One Night - Forbidden Hearts Series Book 1

27. Rules Are Meant To Be Broken

Jackson's words gave me pause. I couldn't have heard him right. I refused to believe that what he said was true.

"You're saying, if Ryan and I get married, I'm stuck in a loveless marriage in order for my parents to keep their business and their home? So, even if we want a divorce, we can't do that without my parents losing everything?"

When Jackson simply held my stare, I got to my feet and started pacing. I put my hands to my head in frustration, trying to understand it all. "No, Jackson. They can't do that!"

"I'm sorry, Harper. That's what it says."
I could hear the concern in his voice, and I ignored how that affected me.

I knew he was just trying to be honest with me, but the reminder of my reality just seemed to upset me further. In that moment, I didn't know what to think. I felt like I couldn't breathe and I felt like the walls were closing in on me.

I stopped for a minute and tried to imagine a life with Ryan and if I would be happy. I knew he was a good man and I knew he would never do anything to intentionally hurt me. I also knew he would always make sure I was taken care of financially. But, wasn't there more to life and marriage than just a checklist?

The thought of living a life like that made me nauseous. I thought about how I've been spending the past few weeks with Jackson. Isn't that what you're supposed to feel? Isn't that what makes life worth living?

On the other hand, what kind of daughter would I be if I didn't assist my parents and they ended up losing everything when I could have done something? I felt like I was getting pulled in two different directions and it was going to destroy me.

I looked over at Jackson who had a concerned expression. "What am I going to do, Jackson? I can't do this. I know why they want me to and I know why I should." My voice came out in a whisper. "I can't marry Ryan. What do I do?"

Without saying anything, Jackson came up to me and pulled me into his embrace. I buried my face in his chest, accepting what he was offering me. I knew this was probably crossing some line for us, but I didn't care.

"We'll figure something out, Princess," he said as he placed the kiss to the top of my head.

"Promise?" I asked in a cracked voice. I had been trying not to cry, but I couldn't hold the tears back any longer.

Jackson pulled away from the embrace and his expression was pained as he wiped the tears away. "I promise," he vowed. "Come with me," he said as he took me by the hand.

"Where are we going?" I allowed him to guide me into the bedroom. I wanted to forget everything I found out today and was more than willing to be distracted.

He turned towards me and grabbed the bottom of my shirt. He pulled it over my head before he smiled at me. "We are going to take a shower together and forget all the bullshit." He pulled his shirt off before he unhooked my bra. "We are just going to enjoy each other's company."

That sounded good to me. I finished undressing while he got the water running. He took off his shorts before grabbing my hand again and pulling me under the hot water.

I sighed as the water soaked my hair and body. It felt amazing and it was just what I needed. I met Jackson's stare and his expression made me shiver. I've never seen him look so worried. So caring. "Thank you for doing this. For-- for being here," I said to him.

"You don't have to thank me, Harper."

I held his stare before I let out a deep breath. I wrapped my hands around his neck and leaned forward; pressing my lips against his.