I was content to lay on Jasper, legs spread out alongside his. For now, it was as if nothing could ever touch me again. Even my broken heart was put back together, even if the tape and glue was not likely to hold long.
I sniffed, pressing my face closer to his neck. Jasper always smelt so different than any other man ever had. He was clean, warm and safe.
Every part of me was so tired, worn out from fighting day in and day out to just survive. It was bone deep, leaving me weak.
Breathing in deep, I didn’t want my mind to come back. I wanted it to stay powered off so I didn’t have to think ever again.
A whimper rumbled my chest as Jasper moved one of his hands from around my back. Fear instantly crashed into me.
“Shh. I’m not going anywhere, little dove. I'm right here.”
The logical part of my brain told me that he couldn’t go anywhere as long as I was laying on top of him, but I wasn’t being logical at all. Or ever, for that matter.
“Just have to answer a call. I’m right here.” He whispered to my head before moving enough to do as he said. “Hey, Ash.”
I was close enough to hear the voice on the other side. “How’s the moving going?”
“Slow. Can’t unpack too much until I finish painting, and I have renovations starting Monday on the kitchen.”
“And you think that’ll get a certain boy to come over,” Asher didn’t seem to think so.
“Yeah. I’ll buy whatever it takes to show him that I’m not going anywhere.”
“Still can’t believe your parents did that crap, and all for a house they didn’t end up with anyways. But let me know and me and Noah will come over and help paint. Beckett too, on his days off.”
“Will do. Maybe that alone will lure a certain little dove from his cage.”
“Wish you all the luck. Have you seen him since you got back?”
“Yeah. Long story that won’t be shared.”
“Alright. Well, if you talk to him, can you tell him hi. We’re worried.”
“Will do. Once he’s done hating me, I’ll let him know.”
“Always hate you,” I muttered, but wiggled to press further into him. If I pushed anymore, I’d become one with the man. And maybe that wasn’t such a bad idea.
“You’re with him?” Asher seemed surprised.
“Something like that.” Jasper grimaced as I pressed my knee into his thigh. “Owe, hon. Settle. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Then why the heck are you talking to me? A quick text would have been fine.”
“Because you called.”
“Now I’ll end that call. Text me when you start painting.” With that, Asher ended the call, and Jasper easily set the phone aside before wrapping me back up with both arms.
There were so many questions, and not enough energy in me to ask them, least of all thinking them clearly enough to even try to speak them. Instead, I moved again, this time a knee went in between both of his legs. That put one of his legs between mine, too and maybe that wasn’t the greatest idea.
I forced my body to stop moving. If I kept it up, a part of me would demand to have attention and that just wasn’t going to happen. Especially with this man. Or any man. Ever.
Nope.
Wasn’t going to think of that either.
I huffed, fed up once more with my thoughts. I didn’t want to think. I didn’t want to deal with the emotions of everything that came with thinking or acting.
“Dawn went to get some food for you.” Jasper’s words rumbled in his chest against my ear. “I’d ask when the last time was you ate, but I’m afraid to know the answer.”
