I’d overdone it. My ribs were screaming.
“Stay with me tonight,” I whispered against his mouth. “Let me hold you.”
Jasper pulled back, his eyes searching mine. I wasn’t sure what he was looking for, but I hoped like hell he found it, because I wasn’t sure I could let him walk out that door. Not tonight. Maybe not ever.
“Only if you let me wrap your ribs,” he said, a slow smile pulling at his lips.
“You drive a hard bargain.”
Needless to say, I let him.
TWENTY-TWO
Sunday, January 3, 2021
TALON
Since Saturday had been constant interruptions to my regular routine, I spent Sunday focused on the upcoming week and dealing with an issue that had arisen with Zafiro. Nothing urgent enough to have me leaving the island, but enough that it kept my focus for the majority of the day.
When I wasn’t on the phone, I was getting updates from Tiegan and Zion regarding the seven Owners who would be embarking on the island first thing in the morning. It was one of the biggest groups we’d ever handled at any given time, but I knew it was feasible. To accommodate, Tiegan was flying in several more employees, most of whom managed my training facilities in the US. I was impressed by the way she’d taken charge, stepping into the role she so desperately wanted without being asked.
And last but not least, I was keeping a close eye on a breaking news story coming out of Chicago. One that had caused an uproar in my inner circle. Rightfully so, the news of Ransom’s death had swept through Dichotomy, and as expected, it wasn’t going over well. I understood. I did. However, I knew it was critical that I kept the truth to myself. While Zeke, Landon, Langston, Justin, and the others were overcome with a devastating grief and would require some time to mourn Ransom’s untimely demise, it meant Ransom and Braelyn were safe. And right now, that was the only thing that mattered.
Of course, Trent Ramsey wasn’t so easily bowled over. I’d gotten numerous calls from him demanding details as to where I was and whether or not Ransom and his sister were with me. I’d yet to call him back, which I was certain only chapped his ass all the more.
By midafternoon, I ventured out of my office in search of Braelyn. I hadn’t seen her for most of the day, save for the glimpses I’d gotten of her down at the pools. I’d sent word to Gideon that I wanted her to have some alone time without the possessions intruding. It wasn’t that I intended to change things indefinitely, but until she was accustomed to seeing naked possessions traipsing about, I figured it wouldn’t disrupt too much to keep them out of the common areas for a few hours.
In search of Braelyn’s location, I stopped by one of the electronic panels mounted throughout the estate, having instructed my possessions to keep tabs on her, to ensure she didn’t need anything. With Auberon keeping close to me, I had assigned Sim to watch over her, and I found he’d updated the information to say she’d returned to her room roughly half an hour ago.
Perfect.
After instructing Auberon to put in my request for dinner in a few hours, I decided some time with her was just what I needed. It hadn’t been easy keeping my distance throughout the day, despite all I had going on. It was never difficult for me to get lost in my work, to not allow my attention to scatter. Or rather, it hadn’t been until I’d brought Braelyn here. It occurred to me that I was going to have to stop fighting the pull she had on me. Otherwise, I’d risk jumping her the way I had yesterday.
When I reached Braelyn’s room, I dismissed Sim, instructing him to assist Auberon until he was summoned back.
I knocked, waiting patiently for her to answer. When she didn’t, I gave in to my need to see her, opening the door to find her bedroom empty. The bed was made, an iPad sitting on the nightstand. Seeing it made me smile. She’d made the request for an e-reader earlier, and I was content knowing my possessions had come through for her.
The sound of running water had me turning to the bathroom, where I found Braelyn in the shower.
Clearing my throat to inform her of my presence, I watched as she turned around, wiping her hair back from her eyes.
My breath caught at the