Page 28 of Guarded (Hopeless Blessed #3)

Text Messages

Jeremiah

Bali is beautiful but it’d be better if you were here.

Noah

Eurgh. I’d rather be there than going to this conference.

I thought you volunteered to go?

I did…but it’s complicated. My old unit are hosting.

Can I ask why that makes it complicated?

Let’s just say I’m not looking forward to seeing all of them and leave it at that.

Or you could not leave it there and tell me more?

I’m an exceptionally good listener.

Centuries hearing screamed confessions will do that to a guy.

It’s not as interesting as anything you would’ve heard in Hell.

Why don’t you try me?

Got to go, Micah’s called a meeting. Raincheck?

Holding you to it, sweetheart.

Jeremiah

Is it raincheck time yet?

Noah

Depends.

On what?

Well, it’s late here and I’m in bed…

Thinking about our date…

And I have a bit of a problem I was hoping you could help me with.

[photo]

Fuck, Noah.

Are those new panties?

They are.

I bought them just for you.

Do you like them?

[photo]

Do I like them? Can’t you see how hard my cock is?

Ah, now we both have the same problem.

Want to FaceTime so we can both take care of it together?

You’d do that?

Sure. As much as I’ve missed your dick, I’ve missed your face more.

Sweetheart, you’re killing me. Are you sure I can’t just come back now?

No. I’m at the conference as of tomorrow so there’s no point.

Okay I’m calling. You better answer Noah. Don’t tease me with seeing your face and then take it away.

I would never. Now hurry up!

Jeremiah

I can’t stop thinking about last night.

The sight of you riding that dildo will be burned into my memory for all of time.

Noah

Thank fuck everyone was out. They’d give me shit forever if they’d heard me.

I’d set them on fire if they did.

That’s…oddly sweet.

In that case, I’ll happily give you a private show next time I see you.

Fuck yes!

Flying to the conference now, so if I’m slow to respond, it’s because we’re in back-to-back meetings.

I’ll be here if you want to chat and/or vent.

Thanks Jem. I’ll be fine. I promise.

I know, but the offer stands anyway.

Knock ’em dead, sweetheart.

Not literally though. Unless you think me going on an epic mission to Heaven to save you is hot.

In which case, go for it.

You’d really do that?

I’d do anything to ensure I get that in-person dildo riding show.

Jeremiah

I know you’re busy, but this sunrise is so pretty.

[photo]

Thinking of you and wishing you were here.

Hope the conference is going well.

The conference is awful. It’s too much to go into here, but I’ll fill you in later.

Wish I was with you. I miss you.

Oh fuck, I’m sorry sweetheart.

I wish you were here too.

Want me to come there? I know I can’t come into the compound, but I could stay close by.

I’ll do whatever you need.

Always.

Jeremiah

How are you doing, sweetheart?

I don’t want to keep hassling you, but I’ve been worrying after your last messages.

And I miss you.

I tried Pad Thai for the first time today and LOVED it.

[photo]

It made me realise how many firsts I still have to come. Weirdly though, I’m not enjoying them without you at my side.

I want to experience them with you, if that’s something you’d like too.

Obviously not expecting an answer now.

Just something to think about.

Anyway, I hope you’re doing okay and that the conference has improved.

Jeremiah

Another day, another city

[photo]

Nha Trang has the most beautiful beaches

Did I ever tell you how surprised I was when I learned oceans are made of water and not fire?

It’d just never occurred to me because of the river Styx.

Anyway, I still miss you

I hope the conference is going okay and that you’re not too stressed.

Please let me know if you need ANYTHING.

Just say the word and I’ll be there sweetheart.

Jeremiah

I’m trying not to keep texting you but it’s been ten days now.

You said it wasn’t going well last time you messaged and I can’t help but worry.

I’m sure you’re just super busy with the conference.

I hope you’re okay though.

And that nothing bad has happened.

Shit, has something bad happened?

Someone would let me know, right?

Fuck, who knew I’d be so clingy? I’m sorry, Noah. I’m probably just overthinking and panicking.

It’s just I’ve never had anyone to worry about before.

Not like this, anyway.

If you could just send me proof of life please, I’d appreciate it.

Jeremiah

Hey, are you at the compound?

Nox

Sure. What’s up?

Okay, you have to promise not to give me shit for this.

I make no such promises.

You’re the worst, you know that, right?

I’d apologise but Micah likes me this way.

Whatever.

I just want to know if Noah is okay. Like, has something happened to him?

Nope.

He’s fine, as far as I’m aware.

Micah calls every night and he hasn’t said anything. And I haven’t felt anything via the bond to suggest anything bad has happened to Micah.

Micah calls you every night?

Obviously. We’re mates and, you know, in love.

Make a joke about it and I’ll gut you the next time I see you.

Believe me, a joke is the furthest thing from my mind. I asked because I haven’t heard from Noah in a while.

Wait, you haven’t?

Nope

He said he’d be super busy, so I figured that was why.

But Micah is the leader, and if he’s had time to call you every night…

I’m sure it’s nothing untoward.

Yeah. I’m just being paranoid and needy, I guess.

It’s understandable. He’s your mate.

Not yet, he isn’t.

Pshh. Trust me, a bond is great but it doesn’t mean shit. You belong to each other regardless of when you’re ready to accept it.

Jeremiah

I’m just glad he’s safe.

That was my real concern.

Especially given he was anxious about seeing his old unit.

Did he tell you why?

No.

Do you know?

Fuck

This is putting me in a difficult fucking position right now.

Don’t betray his confidence, Nox.

If there’s something Noah needs to tell me, I want it to come from him.

It’s nothing you need to worry about.

But makes sure he tells you nonetheless.

Thanks man.

Anytime. Always here if you need to talk.

Jeremiah

I’m back in London. I still haven’t heard from you, and I can’t sense you close by. Are we on for our date tomorrow?

We can reschedule if you need more time. I’m not going travelling anymore. I don’t care what you say about it, I’m not leaving you again.

Noah

No! Don’t reschedule.

Tomorrow. I want to see you. I need to.

I’m sorry.

Tomorrow is good.

I’ve missed you. I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry, Jem.

Everything has been a mess.

Are you okay? What’s happened?

No. Yes but no.

I didn’t mean to ghost you, I swear.

Can I do anything? Want me to fly out to wherever you are?

No!

Don’t do that.

I’m fine. I’m going to fly back in the morning.

I’ll see you tomorrow.

Okay.

Let me know if you change your mind about the date.

I won’t. I’ve missed you.

Missed you so fucking much.

Counting the minutes.

Me too, Jem.