plane again, I covered Cage with a blanket then I climbed into the sofa with Mack. I was thankful his hurt arm was on the edge so I could rest on the other.
He groaned and shifted closer to the edge to give me a little space but didn’t really wake up. Closing my eyes, I snuggled my head under his chin, kissed his chest and allowed my body to relax.
Mack Salazaar
