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Shit. She’d never mentioned that.
“And a man. Nureel called him Rufus. He was the one who beat me. She was in charge, though. She came to me at the photo shoot after . . . after . . .”
“After what, baby girl?” Jack asked.
“I overheard the three of you. I know I shouldn’t have been listening in.” She let out a small sob. “I would never lie or try to manipulate you. I wasn’t trying to ruin anything.”
Oh, God.
“Hush, Little girl,” Ian said firmly. “No one thinks that. You misheard Jameson.”
“I was talking about my ex, precious girl. Not you.”
“So you don’t think I’m u-unsuitable?”
“Fuck, no!” Jameson said “Maggie, you are everything. I don’t deserve you. That’s if you even want me.”
“You want me?” she asked.
“Yes, sweetheart. Why wouldn’t I want you? You’re amazing. My ex did a number on me. After we broke up, I came here to Escana to escape. But I’ve realized lately that I was letting what happened with her affect my life now. That it was keeping me from what I really wanted. To be with you. To be part of this small family.”
“A family?”
“If you’ll have me.”
“If I’ll have you?” she repeated.
Shit. He shouldn’t be having this conversation now. “We’ll talk when you’re feeling better.”
She wiped at her nose, which was adorable.
“Ian, have you got any tissues and wipes?” he asked.
“Yeah.” Ian moved to the cabinet and drew everything out.
Jameson took the tissue and held it to her nose. “Blow.”
Her eyes widened and she tried to rear back but Jack was holding her too tight.
“Uh-uh. Blow.” Jameson firmed his voice. He had no right to talk to her like that, but what she needed was care.
Ian took that moment to text someone. Likely Caleb.
She blew and he wiped her nose. “That’s a good girl.”
A small noise escaped her. One of pleasure? He grabbed the wipes and cleaned her face and hands.
She sighed happily.
“Feel better?” he asked.
“Yes. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, precious girl. This man, Rufus, . . . did he do anything else to you?”
She tensed. “I told you I wasn’t raped.”
“Did he touch you in other ways?” Jack rasped. He was practically vibrating with anger and fear.
