Page 37 of A Wanderer's Redemption
“The ring?”
“Ohh sorry, I lost track of my thoughts there for a second.”
I bite my lip hard to keep from smiling smugly as I watch Jessica hold up her hand, twisting the ring one way then another.
“Reggie, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Thank you for thinking of me. I don’t know what to say.”
“All I ask is that you give me a chance to slay those dragons for real. I know you are worried about what happens when this trip is over and have even mentioned possibly leaving, but I want you … damn, I am not good at this …”
Those bright green eyes of hers seem to look right through me, and just as I am getting ready to spill my guts, Jess interrupts.
“Reggie, these last few days, I’ve felt like I was living someone else’s life. But you should know that you don’t have to buy methings. I am not that type of girl, never have been. Things go away and most of the time, people choose to do the same. All I want is someone who wants me forme.”
I kiss the top of her head and pull her into my side, simply enjoying the moment while her words replay in my head.Wants me for me.I realize I have no idea who she really is. So far, I know she was a maid in my cousin’s home, but she talks and walks like a lady with an innocent charm that most men, myself included, could not resist. I wonder, if this is what I know about her today … how much more will she reveal tomorrow?
CHAPTER 14
JESSICA
I press my hands against my cheeks, trying to make myself stop smiling, but I just can’t help myself. I should have been appalled waking up in Reggie’s arms. Instead, it was one of the best moments of my life. If I could have stayed right there for life, I would have. We spend most of the breakfast with Colby, Jacob, and Deven, who for once proves to be quite entertaining as he seems to be opening up around all of us. Colby isn’t as pushy this morning, or I’m just too caught up in my own thoughts to notice.
I know that by now all of them have noticed the ring on my hand, but no one has said anything. My eyes just keep being drawn to it as the morning sun catches the many facets. Reggie’s previous words are on repeat in my head as the guys talk all around me. I am so lost in my own thoughts that nothing is registering until I hear Reggie laugh before he puts his arm around my shoulders, shaking me gently.
“Earth to Jessica … where are you?”
Laughing, I pat the hand on my shoulder. “Sorry, I was in Jessicaville. What did I miss?”
“I am going to head to the back with Deven and Colby. We have a few crates that need sorting while Jacob takes care of Bells. Do you want to come with us, or do you have plans with Victoria?”
“If you don’t need me, she has a few dresses that need altering, and I told her I would help.”
I bite my lip when he kisses the top of my head in front of everyone, and out of the corner of my eye, I glance over to see what Colby’s reaction is, but he acts indifferent for a change.
“Go on, I’ll catch up with you later.”
I slide out of the bench, my head in the clouds as I walk through the many trains separating the breakfast car from Victoria and Tyberius’. When I come to her wardrobe doorway, I am not sure what to do next. Knocking, I wonder if she may be in there, only to hear a low growl on the other side of the door.
“Wrath, it’s Jessica. Will you let Victoria know I’m here?”
I turn around and look out at the scenery passing by. Tall trees line mountainsides while huge valleys sway in deep grasses. Dragonflies and butterflies twirl in the air, completely undisturbed by the passing of the train. I have no idea how long I stand there, but it couldn’t have been long as the next thing I know, Victoria is standing right next to me.
“Hello lovely, what’s going through that pretty head of yours? You were so lost in your thoughts you didn’t even know I was standing here with you.”
Before I can think about it, I am hugging her again, but instead of tensing up, she must have been ready for my attack, because she smiles beautifully at me when I finally let go.
“Oh, I have so much to tell you but look!”
I hold up my hand so that she can see the ring.
“Ahh, a wise choice, do you like it?”
“I love it, and you know what else? He said he cares about me … ME!The maid.”
“Sweetheart, I don’t think he has ever viewed you as the maid. Come on in, let’s get settled, and we can chat the day away.”
Wrath is at the door when I walk in. “You are such a good boy, thank you for going and getting your person for me. Can I pet you?”
I see Victoria stop only a few feet in front of me and turn. For just a second, I swear her eyes turn red when she looks at Wrath, and because I am watching her, his bumping my hand with his head makes me jerk. He steps back instantly.
