Chapter 23: HUBBY
Akilah sighed and turned to Esmery, her voice laced with exasperation.
“Please, calm Jayden down so we can enjoy the rest of the night in peace. Damien literally shudders every time he meets his eyes.”
Esmery glanced at Damien, who stiffened as soon as Jayden’s sharp gaze landed on him. She bit her lip to stifle a laugh before turning her full attention to Jayden. Without warning, she hugged him tightly, pressing her cheek against his chest.
Then, in the softest, most babyish voice, she whispered, “Hubby, I belong to you and you alone, okay? Damien is like a brother to me, and I’d never dream of kissing him. Trust me.”
Jayden’s arms instantly wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against him. His grip was possessive, firm.
"Of course, you’re mine. And mine alone.”
Esmery giggled, rubbing soothing circles on his back. After a little more coaxing and whispered reassurances, Jayden finally, stopped glaring daggers at Damien, though the tension in his body hadn’t fully disappeared.
With the atmosphere somewhat back to normal, they decided to eat their ice cream in the car. The night air was crisp, and the cool sweetness of the ice cream made everything feel lighter.
That is, until Esmery’s phone rang.
The cheerful mood was cut off in an instant.
Esmery pulled out her phone, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw the caller ID. Auntie Monica.
She hesitated for only a second before answering.
"Hello," she said softly.
The voice on the other end was sickly sweet yet laced with false sorrow.
“You unfilial daughter, I know how much you love Diego. I know you’re heartbroken because of what your sister and Diego did to you. Don’t worry, I’ll punish them severely. I know we’ve had our ups and downs as mother and daughter.... But you'll still be my daughter no matter the circumstances. Just because Astrid is my real blood doesn't make you less of one. Please come home. Im so heartbroken you didn't come to me. ” Monica’s voice broke into a feigned sob.
Esmery’s lips curled into a smirk. What an act.
"Okay, Auntie. I’ll be there," she responded in a dutiful tone, playing along.
Monica let out a pleased sigh. “Good girl. Come home soon. I’ll prepare all your favorite dishes.”
The line went dead.
Esmery lowered her phone just as Akilah turned to her, eyes blazing with disbelief. “Don’t tell me you’re actually going to that witch’s house?”
Esmery smirked. “Of course, I am.”
Akilah’s mouth fell open, about to launch into a furious retort, but Esmery cut her off with a sly grin.
“With you guys, of course.”
Akilah blinked, momentarily appeased until Esmery added, “Except Jayden.”
The air in the car instantly grew heavy.
Jayden’s gaze darkened, his sharp eyes narrowing dangerously.
Damien immediately focused on the road as if his life depended on it. Akilah let out a silent and an oh shit under her breath.
Jayden’s voice was low, controlled, but there was an undeniable threat in it. “Damien. Drive to your house.”
Esmery hummed in amusement and burrowed deeper into Jayden’s arms, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on his shirt.
Jayden didn’t let it go. He activated the tinted, soundproof divider, blocking out Akilah and Damien from their conversation. Then, his hand tilted Esmery’s chin up, forcing her to meet his intense gaze.
"Baby, what do you mean you’re going to Monica’s house without me?" he asked, his voice serious.
Esmery sighed but smiled at him sweetly. “Hubby, my dowry is still in Hank and Monica's possession. It’s the last thing my mom left me, along with the Withlock heirloom. That’s the only thing my maternal family can use to identify me as my mother’s daughter.”
Jayden didn’t say anything, but his grip on her tightened slightly.
Esmery continued, her tone soft but firm. “You already know that my mother was kidnapped by Monica’s parents. And don’t even try to deny it. I know you’ve done a background check on me.”
Jayden smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Of course. My baby is too smart to be outwitted.”
Esmery rolled her eyes. “Exactly.”
A yawn escaped her lips as exhaustion from the day’s events settled in. She shifted, pressing herself against Jayden’s warmth. “I want to take a nap before facing my dramatic family.”
Before Jayden could respond, Esmery unbuttoned his coat and snuggled into his chest, her face pressed against his shirt. Her lips brushed against his bare abdomen.
Jayden stilled.
His eyes darkened, and his jaw clenched.
Damien and Akilah had no idea how close he was to canceling their entire plan just so he could take his wife home and remind her exactly who she belonged to.
But for now, he let her rest.
For now.
Esmery curled into Jayden’s warmth, inhaling his scent as she nuzzled against his chest. The moment was peaceful, almost innocent, until she let her lips part, pressing a soft, teasing kiss just above his abdomen.
Jayden tensed slightly, his fingers twitching against her waist.
She smirked.
Slowly, deliberately, she trailed feather-light kisses down, sucking gently at the firm planes of his abdomen, her warm breath fanning against his skin. She felt his abs contract under her touch, his entire body taut with restrained tension.
"Baby," Jayden warned, his voice hoarse, laced with something dark.
Esmery ignored him, letting her lips trace along his defined muscles, pressing open-mouthed kisses lower, her tongue darting out just enough to taste him.
His fingers curled into a fist, his breathing growing heavier.