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Chapter Twenty-Nine
The night air was thick with tension as Jason's lips brushed against Seline's, a whisper of contact that sent a shiver through her. He lingered, giving her space, giving her time to stop him. But she didn't.
Instead, she let him kiss her.
The moment deepened, slow but searing. Jason's hands found her waist, pulling her closer, his grip firm but careful. His lips moved over hers with an intensity that made her head spin, his warmth seeping into her skin.
Her hands threaded through his hair, tugging slightly, and a low sound rumbled from his chest. Everything else—the questions, the doubts, the betrayals—melted away. She should pull back, she knew that. She needed answers, clarity. She needed to resist.
But instead, she let herself fall deeper.
Jason's fingers traced the curve of her waist, skimming down to the hem of her gown, and a fresh wave of heat flooded through her. It was dangerous, intoxicating.
No.
Her mind jolted, reality slamming back into her.
What am I doing?
Lucas had kissed her earlier—without permission. And now, Jason was picking up where his brother left off, as if she were something to be passed between them. She felt cheap, lost in something she barely understood.
This isn't right. I need to stop this.
Before she could react, a voice shattered the moment.
"Sorry to interrupt," Skye called loudly.
Seline jerked back, her breath uneven as she turned. Skye stood at the other end of the garden, her posture stiff, her expression unreadable. Had she seen everything?
Jason exhaled sharply, irritation flashing across his face. "Yes?" he snapped, running a hand through his hair.
Skye hesitated before responding. "Sir, someone wants to see you." Her confidence wavered slightly under Jason's heated stare.
Jason's expression hardened, the moment between him and Seline dissolving like smoke. With a controlled nod, he straightened his posture. "Escort Seline to her room," he ordered.
Seline's stomach twisted. "Jason, we need to talk. You can't just brush me off and distract me every time—"
"I promise we'll talk," he interrupted, his voice quiet but firm. "As soon as we can."
But he didn't meet her gaze.
Seline clenched her jaw, frustration simmering beneath her skin. She wanted to push him, to demand answers now, but she knew it would get her nowhere. With a resigned sigh, she turned, following Skye back inside.
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The Meeting
Jason strode toward the palaver hut, his mind still tangled with the moment he'd just left behind. Kissing Seline had been reckless, but he hadn't been able to stop himself. And now, she wanted answers. He wasn't sure how much he was willing to give.
As he stepped into the dimly lit space, a figure stood to greet him.
"Long time, man!" The man grinned widely, pinching the bridge of his nose before shaking Jason's hand.
Jason barely reacted. "Yeah," he replied flatly, sitting across from him.
The man—Simeon—leaned back in his chair, still grinning. "No drink?" he teased.
Jason narrowed his eyes, considering whether to indulge him. Then, with a sigh, he dismissed the thought. "No time for drinks. Perhaps next time."
"I thought as much," Simeon murmured, amusement fading from his face. Silence stretched between them, thick and uncomfortable.
Then, in a voice quieter but sharper, Simeon spoke. "Jason, are you even aware of what you're doing? You're ruining this girl's life along with yours."
The words hit Jason harder than expected. His jaw tightened. "Stop being sanctimonious, Simeon. You're no better."
"Exactly," Simeon shot back, leaning forward. "That's the point. I hate being like you. Deceiving Aaliyah like this, using her. At least I feel something about it. At least I still have a conscience. Unlike you."
Jason's expression darkened. "I'm saving her life."
"No," Simeon said coldly. "You're saving yourself. And you're doing it without thinking about the cost to anyone else."
Jason's patience snapped. He shot up from his seat, palms flat against the table. "What would you have me do?" His voice was a low growl.
Simeon stood as well, unfazed by Jason's fury. His gaze was steady, knowing. "I don't know, and I don't care. But tell her the truth."
The words hung between them like an open wound.
Jason clenched his fists at his sides, his mind racing. Telling Seline the truth meant exposing things that couldn't be undone. Things that could put them both in even more danger.
But keeping her in the dark?
That was a lie that was already starting to crumble.
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