Page 98 of Here With Me

“So...what do ya think, Noah? Wanna give us another chance? I'm financially stable now. I just bought a house. I can give ya everythin' you want and more.”

I wince at his little speech as my throat tightens, and I fumble for words that won’t offend him. “Jase...um...where is this comin' from? We've never talked about gettin' back together in the two years since we broke up. I'm a little taken off guard here.” I step back to create distance between us.

He nods and attempts to pull me closer, but I don’t allow it. “I know, but I've been thinkin' about you nonstop. We were happy together. My immaturity and emotional issues are why our relationship ended. I needed to grow up and make somethin' of myself before committin’ to someone. And I'm ready to do that now withyou.”

“Whyme?”

“You're the only woman I've ever loved. Dating's been a nightmare, and after several failed attempts, I realized there was a reason for that. It's because we’re supposed to be together. You're my soulmate.”

Soulmate? What the hell is he talking about?

“That is very sweet, Jase. Those are words most women dream about hearin'. I-It's just, I'm afraid I'm not the right one for them.”

“I don't understand.” His voice goes deeper as his nostrils flare. “Is there someone else? How can you just throw away years of history?”

“You're puttin' a lot on me right now, Jase. I wasn't expectin' any of this. You gave me no signs you wanted us to get back together.”

He grips my upper arm, slamming me into his chest. “Baby, we’re meant to be. Just give me a second chance to prove it.”

I push against him, but he squeezes harder. “You're hurtin' me.”

“Say you're mine, and I'll let ya go.”

“I'm not sayin' that.” I slide my boot between his feet in preparation. One lift of my leg and my knee will greet his balls.

“There's someone else, ain't there?” he grinds out, his tone low and threatening.

“It doesn't matter! I'm not interested in gettin' back together,” I say firmly, jerking away.

I wince when he grips my other arm, nearly shaking me.

“Who the fuck is he? Someone you met at Twisted Bull? Or someone who works at the retreat? Which loser is it?” He looks around as if he expects my mystery man to pop up, which, if Fisher witnesses his son manhandling me, could be a reality.

“Let me go!” I shout.

“Who're ya fuckin', you little whore? Let me fight him and see who really deserves you.” He shoves his face in my neck and slides his tongue under my ear.

I don't give him any warning—not that he'd deserve one—before I drive my knee straight up between his legs. He releases me instantly as he falls to the ground, muttering curse words as he palms his junk.

“You fuckin' slut! What the fuck?” he squeaks out.

My heart threatens to beat out of my chest as I lean down and try to control my breathing. “I told you to let me go. You should know better than to touch me when I ask you not to.”

“Goddamn psycho,” he whispers, barely getting the words out.

I shrug. “Don't touch women who don't wanna be touched, and I wouldn't have had to nail ya.”

Magnolia rushes over, taking my arm and pulling me back. “What the hell happened?”

“Jase learned a lesson the hard way.” I'm still seething when my brothers and Fisher come over.

“Jase!” Fisher helps him to his feet, but Jase bends over his knees, still trying to catch his breath.

“Let him go, Fisher. He's our problem now.” Wilder steps between me and him, cracking his knuckles.

“I'll take care of it,” Fisher tells my brothers, then pats Jase's shoulder. “C'mon, I'll drive ya home.”

“Get off me.” Jase shakes off Fisher, and I see the hurt in his eyes as soon as he does.