"What?" I spoke before my brain could catch up with me. Maybe them not being cousins isn't a big deal, but it was to me. "If he's not your cousin, then who is he?"

Jack moved closer to me, taking me hand between his own. "Someone that gets me in a lot of trouble."

"Jack—"

"Before you ask, no. He's not the reason I'm in trouble now." His eyes lifted away from mine and looked over my shoulder. I didn't want to believe Jack would choose now to lie to me.

I don't even know if he's ever told me the truth. How do I know he hasn't been lying from the start? I want to believe that Jack has really been nothing but honest. But the way he's avoiding my gaze is telling me otherwise. "Okay."

He looked into my eyes again and moved his hands to cup my cheeks, "I'm standing by my word to keep you out of this, Juliet. Paxton thinks you're not helping me anymore and I want it to stay that way." He brushed his fingers over my temple, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "I don't think you should come over as often."

I felt hollow, "Is that what you want?"

Jack smiled weakly, "It's what I need."

Part of me understood and part of me thought he might not want me around anymore. "I guess I'll go home if you don't need my help right now." I turned my head so Jack's hands fell away from my face. I started to stand but Jack wrapped his fingers around my wrist. He tugged and I lost my balance, resulting in my fall in his lap. "You can stay for a bit." He grinned at me, "I mean, since you missed me all day."

I let myself smile, "What makes you think it was all day?"

Jack hummed and moved in closer, "Because you told me."

"I said I missed you today, but not all—"

His mouth was on mine before I could finish. My lips curled into a smile against his, "Don't make a habit out of this." I mumbled against his lips and kissed him back.

"I told you I couldn't help it." He muttered back.

I let out a soft laugh and reconnected our lips for a moment not long enough. When I pulled back, I left the smallest kiss on his jaw. I was about to pull away, but Jack held me in place. His breath brushed across the bare skin of my neck and everything seized to exist. "I wouldn't do this if it wasn't important."

He let me go and I leveled my face with his, "I know." I breathed and looked down at his lips, "I guess I'll start coming over late again, but only one day a week instead."

"As much as I hate to agree, that would work."

"What about when I'm done helping you? What's going to happen then?"

An emotion I couldn't place slid on Jack's face, "I don't know." He said truthfully. I thought what he would say would make me feel better. But that didn't help at all. I was worried. "I shouldn't have waited so long."

"For what?"

"To kiss you."

And I was blushing again, "And exactly how long have you waited, Jack?" I teased, clasping my hands around the back of his neck.

Jack tilted his head, scanning my face, "Since the day you agreed to help me. And that day in the kitchen took every ounce of self-control I had. When you showed up the other night and woke me up because of a nightmare, I couldn't help it. I couldn't let you leave without..." He trailed off, his eyebrows narrowing in thought. "I know I shouldn't have—"

"But I'm glad you did." I smiled at him, hoping to ease his mind a little. Seconds later, I felt my smile falter, "But I-I don't remember a nightmare."

"You don't?"

I shook my head, "I can guess what it was though."

"You don't have to worry about him, okay?"

"Yeah." I nodded, but I didn't feel Jack's words. I know it's not a lie, but how well does he really know Paxton? And how does he know that he won't be standing outside my window again? He knows where I work, there's no stopping him when he's there. "Walk me out?"

I stood from his lap and he grabbed my hand once he was standing next to me. Our fingers intertwined as we made our way outside. With the hour, I would be surprised anyone in our neighborhood would be up. He walked me to the white string between our houses and stopped. "I guess I'll see you Friday when I get home then?" It seemed more suitable then Tuesday or Thursday.

"I guess so."

I ducked under the line of string and backed towards my house, "Sleep well, Jack." I put on a small smile and turned around so I didn't bump into anything.

When I finally got into bed, I let everything rush against me. All the feelings I held in while I was with Jack and all the thoughts. I could still lose Jack. No matter what, I feel like I'll lose him. I'm trying not to get attached, but it's becoming hard because of all the time we spend together.

This new arrangement could go either way. I want it to work out.

It's hard to figure Jack out. He's good with his words. Maybe too good. He means everything he says. That I can figure out. I can tell by the way he looks at me and the way he's actually interested in actually getting to know me. He's asked questions everyone's afraid to.

He has secrets darker than I can imagine.

Lily has opened a new book of questions that I won't ask. I want to know, but Jack won't tell me anything. And going to Paxton is completely stupid and I can't believe I wouldn't even think about it. I would have to dig on my own, but I don't know where to start.

Or I should respect Jack's wishes and stay out of it.

