would never act upon it as Jake is all I want and need. It’s funny to think that, considering I’m the one keeping us apart—for obvious reasons, of course. I have no doubt if I told Jake that I wanted us to be together again he would have no compunction taking me into his arms and bringing me to his home—my mother there or not.
“I don’t know how I can convince you otherwise that it will never happen.”
“I know, I know,” he responds, pulling out of the space. “It’s still something I can’t help thinking about. It’s still something that runs fucking riot in my head until I can’t think straight.”
I close my eyes, knowing all too well how that feels. “Every time I close my eyes at night, all I can picture is you and my mum together in ways you and I should be.”
His jaw tics at my statement. “I would never touch her. Ever.”
“I know, but evidence suggests you have. I could apply the same logic to you and say that the more time you spend with her, the more she may be able to convince you that being with her could be an option.”
Jake opens his mouth to speak but quickly closes it again. I know the differences between Michael and Stella are like chalk and cheese, but it’s still the same logic.
We drive in silence for a while until he pulls into a parking space by a diner, switching the engine off and turning to me. “I can’t believe I’m having to practically kidnap you and take you to a parking lot just to be able to be with you … talk to you.”
“Did Stella tell you?” I ask, wanting to get down to business. The less he fixes me with those puppy-dog piercing greens, the better.
“Tell me what?” he replies, a small crinkle of a frown in his forehead.
“That she’s my real mother. That she may not have been the one to carry me, but it was her egg which was used to have me.”
A vein in Jake’s neck twitches slightly as he taps the steering wheel with the top of his finger. “When you left in such a hurry and was so upset, I confronted her. Of course, I did. I think she had no other choice but to tell me considering I would have gotten it from you eventually anyway.”
I swallow before saying, “So you know that whatever happens, she’s carrying my brother—my blood. And you could be the father.”
Jake sucks in a breath and glances away. He stares out of the window like whatever’s out there will suddenly give him all the answers. “I don’t fucking like this any more than you do, but we’re both in this together—both trapped with what seems like no end in sight.” He shakes his head. “Anyway, that’s not why I brought you here.” He sighs before taking my hand. “I can’t stand that you’re going through all this, and I can’t be here for you. Apart from what happened at the diner back there, have you been okay? Has that fucker Spector left you alone?”
I smile at his concern and nod my head. “Yes, so far so good. Spector has left me alone. I can’t deny that what happened earlier hasn’t spooked me, though. To be honest, I can’t believe he was that brazen enough to walk into a public ladies toilet like that. Maybe it was the thrill of getting caught that made him do it?” I shiver at the thought. “I’m just glad he never got me to.”
Jake squeezes my hand. “He still got way too close for my liking.” He shakes his head. “I’ve been thinking for a while about hiring a bodyguard for you … until we catch the fucker, of course.”
My eyes widen. “You mean a bodyguard who will follow my every move? Erm … no, thanks.”
He tugs at my hand. “Don’t you think a short-term annoyance is worth your safety in the long run? I can’t fucking risk losing you again, Ana. When Tony took you, I nearly lost my mind. I’ve been looking in to it, and I’ve found a reputable firm who has one of the best female bodyguards in the state—” I laugh, momentarily interrupting him. “What?”
“It has to be a female bodyguard, doesn’t it?” I smirk at him, and he smiles back.
“Damn. Fucking. Straight.” We laugh together. “All jokes aside, I did do my research, and she is the best. If I can’t protect