I just don't know why they adopted me in the first place. "Yeah, I know how wicked he is," Jake said softly, "but I don't want you becoming bitter like him."
He took a step closer, his voice low with emotion. "Listen… I'll forever be grateful to him even if you asked him to fund my education just to ease your heart. Whatever happens, I owe him that much."
I bit my lower lip, my hands trembling.Let's just forget it," he added, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I can't stand seeing you cry."
Before I could speak, I threw myself into his arms. My sobs broke out like a dam. His shirt soaked under the tears I couldn't hold back.
"Oh no… I'm so clumsy. I'm sorry. I messed up your shirt…" I stammered.
Jake let out a small chuckle. "Hey… don't be silly. Come here." Then the words spilled out of him, soft but piercing.
"I love you."
Wait… what?
My eyes widened as his words echoed through my entire body. He looked at me with such intense sincerity, eyes brimming with emotions I never knew he had been hiding. My heart started pounding furiously.
I didn't even have time to think. Jake crossed the short distance between us, cupped my waist with those strong hands, and before I knew it, his lips were on mine.
It was… electric.
His kiss was soft and sweet at first warm and gentle, like the love he'd been holding in for years. But then… his hand slipped into my hair, gripping it gently as he tilted my head back. The kiss deepened. Jake took the lead, his lips moving in slow, teasing motions, trying to teach mine how to respond.
He could sense it… my hesitance. My inexperience. But instead of pulling away, he kissed me like he had all the time in the world. Until… slowly… I started to respond. We moved in perfect rhythm.
When I finally broke free, gasping for air, my fingers clutched onto his shirt like a lifeline. I felt hot, dizzy, overwhelmed… I turned sharply and bolted upstairs.
What the hell just happened?!
I slammed the door behind me, leaned against it, and slid to the floor. My fingers brushed over my lips, still tingling from the kiss.
Jake and I just kissed. Not by accident. Not by force. It just… happened. And worst of all? It was my first kiss. God… did he notice? Did I seem completely clueless?
My thoughts raced.
Of course I noticed how handsome he was. Sinfully beautiful. Broad shoulders. Tall, strong frame. That chest dear Lord that chest could be illegal in some countries. I screamed into my hands.
I was spiraling. I was in love. Oh no.
"Hey! What is it?!" a voice called from behind my door. "Ahh!" I screamed, startled. It was Sadash. I let out a long sigh of relief. "You scared me."
"Sorry, sorry," she said, entering the room. "But seriously, why are you grinning like a cat that stole a diamond? "It's nothing…" I mumbled.
She gave me that motherly look.
"Come sit. I want to brush your hair, just like always." Sadash, you literally brush it every day." I know," she smiled. "Because I love doing it."
I giggled, settling in front of her as she ran the brush through my strands. I don't know what I would've done without you," I said quietly. "You're like a mother to me."
Sadash paused, then leaned down and kissed my head. "And you're like a daughter to me. I love you so much, Aurora."
"I love you too."
She smiled, continuing the strokes.
Suddenly—
"Well, well, my favorite girls are here," Jake's voice rang from the doorway. I froze. My body tensed, my eyes darted away. He was standing there, relaxed but watching me closely. His smile was casual but his eyes? They were burning. Like he remembered every second of what just happened between us.
I couldn't even bring myself to look him in the eye. "Sadash," I said, trying to sound natural. "I need to ask Mom something."
Sadash squinted suspiciously. "Since when do you ask your mom anything?" I tried to keep calm, but my tongue was stuck. I stood up too fast. "Sadash, I have to go—"
But just as I turned toward the door, we collided. Jake's hand shot out to steady me. His fingers lingered on my arm longer than they needed to. His breath was close — too close. My heart thundered.
Our eyes locked for a brief second… and that was all it took. Everything came rushing back the kiss, the breathlessness, the confusion, the heat.
My lips parted, but no sound came out. He looked at me like he wanted to kiss me again.