I'll weigh my options accurately when my brain isn't completely scrambled.

The week was a snail. It was moving slowly. Everything was boring. James hasn't been around as much, and neither has Meredith. Lindy sees me maybe an hour before Dylan calls and wants her to come over or something. My grandparents are home sometimes, but it seems rare. My grandma has been volunteering more and my grandpa has never been much of a talker.

So I've been fending for myself.

I haven't seen Jack either.

Well, I've seen glances. Maybe a teasing look or a smile from his window. I've talked to him on the phone for a bit, but it wasn't the same. Hearing his voice was great, it just didn't compare.

It's Friday and Jack had to leave this morning for another meeting with the lawyers. James came into my room, all ready to leave. "Where are you going?" I asked as I stood from my window seat.

"Dropping Meredith off at her friends and then going to my house to get a suit for tonight. You still want to go, right?"

"I do."

"And you still want me to go?"

"I do." I smiled.

James returned my smile, "I'll be back in a few hours then."

He ducked out of my room and left. I was grateful James offered to go. I would've been too afraid to ask him. I probably would've gone alone before I asked him to go with me.

I started thinking about what to wear, but forgot my dress has already been picked out for me. I tried it on earlier today and it fit perfectly. Hugged my hips and dipped with the curves of my waist. And I felt pretty. I was a bit excited to actually have a chance to wear it, despite the circumstances.

The dress hung against my closet door, waiting for me.

When my grandma saw it, I had to show her the note. She thinks it's a sweet gesture from Michael. Yep, she knew all about Michael. I think I talked to everyone about him, except him. And he never caught on. I'm glad I avoided that one.

I collected what I needed for a shower and walked into my bathroom. I took my time showering and making sure I shaved my legs slowly so I didn't end up with a million cuts. I washed my hair and the rest of my body and stepped out. I got dressed in a t-shirt and cotton shorts and dried my hair the best I could with just my towel.

I stepped into my room and almost fell over.

Jack was sitting on the edge of my bed. "Jack—"

"It's fine." He quickly stood. "It's not on. The officer's aren't back yet."

It was weird. Seeing Jack in my room. For one, he's never been in here. He's maybe seen a bit from his window, but other than that, he's never had the chance. And the fact that he should be on house arrest makes this situation a little more...dangerous?

I ignore his situation and focused on him. He wore the black and white suit he did before, but this time I can appreciate it. I've seen Jack in a suit many times because of his parents' events. There's just something about him now that makes my head and heart do funny things. "Will you get in trouble?"

"My lawyer is right outside my house, he's not going to let me go anywhere. Besides," He brushed his knuckles against my cheek, "I have something to lose now."

I smiled up at him and placed my hand over his, "It's good to see you."

Jack smiled and lowered his face to mine, "I couldn't pass up the opportunity." He kissed me softly and stepped back. "Your room looks smaller from over there." He stood in the middle of my room, turning to examine.

"Maybe because you only see to that wall." I pointed. It's the wall where my TV sat on my dresser.

"Maybe." He took one last look before his eyes fell on me. "Are you still going to that thing tonight?"

"I am. And I can still come over when I get home. I don't want to be there longer than I have to." Which was the absolute truth. I would rather be with Jack tonight anyway.

Jack walked past me and stopped in front of my dress, "That's it?"

I stood beside him, "That's the mystery dress."

He let out a long sigh and turned towards me, "Wish I could see you in it." He placed his hands on my cheeks again, "Be careful tonight. I'm already in enough trouble." A smile easily slid on his lips.

"I think the whole world knows that."

Jack dropped his hands and pulled me back towards my bed. The backs of my knees hit the edge, but I didn't buckle. Jack slid a hand behind my neck and his mouth collapsed on mine. I hooked my arms under his in a small attempt to pull him closer.

My knees finally gave in and buckled. I fell back on the bed, bringing Jack with me. I curved a leg around his hip as he continued to kiss me. His hand traced down the curve of my frame, stopping at my thigh. He wrapped his hand around my thigh, gripping it tightly.

A moan bubbled in my throat, spilling against our lips.

Jack rolled his body against mine and pulled his lips away. He nudged his face against the side of my neck and breathed before starting his assault on my neck. He kissed down my neck and up again to my jaw. He brushed his lips softly over my jaw, stopping to kiss below my chin. He kissed down the center of my neck and back up again.

As he kissed the corner of my mouth, I turned my head to catch his lips again. He smiled against them and kissed me back. It was short, maybe not enough, but it was something new.

