Page 49 of Djinn in Love

“I just can’t believe that your aunt Leila isn’t pitching a fit about this. She’s always thought she would have to pick his wife for him.”

Veronica’s eyes widened. Jasper’s mom thought she was going to pick his wife for him?

“Leila seems to like her a lot,” Mina replied. “So does Cyrus. Milo said he’s been waiting a long time for Jasper to meet someone like her. And that he hopes she gives Jasper hell.”

Samira chuckled. “Your Cousin Milo is a character.” She fell silent for a moment. When she spoke again, her voice was quieter and deeper, as though she didn’t want to be overheard. “I just don’t think she’s a good fit for him or this family. Especially given how they met.”

“How did they meet?” Mina asked.

“Well, according to Leila and Cyrus, Jasper joined a matchmaking service to find a date for this weekend. Andthe girl works there. Personally, I can’t believe she would do something so unprofessional. I mean, really…to date a client. That seems wrong.”

Veronica’s chest ached when she heard those words. Was that what his family thought of her? That she was unprofessional because she was dating him? His mother was a businesswoman. Professionalism and ethics would be incredibly important to her.

The women stopped talking when a voice called out Samira’s name. Veronica sat on the counter for a long time after they moved away, her stomach twisting viciously as their words echoed in her mind.

Finally, she heard the crowd filtering away and realized the reception was about to start. Her legs were shaky as she slid off the counter. She held onto it until she felt steadier. Though she no longer wanted it, Veronica finished off her glass of wine. She was going to need it to get through the evening.

As she emerged from the alcove and headed toward the lobby, empty wineglass in hand, she stopped short when Jasmine appeared in front of her. The animosity rolled off the younger woman in waves as her gaze moved over Veronica, taking in her shoes, dress, make-up, and hair. By the sneer on her face, she found all of it lacking.

“Hello,” Veronica murmured.

“You shouldn’t be here,” Jasmine stated, her words low. “You don’t belong here.”

Still shaken from what she’d overheard Samira and Mina say, Veronica just stared at the young woman in silence. Jasmine seemed to take that as an invitation to continue.

“Jasper is supposed to be my date. My mother arranged it with his. I showed up alone this weekend, like a loser, because it was all decided.”

Though her mouth was dry, Veronica managed to speak. “I’m sure it was just a misunderstanding. I should?—”

Her words died in her throat when Jasmine stepped closer, her anger intensifying. Veronica leaned back, trying to keep space between them because the weight of the woman’s anger and other emotions.

“You’re not good enough for Jasper,” Jasmine sneered.

Though she wanted to run away and hide to avoid the nasty emotions slicing her, Veronica managed to straighten her back and square her shoulders. “I believe it’s Jasper’s decision about who he spends his time with and who is good enough for him. But in reality, there is nogood enoughorworthy enough. Either he loves me the way I am, just as I love him the way he is, or he doesn’t. I don’t have to qualify for that emotion from him. He either loves me or he doesn’t. I don’t have to earn it.” As she said the words, Veronica realized they were true. All these years, she felt unlovable and unworthy, but it wasn’t the case.

A hard arm wrapped around her waist before she could say anything else, pulling her back into a tall, strong body. Jasper held her so close that she could barely breathe.

“Good evening, Jasmine. While I was aware that my mother and yours were trying to pair us up for this weekend, it was never going to happen. Veronica is right. I decide who I want to spend time with. Not Darya. Not my own mother. Me. No matter what they scheme or plan, I will choose my own path.” He paused, moving Veronica to his side and pulling her into him. “As for Veronica belonging here, I think you should resign yourself to seeing her at our combined family functions for a very long time. Probably the rest of my life.”

Jasper didn’t wait for Jasmine to reply. He practically carried Veronica away from her, heading in the opposite direction of the reception, which was taking place in the same ballroom where the ceremony had been performed.

His steps didn’t slow until he found a bathroom and shoved the door open. It was a large family restroom, so he hauled her inside, shut the door behind them, and locked it. All the while, hugging her to his side.

Once the door was locked, though, he released her and planted his back against it, clearly intent on blocking her only means of exit.

His black eyes were burning with dark fire as he looked down at her. Veronica wanted step back, but she couldn’t move.

She was trapped.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Jasper had heardeverything she said. Everything.

And it was taking every bit of his willpower to keep his hands off her.

“You love me?” he asked.

She took a step back, which he didn’t like. Not at all. Jasper took a step forward, keeping the distance between them the same.

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