Page 54 of The Claiming

A shiver passes through me when I remember his kiss. It wasn’t expected, butI liked it. He was surprisingly gentle, which was unexpected. It was as if he truly cared about me and I wonder about that. He gives off a ruthless vibe and is so secretive it’s as if he has no emotion. However, last night he demonstrated more emotion than he ever has before. He is a dark soul hiding a lighter one and I’m guessing not many people get access to that.

I stop and take a minute, gasping in some much needed oxygen and a twig breaking nearby heightens my senses.

I stiffen at the sound of footsteps that sound human, and I quickly dart behind a neighboring tree.

Since an early age, I have been taught the power of surprise and if there is somebody out here, I want to see who they are before they reach me. Standard protection procedure that comes as easily as breathing to me and as the person moves into my eye line, I heave a sigh of relief.

“Jack.”

I step out from the tree and his easy smile stretches across his handsome face.

“I saw you heading this way.”

I’m not surprised that he followed me and welcome it.

“I couldn’t sleep and was drawn back to the scene of the crime.”

He nods, understanding in his eyes.

“Last night was a lot.”

“It sure was.”

We fall into step beside one another and I love how familiar this is. It’s something we do often at home and I’m glad that he followed me.

“Are you okay, Cassie?”

I sense his concern and guess the reason.

“I lost, Jack. That doesn’t sit well with me.”

“It was an impossible challenge.”

“Especially when Frankie withheld the rules until the last minute.”

“You’re referring to the hood and the fact they spun you around.”

“Of course. That was a genius move because I was disorientated and could have missed the tunnel completely and been a sitting duck for the centurions when they were released.”

“Which is why he didn’t mind giving you the guided tour in advance.”

Jack chuckles. “To be honest, I kind of love that guy. He has a calculating mind, and that makes him interesting.”

I keep to myself the fact he is also drop dead gorgeous, from his dark sexy eyes and rippling body, the wicked smile that is almost devilish and the lazy way he drags his hooded gaze over you as if you are the only thing in his world. I don’t tell Jack about my growing feelings for him and I’m not sure why.

I change the subject.

“Tell me what happened with Siri.”

“Once I saw Frankie had caught up with you, I reverted to our Plan B. The fact Siri was injured was the deciding factor in that.”

My heart softens because Jack always was a gentleman and he hates the thought of anything injured, be it an animal or a bird. I’m not certain how he’ll work out as a soldier, but understand his reasons behind wanting to enlist.

“I followed her into the tunnel and it didn’t take me long to catch up with her. She was obviously in pain and I reassured her it was me behind her.”

He shakes his head. “I don’t know what tore at her arm, but it was obviously sharp and as we made our way to the end of the tunnel, my only concern was for her safety.”

“Thanks, Jack.” I reach for his hand and squeeze it softly. “I’m glad you were there.”

---