The Most Dangerous Kind of Love

Chapter Twenty

The Most Dangerous Kind of Love 20



"Why me?" I asked. "Why did you pick me?"

Jason furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

I swallowed, trying to get rid of the dry feeling I still had in my mouth. "When I first came here, you were the badass that everyone was afraid of. What changed between now and then? Why did I have such an impact in your life?"

"I changed," he answered as if it told me everything. "You changed me for the better, Channing. Before I met you, I was stone. I was dead on the inside because I didn't think there was a way out of the lifestyle I was being forced to live. You made me see differently. I don't know how, but you slipped past the barrier I had spent my whole life building. But I'm glad you did, because this is so much better than what I used to do and who I used to be. I'm glad I let you in because I have someone who I can actually trust now. I don't know why you were the one to change me, but it's one of the things I love about you."

"That I changed you?"

"Yes. I actually like who I am when I'm with you. I feel as if I can be myself. I'm sorry if you feel like I rushed into this, and I don't need you to say it back yet. I didn't even know I did love you until it slipped out. But it's true, and I do."

I studied him. Looking into his eyes, I could see nothing but truth behind them.

"You know, I hadn't really thought about this until now. But . . . " I trailed off.

"But what?" Jason urged anxiously. He scooted a bit closer to where I was and squeezed my hand a little. He looked like a little boy about to be given candy.

I smiled small at him. "I think I love you too," I said softly.

Jason's face morphed into one of shock. "Really?"

I nodded, a larger smile taking over my facial features. "Really really."

The most amazing grin I'd ever seen on Jason's face appeared. "Wow, I really wasn't expecting you to say it back."

"Why not?"

"I don't know. I just didn't think you'd be ready."

"Oh, I'm very ready. I may not have realized it, but I am. And I know I'm right when I say it."

"I love you," he said in the most gentle voice.

"I love you too, Jason," I said, pulling him up slightly. Tugging him towards me, he leaned in so that our lips met. The kiss was probably the most passionate, yet gentle kiss we had ever shared. There was so much emotion being poured into it- so much love.

My mind briefly went back to Jason's past. The bombings. The shootings. The killing. None of that mattered to me anymore, because he had avoided that lifestyle. I don't know if it was for me, but either way I was grateful. It was hard for me to explain how happy I was that he wasn't involved in any of that anymore.

Pulling back from me, Jason still had his goofy smile on his face. The fact that he looked so tired ruined it a little, though.

Scooting over as best as I could causing minimal pain, I patted the spot next to me.

"Come here. You need to rest."

Jason looked unsure at first, but when I didn't say anything, he slowly obeyed my request and carefully climbed in next to me.

Putting an arm around my shoulder, he kissed my cheek.

"Please tell me if I'm hurting you," he said.

I nodded. "I will. But you're not right now."

An involuntary yawn left his mouth, and I laughed lightly. "Close your eyes. Get some sleep. You look exhausted."

Nodding in agreement with me, he leaned his head back, shutting his eyes. Within seconds, I knew Jason was already asleep.

Leaning my head against his shoulder, I too closed my eyes.

Just as sleep was taking over, I thought about how lucky I was.

Jason loves me.