Page 48 of Twice as Forbidden

“You’re a drunk asshole—that’smy problem,” I snap back.

“Noah, watch your language.” Jackson attempts to intervene.

Noah pushes his bowl across the island, milk splashing. “Whatever.” He straightens to leave, stopping right next to me. “And you’re a bitch.” He shoves his shoulder into mine as he leaves the room.

“Noah!” Jackson yells, but he’s already gone. He gets up and walks over to me. “What was that about?”

“It’s nothing.”Tell him, Georgia.

“Didn’t look like nothing. Did something happen?”

“No.”

“Don’t fucking lie to me, Peach. Rules.”

“Nothing fucking happened, Jesus.” I step away, but he grabs my arm.

“Watch your tone with me.” His eyes seep with anger.

“Then stop trying to accuse me of something that’s not there.” I rip my arm from his grip and walk away. Noah’s door is shut, music blaring. Thinking he has the right idea, I retreat to mine, throwing myself onto my bed. Catching a ride with Jackson is now less appealing than driving with Noah. I huff and lay on my side. Today sounds like a great day to play sick.

My phone vibrates, and I dig for it, seeing a text from Jackson.

Mr. Blake: Would you forgive me if I offered the day off? Take the boat out early?

My fingers hover over the screen to reply but stop. It does sound appealing, but being near them both sounds quite the opposite.

Mr. Blake: I can’t control myself sometimes. I get jealous of anyone who has the honor of your attention. I just want you all for myself. Forgive me for being an asshole. I’d like to make it up to you. Please say yes.

Fuck. How the hell do I stay mad after a text like that? He admitted he’s jealous. For a man like Jackson, that had to take a lot. And it’s super hot.

Me: I accept. For now. But you’ll need to apologize in a lot of other ways later.

I attach a tongue and splash emoji to clarify my terms.

Mr. Blake: The best kind of punishment.

My cheeks flush, and I giggle. I never imagined Jackson being accustomed to using emojis. I’ll take the cute gesture and the day off. Too bad it can’t be just us.

The ride downtown is torture. The uncomfortable silence is suffocating. Jackson tries to make conversation with Noah, but he’s in his dick mood and semi-green. Serves him right. Every so often, Jackson finds my eyes through the rearview mirror, creating a heat between my thighs. When he licks his lips, I know he’s imagining it’s my lips he’s licking. I’m tempted to suggest we stop at a gas station and kick Noah out of the car.

My eyes widen as we walk down the pier where Jackson’s boat is docked. “Um… this isn’t a boat.”

Jackson chuckles. “Pretty sure it is.” Noah doesn’t say a word as he walks past us onto the yacht. “Do you need assistance climbing on?” He reaches for my hand, knowing I don’t need any help. It’s an excuse to touch me. My hand slides into his, and a spark reverberates between us, an electric current that sends shivers down my spine. The tension is undeniable. Dangerous. “After you, Peach,” he says softly, aware Noah may hear.

I step onto the yacht, basking in its beauty. “This is seriously amazing. I’ve never been on a boat this big. Or at all.”

“I’m glad I can be your first.”

I turn, smiling at him. “You’ve been a lot of firsts.” His eyes flash with a need I understand all too well. I’m about to add another wicked comment when a voice interrupts.

“S’up, my friends?” We both look up as Vince walks up the dock and jumps on the boat. My stomach churns, and I instantly wrap my arms around myself.

“Vince, what are you—?”

“I invited him,” Noah states, cutting Jackson off.

Vince walks closer. “Thanks for having me, Mr. Blake.” His eyes fall on mine. “Hey there, Georgia.” He winks at me, sending my stomach into convulsions, then goes down a narrow hallway with Noah.

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