Page 114 of Redemption

He shook his head. “If you trusted me, you wouldn’t immediately jump to the conclusion that I lied.”

“I—” I took a breath. “I’m sorry. I’m trying, Jackson. But can you blame me, after all the things you kept from me in the past?”

He dragged a hand down his face. “What did you honestly think would happen with my job after I slept with a client?”

I searched his eyes for answers, processing his words. “Wait. You lost the promotion because of me?”

“I gave it up for us. And I didn’t lie about it to my family. At the time, I’d planned to take it.”

“Jackson.” I stared at the table, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest. “I’m sorry.”

I was sorry for doubting him. For putting him in that position. For jeopardizing his future.

“So am I.” Part of me expected him to say that we were done. That this was never going to work. Instead, he said, “I know I hurt you in the past, and I will keep doing whatever it takes to show you that you can trust me. So, in the interest of full transparency, I also resigned from Hudson.”

I reared back. “What? When?”

He’d taken a leap of faith for me—for us. And I’d jumped to conclusions. I’d let my fear of the past overwhelm my hope for the future.

“Our first morning in Turks and Caicos. But I asked that it wouldn’t take effect until after this assignment ended. And my boss demanded my discretion in return, which he had every right to do. I signed an NDA with Hudson.”

I dropped my head to my chest. “I’m sorry this is such a mess.”

He blew out a breath. “You have to understand… Vaughn’s more than just my supervisor, he’s my mentor, and I put him in an awkward position. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but I felt like I owed it to him.”

“I can understand that.” I could. I admired Jackson for his loyalty. “But why would you do that? Why give up a promotion and a job at a company you love?”

He took my hand in his. “Because you’re more important to me than anything. I made the wrong choice once, and I vowed not to make that mistake again.”

“Jackson.” I melted from his words. “I would’ve never asked you to give up your job for me.”

“I know you wouldn’t.” He cupped my cheek. “But you didn’t have to. I chose to.”

I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch, reveling in this moment. The significance of Jackson choosing our relationship over his job wasn’t lost on me. He’d jeopardized his future to place his trust in us, and his admission was both healing and profound. I vowed that his sacrifices wouldn’t be made in vain.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Sloan placed her hand over mine then lowered them both to her lap. Something shifted in her expression, and she seemed almost…nervous.

“Sloan? What’s wrong?”

When she glanced up at me, she was smiling. “Acta non verba.”

I nodded, repeating, “Acta non verba.” Exactly.

“I also might have done something…” She gnawed on her lip. “I wasn’t planning to spring it on you quite like this, but I talked to my brother, and we want to hire you to oversee all security operations at the Huxley Grand brand.”

“Graham?” I asked, surprised that he’d agree.

I mean, holy shit. They wanted to hire me? To oversee all security operations of Huxley Grand worldwide? It was enough to make my head spin.

“Yeah.” Sloan tilted her head. “Why?”

I rubbed the back of my neck, trying not to get too excited about what she was offering me. “I don’t get the impression that Graham is my biggest fan.”

She frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I met him once when we were together. Remember? At your apartment.”