Page 88 of Sweet, Sweet Jewel: A Sweet Treats Novel

Jewel’s nostrils flared. No way. She was not discussing Finn with Kross.

“Baby,” Kross sighed, “I’m not angry that you had feelings for someone else. We can’t control our lusts. We were never meant to. Very few animals stick to one partner and humans are no different.”

“Then why do you want a family with me? Why don’t you just follow your lusts to someone else?”

“There are exceptions.” Kross cleared his throat. “We’re the exception.”

Fine. New strategy.

Jewel scrambled to her feet and stumbled to the door. “Why don’t you let me out of here? I can give you another baby. We can make our own family.”

“Tempting.” Kross backed away from the door. “But you’re still not a good liar. You, Jewel, reveal everything you’re thinking with these.” He pointed to his eyes. “That’s why you were such a good little partner in crime. I saw every position you liked, every move that turned you on, every touch that made you curious…”

She backed away and closed her ears. “Stop it.”

“You liked it. You were the only one who truly did.”

Her chest heaving, Jewel spun away. Trembling, she pleaded, “Why are you doing this to me? Why?”

“Because I choose you.”

“I don’t want to be chosen. I want to go home.”

“Home to what?” He taunted. “A mother who ignored the predator who visited you every night?”

Her chest heaved. “How did you…?”

“You think I didn’t know about that?” Kross shook his head, a deranged smile on his lips. “I know everything about you, Jewel.”

A thought dropped into her head. “Anastasia. She told you. That’s why you picked me.”

“You were broken. I wanted to liberate you. Show you another way to experience pleasure without pain.”

She pressed her face against the bars. “Why would you care about the comfort of sexual abuse victims unless… you were one…?”

Kross turned away so she couldn’t see his face. “Eat up. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

“What’s happening tomorrow?”

He twisted his neck so she could only see his profile. “I’m gonna find our baby.”

28

“Did you find Juney?” Finn asked, striding into the room at the back of the bakery. He and Nolan had set up shop in the spacious kitchen while Joana and Carrie reluctantly carried on with business as usual outside.

“Yes. He’s online now. Do you want me to call him?”

“No.” Finn shook his head. “I just wanted to make sure he’s not with Kross too. I’ll call the school and ask to speak with him officially.”

Nolan stretched. “What time is it?”

“A few minutes to six.”

“Really?” He rubbed his eyes and squinted. “Feels like I’ve been sitting at this computer for weeks.”

“It’s barely been a day.” Finn took out his headache pills and shuttled two into his hand.

Nolan studied him. “Hey, man. Are you okay?”

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