Page 33 of Black Mark's Heart

"Mistress?" I raised a brow in humor.

Jeremy shrugged. "Wishful thinking. How's my future son-in-law?"

I smiled. Two days old and Jeremy had already decided Jacob and Ashelynn would marry someday. "He's a hungry little thing. Takes twenty minutes on each side before he falls off milk drunk and sated."

Jeremy chuckled, "Sounds like his father."

I smirked at Jeremy. I'd finally reached that point where we could joke about Dare. "Has he been up to visit yet?" I asked quietly as Jacob finally finished drinking and fell back looking very happy. I covered myself up and propped him up to burp him.

"He's coming after work tonight." Jeremy's smile faded. "You still want me to test the waters about your business venture for you?"

"Yeah, I really want to take the Solstice Carnival over next year, if I can afford it. It's a burden on Lynwood, and they really don't manage a touring event well," I answered.

Jeremy snickered, "Six weeks on one tour and you know it all, hey?"

"No," I defended. Jacob burped beautifully, and I placed him into his cot to sleep it off. "Six weeks on tour with seasoned tourers, and them coming back after doing the Carnival this year telling me how badly organized and rushed it was." I sat back and looked at Jeremy. "You know it could be run better. We could make the Carnival one of the biggest events of the year if we work together."

Jeremy smiled, "I'll float it by him tonight then, while he's busy going doe-eyed at Ashelynn here."

"Is he good with babies?" I asked, touching Jacob's palm until he gripped my finger. "He seemed good with his niece and nephew."

"He loves babies," Jeremy admitted. "He's been a fantastic uncle to Cody and Nick, spoiling them rotten. He'll make a great father one day, when you let him."

I looked at Jeremy. "Don't do that. You know I tried to tell him."

Jeremy nodded, "I know, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant he's not looking for anyone else, Mora. He's holding out in hope that you will change your mind about being his lover. And yes, I know the reasons that can't work are all the same reasons you can't be my mistress..."

"I was never going to be your mistress," I interjected, causing Jeremy to smile.

"...But, he's a man in love, and it's you he wants, even though he's not willing to make the sacrifice to have you."

I studied Jeremy. "Would you have given it all up for Cassandra? Back then, when you first got married?"

"Dare asked me the same question. You can never be sure. I know I could never have given her up entirely," Jeremy answered honestly. "Just like Dare can't you."

"It's been nine months Jeremy, I'm sure he's ready to try," I answered sadly.

"Is that why you sent him that message when you went into labor?" Jeremy asked. I looked at him, surprised. Jeremy smiled at his daughter and kept his voice calm. "I saw him yesterday and he showed me the message. Wanted to know where he could find you."

I swallowed, "What did you say?"

"That fate has always had a hand in bringing you two together. When it's ready, it'll put you in the same room," Jeremy cooed. "When that didn't work, I told him you weren't home, that you'd gone away and wouldn't be back this week. That's all I knew." Jeremy met my eyes. "What do you want, Mora?"

I smiled and looked to Jacob. "I want to settle into being a new mother, get back to work in a couple of months, and take over the organization of the Solstice Carnival."

"What about Zander?" Jeremy asked carefully.

"He's my friend, nothing more."

"And Jasper?" Jeremy almost growled the name.

I snickered. "Also a friend, who I happen to enjoy fantastic sex with when the need arises." I reached forward and touched his shoulder. "I love Dare, Jeremy. Just because he's in some secret society with my father doesn't stop that. This black mark bullshit was probably caused because an original member coveted another member’s wife. He created this swingers club in order to bang another man’s woman. It's outdated and unnecessary. My father missed out on being married to the woman he loved because she wouldn't be shared. I miss out on being with the man I love because I'm my father's daughter. It's all stupid."

Jeremy smiled. "Well, for what it's worth, being a black mark only stops me from having a long-term sexual relationship with you. Cassandra and I would still be happy to fuck you anytime."

I cringed at the idea, and Jeremy laughed. "Cassandra told me the idea of sex for a few weeks after giving birth is akin to starring in a horror movie."

I nodded, "I have to say, anyone brings a penis near me anytime soon, they may lose it."

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