Page 114 of Prey Tell
Jackson preens. “I suppose.”
As I sit next to him, holding out a spoon, he watches me carefully. “What?” I ask, taking a large spoonful and shoving it into my mouth.
He shrugs. “It’s going to be weird to see you with Chase.”
I laugh. “Why?”
Jackson’s eyes rove over my face as he considers his next words. “I don’t know. You’re both very passionate. And Chase is… he’s complicated.”
I roll my eyes. “Trust me, I know. I’m still trying to decipher who he is under that hard exterior.” I take another bite, swallowing quickly. “Though, underneath the facade, he’s like…” I trail off, trying to think of how to phrase it.
“Fire?” Jackson suggests.
I nod. “Yeah. His heart is encased in stone, and he loves to push people away, but if you get inside, if you’re lucky enough to crack it open, it’s molten lava.” Jackson chuckles as he takes a bite. “What?”
He shakes his head. “I should’ve seen it sooner.”
I scowl. “Seen what?”
“The two of you. It actually makes perfect sense.”
I try to hide my smile as I chew. “Yeah,” is all I can think to say.
He turns to face me, a serious expression on his face. “Jules?”
“Hmm?” I ask, swallowing.
“Just promise me one thing.”
“Of course. Anything.”
He winces slightly, formulating his words for a few seconds. “You guys are two of the most important people in my life.”
My heart clenches. “Jackson—”
“No, I’m serious, Jules. Chase can be intense. I worry…” he trails off, sighing. “I know this sounds silly, but I worry about losing you to him. If push comes to shove, I will always take your side. I’m your brother. If you two broke up…” He stops talking, bobbing his head. “Just tread carefully. Okay? And know that if he hurts you, even a little bit, I will fuck him up.”
I nod, trying to tamp down my smile. “I promise.”
“He’s gone this week, isn’t he?”
“Yup. Shitty timing. I think he’s back on Saturday.”
Jackson’s lips twitch. “Though it pains me to discuss my fuckboy best friend and my baby sisterin that way, you should probably make amends.”
I scowl down at the black leather couch. I know he’s right. And I will make amends. But for now, I need some time to think things through.
“I will. Now, willyoupromise me one thing?”
Jackson gives me a sly smile. “Of course I’ll be your maid of honor, but you should know that Chase is probably going to ask me to be his best man, so there will be a conflict of interest—”
I shove his shoulder playfully. “I’m serious, Jax.” He nods once. “If I make amends, that means you have to make amends with Mark too. And, if things go well… I’d love to meet Mark. Officially, I mean.”
Jackson inhales once, nodding slowly. “Yeah, okay. That’s fair. He probably hates me, but you only live once, right? Maybe we can all get together this weekend if things work in our favor.”
I nod. “Sure. That is, if Chase and I aren’t lounging around naked in bed all weekend—”
The pillow hits my face before I finish speaking, and I giggle manically as I throw one back at him.
