“Yes, Daddy, I will not leave you.”
He gave an arrogant nod. “That’s better. Once you’re mine, there is no escape. Is there, North?”
She glanced at North but he had a strange look on his face.
Oh no.
Did he think he had to say that he loved her? She didn’t want him to feel awkward. However, she still had to say something to Jared before she could deal with North.
“I love you too, Jared. I didn’t want to go. Believe me. I . . . I want to stay with you and North forever. Even if you are both bossy and ridiculously overprotective. Plus you both seem to think that everything you say should be obeyed.”
Jared raised an eyebrow. “That’s because it should be. Also, thank fuck you love me because that would have made the rest of our lives fucking awkward if you didn’t.”
She had to laugh and then instantly regretted it.
Fuck, that hurt.
But, damn, did he always have to be so arrogant?
You love him just as he is.
Yes. She did.
Leaning down, he kissed her gently, carefully. She let out a groan of frustration because light and easy wasn’t what she wanted.
She wanted deep and hot.
Hard and sexy.
But he drew away before she could deepen the kiss, staring down at her intently.
Then he smiled. It was a smile she hadn’t seen before. A mix of softness and possessiveness.
It was a smile she’d kill to keep shining on her.
Then he turned to glance up at North and she swallowed heavily.
What about North? How did he feel? Did he really want her in his life for good? North was simply staring down at her, not saying anything.
Worry filled her.
“North might not be able to give you the words, but if you are observant, you’ll see it in the way he watches you or secretly does things for you. Often, he’ll know what you want before you even know it.”
She had noticed that.
“Yes, that is the case,” North told her as he reached out to lightly brush her arm with his hand. “You already know that I find it hard to express any emotion. To recognize and feel anything. But I know that my life is far better with you and Jared in it.”
And that was enough for her. Because she knew that he meant it.
“So is mine,” she told him. “I love you, North. And I’m sorry I ran like that. I know it’s a bad habit of mine that I need to work on.”
“And we need to make sure you feel safe with us. Wanted and loved,” Jared told her.
“I love you, North,” she told him. “It’s all right if you don’t say it back. I know you care about me.”
“I care about you as much as I have about anyone. The two of you.” His gaze narrowed. “That doesn’t mean you’re not getting a spanking for this.”
“Probably two,” Jared said.
