Mastering the Art of Love (The American Soldier Collection 2) - Page 44
“Are you two for real?”
He squinted his one eye at her.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I’m a bit of a pessimist, I guess. Experience has shown me that sometimes things aren’t always as they appear and people can change right before your very eyes.”
“You don’t trust me or Jax?”
“It’s not trust per se. It’s more like fear of history repeating itself.”
“Go on and explain.”
“There’s nothing to explain.”
“Who was he and how did he hurt you?”
She was shocked. How the heck did he figure a man was involved? She shrugged her shoulders and told him about Gavan.
“What an asshole. But, it worked out. You belong with us, not him.”
She hesitated to be completely honest with him. Even doing that scared her. Opening up her heart for pain and admitting her fears would give him and Jax power over her. Her heart battled her mind. She had taught herself to not rely on anyone. Too many people promised faith, commitment then failed to come through. Would Jax and Jameson be different? Could she trust them?
She felt his fingers under her chin as he tilted her face toward his. She locked gazes with his dark-blue eyes. “Hey, you got awfully quiet. What’s wrong?”
“Honestly?”
He smiled softly. Her heart melted, and that feeling of distrust slowly diminished.
“Honesty is important in a relationship.”
There he was talking about relationships again. Could they really want her?
“Are you sure you want to be in a relationship with me?”
His thumb caressed across her lower lip.
“As sure as I’ve ever been about anything in my life. It’s simple. It’s right.”
“How do you know?”
He squinted his eyes at her a moment.
“Baby, you really have a difficult time trusting people, don’t you?”
She didn’t reply. She didn’t need to as she held her serious expression.
“What are you so afraid of with Jax and I?”
Her heart raced. She felt her hands become clammy as she swallowed hard. Honesty. I have to tell the truth and if they hurt me in the end, then I will once again be alone in a world waiting to eat me whole.
“I can’t help but be fearful that you’ll leave me, too. For something or someone better.”
He placed his palm against her cheek and held her gaze. “Baby, we won’t leave you or hurt you, because you are meant for us. Jax and I have never felt like this about anyone, ever. I know trust is difficult for you, and after what you shared with me I can understand why. But, you need to trust me. I won’t leave you and neither will Jax.”
She hugged him tight and felt the tears well up in her eyes.
“I couldn’t stand it if you left me. Either of you,” she admitted, and he squeezed her to him then began to kiss her cheek. She pulled back, and he covered her mouth with his own.
Source: readsnovelonline.net