Page 69 of Jase

“No.” His fingers pushed through my hair as he cupped the side of my neck. “I know this sounds bad, but I’m going to fix it. Look at me.”

Although my eyes rose, my head didn’t.

“You can do better than that. Show me your fighter. I’ve seen her before. Head up, doll.”

Tears pooled, but I obeyed, forcing all emotion back. I wouldn’t worry about this now. Jase said he’d try to fix it. I had to trust him.

“There she is. Just like that.”

I nearly moaned as his grip tightened and his thumb traced over my lower lip. When my teeth gently bit into the pad of his thumb, he cursed, dropping his hand and stepping back.

“You’re trouble.”

“Are you sure you didn’t mean, you’reintrouble?”

“Should you be?”

I shrugged. “Maybe. We can talk punishments later.”

Forcing a smile, I turned just as Rian walked up, handing me a beer and Jase a water. One glance. That’s all I gave to Jase before I took a sip and headed for the velvet chaise next to the covered glass. From my peripheral, both men’s gazes followed, but I focused on sitting before my legs failed me. Regardless of tough talk, I couldn’t control the shaking that seemed rooted in my bones.We were in trouble—plain and simple. The last thing I cared about was my nude body being blasted on the web. These men knew where we were. They knew about Jase. We were in over our heads, and I wasn’t sure there was a way out that kept us alive.

“Drink, don’t drool, my friend. It’s not very becoming of you.”

“Shut up, Rian.”

“I’m enjoying this. Give me my glory and take my shit-talking.”

“I’ll take you to the door if you keep this up.”

I faked another smile as I glanced back their way. It felt melted to my face. Too forced. Too simulated.

“I can hear you both, you know.”

“Yeah, I figured as much.” Rian shrugged, his perfect smile transitioning his sharp features into nothing short of dreamy. He pushed back the dark hair that was no longer than to the top of his defined cheekbones, somehow softening the expression. It had my own smile turning genuine, and my anxiety receding. “Ah! Got it. I knew she was in there.” He walked over, sitting at the other end of the chaise as he angled towards me. “I hear you’re a reader. Let’s see about that. Have you read Laslow’s newest?”

“Keller’s Peak? I finished it the other night. It was okay. I expected there to be more action.”

“How so?”

I shrugged, taking a sip of my beer. “Winston’s been searching for Dorian for two books already. All we get is a lousy chase scene through a train station? No fight scene? No heated exchange? I don’t know. I guess I just expected more.”

“What about Winston’s run-in with Daisy?”

I groaned but smiled. “You call that a love scene? I’ve seen more chemistry in Disney movies.”

“Right! I was hoping I wasn’t the only one who was like, ‘what the hell’. Complete let down. I was so angry by the time I finished, I’m not even sure I’ll get the next book.”

“You will. We both will.” I smiled, glancing to Jase, but returning to Rian. “You’ll have to know what happens next. Authors can’t have winners every time. Besides, poor Jean Laslow’s going through a divorce. The personal issues are clearly showing in her writing. Give her time to grieve. When she comes back, she’ll hit the next book out of the park.”

Standing, I headed for the kitchen, pausing a few steps in to turn and glance back at them. I couldn’t do small talk right now. As much as I was impressed with Rian, I just couldn’t get myself to engage like a normal person. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t try.

“Jase has made sure I have plenty of party trays—”

“She’s a picky eater.”

“I am. I’m opening the crackers and salami until the food gets here. I’m hungry and I refuse to wait. If anyone wants some, I’ll be at the table.”

Rian surged to his feet as Jase threw him a look.