JAKE'S UNDOING (18+) ✔ (LOVE AND OBSESSION SERIES) BOOK 2

Part 3

CASSIE

"Jake, I don't get why you're being so difficult about this." I pouted, crossing my arms. Instead of his place, he brought me home. My home!

He let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. The last time I remembered, his hair had these highlights and was a darker shade of brown, but now his hair was as black as the raven's. "Don't you mind about what people might say about you staying in a man's place? You're not thirteen anymore."

I knew I was messing with fire, but I didn't care if I got burned. "Why do I need to mind their business? We haven't seen each other in years. I just want to stay with you." I nibbled on my inner cheek, hoping he would give in.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to contain his exasperation. "That's exactly why I can't let you stay over. I'm protecting both of us from making a mess of things. Staying with me is not a good idea, Cassie."

I knew my eyes flashed with irritation despite my effort not to show it. "Then stay with me then. We're here in my place, and people don't have to mind about me staying in your place. You stay in my place instead."

The next thing he did surprised me. Jake laughed. He laughed so hard I thought he had gone crazy. "Ahh, Cassie...Cassie...Cassie," he chuckled, shaking his head, he stopped the engine and cleared his throat. "Why did I spoil you?"

Warmth enveloped me as I met his grey eyes and the fondness I saw in them tugged at my heart. It felt like I was a child again, in his arms, being consoled and comforted when bullies hurt me. Unfastening my seatbelt, I crossed the gap and sat on his lap, hearing him take a sharp breath and groan.

He leaned back in his seat. "Cassie, you've always been impulsive. I'm trying to be responsible here."

I buried my face in his neck, inhaling the scent that I missed so much. A mixture of nostalgia and desire swirled in my core. I thought I felt him flinch, but his irritated groan reached my ears. I didn't care though. If he didn't want me, I would make him want me. "I won't do anything. I promise. Just stay with me tonight."

"Fine," he hissed, and I marveled.

"One more thing," I said, watching him roll his eyes.

"What again?" his lips thinned.

"Carry me inside the house." I softly laughed as I wrapped my arms around his neck, not willing to let go.

"You're a trouble." He scolded.

"A sweet one,"

Jake was already in his room. It was one of the guest rooms he used to sleep in when he came to visit me before. He still had his clothes and other stuff inside the room. Rosa was out for the whole week because her daughter was sick. She was personally hired by Jake. He introduced me to her when I was just nine – practically a second mother to me.

I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, seeing the woman who had changed a lot through tough times. Life's been a rollercoaster, mostly on the emotional front. I flopped down on the bed, the softness of the covers soothing my sensitive skin. Staring up at the ceiling, I couldn't shake the feeling of excitement in my stomach. Jake was here...alone with me.

I love Jake. I have loved him since I was ten.He was my knight in shining armor; he'd fought my battles and I survived with his help. He had shown me tenderness and a dash of affection, which was something I secretly longed for when I was in foster care. He was there for me when I thought no one would even care for a lost girl like me. When I thought I was unwanted, he found a way so I could stay. I loved him, but I knew he couldn't love me back.