Act Like You Love Me (Jessica) novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Jessica’s POV

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I heard the jingle of keys outside the door, and just like that, every nerve in my body that had been buzzing with anxiety all afternoon slowed to a crawl. Relief washed over me in a slow, sweet wave.

Aaron was home–finally

My fingers clenched into the soft fabric of the sofa cushion for a moment, grounding myself, before I pushed to my feet.

My legs felt a little unsteady, like I’d been holding my breath for hours, which I pretty much had.

As I approached the door, heart thudding softly, it swung open. There he was, framed in the doorway, looking utterly exhausted.

His broad shoulders slumped just a fraction, his dark hair tousled like he’d run his hands through it a dozen times.

His eyes still burned with residual anger, a fierce glint that said if Martin crossed his path again, he’d do it all over without a second thought.

But I didn’t care about that. All that mattered was the sight of him, safe and whole.

I didn’t hesitate. I ran straight into his arms and held him tight, wrapping my arms around his waist and clinging to his body.

I was irrationally afraid that if I let go, something terrible might still happen–that the school, or Martin’s powerful family, would snatch him away.

“Aaron,” I whispered into his shirt, my voice muffled and thick with unshed tears.

He hesitated for a split second–maybe surprised by my intensity–then his arms enveloped me, strong and sure, pulling me closer.

His chin rested on the top of my head, and I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my cheek, a reassuring thrum that said he was here, safe.

When I finally pulled back, my hands flew to his face, cupping his cheeks, my thumbs brushing over his skin as I scanned for any sign of harm.

His jaw was tense, but unmarked; no bruises, no cuts.

Relief mingled with the worry that had been gnawing at me, and tears spilled over, hot trails down my cheeks.

“Are you okay?” I asked, my voice cracking on the words.

Aaron stared at me for a long moment, his expression softening just a touch. Then he reached up, cupping my cheek with one large hand, his thumb gently wiping away a tear.

A ghostly smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Of course. What do you think would’ve happened?” He scoffed lightly, his voice rough from the day’s strain. “Martin’s got nothing on me.”

And there he was….. the Aaron I knew, the one who hid vulnerability behind bravado.

I rolled my eyes dramatically and jabbed his solid chest lightly.

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Chapter 29

“Come on.” I mumbled, grabbing his hand and tugging him tow the couch.

He let me lead, dropping onto the cushions with a heavy sigh, h long legs stretching out as he leaned back.

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I headed to the kitchen, my bare feet padding softly on the coolile floor. I knew what he needed; I’d noticed it over the years, how he reached for lemonade when stress got to him.

I poured a tall glass from the pitcher in the fridge, the citrus scent sharp and refreshing in the air, and carried it back to him.

Sitting beside him, our thighs brushing, I watched as he took it gratefully and gulped it down. The way his Adam’s apple bobbed with each swallow sent an unexpected flutter through me, heat pooling low in my belly.

My clit clenched involuntarily, a reminder of how attuned my body was to him, even in moments like this. He set the empty glass on the coffee table and turned to face me, his gaze locking onto mine.

1 froze under that hypnotic stare, those caramel eyes pulling me in like they always did. We’d been through so much–fights, secrets, stolen touches–and yet, every time he looked at me like this, it felt new, electric.

We stared at each other for a while, the silence heavy but not suffocating–it was expectant..

Finally, I couldn’t take the pressure anymore.

“Thank you, Aaron,” I whispered. “But you shouldn’t have done that. I… you… you put your reputation on the line. And Martin’s father, his family, I heard that they’re powerful…”

Aaron placed his index finger gently on my lips, shutting me up.

“Shh. That’s been sorted already. You forget that despite my choice to stray away from my family’s career ‘path,’ I’m still a Tyrone.” He bragged, a slight, arrogant brow raise accompanying the statement.

I sighed and looked away. “I know that, Aaron.”

The Dennises might be wealthy, but they were specks compared to the Tyrones‘ empire of power, fame, and untouchable clout.

Still, worry gnawed at me; I couldn’t shake the fear of repercussions, no matter how insulated he was.

“But why did you have to do that for me?” I pressed, meeting his eyes again. “I could’ve handled myself.”

He chuckled, a mocking sound that had me pouting instantly.

“Yeah, sure, Jess. He had you pinned like a goldfish. He wasn’t even using his whole strength.”

My pout deepened, cheeks flushing. “Well, Mr. Knight in Shining Armor, you’ve proven your point. Thanks for saving me, a ‘damsel in distress.” I said, pouring sarcasm into every syllable.

“You’re welcome, princess,” he retorted, matching my sarcastic response with a lazy drawl.

Silence fell between us again, comfortable yet heavy.

I fiddled with the hem of my shirt, my mind replaying the day’s events–the fear in Martin’s grip, the shock of Aaron’s intervention, the blood on his knuckles.

“Was I really worth the risk?” The question slipped out before I could stop it, vulnerable and raw.

My heart raced, regretting it instantly. Why poke at this? Before I could backtrack, his large palm cupped my cheek. He lifted my face, forcing me to meet his warm, unwavering eyes.

“You’re worth risking everything for, including my life, Jess.”

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Chapter 29

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The words hung in the air, stealing my breath. A rush of emotions surged through me–disbelief, warmth, a tingling fear that this was too good, too real

My mouth hung open like a fool, staring at him. His gaze held thing but seriousness, sincerity etched in every line of his

face

“Wh… what?”

He leaned in closer, his hot breath familiar on my face. He traced his thumb over my bottom lip.

“You heard me, Jess. You’re worth risking my life. And I’d do it in a heartbeat if I had to.”

“Why?” I asked softly, my heart pounding so loud I was sure he could hear it.

The surrounding air was charged with so much pressure and tension, I could feel it thick in the oxygen that went into my lungs.

“Because I care about you,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “So much more than I let on. I care deeply about you, Jess.”

My world tilted. time suspending in that moment. His words wrapped around my heart, squeezing with a sweetness that bordered on pain.

I’d spent so long doubting my worth–family scars, self–doubts, the ghosts of past hurts–and here he was, dismantling it all with raw honesty.

Tears pricked my eyes again, but these were different, born from a joy so profound it ached.

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12:01 Sat, Jan 10 G S

Chapter 30