Page 33 of Before Us (Next Generation 3)

“Good.” She pushed me back. “Because that’s all you’re going to get.”

It had felt like years since our night together in Paris. I didn’t know she was there until I saw her sitting at the little café that would change both of our worlds forever.

I stood, stuffing the picture into my pocket and headed to the phones. Thankfully I had been a good boy and still had phone privileges. I was still awaiting trial but needed to keep my nose clean. I didn’t want to be holed up in this hell any longer than necessary.

Picking up the receiver, I dialed the number that had been engrained in my mind from the moment Piper gave it to me.

“Jaron.” Piper’s sweet voice washed over me, giving me the strength I needed to move forward.

“Yeah, sweet girl. It’s me.”

“God, I’ve missed your voice.”

“I’m sorry for pushing you away. I’m sorry for everything.”

“Don’t. You can try pushing me away all you want but I’m here. I’m not going anywhere, Jaron. And I know when you get out, we’ll have a lot of shit to work through but …”

“I got the picture.” I rested my arm on top of the phone.

“I’m glad.”

“I wish I could be there for you,” I told her, my voice thick. “For both of you.”

“I know but you will be. I’m waiting.”

“Fuck, Piper. I like the sound of that.”

She laughed lightly. “I’m ready, Jaron.”

Although she said the words and I felt them down to the marrow of my bones, I wasn’t sure how ready either of us were. Or if we ever would be.

Jaron

“I’M PROUD OFyou, son.” My dad smiled at me from the other side of the glass.

My heart swelled.

The question was on the tip of my tongue, but I didn’t want to ask. It hurt. Fuck me it hurt. Not being able to hold Piper. Not seeing her. Not talking to her. But she had to move on. She deserved better. I knew she wouldn’t listen to me though. A part of me was proud of that fact. I couldn’t wait for the day I could leave this place and have her back in my arms. But I also wasn’t stupid. I would have to earn the right to touch her again. To earn her heart. To earn her damn love. I should have told her how I felt.

“Piper’s doing well.” My dad grunted. “Well, as good as can be expected.”

I nodded, gripping the phone receiver tightly in my hand. It had been a few months since I had seen her. Since I talked to her. Weeks since I was locked away in this shit hole.

“You need to keep your nose clean, son,” my dad told me. “Trust me. Please fucking trust me. I need you smart and to use your head.”

I frowned. “Why wouldn’t I?”

His jaw clenched. Although his graying beard had grown in some, I could still see the typical clench of his jaw he always did when he was hesitating over what to say next.

“What’s going on?” I sat forward when my father didn’t respond. “Is it Piper? Is she okay?”

“You need to see her.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to refuse but I knew I couldn’t. Tomorrow was the trial I had been waiting for. That we all had been waiting for.

“What’s going on?” I asked instead.

“Just trust me.” My dad leaned forward, searching my face. “You already know. Don’t you?”

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