He slides his fingers out and lines his cock up before thrusting in deep.
I cry out, and his mouth on mine muffles the sound. My legs wrap around him, holding him inside, and my hips lift to meet each thrust. After a few more thrusts, he rolls his hips and kicks up the pace, making my head spin. When he reaches between us and finds my clit, my heart slams into my ribcage. It’s not going to take long for me to come undone around him again.
I break the kiss, trailing my lips along his jaw, and suck on the soft skin below his ear. He groans, and his cock pulses inside me.
“Harder,” I tell him, and he quickly obliges, hitting a new spot deep inside of me.
He grunts louder, pounding into me, and comes hard and fast. I’m right behind him, tightening around his cock and burying my face in his neck as I come.
“That was . . .” I trail off, catching my breath as Jackson slides out and falls onto the pillow beside my head.
“Everything?” he offers, and I laugh.
“Yeah, sure.”
He leans over and kisses my cheek. “It’s been a long day. Why don’t you get some sleep?”
I turn over and face him, pushing my fingers through his hair. “Weirdly enough, I’m not tired.”
“I didn’t wear you out?” he teases, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.
I grin at him. “No. Sorry. I think I’m just wired from everything that happened.”
He nods, lifting his hand to my cheek and caressing it gently. “How would you feel about a trip to the hot tub?”
“That sounds amazing right now.” I move to sit up, and my core aches. “Though you might need to carry me.”
The corner of his mouth kicks up as if he’s proud of himself, and I roll my eyes.
“Why don’t you shift?” he asks.
“I don’t like the way it makes me feel,” I say with a shrug.
“Do you feel the same when someone else does it with you? Like when I brought you here?”
I try to think back. “I don’t think so. At least, not that I remember. You did distract me pretty much as soon as we got here, though.”
“Fair enough,” he says. “Close your eyes.”
I comply and wait as he wraps his arms around me. There’s a blast of wind, warm and gentle, and then more intense warmth. I open my eyes to find us in the hot tub.
“You okay?”
I nod. “Apparently the weird feeling only happens when I shift. Interesting.”
Jackson’s eyes soften with adoration as he turns me around and pulls me back against his chest. He lowers us to the seat and kisses the side of my neck. “What a day, huh, Red?”
I laugh softly. “That’s one way of putting it.”
The following morning, Jackson and I head over to the Westbrook to meet with the others.
Nikolai had texted us last night to confirm the plan was a success, so we didn’t worry about going over then. Instead, we spent the rest of the night in the hot tub and Jackson’s bed. Needless to say, the energy I stole from that guy was used up before I fell asleep in Jax’s arms.
Now, sitting in one of the conference rooms in the hotel office with my fingers wrapped around a coffee mug, I’m fighting off an onslaught of yawns as we wait for Skylar and Nikolai to arrive.
Soon enough, they come into the room and sit across from me and Jackson.
“As you know,” Nikolai starts, “everything went smoothly yesterday.” He catches my gaze. “There were a few hiccups, but nothing we weren’t prepared for.”
My cheeks flush, and Jackson rests his hand on my thigh, turning it over so I can slide my fingers through his.
“The men responsible for the deaths of your foster family have turned themselves in and will be receiving life sentences. We’ve made sure of that.”
I don’t want to know how they did, I’m just glad to hear it.
“Are there any questions before we move on to the next matter?” Nikolai asks.
I arch a brow. “The next matter?”
“Yes,” Nik says. “We’ll need to introduce a new security plan upon your exit next month.”
Oh. Right.
Skylar chimes in at this point. “We haven’t received notice of any real threats, so we’re more confident that Jackson will be able to live safely without a personal guard moving forward at this time. He’ll still have his usual security team at home and at the facility, and one of three high-level guards with him at all times on a rotating schedule.”
Jackson traces circles with this thumb on the back of my hand as we both listen.
My chest tightens upon hearing their plan for Jackson after I’m gone. He’ll be safe, but the thought of him not needing me around has me feeling conflicted.
“Your final payment has been deposited into your account as well as a ten-thousand-dollar bonus as requested by Mr. Hawthorne. The final weeks of your placement will be used to familiarize the new team with Jackson’s schedule. Are you okay with assisting in the transition?” Skylar asks.
“I . . . of course,” I finally get out.
She nods. “Excellent. You know, we’d love to keep you on the team around here. That is, if you’re interested in staying in Rockdale.”
Jackson’s thumb pauses and his gaze turns to me. In fact, everyone is looking at me, and I have no idea what to do.
I can’t stay in Rockdale. Not after everything that’s happened.
Can I?
Chapter 23
I leave the meeting feeling more confused than ever.
Am I seriously considering staying in Rockdale after wanting to leave for so long?
I didn’t give Skylar an answer. I couldn’t, and my mind is still going a million miles an hour as Jackson and I head back to the house.
