Page 36 of Claimed By Ruin

“We’re making plans by ourselves?” Jack asked.

“We didn’t make plans by ourselves. Caitlin and I made a plan.”

“Not going to consult me?”

I sighed. “What do you want, Jack?”

I looked at him when he stayed quiet, staring at me like he wanted something.

Like he knew I wanted to give it.

When hell froze over.

“I’m going to walk the fence.”

I walked past him, stilling when he reached out and grabbed my elbow.

He stared down at me, his eyes almost black, his lips thinned in an unyielding line. Whatever he was looking for, I refused to let him see it.

I tilted my chin and held his gaze.

Then it happened. His lids lowered a fraction, and he let me go.

I should have been ashamed at how petty I was, but I was elated.

Elated enough that fence duty, the grueling farm labor that came after, didn’t even bring me down.

I wasn’t even mad that night when I found Jack lying in my bed like it was his.

He was naked, his legs splayed, his wide back crushing my pillows.

“You should have gotten here earlier.” He looked at me, his eyes, alight with amusement. “The pillows were so fucking cold, Asia.”

I scoffed. “I bet they were. Now they’re all hot and gross because you’re lying on them.”

“Come join me.”

“Why would I do that?”

He shrugged. “I don't know. Maybe the fact that you haven’t stopped looking at my cock since you walked into the room?”

“Well, it’s distracting.” I glared at him. He was so frustrating and overbearing and irritating and so fucking essential, it made me want to scream. Instead, I said, “You know, if you weren’t useful, I would kick you the fuck out of here.”

“Good thing I’m useful then. And besides, you’re lying.”

“Why am I lying, Jack?”

“Maybe I’ll tell you later, but you have something to take care of first.” He stroked his cock in long, slow swipes.

“What makes you think I’m even interested?”

He stilled his hand, the crown of his cock peeking out of his fist. “Asia, we’ve already determined that you’re not an idiot and I’m not either. So if me and my cock are so problematic, you can go.”

“Go? This is my room!”

“Then stay.”

He had the nerve to lean back against my makeshift headboard, eyes never leaving mine as he fucked his fist.