Ice and Fire novel Chapter 205

When it came bedtime for Joe, Cherry read a story for him. After he fell asleep, she tucked him in and left the room.

When she was also on her way to her bedroom, Cherry saw that the light in the study room was on. She thought that Jackson must surely be in there, and she decided to go and check on him.

On her way to him, she saw Lily holding a cup of hot coffee in her hands.

Lily greeted Cherry, "Madam."

"Is that for Jackson?" asked Cherry, referring to the cup of steaming coffee.

Lily nodded.

"Give it to me, I'll take it to him. You can leave now, " said Cherry, while she took the cup from her hands.

"Okay, " said Lily while nodding.

Cherry then entered the study.

Jackson didn't raise his head at first, thinking that it was Lily, but when he caught Cherry's sweet scent, he immediately realized that his wife was in the room.

Jackson then looked up and saw Cherry standing beside him. "How come you brought me the coffee?" he asked.

Cherry then handed him the cup, and said, "I just put Joe to sleep earlier and I saw Lily bringing you the coffee, so I thought I would better bring it to you and let her go and rest."

Jackson took the cup of coffee and sipped some of it before he placed it on his desk.

Cherry thought that since she brought him the coffee she should leave.

But Jackson suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her into his arms.

Cherry lost her balance for a moment and fell into Jackson's lap.

She quietly sat on his lap, listened to his breath and smelled the coffee mixed with her husband's scent.

"Why the rush? Why not stay a little longer with me here?" said Jackson, trying to nuzzle Cherry who felt his warm breath on her cheek.

She immediately turned her head away and avoided to look at him. "It's late, " she said, "I have to go to bed."

"It's only ten o'clock now, it's not too late, " whispered Jackson affectionately in her ear.

"Take your time then, I'm going now, " said Cherry, as she struggled to get rid of his hold, but failed. She was locked tight in his arms, and it seemed that she had no way of escaping him.

"I want you to stay with me, " he said, domineering.

Cherry still tried to escape, but her efforts turned out to be in vain. Eventually, she gave up on her endeavour, afraid that she would provoke him.

She then obediently settled down on his lap and cuddled up against his chest.

Jackson also composed himself when he saw that Cherry calmed down. He held Cherry with one hand, while with the other he flipped the pages of the book in front of him.

But reading was the last thing that he wanted to do now. How could he read a book in such a circumstance, when he was holding the woman to whom he was so addicted?

Cherry sensed his absent-mindedness when his hand moved from her shoulder onto her hip.

"Well, " suddenly began Cherry to say, "Was Grandpa angry because of our early leave this afternoon?"

"No, " answered Jackson.

"Oh, that's good, " said Cherry carefully.

As Jackson moved his eyes to Cherry's fair face, her innocent look fuelled his desire even more.

"I was wondering, how did you have the guts to fight Lucia today?" asked Jackson. He remembered that in the past, Cherry had always remained silent to whatever Lucia had said to her, he being the one who had always stood out and defended her. However, now Cherry had dared to excuse herself and Joe in front of Andrew, and had suddenly turned defensive. He had not expected that coming from her.

Cherry replied, "Five years ago things were different, but not anymore now." She had renewed herself in the past five years, and she had to be brave because she now had a son to protect.

She then added, "By the way, why can't Joe and I protect ourselves if no one stands out for us?"

Jackson's expression then started to change little by little. He stared at Cherry, and said, "Are you saying that I didn't protect you and our son?"

He spoke the words very slowly, sounding as though she was questioning his ability to that.

Cherry then looked away to avoid his gaze and said nothing.

When Jackson saw that she was avoiding his stare, he grabbed her chin and forced her to face him.

"I've told you that you're my woman and that I'll protect you forever!" said Jackson firmly, like he was reciting some kind of sacred vow.

His statement didn't move Cherry, who was no longer trusting men's words, especially Jackson's.

She thought for a while, and then flatly said, "Jackson, I know how to protect myself. There's no need..."

Jackson stopped her from speaking with a sudden and violent kiss on her lips.