The Westbrook Inc. Gala is tonight and we’ll both be attending, but I need a break from the city before the event, so I’m happy to head back to Jackson’s. He hasn’t pushed the question, even though I figured he might on the drive home.
“We can talk about how you’re feeling if you want,” he offers.
And there it is.
I exhale a heavy breath, glad in this moment that Jackson is driving so I don’t have to focus on the road. “I don’t know how I feel. Rockdale holds so many terrible memories for me, which makes me want to get as far away from this place as possible. On the other hand, I’ve since made some good memories, and there are people here that I care about.”
“Like me,” he adds with a grin.
I roll my eyes but can’t help the smile that forms on my lips. “Right. Like you.”
“If you’re wondering what my opinion on the matter is, I want you to stay,” he says.
My gaze slides to him as I admire his profile. As much as I would love to pretend things between us are just physical—because that would make leaving so much easier—it isn’t true. We both know it. We’ve both expressed it aloud.
Now, I have to decide if leaving would be easier or harder than staying.
I begrudgingly drive back into the city after lunch and pick up Allison so we can go shopping for gala dresses.
She practically throws herself into the passenger seat of my car and slams the door shut before turning toward me with a megawatt grin on her face. “I have news,” she announces.
“You don’t say,” I remark dryly. “What’s up, Al?”
“Monica and I are moving in together!” she squeals. “We found the cutest condo not far from either of our jobs, and we signed the paperwork this morning.”
“Oh, wow. That’s exciting.” I offer her a smile. “Congratulations, Allison.”
She beams at me. “Thanks! All right, let’s get this show on the road and find us something to wear tonight.”
Nodding, I shift the car into drive and pull away from the curb, heading toward the shopping center.
It takes four different stores before I finally settle on a floor-length emerald dress. It has an open back and a deep neckline, and it makes me feel like a freaking princess. I d
on’t bother looking at the price tag, and I don’t even care that I’ll likely only wear it once.
Allison freaks over it and finds her own—a knee-length baby blue dress with lace and frilly things. Nothing I would ever consider touching, but she makes it look good.
After we’ve finished shopping, armed with stunning dresses, shoes, and jewelry, I drop Allison off at the hotel where Aurora is waiting to get ready. They ask me to join them, but I want time to myself before having to deal with the crowd all night.
When I get back to Jackson’s, I carry my bags into my bedroom and go looking for him to see what time he wants to head out.
I poke my head into his room and find him standing in front of a full-length mirror. He’s rocking a full tuxedo, and my entire body heats at the way it hugs his muscles in all the right places.
“Are you going to come in or just continue standing there gawking at me as if I’m a piece of meat?” he asks.
I grin, pushing away from the doorframe to approach him. “You clean up nice, Hawthorne.”
He bends and kisses me softly. “Thanks, Red. You get a dress?”
“You won’t be able to keep your eyes off me.”
He sucks in a breath. “I have no doubt about that.”
I wrap my arms around his midsection and lean into him. “I should go get ready.”
He peers down at me. “Yes, you should. I’ll be waiting with baited breath.”
I laugh. “Don’t hurt yourself. I’ll need you later tonight,” I say with a wink as I retreat and head back across the hall to my room.
Two hours. Two freaking hours it takes me to get ready. From showering to drying and curling my hair, applying makeup, and putting on my dress and jewelry. I couldn’t imagine doing this more than once a year.
I slip my feet into my heels and grab my clutch off the dresser, dropping my phone and lipstick inside before snapping the clasp shut.
Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror above the vanity, I sigh at my reflection. Behind the makeup and hair product and fancy dress, I still feel a pang of sorrow for what I’ve lost.
Tonight, we will celebrate many accomplishments.
But later this week, I will bury my foster brother.
That sadness looms over my heart. The opportunity to have a part of my human life carry into my future is now gone. With time, the pain will fade; though it will never go away completely. I’ll adjust to living with it, just as I’ve done with everything else I’ve had to endure. Kyle wouldn’t want me to be sad forever, and I won’t.
With a deep breath, I walk to the doorway and turn the light off before walking out of the bedroom.
At the top of the stairs, I pause. “All right, Jax, I—”
My words cut off when I see him standing at the bottom of the stairs in the foyer, staring at me with a look of adoration. So much so, my legs wobble a bit as I descend the first few stairs. I grab the railing and manage to make it the rest of the way down.
Jackson offers me his arm, still unable to keep his eyes off me—as promised. “You look absolutely stunning.” He leans in to kiss my cheek, but I turn my face at the last moment so our lips collide in a soft, sweet kiss.
“Thank you,” I murmur when he pulls back.
“There’s something I want to ask you,” he says, his eyes staring intently into mine.
“Okay,” I say. “So ask.”
“It’s important.” He cups my cheeks, tilting my head back so our gazes are level. “I want you to stay. Here. With me. Don’t leave Rockdale, Kelsey.”
My heart gives a painful squeeze and my mouth goes dry. “I . . . what?”
