Page 141 of Forbidden Romeo

The dress isn’t helping, either. This time, it’s a flowing black silk to match Kate’s signature look. The short skirt tickles my thighs with every stride, giving me goosebumps.

We come to a halt by the locker room, and Jack tugs me toward him. Our kiss goes on longer than is probably acceptable in public, and I can feel more than a few pairs of eyes on us.

But I don’t care. Not today.

When we finally pull apart, there’s no one else in the world apart from us.

“Are you sure?” Jack says quietly.

I look up into his beautiful hazel eyes and know there’s only one answer to that question. I knew it the moment I met him, and no matter how many times I tried to deny it, it’s still there. I’d give up my entire world for this man.

“Yes,” I reply simply with another peck on his cheek. “You better come back to me in one piece.”

He smirks. “I’ll do my best.”

“I mean it.”

Jack leans for a final, sinfully soft kiss. “I’ll always come back to you.”

Without another word, he pulls away and steps through the doors out of sight.

I let out a shaking breath and take a moment to compose myself before facing the music. Whatever happens now is totally out of my control. All I can do is wait and trust that Jack will keep his promise.

I walk up the stairs to the VIP box to find that Kate has already saved me a seat. She offers me a small smile as I take a seat next to her.

“Padraic’s been pretty tight-lipped about the next fighter,” she says conversationally. “Although I don’t know how he’s going to top a champion fighter.”

I hum in response, digging out my phone from my purse and checking it for the thousandth time. Still nothing.

Scrolling back through my messages with Roisin fills me with shame.

ROISIN:Are you okay??

1 missed call from Roisin.

ROISIN:I haven’t heard from you in days???

3 missed calls from Roisin.

ROISIN:I’m getting worried, Aimee, don’t make me call the cops.

ROISIN:I’m serious.

8 missed calls from Roisin.

ROISIN:Please pick up.

12 missed calls from Roisin.

And on and on and on. They stopped only a few days ago, lining up with the timeline Dr. Lous gave us. When she was told I’d gone back to L.A.

My measly response looks pathetic in comparison.

AIMEE:I’m sorry, don’t worry about me. Still in N.Y., but we may need to leave soon. Stay safe. I love you. Sorry.

The only glimmer of hope I have is the fact there’s a little blue tick next to the message. She’s seen it, at least, even if she hasn’t forgiven me for not replying. At least she knows I haven’t left the state.

Still, I’d feel better if I could hear her voice. If I could know she was okay… Jack told me about his contact at Julliard, and I have enough faith in him to know that he picks his friends wisely.

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