Awaken to Pleasure - By Nalini Singh Page 0,23

her lower back, a subtle pressure that reminded her she now belonged to him.

Her feelings of confusion intensified but she didn't move away, because whileJacksonmight be the most disturbing thing in her life, he was also the safest. "I don't want him to know why we're marrying." She couldn't bear it if Nick thought she was sacrificing something for him, because she wasn't.

"I agree."

As they drove to the school.Jacksonsaid, "Don't worry. He's met me before so it won't be a total surprise." The fleeting touch on her cheek was unexpected but welcome.

Dutifully chaperoned by his camp counselor, her brother was waiting for them by the gate. When the sleek black Mercedes stopped in front of him, she saw his eyes widen. She stepped out and feltJackson follow. While she went to hug Nick, after thanking the counselor, he picked up her brother's bags and dumped them in the trunk.

After a quick hug that apparently embarrassed him from the speed with which he pulled away, Nick looked up at the man beside her. "Hi,Jackson."

"Nick."

Nick was a smart boy. He looked from her toJackson. "What?" Speculation turned his blue eyes sky-bright.

Taylordidn't want to tell him right now but realized that she didn't really have a choice. "What would you say if I told you that ... me and Jackson..."

Nick started to grin. "Are you gonna marry my sister?"

Her jaw dropped. "How did you know that?"

The boy shrugged. "I dunno. 'CauseJacksonlikes you?"

Flustered, she looked at Jackson, who just said, "Smart kid. Jump in the car - we'll talk on the way."

Nick scrambled in, already asking his first question. "Are we going to live with you?"

"Yes."Jacksonanswered.

A short silence. "Will I always stay with you?"

Taylorfrowned, not understanding. ButJacksonevidently did. Stopping the car at the side of the street, he looked over his shoulder. "Yes. I went to boarding school and I would never send a child of mine there."

"But I'm not yours."

Taylor's heart clenched at that quiet statement. Her instinct was to reassure him but she remained silent, aware that something important was happening between the solemn, ten-year-old and the charismatic man in the driver's seat.

"You are now." There was no arguing withJackson's decisive statement. He turned and restarted the car.

Nick was quiet for a longtime. Then he said, "Will I have my own room like I do now?"

"Sure. You can't sleep with us, after all."Jacksongrinned in the rearview mirror. "You can have one of the two big first floor bedrooms. We'll be on the second floor."

Meanwhile,Taylor's stomach went into freefall. He'd said "us." Did he expect her to have sex with him from the start in spite of everything? The idea of being with him wasn't abhorrent, had never been so. It was the fact that she knew she'd freeze up and he'd hate her for it.

Once at the apartment, she sent Nick off to pack enough fresh clothes to see him through to the wedding.

Jacksoncame to stand in front of her. "Something's bothering you." His body language conveyed that he wasn't moving until she confided in him.

She swallowed and decided to be blunt. "Are we going to be sharing a bedroom?"

His mouth thinned. "I won't go back on my word,Taylor. You may not have noticed, but my bedroom is part of a suite. It's internally connected to a smaller bedroom. You can use that. Nick will never know."

"I hadn't considered what he'd think if we were in separate bedrooms." She was flustered, used to providing everything for her brother's happiness.

Jacksontook her hand in his, his dark gaze trapping hers. "You can't think of everything. Learn to depend on me a little. We males like to be needed."

"I'm depending on you a great deal."

The strong lines of his face were suddenly sharper. "Do not just depend on me as someone powerful, but also as a man. As your husband. You are now in my care." His rough declaration made her eyes widen in surprise.

"Taylor! I don't have a suit for your wedding." Nick barreled out of his room. Worry stamped his face.

Jacksonreached out and tousled his jet-black hair. "I've ordered you a tux. If you're ready, let's head home."

Nick's smile strengthenedTaylor's resolve. She'd do anything for her brother. And, she thought, a little shocked, she'd do anything to keep a smile onJackson's face, too. She would not hurt him by withholding herself - he understood her fear but it was a rejection all the same, telling him that she didn't trust him. If she couldn't trust her body withJackson, who