Chapter 51

Jack

Inside, my emotions churned. I wanted Juno to trust me so badly. It still hurt that she seemed reluctant to, but I was already falling for her. The way she felt in my arms, the soft skin as I ran my hands over her.

Even the look in her eyes as she looked around and spotted me. I wanted her in so many ways.

Most of the time, I could remind myself that she was still hurting. That all she needed was a little time, but I was hurting too. So many people had stopped trusting me after all the rumors and slander. So many people gave my words and actions no chance to prove those rumors wrong. And there was also the money and fame.

So many women had come along just for that. That was all they'd wanted. My money or to be famous. It was clear Juno liked certain aspects of the life we led as a band. So far, she hadn't appeared too hungry for money, but Kai had mentioned her agent pushing for writing accreditation for the song. Pushing for her to get a significant percentage of the royalties.

And while she had helped, even deserved some of them, she was one of many on the project and had played only a small part overall. Kai said he was taking care of it, but it had made me wary. I wasn't sure I could handle another woman who was only with me to make herself richer.

Money made so many people ugly on the inside.

Trying to focus on the positive, I thought about the near future. Juno was coming to the island for a few days with the band, and that meant she wasn't leaving yet. I kissed her again. She always tasted so amazing, and today was no different.

"So, what's the plan for the rest of today?" she asked as we broke off again.

I smiled, unable to help it as she looked up at me, her eyes full of hope and warmth. Several thoughts ran through my head, thoughts of taking her back to my apartment and bedding her some more, but I also knew it would be a good idea to actually do something with her somehow.

"We should pack, and if you want anything washed, we can get it done before going to the island," I said, choosing the most practical option. "Do you have everything you'd need for somewhere like that?"

"That didn't even occur to me. I don't have anything summery. How hot will it be?"

"Not very warm, but summer."

"I might need some different clothes, then," she said, looking wide-eyed at the idea.

"Shopping it is, then."

"Shopping?" she asked, looking away and sitting back.

"You appear scared," I replied, slightly surprised by her reaction. Most women loved the idea of shopping for more clothes.

"I don't really like shopping. Clothing stores are scary places full of clothes that either make you feel fat or out of fashion because they're all cut wrong, or you don't like them all."

For a moment, I didn't know how to respond. She had a point, but I was still surprised. Surely, she could find some clothes she liked out there.

"We could try and go for the Pretty Woman approach," I replied. "I'll wave my best credit card around, order pizza, and make sure everyone helps out."

She chuckled but shook her head. "As sweet as that would be, I think the attention would be worse. Besides, I don't think you should be buying me clothes yet."

I lifted an eyebrow, knowing most others would have simply accepted that offer. Yet here she was, saying she'd pay herself. Did she mean it?

With no way to know, I let the matter drop for now. Although I was aware she'd be buying more clothes simply because of me, I was also hopeful she wanted to be more financially independent. It would allay the fears Kai had raised if she was okay with paying her way.

The rest of the journey passed quickly, Juno talking about past vacations and asking questions about the island that revealed a train of thought more in line with planning to come.

She grew more animated as I told her about the beaches, houses, and everything we could do on the island.

"It sounds amazing," she said when the topic ended. "Thank you for inviting me to join all of you. I… I don't normally get to spend so much time in such amazing places."

"You haven't been as successful as you are for long, right?" I asked.

She shook her head but didn't seem bothered by the admission.

"It's harder to get famous as a creative than some people think. Especially as a writer. So few writers earn a living, even when they write amazing books."

I noticed a hint of sadness in her eyes and wondered what she meant exactly, but I wasn't sure now was the time to pry. We were almost back at the penthouse, and I wanted to get packed and on the island as soon as possible. While I still had worries, I was excited to see Juno's reaction to the island and the house I'd built on it.

A few fans were lingering outside the apartment building, and yet more paparazzi, but no one who would get into our faces. After telling Juno to focus on the building and come straight inside with me, I got out.

Although she came quickly after me, I didn't take her hand this time, and I moved right after Mick, another of my men falling in behind Juno.

I didn't relax until we were in the elevator and heading upward. As soon as I was alone with Juno again, I took her hand and pulled her into my arms. She smiled up at me, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade into the background.

"You seem happier, more relaxed than you were in London," I said, hoping it was true and wanting confirmation.

"I've really loved being here. Everything with the song, being with you. You have an amazing band and some great friends," she replied before the elevator stopped and let us out.

She was right, and for a moment, I focused on the gratitude I felt for both them and her. In a lot of ways, I had an amazing life, and I was aware I had things easier than the average person. But that didn't change how much a broken heart could shatter everything.

I held onto Juno for a little longer, standing in the hallway. She needed to go to the second apartment to pack her suitcase, but I didn't want to let her go. The more time I spent with her, the more I wanted to spend every second at her side.

After giving her a brief kiss, I backed up and went into my main apartment to pack as well.

Some of what I needed was already at the island, the place prepped with basic clothes, instruments, and all sorts of other stuff there for me whenever I showed up, but there were always a bunch of clothes and other things I wanted to take with me. I hated packing, however.

Sighing at the empty bed in front of me and remembering the last time I'd been in it, Juno beside me, I tried to focus on the positive. We were trying to make something work between us, and I had to hope that was enough.