Beholden (The Belonging Duet, #2)(30)
He gives a sarcastic laugh. “That’s not going to happen, babe. You shouldn’t have gone there.”
“Well, I did!” I throw my hands up in the air and they make a loud slap when they hit my leg. “You know you’re not the only one who gets to make decisions around here. I’m an equal in this relationship. I could’ve lied to you but I’m here listening to the shit I knew I was going to have to hear. I promised not to keep secrets from you.” My eyes narrow as I let him know how I’m not going to stand here idly and listen. “I’ll take my lumps because I believe you’re just an idiot who thinks he needs to keep me safe. But guess what, buddy?” I raise my brow. “I’ve been taking care of myself for twenty-nine years. I think I’ve done a damn good job so far. Have I screwed up? Sure.” I throw my hands up again. “God, you infuriate me.”
For a second he looks stunned and unsure of how to respond to my mini rant. He recovers quickly and wraps his arm around my waist pulling me close to him. I inhale his scent and gently place my hand on his chest. Looking up into his eyes I see him battling himself.
“I’m not happy,” he finally states while glaring at me.
“I don’t doubt that.”
“You shouldn’t have gone there.”
“I don’t agree,” I retort.
Jackson takes a deep breath and breaks from our staring contest. “You drive me insane.”
I shrug and kiss his chest. “You’re not the first person to feel that way. I did what I felt was right. It needed to be done.” I turn my head and listen to his heartbeat waiting for him respond.
“And what if something happened to you? What if he hurt you? I would’ve been here, not knowing where you were or what stupid plan you had. When you were hurt or God knows what, how would I deal with that?” he says as I hear his heart accelerate either in anger or fear.
Leaning out of his embrace, I look at him, willing him to look at me. I’m not weak, and while a part of me understands his apprehension, he can’t deem me incapable of taking care of myself. When he finally looks over, I smile softly and try to explain more calmly. “You’re in the middle of a rather large product launch. You were shot. You lost your best friend on top of a slew of other things. I understand your need to protect me … most of the time it turns me on.” I wink and try to ease the tension. Jackson smiles and I continue. “But … and this is a big but … you can’t. I’m going to handle things the way I think is best. It might be wrong and I’m going to make mistakes, but I’m allowed to make them. Now, cook me dinner while I go shower.”
“This is ridiculous. I asked you to stay away from him. You won’t make me out to be the bad guy here.”
He’s pissed and to a point I understand that, but this isn’t about him. “I won’t let you make demands, and I’m also not the kind of girl who’s going to be obedient. You should know this by now.”
“I’m not asking you to obey me, Catherine. I’m asking you to f*cking stay away from a piece of shit who bruised you. An * who I got in a fistfight with because he put his hands on you. The same bastard who then wanted to come after us.” Jackson runs his hand down his face and his chest is heaving.
“I understand you’re not happy. I’m not asking you to understand. I’m telling you it’s done. He’s out of our lives.”
He gives a cynical laugh. “I’m assuming he told you that? Because he’s a real trustworthy guy, right? When he files charges now and we have no rings as a bargaining chip … then what?”
I draw whatever strength I have left, between Ashton earlier and now Jackson. Besides the fact that I also dealt with Neil, I haven’t slept in what feels like a year, and the launch is in a few days—I’m running on a limited supply of patience.
“I love you, but I’m done talking. I need a shower, a nap, and for you to trust me. Do you trust me, Jackson?”
“Of course I do.” The exasperation in his voice is clear.
“Do you trust me as your publicist? Do you trust me to do my job?” I ask because I need him to see the two correlate.
“I wouldn’t have hired you if I didn’t think you were good at your job.” Jackson hesitates, as he seems to see where I’m leading him.
“Good, then let me handle it. Now, I’m going to get naked.” I smile and saunter out of the kitchen.
I glance over my shoulder and drop my shirt and bra on the floor while he stares at me.
“Not fair.”
“You could always join me.” I turn standing before him in a skirt, half naked as he drinks me in.
Jackson groans and slowly maneuvers his way to me. “You’re going to be the death of me, woman.”
My lips turn up. “I think you’re stronger than that. Come on and show me just how far I can push you before you break.”
Jackson follows me into the bathroom and I pretend I don’t notice. Standing practically naked I turn the water on and then I feel him against my back. He stands there unmoving as I face the glass enclosure.
I wait for him to say something, or touch me, but he doesn’t. My breathing grows shallow as the anticipation builds. He’s toying with me and I’m a moth to his flame.