Chapter 22. His Lust Returns

ARDEN

The sensation was strange—like déjà vu laced with dread. Both familiarity and unfamiliarity crashed over me, rooting me in place. His old, empty promises echoed in my head, and my body refused to move.

“You’re the prettiest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on,” Jaxon said gently, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I laughed, not out of flattery, but disbelief. It was easier to laugh than to accept.

He caught my tone. Wrapping his arms around my waist, he pulled me into his chest, his toned biceps forming a wall around me.

“I’m serious,” he murmured into the crook of my neck, his breath ghosting across my skin. I felt his gaze dip to my scent gland, lingering on the mark. Then, he kissed it. A shiver ran down my spine, and before I realized it, I leaned into him, surrendering to his warmth.

“Happy one-year anniversary,” he whispered, slipping out a ring that looked like it could buy all three of my brothers’ cars.

I turned to him, stunned