Jasper's Promise

Mia's POV 

"Why?" I demanded, my voice barely audible. "Why would someone like him want to kill me?"

Jasper's expression darkened. "Because of me."

I froze.

"Russo and I have a history," he admitted. "His father was once a powerful player in this world. He killed my adopted father. I took him down for it. Now, his son is trying to take revenge. And the best way to hurt me...." He trailed off, his eyes locking onto mine.

"..... Is by coming after you."

A hot chill crawled down my spine. My hands balled into fists, my nails digging into my palm.

Jasper was already standing, fastening his belt, reaching for his gun. The sight of him like this, dangerous, determined and protective sent a wave of fear and admiration through me.

"I'm coming with you," I said, sliding out of bed.

Jasper stiffened, then turned to me, his eyes narrowing. "No, you're not."

"Of course I am," I snapping, grabbing my dress and slipping it on. "You just told me someone tried to kill me. This isn't just about you anymore, Jasper. It's about me, too."

His jaw clenched. "I would protect you, Mia."

"By keeping me in the dark? No. If my life is in danger, I deserve to know everything."

His eyes gleamed with frustration, but deep down, I knew he understood. He didn't want me involved, but I was already involved.

Finally, he let out a harsh sigh. "Fine. But you stay close to me. No heroics, Mia."

I nodded, my heart beating.

Jasper grabbed his phone and sent a quick reply. "Secure him. I'm on my way."

Then he turned back to me, his expression unreadable. "Get ready. We leave in twenty minutes."

I nodded. That was enough time for me to freshen up.

******

Jasper's men drove to through the bustling street of Las Vegas. The atmosphere Inside the car was thick, the kind that made my heart pounded in fear.

I had seen glimpses of Jasper's ruthlessness before. But as we pulled up to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town, I realised I was about to witness a side of him that I hadn't seen before.

We stepped inside. Jayden and the other men stood in formation, their eyes sharp, their guns visible beneath their jackets.

In the center of the room was a man—Russo’s son—tied to a chair. His face was bloodied, his lips ripped, but despite the bruises, untamed defiance burned in his eyes.

Jasper strode forward with a terrifying calm, his presence exuding cold authority.

"Adams Russo." His voice was smooth, almost casual. "You've been a difficult man to find."

Adams smirked, spitting blood on the ground before speaking. "And you've been a difficult man to kill." Hid gaze shifted towards me. "She's pretty, by the way. I can see why you're so protective of your little slut."

I blinked, rage simmering inside me. Slut?

Jasper's expression didn't falter, but I felt a cold and deadly shift. In a flash, Jasper grabbed Adams by the throat, slamming his head against the back of the chair.

"Careful what your next word is," Jasper warned, his voice low and dangerous. "I don't have much patience. You'd lose your tongue before you know it."

Adams let out a strain chuckle, his eyes gleaming with malice. "You think if you kill me, then it's over? I'm not the only one after her." His bloodied lips curled. "You think you're protecting her. But I bet someone will come for her before you know it."

I felt my heart drop.

But Jasper didn't waver, his expression unreadable. "Who else is after her?"

Adams let out a ragged breath, his eyes were still sharp with defiance. "Kill me, and you'll never find out."

Jasper stepped back slowly, then with terrifying precision, he pulled out his gun, pressing it beneath Adams chin.

"I won't kill you to get my answers," Jasper murmured, his voice cold. "No I won't do that. But I would make you wish I did."

For the first time, Adrian flinched.

The room fell into deadly silence.

Then, Jasper turned to Jayden. "Get everything you can out of him. I want names. Associates. Locations. And make sure he didn't died."

Jayden nodded. "Yes, boss."

Jasper turned to me. "We're leaving."

I swallowed, my legs wobbly, but I followed him.

As we stepped outside, the hot afternoon sun hit my face but I barely felt it. My mind replaying Adams words on a loop.

"I'm not the only one after her."

I turned to Jasper. "Did you believe him?'

For a long moment, Jasper fell silent, then he sighed. "I don't take chances, Mia. If there's any possibility that more people are after you, then I'll find them no matter what."

My breathing grew unsteady as he walked towards the car. Jasper must have taken note because he stopped suddenly, turning to face me. His hands cupped my face, his grip firm yet gentle.

"Look at me, Mia."

I did. His dark eyes, sharp and intense, locked into mine. "I swear I won't let anything happen to you or your mother," he murmured, but the certainty in his voice was unmistakable. "You're mine to protect. No one is going to touch."

I swallowed hard, and I could see the unwavering determination in his voice. 

"But what if—"

"No 'what ifs', Mia." He cut me off, his thumb brushing over my lips. "I will handle this. I will handle them."

I exhaled shakily, and I nodded. 

His lips curled into a satisfied smirk. "Good girl."

With that, he guided me towards the sleek black car waiting for us. His men stood guard, their eyes scanning the area like a hawk, ever watchful. One of them opened the door for us, and Jasper led me inside before slipping In beside me.

As the car pulled away from the warehouse, I let my head rest against Jasper's chest, exhaustion creeping into my bone. 

Jasper's hand found mine, his fingers intertwining with mine effortlessly. His touch was warm and reassuring without words. His mouth was buried in my hair—a silent reminder that he got me no matter what.

I noticed the car was moving in a different direction away from home, so I asked. "Where are we going?"

"My penthouse," he answered. "I want you to rest without any disturbance. You look exhausted."

I nodded. He was right. How can he see through me so easily?

There's no doubt—he was really my mate. 

Jasper pulled me closer, his hand stroking my hair gently. "Get some rest," he murmured. "You're safe with me."