by Hayden Wolfe
His honesty cleared her vision. She blinked, easing the grittiness in her eyes. “Why? I’m guessing it wasn’t because loving me was unpleasant. We did end up together a few more times.”
“What we did…how I acted…” Jack eased away from her. His fingertips trailed over her stomach as he stepped away. “I never got my dick anywhere near a lover without a condom on. No way in hell did I want a lifetime tie to a woman who meant nothing to me. That’s something I promised my mama way back when I just started looking at girls. She set me down and put the fear of God into me.”
Blaine turned and swept her gaze over the man she’d have a lifetime tie to even if things didn’t work out between them. Not only was he deliciously hot, Jack was a good man. She suspected if he did stay involved in their children’s lives, he’d make a wonderful father too.
“With you…” Jack rubbed the back of his neck. He laughed, a bitter sound that held no humor. “With you, I fought to hold on to my honor from the moment you stepped into my arms out on the deck. I knew I didn’t have a condom. I hadn’t expected to need one. Still, I couldn’t stop thinking about getting inside you. When you dropped to your knees…”
Jack glanced over his shoulder. “I lost it. All I knew was that I wanted you. Nothing else mattered. You understand?”
Blaine smiled, even though she knew her mouth didn’t behave the way it should, and went to Jack. She wrapped her arms around him, resting her good cheek on his chest, right over his heart. “What I remember is a man who kept trying to make me see reason. I was the one who wouldn’t have any of it. Passion ruled me. All I knew was that I needed you more than anything.”
Jack held her as tightly as she held him. “It wasn’t just that time, angel. It was every time we were together. I wanted the right to love you without a condom, any time and any way I needed you. I knew what I was thinking wasn’t right so I kept my mouth shut and my dick wrapped, but dear God, it was hard.”
“Well, for the next few months, we can have all the sex we want without protection.”
“This has nothing to do with sex, Blaine.”
Her frown tugged on the wound that was still healing. She eased her tight expression. “I don’t understand? Aren’t we talking about sex?”
“Not any longer.”
The seriousness in Jack’s tone quickened her pulse. She turned in his arms. “What are we talking about now?”
“What are your plans for your career? You hinted but didn’t give me any definite decisions.”
Jack’s loose grip around her waist stopped her from retreating from this conversation. While she’d come to terms with her decision, it still left her anxious thinking about the future. “My publicist was waiting for the green light to start the process of canceling any shows or business obligations I’ve committed to doing in the next two years. I got that yesterday when I heard their heartbeats. Trust me, hearing two when I was only expecting one shocked me, but it only made my choice all the easier to make. Bringing healthy babies into this world and taking care of me is more important than singing.”
Jack studied her face. His brows turned down. “So you’re giving up everything you worked so hard to accomplish for our babies?”
She laughed. “When you put it like that, my choice sounds horrible.”
“Not horrible. It’s just that you were very adamant about not putting anyone in front of your wants. Not a baby. Not a husband. Nothing. You seemed so sure of your decision.”
Blaine traced Jack’s beard as she’d longed to do over the weeks they’d been separated. “I’m not giving up. I’m taking a break. When I’m ready, I’ll sing. Maybe not as well as I used to sing, but nothing will kill my desire to express myself. Whether it will still be marketable to do so remains to be seen. In the meantime, I’m taking time to think about my options. That’s a good thing. Life isn’t meant to be constant, and I plan on rolling with whatever life throws at me.”
A pleased expression spread over Jack’s face. “Do those options include playing your violin?”
Laughing, she shook her head. “Playing my violin, yes. Playing in Eliot’s tour, no way. That’s officially off the list.”
“Why?” Curiosity twined into the word.
She gave him a “you’re not serious” look. “I am not hauling two babies around with me on a worldwide tour. That’s crazy talk.”
“How about if I haul them while you focus on your violin?”
“You?” Blaine stepped back, breaking the loose hold Jack had on her.
“Yeah, me. They’re my babies too.” Jack exaggeratedly spread his arms and wiggled his fingers. “And I’ve got two arms. One for each of them.”
