The Price Of Love

Chapter 30

Jay's POV

I stare up at the ceiling, gently rubbing Talia's back in slow circles while she sleeps on my chest.

It's nine a.m., and I've been awake most of the night. I can't will myself to get up and leave her. Because Issac comes today, and I can't help but think what if this is our last morning together?

I feel her move suddenly, and I look down at her, seeing her slowly lift her head up off my chest and stare at me through half-open eyes. Her lips then break out into a lazy smile, one I can't help but mirror.

"Morning" She mumbles, still in the process of waking up. I don't reply. Instead I sit up, my back against the headboard while she sits in my lap, rubbing her eyes.

She blinks a few times before she finally looks at me, and I feel my heart begin to race as I think of losing her.

"You okay?" She asks softly, her smile fading a bit. Again, I don't answer. I hold her cheek in my hand, before slowly leaning in and kissing her. Kissing her calms me, it always does. All my worries are forgotten for a few moments. Right now I crave that peace.

She places a hand on my chest and pushes me away suddenly. "No- you can't kiss me when I have morning breath and you don't," Talia tells me, and I stare at her, wondering if she's joking or not.

When I realise she's being serious, I roll my eyes.

Grabbing her jaw, I hold her still while I kiss her again, a bit rougher this time. She lets out a fucking squeal, pushing me away yet again.

She quickly crawls off my lap, now sitting beside me, leaning back on her hands. "Don't" She warns me, and I feel my lips turn upwards.

I move, and within seconds I have her on her back, her face in my hands as I straddle her on top.

I smile, unable to help it while she narrows her eyes at me.

Before she has a chance to speak, I kill her hard. She groans into the kiss, only encouraging me to keep going.

She places her hands on my chest, and I think she's going to try to push me away again. Instead, Talia gives in, her hands gripping my shirt and pulling me impossibly closer while she kisses me back.

I smile against her lips, breaking the kiss.

"Asshole" She mumbles, but her voice is playful. I hum, brushing my lips against her soft ones, before pecking her lips. "We need to get ready" I whisper, and her smile fades, the happiness in her eyes dimming while she nods her head.

I stare at her, her face still in my hands. I don't want to let her go. I don't want this moment to end, because the second it does, I'm back to worrying if she's going to survive Issac's visit.

My jaw clenches my grip on her tightening slightly. I'll make sure she does.

Whatever it takes.

***

I swirl the whiskey around in my glass, glaring at it before drinking the remainder of it in one go.

I place the glass down on the kitchen island, staring at the front door, preparing myself for the man who will walk through it any minute now.

I hear footsteps behind me, and then arms are wrapping around my waist, and a head is leaned against my back. "You okay?" Talia asks quietly, and I take a deep breath, reminding myself that if I panic, she will too. I'm supposed to keep her safe. I need to calm the fuck down.

I turn around, facing her now. Her arms stay wrapped around me, and she leans her chin against my chest as she stares up at me.

"It's not too late for you to leave," I tell her quietly. "I can call Atlas. He can-" Her lips press against mine, shutting me up. She pulls away seconds later. I frown at her, and she chuckles while she shakes her head. "I'm staying".