Hopeless Devotion ~ A Jasper Hale Story

Chapter Twenty - A New Alliance

Edward's car hadn't even stopped rolling when he leapt out and pulled Bella into a kiss that felt more like a promise than affection. His movements were too quick, too sharp, and I caught the unease flickering in her eyes as he whispered something against her temple before guiding her toward the house.

Jasper was waiting for me at the steps, all calm confidence and heat. His hand slid to my waist, tugging me close, and I tipped up onto my toes to meet him halfway. The kiss started soft but deepened, a little reckless, until Alice's voice chimed behind us.

"Really? In my entryway?" She breezed past, the scent of jasmine and champagne trailing in her wake.

I pulled back, flushed, but Jasper only smirked and brushed his lips against my ear. "Can't help myself."

Inside, Alice had transformed the house into a full-blown nightclub. Lights twinkled across the ceiling like stars, music pulsed low in the walls, and round tables glittered with bowls of food. I stopped in the doorway, wide-eyed.

"Don't just stand there gawking," Alice scolded, pressing a garment bag into my hands. "Upstairs. Jasper's room. Trust me."

I arched a brow but obeyed. Jasper followed me up, leaning in the doorframe as I slipped inside. The dress Alice had chosen was dark green, silky, and scandalously fitted. It made my eyes brighter, my skin warmer. I paired it with the black heels she'd left on the bed.

Walking back out, I nearly tripped. Jasper's gaze swept over me, slow and reverent, before locking on my face. His hand found the small of my back and didn't leave, even as the first wave of guests poured in.

"You're going to kill me," he murmured.

I smiled sweetly. "Behave."

Downstairs, Alice and Edward were in the middle of a debate about music—Alice championing some obscure vinyls, Edward sighing about soothing tracks. Jasper added from behind me, "Just throw the pretentious stuff in a box."

Alice huffed. Edward smirked. "See? I'm not the only one with taste."

Bella, hanging back at Edward's side, frowned. "Wait—are people really coming?"

"Yes," Edward answered with certainty.

"Obviously," Alice said with a toss of her head.

Jasper squeezed my waist and added, "Count on it."

And they were right. Bella's classmates arrived in clusters, eyes wide at the opulence of the Cullens' home. Lauren Mallory couldn't stop whispering behind her hand. Angela offered Bella a gentle smile. Mike looked ready to faint at the sight of Alice's catering table.

Bella had no choice but to play hostess, Edward shadowing her every move. Food disappeared quickly, chatter rising to drown out the music.

In the middle of it, Jasper tugged me toward the cleared dance floor. "Dance with me."

I balked, wobbling in my heels. "You know I don't—"

But he already had me in his arms, spinning me through the crowd. I squealed, laughter bubbling up as he twirled and dipped me like we'd been doing this for years. His smile—the rare, unguarded one—was worth every stumble.

When he finally started to pull away, I clutched his hand. "Not a chance," I whispered, following him, wobbling but determined. His laugh rumbled low, and he steadied me against his side, as if letting go wasn't an option.

Across the room, Edward's expression shifted. His jaw tightened, his gaze distant, unfocused. Bella's voice carried softly, quick, as she recounted what she had pieced together about the thief. Jasper's own jaw tightened in response, his hand still firm at my back. I could feel the tension radiating off both of them, a low hum that made the air feel heavy.