Blaine pressed a hand to her mouth, hiding the big goofy grin on her face, but nothing she did would stop the tears from pooling in her eyes. “You plan to be a part of their lives, then?”
“And yours.” Jack drew her hand from over her mouth and linked their fingers. “That’s what I’ve been craving, Blaine. I want the right to love you. Nothing between us. Not a condom. Not an ocean. Not a promise to my mama. Nothing. Just me and you.”
The trembling started in her fingers and raced up her arms. Blood drained from her face, leaving her lightheaded. Jack’s steady gaze on her stopped the anxiety from spreading. She focused on his brown eyes and let the fear leave her with her exhaled breath.
“What are you asking me, Jack?”
Jack leaned in and took her mouth on a gentle kiss, a press of lips, an exchange of air, a promise that’d last a lifetime. Finally, he eased back, took her left hand in his, then met her eyes. “I’m not prepared for this any more than I was prepared to meet the angel meant to be mine, but I figured we could wing this. It’s worked for us so far, right?”
A shaky breath escaped her. She licked her dry lips. “Yes, spur of the moment seems to work for us.”
“Good. That’s what I was hoping you’d say.”
Her heart turned over, and tears wet her lashes by the time he dropped to his knees. Jack glanced up the length of her body. “Marry me, Blaine Zima. Make me the luckiest man to ever have walked this earth.”
“Yes.” Tears choked her voice. “Yes, I want to be your wife, your partner, your everything.”
“Thank God,” Jack muttered. He stood and hugged her, stealing her breath. “You’ve just saved me from the beating of my life.”
Blaine laughed and playfully slapped at his chest. “You better not have proposed because of your mother, Jack. Because I’ll tell her I got pregnant before you got down on one knee.”
“My mama was a math teacher before she had me and Levi. I think she’ll figure it out on her own.”
Blaine gripped Jack’s shirt. Doubt teased her. “Seriously, Jack. I don’t want these babies to be the reason you asked me to marry you.”
“They’re not. I asked you to be my wife because I love you. More than my next breath, just like I said on the phone to you. I love you, Blaine Zima.”
“I love you too.” The tears in her voice didn’t make her pledge sound very confident, but it was all she could manage. Emotions choked her.
Jack took her hands in his and brought them to his mouth. He placed a kiss on her knuckles and looked at her from under his lashes. “From now until the end of time, angel.”
She dipped her head, allowing the love she saw in his eyes to strengthen her. “From now until the end of time.”
And that sounded like a wonderful end to her story and her symphony. Now she simply had to make it happen.
Chapter 22
The party Jack’s family threw to celebrate his and Blaine’s engagement would’ve been perfect if not for the bodyguard lurking near the wall of his parents’ barn.
Jack left Blaine talking to Iona near the bonfire and made his way to the man he hadn’t seen since Alex dropped off the bag of shampoo and other bathroom stuff Blaine forgot in the rental. If anything, Alex had given them plenty of privacy. For that, Jack kept his annoyance in check.
L
earning Blaine had invited her bodyguard to this family affair, however, had reawakened Jack’s irritation. Alex had no reason to be here. According to Blaine, however, not inviting him would’ve been rude.
With his arms crossed over his chest, Jack leaned against the barn and watched the way Blaine’s mouth moved as she talked to her friend. “I’m surprised you decided to stay in Sander’s Valley. Blaine said she’d call you if she decided to return to Russia.”
“Both Blaine and Eliot have paid me very good money to act as Blaine’s bodyguard. It’d be wrong to skip out on my duties.” No British accent today. Alex sounded like a local.
Blaine had explained why he could pull off the trick. Alex had acted as a spy in the British army before working for Eliot. According to Blaine, Alex was as good as Eliot claimed. Jack wasn’t so sure he’d agree. Alex had missed the attacker at Blaine’s show despite standing on the side where her attacker would’ve stood.
Jack slid his gaze to Alex. “Blaine doesn’t need a bodyguard here. She’s a nobody in Sander’s Valley.”
