Page 87 of When love and Hate Collide

My eyes flutter shut when the warmth of his breath against the shell of my ear sends sparks through me, and I grip the side of the counter to keep my body in check.

“But what if I told you I was off living up to your expectation of me? My friends and I were tearing it up in the city, drinking, fighting, fucking an array of sluts who go crazy for officers in uniform.” I know he’s only telling me this to get a reaction out of me, so I bite my tongue, but fuck, the searing fire and annoyance the thought of him with other women ignited was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my life.

I lift my gaze to peer up at him, “And I bet not one of them could gratify your appetite the way I do.” Dean’s eyes lower to my mouth and I deliberately lick them.

“You didn’t even incite a thought in my mind.”

I cock my head to the side, holding his gaze when he sluggishly drags his eyes up. “Now who’s the liar?”

“Oi you tart, have you fallen into the toilet?!” We hear Ashlyn’s voice call out from her bedroom and we both look over at the door. I place my hand on his chest and push him back so I can slip away but he grabs my arm and pulls me back.

“I’ll see you at the party.”

I frown, “You’re coming?” Dean nods, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth, his jewel-like green eyes narrowing.

“Of course, why would I deny myself the pleasure of taking part in such a joyous occasion?” His voice is saturated with disdain to match the look of animosity glittering in his eyes.

I pull my arm out of his hold and fix him with a glare, “If you’re only coming there to stir shit up and piss me off, I wouldn’t waste my time.”

Dean smiles frostily, “Pissing you off is my second favourite pastime.” He expresses, taking hold of my chin. “And fucking you like a savage is my first.”

I roll my eyes and bat his hand away from my face. “And then you wonder why I’m fretful of having this child withyou. Why don’t you try growing up a little bit, Dean?”

When I go to leave, Dean steps in front of me this time, his eyes stormy and his face thunderous. “This thing between us is far from over, JJ. You can keep deluding yourself into believing that over-refined knobhead is what you want, but deep down you know who you belong to.” He asserts firmly and takes hold of my chin and leans in again until his mouth is ghosting mine. “Both of you.”

When his thumb skims across my jaw, my eyes close and a slow breath pushes past my lips. “I’m not some temporary thrill you can pick up and drop whenever you feel like it or whenever you feel threatened by another guy, Dean. One of us has to take accountability. It’s clear to anyone with a smidgen of common sense that you are not ready for the responsibility that will come with this child. So, do us both a favour and stop kidding yourself, because we both know you won’t be around to help with this baby and there’s no point hurting the people we love over something that will never last.”

Dean stands silently, watching me. “We’ll see about that.”

I couldn’t keep the tremor from my voice when I spoke my next words, “We will, and if I were you, I would get used to the idea of Paxton being around.” I tell him bluntly and step back. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to pee.”

“I wouldn’t bank on it.” And with that he turns and walks out of the bathroom, stopping to make sure no one is in the corridor before he walks out, closing the door behind him.

I inhale a deep breath, leaning against the basin in front of me. I stare at my reflection in the mirror at myself for a beat before I empty my bladder that is threatening to burst at any given moment.

Hours later, I’m in my bedroom, clad in a red midi dress with my hair curled and cascading down my back. I didn’t go too crazy with the make-up, I’m already tan from Mexico so I opt for some blush, mascara and red lipstick to match the dress. I’m due to go down and greet the guests but I can’t bring myself to face anyone. I’m sitting on my windowsill, my hand resting on my flat stomach, gazing out the window. I lower my gaze to my hand where the promise ring is sitting on my finger, and I let out a frustrated breath. Dean’s words from before keep replaying in my mind.

“This thing between us is far from over, JJ.”

I should be happy; I’ve made the right decision. I’m celebrating my reconciliation with the man I’m in love with, but... something inside doesn’t feel right. Or am I just overthinking this?

Speaking of the bane of my life, Dean follows his parents and Oz toward our house. Ashlyn’s already here, helping my mum and Jess downstairs. I told her I would follow her down fifteen minutes ago.

He’s in a crisp white shirt that fits him perfectly, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a pair of black trousers. My stomach goes tight with nerves which intensifies when he looks up as if sensing me watching him. We keep eye contact, and that short walk from his house to mine feels like it takes hours while our eyes remain fixed until he disappears out of sight.

I wish I could just hide in my room the entire night, but I can’t. Just a couple of hours and I’ll be out of here and far away from him.

With that thought in mind I draw in a deep breath, hold my head up, and walk out of the room making my way downstairs to find my soon to be fiancé.

The house is bustling, so many people standing around and chatting. My aunts, uncles, cousins they’re all here to celebrate with us. The scent of food hangs in the air. I smile and thank those who congratulate me on the announcement of my engagement. Even though it’s not an engagement. I didn’t have the energy to correct them. I spot Paxton standing out in the garden talking with my brother and Dad, a glass of champagne in his hand.

I sashay over to him. On my way, passing by Dean who is leaning against the kitchen counter. From the corner of my eye, I notice his green eyes scanning my entire body before meeting my eyes. I throw him a frosty glare on my way over to Paxton.

“There’s my girl.” Paxton beams, holding his arm out for me to step into.

“Hi.” I greet, closing my eyes when he kisses my temple. His arm circling my waist drawing me closer to him.

“You look sensational, sweetheart.” I smile, placing my hand on his chest, I look up into his eyes.

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