Going still, I drew back from her, clutching the handle of Kimbo as my other hand balled into a fist. I took a deep breath before reaching for her again, yet this time, she retreated. “It’s not what you think, mama.”
“Really, because it sounded likeThing 2just said you have cameras in my home and have been watching me too.” The hurt in her voice was evident. “Is that true? Why would you do that?”
Dragging my eyes over to a quiet Jax, I mugged him before dropping my shoulders and giving my attention back to Blossom. Taking a chance, I reached for her once more, and this time, she didn’t back away from me.
I cupped her cheek, tracing her bottom lip before I told her the truth. “From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew it was something about you I wouldn’t be able to shake. I admit, whenI began to follow you, it was because I didn’t know what you saw that night I left John’s house. I’d never allowed a witness to live, but when I looked into your eyes, something in me switched.
“It was no longer about me wanting to hurt you; it was about me being intrigued. You’re the most intriguing, beautiful woman I’ve ever met. But, even then, it wasn’t your aura or beauty, but your heart that pulled me in, Bloss Baby. I was wrong for my approach. I was wrong for a lot of shit, but I won’t apologize for it.” I pulled her to me, lifting her chin with my fingers, wanting to kiss her, but I needed her to hear me first.
“I won’t stop looking out for you, mama. I won’t stop admiring you either. Even if you leave here today and tell me never to contact you again, I will always be lurking in the shadows, watching and making sure you’re okay.”
Searching her eyes for distress, I breathed easier when I didn’t find any. Her silence worried me, though. I knew I crossed lines with what I did, but I stated my truth, and I meant it. Blossom had embedded herself within me, and I couldn’t shake her. And now that I’d had her, she was mine. I’d said she could leave, but I wanted to see her try.
“I want to be mad at you… I should be mad at you,” she said in the quietest voice. She peered up at me, eyes full of uncertainty, before dropping her head. “The gratitude that I have for you tonight is stronger than every other experience in my life. I will be indebted to you, Jaseon, for the remainder of my life.”
I used my thumb to wipe the lone tear that slid down her cheek. I would never deny who I was or regret my decisions because 99% of the time, everything I did was just as calculated as it was cold. Yet, seeing Blossom stand in front of me so unsure of what to do produced a feeling I didn’t care for. Before I could say something, she leaned back enough to look me directly in the eyes.
“What does that say about me, JJ? What does it mean that I’m not even mad at you? You’ve killed people. You’re telling me that you plan to kill my ex, and possibly my brother. I’m not running scared at those revelations. What does that mean?”
“That you’re just as throwed off as his ass!” Jax replied to her last question as he walked over toward us. He eyed Blossom with concern. “Are you okay? You need to call your friend because she’s been blowing you up. It’s almost three in the morning, and?—”
“Oh my gosh!” She pulled away and began frantically searching the living room for her belongings. “I know she’s worried sick.”
Running into the kitchen like a madwoman, she located her purse and dumped all the contents on the counter until she found her cell phone. I stood back and watched as she hurriedly dialed her friend.
“Stacy, I promise, I’m okay,” she said into the phone as the call connected. “I just ran into a little trouble, but JJ—” She paused before her eyes went wide. Turning her back to me, she attempted to speak in a hushed tone, but I could still hear her. “Stacy, no. I’m not over here popping pussy. I found myself in a sticky situation. You know what? Goodnight. I apologize for not answering the phone, but I’m okay. I don’t know if I’m staying here tonight. Stacy, please! Bye!”
Disconnecting her call, she placed her phone on the counter before leaning forward and taking a deep breath. Once I saw her shoulders shake, I knew she was crying. I damn near tore my ACL trying to get over to her.
“What the hell is going on with my life? What have I ever done to Rowan for him to want to hurt me so badly?” I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her back into my torso. “I love my brother, but does he hate me to the point that he’d gamble me away to a man that wanted to have his waywith me?” She turned and faced me with those sad eyes, and I swear my heart broke into pieces. “Damien said Rowan knew his intentions. He knew he was going to take me to Mexico and?—”
Dropping her head into my chest, I held her as she cried her heart out. My baby wasn't only crying from what she’d just gone through, but also for her torn relationship with her brother. If there were ever a chance of Rowan living through this, he’d fucked that up by making my girl cry as hard as she was.
“Listen to me…” I pushed her back slightly. “As long as there is breath in my body, you will never have to feel this hurt again. I won’t let anything or anybody do anything to hurt you or take you away from me.”
“Away from you?” She looked up at me with scared eyes. “What does that mean? Y-You want to be with me?”
“I want everything that comes with you, Bloss Baby.” I kissed her nose and then her lips. “I know it seems sudden, but I don’t care. I’ve never been so sure of anything in my entire life.”
Lifting her onto the kitchen island, I stood between her thighs and kissed her deeply. You’d never know I didn’t care for kissing these women from the way I was trying to suck Blossom’s lips off. Pulling at the string of my gym shorts, she slid her soft hands into my boxer briefs only to be interrupted by the clearing of Jax’s throat.
“Well, I stuck around to see if she was okay and if you needed me to do anything else, but I guess I’ll head out.” He grinned as he looked between us both. “Seems to me like y’all about to do the freaky deaky.”
“I’m so embarrassed.” She covered her face with her hands before placing it against my chest. I chuckled as I kissed the top of her head. “I promise, I didn’t act like this before I met your brother, Jax.”
“Oh, we know because TJ is a bitch-ass nigga that couldn’t find his way to what’s mine if he had a roadmap.” I said, causing Jax to simper.
Feeling my phone vibrate, I couldn’t help but groan when I saw it was Dr. Massey. “Looks like Mr. Nasty Time is on pause,” I answered the phone as I massaged Blossom’s scalp. “What up, Mass?”
“I’m sorry to call you so late, son, but there’s been some type of fire on the outskirts of town. The fire marshals are saying it was a gas leak. There are bodies everywhere.” He sighed heavily, and I could hear the distress in his voice. “Over sixty.”
“Damn,” is all I said as I placed kisses along her neck and jawline. “That’s a lot of grieving families. Give me an hour, and I’ll be there.”
Pulling back from me, Blossom looked up at me with worried eyes. “You’re going back to that place, aren’t you?” I nodded, honestly. I could see the fear in her eyes. “What if they find out you?—”
“I was never there.” I gave her a knowing look, causing her to clamp her lips instantly. “I know you have questions, and I know I have some explaining to do. Just know you’re safe, and you will always be, especially here in my home. I will never put you or myself in a situation that will cost us our lives or freedom. Do you understand me?”
She searched my eyes as she slid from the counter. “We have a lot to discuss, but I’ll wait until you return.” She looked around before adding, “It’s okay if I stay, right? I won’t touch anything.”