Alex turned his head. Hardened eyes focused on Jack. “And you expect me to believe Blaine hasn’t given her name out to anyone? Or your family hasn’t said her full name in passing? Because I’d have to call you naïve if you did. I know for a fact Blaine’s name has been shared with the locals. It was printed in very nice letters on the place settings at your brother’s wedding.”
As long as Blaine’s name was common knowledge, there was a chance someone might enter it into an internet search. Once they did, her identity would be known. Jack knew this and the potential threat that came with it. “Blaine’s attacker doesn’t call America home. I’d bet my life on it. My guess is it was one of her superfans.”
Their fascination with Blaine bordered on obsession. They should never have been allowed to stalk her the way some of them did, camping out in front of her town house or sending her “gifts” and love letters. If anything, those things should’ve been inspected before they ever reached Blaine’s hands.
A contemplative look passed over Alex’s face. He inclined his head. “In this, I agree. The police have been looking at this angle too without much luck. I also believe Blaine is relatively safe here with you, which is why I’m not camped out in the woods surrounding your place. I’ve been keeping an eye on outsiders entering this valley, however. It’s not hard either. The workers at the local hotel are rich sources of information on outsiders.”
Jack didn’t doubt that for a second. Him and Wyn getting together with foreigners had been the talk of the town. Everyone was betting money on how long it’d be before Levi snagged himself a rich Russian girl too. Everyone except Levi, that was. According to his twin, Levi had written off women. Focusing on business was more satisfying. He wanted Sullivan’s Pub to succeed, beating everyone’s expectations, including his and Jack’s.
For Jack, though, Blaine was his business. He’d be nothing without her. Love had that effect on a man. Knowing this, he’d fought that fate for a long time. Now, though, he’d fight anyone who tried to take Blaine from him. “I’m an ex-Marine, Alex. I can protect Blaine as well as you can. Better even. My motivation is a hell of a lot stronger than yours.”
Alex snorted. He turned his attention to the bonfire. “And I was a member of the Royal Guard before Eliot claimed me as his l…” Alex cracked his jaw. “Lowly assistant.”
That wasn’t what Alex had meant to say. Jack was sure of it. Alex had been about to admit to being Eliot’s lover. Blaine had told him her suspicions in one of her emails. Jack studied Alex’s profile a moment, looking for the confirmation in his harsh expression. Nothing showed.
“Lowly?” Jack let the confusion show in his voice. “The way Eliot spoke of you made you sound very, very valuable to him.”
A small grin Jack might’ve missed had he not been watching Alex so closely flashed across Alex’s mouth before the hardened look he’d worn all night returned. “Eliot’s a good boss. He makes it easy to please him as he’s very clear about what will make him happy, and it’s my job to provide those things. I’m pleased to hear my actions have been met favorably.”
Oh, yeah. Blaine would be happy to learn she’d been right. “Aren’t you worried about how Eliot is making out without you there to um…provide those assistant-type duties he’s come to expect from you?”
“We chat nightly. Eliot’s doing fine. He’s busy arranging the tour.”
“Possible tour,” Jack corrected him. “There’s no saying he’s going to get enough people to drop everything and travel the world on a charity tour.”
“He will.” Confidence laced Alex’s two words.
“You sound positive. How can you be so sure?” Because Jack wasn’t, especially where Blaine was concerned. He still hadn’t convinced her to give it a try. All he got was a “let’s wait and see” response.
“Eliot gets what he wants, Mr. Sander. Trust me on this.”
Blaine turned her attention from Iona to the cell phone Blaine held before Jack could respond. She stared at the screen for a long time, then raised her gaze, scanning the area until she settled on him. When she stepped forward, Jack excused himself and went to her, meeting Blaine halfway.
She bit the corner of her lip and gave him a questioning look. “How do you feel about taking a trip to Russia?”
“Sure. Whenever you’re ready.” Although he’d already proposed to Blaine, he was waiting until he asked her family for permission before he slid the ring he’d bought for her on her finger.