“I don’t want to lose you. I care about you too damn much. I thought I could let you go because that’s what you want, but I can’t. That makes me a selfish man, but I don’t care. I need you in my life, Red. So please, don’t leave.”
Tears prick my eyes. “Oh, Jackson.” I swallow the lump in my throat. “I’ve been thinking about it all day and I want to stay. I mean, I want to be able to, but I just . . . I don’t think I can.” Even if I could get past everything that’s driving me away, I’m not sure what I would do. I wouldn’t be Jax’s guard anymore, and returning to the gym to train fae would only be a step back. I need to move forward with my life.
He frowns. “Of course. I’ve been thinking about it, too. I understand why you can’t stay here, and I won’t ask again. I respect your answer and reasoning. But I will ask you this. Let me come with you. Wherever you go. I don’t want you to walk away from me, and I don’t think you want that, either.”
My eyes go wide. I don’t want to leave him, but—
“What are you talking about, Jax? You can’t leave. You run a business here, your friends are here—your family,” I say.
He chuckles. “I think Nikolai can get by without me for a while.”
I shake my head. “This is crazy. Who would even run the facility?”
“I spoke to Seth while you were out today. I offered him a very good salary to run the place. Temporarily, of course, but he agreed nonetheless. And Skylar will line up a security team to ensure his safety.” Jackson leans in, pressing his forehead against mine, and drops his hands to my hips. “What do you say, Red?”
I’m still at such a loss for words. Jackson is willing to give up his business to go . . . wherever I go. “You really want to come with me?” I ask in a small voice.
His eyes shine with words we haven’t ventured toward yet, and it makes my heart race. “If you’ll have me, there’s nothing I want more.” He presses his lips to mine. “Where do you want to go first?”
“I don’t really know,” I admit, excitement fluttering in my stomach at the thought of Jackson joining me on this new adventure.
“Where have you been in the past? Is there anywhere you’ve enjoyed and want to revisit?”
I catch my bottom lip between my teeth for a moment. “I haven’t been anywhere.”
Shock colors his face, and his aura—a muted gold nowhere near as gorgeous as his eyes—but it’s quickly replaced by a warm smile. “I’ll take you anywhere you want to go. Allow me, and I’ll show you the most beautiful places on this Earth.”
My vision blurs with tears, but I don’t try to hide them. “I’d like that.” Three simple little words that seal my fate. Well, for the foreseeable future. I want to explore a relationship with Jackson, and this is the best way to do that.
Jackson pulls me against him and kisses me hard. He kisses me until I can think of nothing but the way his lips feel and how we’re going to spend the next chapter of our lives together. We’re still kissing when I remember we have a gala to get to, and if we don’t leave now, we’re going to be late.
I pull back and slide my hand into his. “What are we going to tell everyone?” I ask as we walk out to the car.
He glances down at me, grinning softly. “That you fell in love with me and are sweeping me off my feet to elope.”
I elbow him in the ribs. “I’ll think of something on the way.”
The spark of adoration in his eyes makes my heart sing.
Jackson Hawthorne. My pain in the ass, my anchor, and the man I have the most indescribable feelings for.
In the time we’ve spent together, I’ve come to accept it for what it is.
A twisted devotion.
Read the whole series now!
Author Note
Reviews are everything to an author. If you enjoyed Twisted Devotion, please consider leaving a review on Goodreads and your favorite bookseller’s website.
Acknowledgments
Another book, another acknowledgment page. These always stress me out because I’m terrified of forgetting to thank someone. But here it goes.
As always, to my friends and family for always being excited about my new projects and for your support of this and everything I’ve chosen to pursue these last few years. Your encouragement gives me the momentum to keep going even when I want to quit.
To Allison Alexander, B
ethany Atazadeh, and Kate MacPherson, for reading the garbage fire this book was at the time. Your feedback was amazing and made this book so much better. Y’all are the best.
To Kelsey Sutton, for being the last person to read this manuscript and make it pretty before it became a real book. Also, for being an amazing friend.
To my fan-fucking-tastic editor, Christina Hart, for being the loudest, funniest cheerleader possible while also cleaning up this book enough to actually put it in front of readers. You are brilliant, and I can’t wait to work with you again.
To the authors who have offered support and guidance to me from the beginning, your insight into the industry and ways to improve my craft have been invaluable.
To the readers who have given my stories a chance, I will never be able to thank you enough. I hope you’ll continue to follow me on this crazy journey through the book world. I’m just getting started, friends!
About the Author
Jessi Elliott is a YA and new adult paranormal romance author.
She lives in Ontario, Canada with her adorable calico cat, Phoebe.
When she's not working on her next book, she likes to hang out with friends and family, get lost in a steamy romance novel, watch Friends, and drink coffee.
You can find Jessi at www.jessielliott.com, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can join her newsletter to stay up to date on book news and upcoming releases.
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Twisted Devotion: A Fae Paranormal Romance Page 18