Chapter 66

Jack

Looking at Juno as she stood on the edge of a beach, her feet in the water and her gaze looking out across the sea, made me feel better. For someone who had been reluctant to come, she seemed to be pleased to be here and I hadn't picked up on any fear.

That said, Alma was clearly keeping an eye on her, the two of them walking arm in arm some of the time.

I wanted Juno to myself already, wishing everyone else was going home, but I couldn't help but be worried she'd run when they left.

As I was thinking this, she turned and came toward me, her eyes lighting up the second she spotted me. I put my arms out to invite her into a hug and held her close, our gazes locked.

"Do you like it?" I asked, wanting her approval more than I'd realized.

She nodded. "I love it. And I think everyone else does as well."

I frowned, noticing her words.

"People don't come here often, do they? Normally, it's just you."

I exhaled as I gave her an affirmative.

"Do you mind?" I asked.

"No. I think it's sweet of you, but we could have talked about it some more."

"Would you have come without them?"

"No, I don't think I would, but I'd have regretted it." She held her breath as she looked up at me, studying me, almost as if she feared I might be angry.

I pulled her in tighter and gave her a quick kiss. Knowing what she was thinking and feeling always made this easier.

"When they leave, will you stay longer?" I asked as I slipped back to get a good look at her.

Immediately, she looked down and away, but I refused to let her go. I needed her with me, and I wasn't about to let her pull away out of fear. Not when she was perfectly safe. I might claim her body, but I'd never force her or make her feel pain just to punish her.

She was someone to be protected and pleasured, as well as enjoyed.

I placed a finger under her chin and lifted it again.

"Think about it," I said. "I won't pressure you, but you're safe with me, and I think you know it."

Juno smiled and nodded, her shoulders relaxing. I kissed her again, being as gentle and tender as I could, but I hurt at the same time. I desperately wanted her to trust me. To know I would never abuse her the way others had.

"Would you mind if I wrote for a bit?" she asked a moment later. "I think it might help me relax here."

"Whatever you wish," I replied, surprised by the request but appreciating the thought behind it.

She slipped out of my arms and went toward the house. For a moment, I didn't know what to do with myself, the calm sound of the waves in the background tugging at my emotions as much as she did.

How was I going to navigate this relationship? It was my first that had lasted more than a night or two in years, and I didn't know if I could handle much more uncertainty.

A moment later, Kai appeared at my side, almost making me jump as he placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Still having trouble?" Kai asked.

"Not trouble, exactly. But…" I trailed off, not sure how to explain everything I felt.

"Give it time. She's adjusting to you and fame at the same time."

"That's one of the reasons I'm concerned," I replied without thinking.

"I don't think she's after your money or status. She seems to be content in herself and with the level of fame and money she already had." Kai started walking toward the house, following in her footsteps, and I responded by going with him.

"I'm worried about the song contract, though."

"Yeah, I won't deny I am a little as well. But if she told her agent to back off, I'm sure he'll back off. She's not given us any reason to doubt her yet. I know you're worried it's what she wants, but if it is, she's far better at hiding it than anyone has been in the past."

"I dunno. I never saw it with?—"

"Don't beat yourself up about that anymore, Jack," Kai said, cutting me off. "She had a lot of people fooled."

"But not you or Alma," I said, my hands bunching into fists. How could I have been so stupid?

"Alma likes Juno. I like Juno. Deep breaths, man, and give it time. You've got her on your island, which is amazing, by the way, and she's happy here. It's a good start."

I nodded. Kai was right, but despite all the reassurances, I didn't feel I could entirely relax. She was a hard woman to read, and as much as I really liked her, I was still trying to guard my heart.

I didn't know exactly how I felt about her yet, either. Yeah, she was hot, and we had chemistry and some great conversations. I also appreciated the different style of relationship she'd introduced me to, but I was still getting used to it.

It made me feel powerful. In control. As if I could do anything. But it also allowed me the opportunity to care for someone who seemed to appreciate it.

Juno was an interesting mix of confident and capable, yet hopelessly naive about some subjects. I was pretty sure she'd never been in a designer clothing store, but she knew her way around words and the publishing business like no one I'd ever met before.

I found myself smiling as I thought of it and strode inside. After pulling some drinks out of the fridge for Kai and me, we made our way around the front of the building and the view of the beach. As I passed the stairs, I noticed Juno.

She'd sat sideways on the window ledge at the top of the stairs and was leaning against the window so she could both see the view and write. And she was writing by hand, a fountain pen in one hand and a notebook balanced on her folded legs.

For a moment, I couldn't move, mesmerized by the look on her face as she moved her hand across the page. Her hair had slipped down to cover her cheek, and I found myself wanting to climb the steps and stroke it back again.

Before I could do so, Kai reached out and rested his hand on my shoulder again and then motioned with his head for me to continue with him.

I tore my eyes away from the angelic view, and it seemed to break the spell. We were soon sitting on the edge of the jetty. I could still see Juno from the other side, but she was far enough away that she wouldn't be able to hear us talking.

"You know, she looks right at home up there," Kai said, grinning at me as he sipped his drink.

I chuckled, knowing exactly what he meant. I'd already noticed that she had a way of looking at home anywhere.

"I asked her if she'd stick around after you've all gone," I said a moment later, looking out to sea where some fish were jumping and making bubbles on the surface of the otherwise calm water.

"Looked like a deer in headlights?"

"Not quite, but not far off. I wish she'd trust me."

"Give her time. She came here. I'm sure Alma can convince her to stay after we go. That woman can convince anyone of anything." Kai looked proud as he spoke, and once more, it made me ache for something I didn't currently have.

Could I have a long-term relationship with Juno?