“Does this weekend sound good?” Her tight smile was the protective kind, as if she expected him to say no.
“Let me talk to Levi, but I don’t see why not.”
Blaine exhaled in relief. “Great. Mother is planning an engagement party for us. I would’ve hated to tell her no. I haven’t seen her this excited about anything in years.”
Then Jack would make sure he could get away, even if he had to beg his twin to cover for him. “It might be hard getting tickets for the flight or permission for me to enter Russia. You realize that, right?”
Blaine turned her phone for him. A confirmation for two one-way tickets to Russia showed on the screen. “Mother already got us tickets and arranged everything for you. We leave tomorrow night.”
Jack glanced at the price tag. He swallowed hard. “First class, huh?”
“Only the best for her little girl.” Blaine laughed. She hooked her arm with Jack’s. “Get used to it. Mother is from old money too. Combined with my dad’s portfolio, she has a lot.”
“I’m not marrying you for your money.” Jack focused on Blaine, letting her see the truth in his eyes. “You know that, right?”
She flashed him the smile that had only grown more adorable with its crooked quality. “I’m glad, because you’re not entitled to a cent of it.”
Standing on her tiptoes, Blaine linked her hands behind his neck and kissed him more deeply and completely than she had since the attack. The full strokes of her tongue along his—in front of his family—made him hungry. He wanted to get her inside his home and love her. All he could do was settle his hands on her hips and keep them there. Too many eyes were on them.
Finally, Blaine eased back. Her smile did crazy things to him. Love, possession, desire mixed into this intense emotion that strengthened him more than anything. Nothing he’d done in life compared to this. Not the adrenaline rush of fighting the enemy, not the satisfaction of getting any woman he wanted, not the simple contentment of sharing a beer with friends. Nothing. There was only Blaine and the love she held in her eyes for him. As if he was her king.
“Unless…” Her smile never wavered.
She was playing with him. He loved the look in her eyes. Jack leaned close and caught her lower lip between his teeth, tugging slightly on her tender flesh before releasing her. “Unless what, angel?”
“Unless you want to get married this weekend in Russia and…” Blaine dipped her head and looked at him from under her lashes. “A
nd become a Russian citizen and…and take my name.”
“You’re going to be a hyphenator!” Levi’s deep, full-body laugh cut through the night. He stepped next to them and smacked Jack’s back hard enough to tear a grunt from him. “Oh my God, I love it. My brother, the hyphenator!”
Jack clenched his jaw so hard pain traveled down his neck. “But you’ll always be the snitch. Won’t you, brother?”
“Hyphenator?” Brow raised, Blaine glanced between them. “What exactly is a hyphenator?”
“A hyphenator.” Levi shrugged. “You know. Jack Zima-Sander or maybe Jack Sander-Zima.” Levi glanced at him. Amusement sparked in his eyes. “What is it going to be? I kind of like Zima-Sander myself.”
Blaine made an annoyed sound. “Well, considering Jack hasn’t even agreed, it’s a little premature to be making any assumptions, isn’t it?”
Jack drew Blaine in front of him so she wouldn’t be able to see the look of death he gave his twin and wrapped his hands around her waist. “I’d be proud to take Blaine’s name and marry her in Russia. She’ll be taking mine and marrying me here. Seems only fair.”
Alex stepped next to Levi. “Such legalities take time to arrange in Russia. I doubt you’d be able to pull this off over the weekend, Blaine.”
Blaine shook her head on a small laugh. “My father was very close to our president. Our family, and Iona’s family, have remained so. It won’t be a problem.”
Jack turned Blaine and let the question show in his expression. He didn’t want to bring politics into their relationship, but if she expected him to side with her government, they’d have their first fight.
“Don’t even think about bringing politics into this, Jack.” Blaine rolled her eyes as if guessing his thoughts. “I don’t agree with many things happening in our country, just as I’m sure you’re not pleased with all the things in yours. I respect my father’s friendships because I loved my father. They don’t make me a blind follower. Remember that.” She shrugged. “But if those friendships benefit you, I certainly won’t complain.”
