Page 54 of Chasing the Flame
He snares me in his gaze, his sea-green eyes a raging storm that reflects the emotions we’re both feeling. “Thank you,” he whispers, his voice ringing sincere.
There’s a sadness to him, and he’s growing quieter by the second. “Okay, spill. What’s wrong?”
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t do such a great job of protecting you. I should’ve pleaded with you more, got you to see reason. What’s worse? I’m not sure I can protect you from the covenant.”
His words come out in a rush, like he’s terrified to admit the thoughts out loud. My heart twists painfully, aching for the burden he’s carrying. “Jettson, I don’t expect this grand escape of mine to be anything less than dangerous,” I say. Jettson snorts, yet I push forward anyway. “But what I do expect is honesty at all times. If there’s going to be any chance for us, we have to communicate and trust one another. So no, I don’t expect to come out of this unscathed. But as long as you’re beside me, I’ll be alright.”
Jettson stills, as if my words struck a chord. His expression shifts, like he’s proud, yet frustrated with my tenacity. I grin at him, “I don’tneed you to be the ultimate bodyguard. How about you keep showing me how to use my magic, and I’ll save myself… deal?”
Jettson laughs, his eyes twinkling, “Deal. I’ll teach you how to be a badass witch, and some self defense. The second part is non-negotiable.”
I pretend to mull it over, grinning like an idiot when a grumble with no heat booms from his chest. “Alright! Deal.” I exclaim, yelping loudly when he grabs hold of me and yanks me onto his lap.
He winds his fingers in my hair, cupping my cheek with his hand. He leans in slowly, kissing me, tender and soft, pouring every bit of what he’s feeling into it. With every stroke of his tongue, with every caress of his thumb against my cheek, he portrays exactly how he feels about me. What Imeanto him.
He breaks the kiss, pressing his forehead against mine, “Come on, we should probably get to bed. It’s late, and we have a long day ahead of us.”
I groan, concede and allow him to wrap me in a towel and lead me back to the bedroom. I scan the room, taking in the blackout curtains in the corner, and the deep shade of green that paints the walls. There’s an iron headrest on the bed, with black sheets, covers, and comfy looking pillows that scream pure heaven.
Jettson tugs on a pair of boxers, and tosses a clean shirt in my direction. I drop the towel and pull it over my head, grateful that it comes to mid thigh. I slip in the bed, pulling the covers up tight around myself, snuggling into the soft mattress.
He turns out the light and slides in behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist and tugging me flush against him. I’m amazed at how perfectly I fit in his arms, how comfortable I feel wrapped in his embrace.
Soon, sleep finds me and for once it is mercifully dreamless.
I wake up drenched in sweat and with Jettson’s arm glued to my waist. He’s like a damn heater, and sticky sweat is clinging to my body like a second skin. I must’ve slept like the dead.
I can’t remember the last time I slept so comfortably, if I’m being honest.
Slipping from his grasp, I gingerly remove his arm, and scoot out of bed. The minute I leave his embrace I’m freezing, the coolness of the cabin shooting pebbles rippling across my skin.
Rubbing my arms, I walk to the bathroom and start the shower, needing to freshen up. Something woke me up out of a dead sleep, and while I feel well rested…
There’s something in the back of my mind that I can’t let go of.
I’m not sure what this feeling is, or why I’m suddenly so worked up. I’msafe. Jettson made sure of it.
Shaking my head, I force myself to take in a deep breath, holding it and count backwards from three. I do this a couple of more times to help bring myself back to center.
In a few minutes the steam has fogged up the room, and my breathing becomes more manageable. The heat curls around my body, and my shoulders relax, the tension releasing immediately.
After I calm down I get myself in the shower, scrubbing and scrubbing until my skin is tinged pink. The shower head is perfect, with just the right amount of pressure. I relax into the heat, massaging sweet smelling shampoo in my hair.
I feel him before I see or hear his footsteps across the tile. “Good morning,” he says, and I hear the toilet flush in the background.
“Good morning,” I squeak, a blush skating across my cheeks. I’m grateful he can’t see it.
“I’ll bring your clothes in, and there’s some toiletries under the sink for you. Dad will be here in an hour, I want to get a game plan in place.”
I sigh, and finish rinsing out my hair, hating that it’s already time to get back to reality. The soft click of the door behind him is the only sign he’s left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I appreciate his willingness to hold space for my privacy and the fact he’s giving me time to gather myself before we face the aftermath of my escape. Wrapping a towel around myself, I step out of the shower, and head straight to the sink searching for the toiletries Jettson said would be there.
There’s a comb, a mini tube of toothpaste, and several unused toothbrushes waiting for me. I choose one, snatch the brush and begin deranging the mess that is my hair. Once I’m satisfied and my teeth have been brushed, I cinch the towel tighter around myself, and flick the light off.
When I’m back in the bedroom Jettson’s waiting for me, already dressed and my duffel bags are on the bed. He smiles at me, “I can’t promise I grabbed the most fashionable items from your closet, but I think there’s several pairs of jeans, some T-shirts, and several sweaters.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, moving to the bed. I grab hold of one of the bags and unzip it, sifting through my belongings.
