Page 58 of Twice as Forbidden

“You’re kind of dazing off. If you’re still not feeling good, you can stay home. I’m sure Dad won’t care.”

Dad. Dad. Dad.

What have I done?

“No, it’s fine. I probably just need some caffeine.” I head over to the coffee maker and grab a mug. Noah takes note of my shaking hands, and I don’t need to see him to know he’s moved from his stool.

“Whoa. Here, let me help you.”

He grabs the mug. “Go sit down. I got this.” I offer him a weak smile before taking a seat at the island. My stomach is in so many knots I doubt I’ll be able to get a sip down.

“Noah, why don’t you head off to work? I have to make a few calls here. I can give Georgia more time to feel it out.”

Noah slides the mug across the island, glancing my way. “That cool with you?”

“Yeah, of course.”

I want to say no. Blurt out how bad I fucked up and how sorry I am. Maybe I should leave. Running away is not the answer, though. And it’s not like I have anywhere to go. Still, after seeing them just now, I know I can’t do this to Noah. Whatever Vince needs that ledger for, it can’t be anything Jackson can’t fix. He’s a powerful man. He’s said it numerous times. I just hope the damage I’m about to cause is fixable.

“All right. Cool. For real. Don’t push yourself if you feel like shit. He won’t care.”

I offer him a smile and force down a sip of coffee. “I know. Thanks.”

Noah leaves, and moments later, the garage door opens. Jackson doesn’t wait to ensure Noah is gone before he’s up and beside me. He twists my stool, trapping my legs between his. “Talk to me.”

“About what?”

“You’re still not feeling good? Should I be worried? I know we didn’t talk about the whole sex and protection. I assumed you were on the pill. You’re not—”

“Oh my god, pregnant? No. I’m on the pill. I just came down with something and can’t seem to kick it.”

He cups my cheek, and I lean into his touch, missing the way he feels this close to me. His thumb brushes over my bottom lip. “You sure?”

I raise my eyes to him, my lips tipping upward. “I’m sure. Just tired. Honestly, the last thing I wanted to do was give you what I had. I hear men are huge babies when they’re sick.”

His smile almost breaks me. I bite the inside of my cheek to force back my tears and the confession sitting on the tip of my tongue. He hooks his thumb into my mouth, coercing my lips to part. “There are always ways to work around it, Peach.” I understand his message loud and clear. My thighs press together at the thought.

“I think one more day, and I’ll be back to myself. I need all my energy when it comes to you.” His devilish smile is infectious. I wish I could bottle it up and keep it forever. After today, there’s a good chance that won’t be an option for me. “We should get going.” He holds my gaze a beat longer. I’m not sure I have the strength to be any closer to him. Thankfully, he nods and steps back.

The drive to work is quiet. He takes a call as I gaze out the window, battling myself.You don’t have to do this.But then I destroy Noah. I destroythem. By not hurting one, I hurt the other. What’s in that ledger? Why does Vince, of all people, want it? My brain runs in circles, trying to figure out the connection. I know his dad went to school with Jackson. Was there some beef between them? Is he doing this for his father? What exactly am I doing? How bad am I fucking Jackson over?

I’m in a semi-panic by the time we walk into the office. Jackson presses his hand to my lower back, and I jump. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, sorry. Just… I know you’re going straight into a meeting. Do you mind if I use the bathroom in your office?”

“Do you feel sick?” he asks, worry in his tone. He has no idea.

“I would rather be sick in private than in the public bathroom. If not, I can—”

“Of course you can. If you need anything or to go home, text me immediately.”

“I will.” His hand twitches at his side. He wants to touch me but stops himself. I do us both a favor and walk away first. “Hey, I’m just grabbing something for Mr. Blake,” I say to his assistant as I pass her desk.

“Sure thing,” she announces, and I slip into his office and shut the door.

Fuck…fuck! My heart is going to explode. My hands shake wildly. I push off his door and book it toward his desk. Dropping to my knees, I pull at the handle of the drawer. “No…” I pull again. It’s locked.

Think, Georgia…

---