Chapter 4 - Under Watchful Eyes
That evening, the storm finally broke over Chestnut Hill, unleashing a torrential downpour that rattled the heavy glass windows of the estate.
Inside, the atmosphere was thick with a quiet, protective tension. Jackson sat on the plush sofa in the living room, holding four-year-old Harper on his lap. He was patiently helping her color a picture of a castle, his large, scarred hand gently guiding her tiny crayons.
"Is the castle safe from the rain, Daddy?" Harper asked, looking up at him with her large, innocent eyes—eyes that looked so much like Jasmine's.
Jackson’s heart squeezed with a profound, protective ache. He leaned down, kissing her forehead. "Yes, sweetie. The castle is completely safe. Nothing can get inside."
Jasmine walked into the room, carrying a tray of warm milk and cookies. She had changed into a soft, emerald green sweater, but her face was pale, the exhaustion of the past three days showing in the dark circles beneath her eyes.
"Time for bed, Harper," Jasmine said, offering a warm, reassuring smile as she set the tray down.
"But I want to finish the castle with Daddy!" Harper protested, pouting.
"We will finish it tomorrow, princess," Jackson promised, gently lifting her into his arms. He carried her up the grand staircase, Jasmine walking close beside him, their steps synchronized in a silent rhythm of mutual support.
After tucking Harper into her bed and ensuring Robert was stationed directly outside her door, Jackson and Jasmine walked back down to the study.
The room was dim, illuminated only by the amber glow of the fireplace. Jasmine walked over to the window, watching the rain pelt the glass.
"Jackson," she whispered, her shoulders trembling slightly. "I saw the symbol on the fence today. The red rose. It felt like... like the night they took me. The night I thought I would never see the light again."
Jackson walked over to her, his massive frame instantly casting a protective shadow over her. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her back against his chest. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his warm breath grounding her.
"I am here, Jasmine," Jackson murmured, his deep voice vibrating against her spine. "I am right here. I made a promise to you and Harper, and I will burn this entire world to the ground before I let anyone hurt you again."
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Jasmine turned in his arms, looking up into his dark, intense eyes. She reached up, her fingers tracing the sharp line of his jaw. "No, Jackson. We don't burn the world anymore. We build it. We outsmart him. Together."
Jackson looked down at her, his heart swelling with an overwhelming, profound reverence for the woman who had saved his soul. He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a deep, desperate kiss that carried all the unyielding devotion of his heart.
