Chapter 13
“When Olivia gets back, she’ll know right away that we’re already together, won’t she?” Emily said sweetly.
“Don’t be ridiculous. When were we ever together? I’ve told you–I don’t have feelings for you.”
Jack’s tone was sharp as he lifted Emily and placed her back on the bed. He turned to leave, but she grabbed the hem of his shirt.
“But Jack, you slept with me. Don’t you think you owe me something?”
The marks on her body were still fresh, a clear reminder of what had happened between them. She looked up at him, eyes brimming with unshed tears.
“You really feel nothing for me? Then why didn’t you stop me last night? Why did you hold me and kiss me like that? Have you forgotten already?”
The more she spoke, the darker Jack’s expression became.
“Enough. You were the one who said it was to repay a debt. That’s the only reason I went through with it. I don’t have feelings for you, Emily. Have some dignity. I’m going to get Olivia.”
He turned to leave, buttoning up his uniform, yet Emily sat there stunned. She had given him everything—and still, all he saw was Olivia.
She glared at his retreating back, then shouted, “You’re in love with Olivia, aren’t you? That’s why you’re running off. You can’t stand the thought of her marrying some country brute!”
Jack froze.
Was she right?
Olivia Hart. A spoiled heiress who cried over blisters on her feet. A girl who had flirted shamelessly with him from day one. And yet… every time she’d bumped into him on purpose, every time she looked up at him with those bright, mischievous eyes, he hadn’t been angry. He’d wanted to pull her into his
arms.
He’d tried to be professional, but now…
He stood there for a long moment, sorting through the chaos in his chest.
“You’re right,” he said finally. “I love Olivia. I’m going to bring her back. And Emily–don’t bring this up again.”
Without looking back, he headed for the door.
Panic flared in Emily’s chest. Half–dressed, she ran to the window.
“Jack! If you walk out that door–I’ll jump!”
He didn’t stop.
Emily clenched her jaw–and leapt.
The sound of impact jolted Jack around. His heart nearly stopped when he saw the open window and the empty room.
He bolted down the floor.
Blood. Emily lay crumpled on the ground, barely conscious. She looked up, forcing a smile.
“You came back…”
Jack’s gut twisted. In that moment, finding Olivia had to wait. He scooped Emily into his arms and rushed her to the infirmary.
He stayed by her side for the entire day.
When she finally came to, the doctor gave a full report: a fractured leg. Nothing life–threatening, but months of recovery ahead.
Still, Jack couldn’t shake the guilt. He’d never imagined she’d actually jump.
“Jack… I’m sorry,” Emily whispered. “I just didn’t know how else to keep you here. I really do love you. Can’t you just give me a chance?”
For some reason, Jack didn’t reject her outright this time.
“Get some rest. I’ll grab you something to eat.”
He tucked the blanket around her and stepped out, heading toward the hospital cafeteria.
But his thoughts were a mess. Emily was kind. She’d saved his life. But Olivia… Olivia was trouble. Beautiful, stubborn, impossible trouble.
Chapter 13
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If he brought her back, Emily would suffer.
And for the
first time,
Jack
wasn’t sure what to do.
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Chapter 13
