Chapter 56

JASPER

H arper's beautiful pink complexion paled. I caught a fleeting view of the same warehouse where Harper was found, just before the screen transitioned to a segment about a rescue mission, saving dogs from an unlawful dog fighting ring.

"Did you?" She asked again when I hesitated to answer her the first time.

"Did you kill them?" The question I wasn't prepared to answer.

I thought I would have some time before we needed to recant that day, if at all. My mind raced as I searched for the right words to say. I could tell her no, and technically it wouldn't be a lie, because it wasn't my bullet that landed between the eyes of either of them, but I knew what she was asking, and I knew she already had the answer.

"I did what was necessary to protect you, Doll, nothing else." I held my breath as I watched Harper process my words. Initially, I saw fear, which turned into relief, following intrigue. I stepped closer to her, half-expecting her to back away, but she stood her ground. She waited, prepared for my embrace. I wrapped her in my arms, and gently kissed her forehead.

"It's what had to be done to protect you. I will always protect you, sweetheart."

No one will ever get close enough to hurt her ever again.

She will never have to worry, or fear for her life if I am standing.

She is a goddess and deserves nothing less than everything.

"Thank you," she whispered, her words merely a breath.

Shocked by her response, I stayed silent.

She leaned into my chest and shook as she let out a deep sob. I held her tighter, running my hands through her hair as I tried to console her. She needed this. She was so strong and fearless in front of Aster and Max. I thought she was putting on a brave face for me, but as I held her in that fragile state, I realized I was mistaken.

We didn't leave the penthouse at all that day. Harper was intent on lounging on the couch doing nothing, and I was more than willing to oblige. We ordered our meals, and I switched my phone to silent. We watched trash TV and talked about everything under the sun. I shared stories of college escapades, with Max, and she told me about her move to Miami with Aster for school. I would have sat there for days, to see the corners of her eyes crinkle when she laughed, or to hear the soft giggles she tried to hide when I shared something embarrassingly funny.

* * *

We had just finished dinner, and the closing credits of the silly Rom-Com that Harper made me watch were rolling on the screen.

Finally, damn it.

I stretched, letting out a large yawn that momentarily forced my eyes shut. When I reopened them, I caught Harper's gaze fixed intently on me.

"You okay, baby?" I asked, reaching for her. She didn't resist. She slid right to me until she was even with my chest, nearly laying on top of me. I ran my hand down her spine. She shivered a little and giggled.

"Yes, I am," she stated, expelling confidence I had never seen in her before. She never allowed anyone to think she was anything less, but I could see the truth. I leaned forward gently placing my lips to hers. She tensed, squeezing her thighs together, the subtle gesture didn't go unnoticed. I pulled back to see her face more clearly. The pink flush spread across her porcelain skin. My cock twitched at the sight, and since Harper was laid across my lap it was no wonder why. When her breath hitched, she licked her lips.

"What do you want, Harper?" Her eyes, still locked on mine, squinted in confusion at my question, drawing back and scanning my face for some sign of clarity.

"I want to wake up in the morning and feel safe." She started "I want to know when I lay my head down at night, that peace comes with it. I want to experience real genuine love. I want to… to live." She finished, with tears in her eyes that refused to fall. I cupped her cheeks with both hands, lifting her gaze back to mine, pulling her towards me, so close our lips were almost touching.

"I will give you all that, and much more if you'd let me."

She smashed her lips against mine in a bruising kiss. She positioned one leg on either side of me as she straddled my lap, never breaking our connection. There was fire between us. Something so strong I felt it deep in my fucking soul.

She is Mine.

I pressed my forehead against hers slowly pulling away. I needed to say the thing that had been on my tongue for days. Something, I wanted to tell her the moment she opened her eyes at the hospital.

"I love you, Harper Williams," I whispered nervously between us, just loud enough for her to hear me. She gasped audibly at my admittance. She closed her eyes, absorbing the moment.

After an agonizing eternity, she opened her eyes, grasped my face, and spoke each word slowly, as though she was reconciling with the truth.

"I. Love. You. Jasper." Suddenly I felt so full. Everything I never knew I wanted was just handed to me. Nothing could take the happiness I felt at that moment. Hearing those words from her, was something I would never fucking forget.

I grabbed her legs holding her close as I stood and walked the two of us towards the bedroom. I needed her. All of her. I needed to feel her body wrapped around mine. Even that wouldn't be enough. I needed to devour her very essence.