Page 22 of The Claiming

He grins. “This place was remodeled when Frankie came to Rockwell. His family arranged it and I’m not complaining.”

“It beats my dorm. I’ve got a small bed squeezed up in one corner with one set of drawers and a hanging rail.”

I wander through the room, opening a door that leads into a walk-in closet and another leading to an ensuite bathroom.

“Jack, you are living like a king.”

“It’s what I deserve.” He chuckles softly.

“Can I move in?” I ask, shaking my head in astonishment, and he shrugs.

“Sure, maybe I should claim you instead and we can room together. Nobody would know.”

For some reason, that makes me awkward and I hate that it’s because of the night we shared. The memory just won’t go away, even if Jack appears to have forgotten all about it.

I change the subject.

“I would hate your smelly feet.”

“You’re making that up.” He rummages in a bag that has been discarded on the floor and heaves out a huge bag of what appears to be candy.

“Here, your mom sent these to keep you going.”

I seize the bag eagerly.

“Oh my God, I love her. Look, some of her cookies that I adore.”

I cram one into my mouth and for some reason, my eyes fill with tears as I taste a little piece of home.

Jack appears concerned and pulls me down beside him on the bed, a comforting arm slung around my shoulder. “Hey, what’s up?”

I swallow the cookie and sigh. “I miss home already, Jack. How is that possible when I’ve been looking forward to this for years?”

I rest my head on his shoulder and he whispers, “You’ve got me, darlin’. I’ll always be here for you. Anytime it gets too much, come and find me. Text me or shout. I’ll hear you.”

Tears build in my eyes as his comforting familiarity wraps me in happiness. Thank God for Jack because without him, I doubt I’d make it through this semester before asking to join Imogen at the college near home.

TWELVE

FRANKIE

It’s party night—again. Jesse’s planned it to welcome Jack and for once I’m looking forward to it because he insisted on inviting Cassie. Ordinarily, I would refuse because where she goes, my cousin goes, but if my plan to pair Siri off with Jack is going to work, I need her to be present.

I don’t care if my uncle finds out. I have my reasons watertight. Jack will be warned off doing anything other than kissing, and Siri will be under my watchful eye at all times. This way, I keep my cards in play without compromising my promise to her family.

Then there’s Cassie. A spirited challenge that will be the sweetest victory. With her as my exclusive girl for the semester, she will keep everyone away, and I’ll enjoy the challenge of breaking her spirit.

I’m upbeat for once and as I head to the gym for a long workout, I’m surprised to find the lady in question on the running machine.

I take a moment to admire her ass as she jogs in the cutest running shorts. Her dark hair is bunched behind her in a messy up-do and I am almost salivating at the thought of what I want to do to that ass.

I say nothing and take the bench behind her so she is in my eye-line as I lift the weights.

A few other students are working out and I notice a couple of guys openly staring as she runs. I don’t blame them because I’m guilty of that and yet it angers me unnecessarily. They won’t stare when she’s my girl. Nobody will give her a second look when I’m around because I’m possessive of my things and she will definitely become one of them.

Once again, it strikes me how I think of her in this way. I don’t claim women. Why would I? There is plenty of time in my future to chain myself to one woman and yet there is something so sinful about Cassandra King.

I work out for thirty minutes before I make my move.

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