He pulled back, letting his weight rest on his forearms. I wrapped my fingers around his tie and took a deep breath, "I like having you here."

He answered by giving me another kiss.

And the sound of a horn honking made Jack tense, "I have to go." He whispered, running a thumb over my bottom lip, "Be careful. Please."

The horn sounded again, "I will."

He kissed me once and tore away from me. When I heard the door slam, I walked to my window and sat down. Jack made it to the driveway in time for a black car to pull into the driveway. They weren't slapping handcuffs on him and a sense of relief flooded me.

I curled my hair, not knowing what else to do with it. The big curls fell against my bare shoulders once I slipped the dress on. My breath hitched in my throat when I saw my final result. The dress was prettier than I remembered. Gorgeous.

Lindy let me borrow a pair of her white pumps. She was eager to give them to me. I don't do well while wearing heels. Every time I've worn them, I've fallen because of my lack of balance.

A knock came to my door, "Come in!" I called, taking one last look in the mirror.

I turned in time to see James stepping through. He wore a suit and a tie to match my dress. He beamed at me, "You look amazing."

"Thank you." I scanned him once again, "And you look amazing as well."

He held out his arm for me to take.

We walked down the stairs and outside where a black car was waiting for us. "It just got here a few minutes ago."

Odd.

The driver got out of the car to open the door for us. I slid in first and James slid in beside me. The door closed and I let go of the breath I was holding. James found my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm prepared to kick ass if I have to." James whispered in my ear. He was closer than I expected.

I squeezed his hand in return.

The car ride there was too long. My heart was beating hard against my chest the closer we got. I didn't know what would be waiting for me there. If it was Paxton or someone completely different. The only person I can think of is Paxton.

The driver pulled to a stop behind more cars. I looked out the window, seeing the hotel. I've seen this hotel many times. I've never been inside of it. I don't think I could even afford an hour in this place.

The hotel was lit up in bright white lights that almost hurt to look at. It's beautiful, in a blinding way.

When it was our turn to get out, my door opened and a guy offered me his hand. I hesitated, but took his hand and got out of the car. James was next to me in a second, taking my hand again. "It's okay." He said, giving me a reassuring smile.

I nodded, masking my nervousness with a smile.

We walked up the red-carpeted steps up to the winding doors.

All I feel now is nothing. I feel numb.

Before I could go through the door, I felt someone grasp my arm. The culprit was one of the door guys. And older man with white hair. "Are you Juliet Sanders?"

James held my hand tighter.

"Y-yes. Why?"

He pulled a small envelope from the pocket of his jacket and handed it to me. "Have a swell night."

I pushed a fake smile in his direction and nodded once.

James and I made it into the lobby of the hotel before I could open the letter. I pulled it from its protective confines and unfolded it. "Glad you could make it, Juliet. The moment you arrive, please meet me in the penthouse suit.

See you soon, Juliet."

I folded it back up and stuck it back in the envelope and looked up at James. "He wants me to meet him in the penthouse suit."

James's eyes narrowed, "Seriously? This dude really got creepy."

"I don't think this is a good idea anymore."

James took a step toward me and placed his hands on my shoulders, "I'll be there with you if you want to go up there."

"You'll go in with me?"

"Only if you want me to."

Our hands connected again and we went to the elevators. We were the only ones inside. I pressed the button for the top floor and waited. It felt like the ride was taking forever until there was a ding and the doors slid open.

James waited for me to compose myself before we stepped out.

We walked down a long hallway, stopping in front of the doors to the suit that were guarded by two of the hotel staff. "I'm Juliet Sanders." I swallowed the lump in my throat, fighting to keep my voice steady.

One of the staff looked at James, "He can't go in."

"He stays or I go." I snapped.

The staff exchanged a look and one went inside the suit.

How important is this person? Now I'm positive this can't be Paxton or Michael. I don't know who the hell this could be.

The guy came back with a look of annoyance, "He'll see both of you."

James made a snarky comment as we were let into the room. He brought us through the sparkling suit and into a sitting space that overlooked the city. The back of a man's head was in my line of sight.

No white hair.

Which means it's not Paxton.

"She's here." The staff guy announced.

The one sitting on the couch quickly rose.

And I would rather be staring at Paxton's blue eyes instead of the man with my eyes.

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Two updates in two days, yay! haha. I probably won't be updated for a few days because of my final tomorrow. Maybe this weekend.

Did you guys expect that though? :))))))

Thanks for reading! :) Let me know what you think of the story so far? If it's going too slow, I'll try and speed it up, haha.