Joe settled onto the bed's edge, her fingers tracing Jeremy's cheek with delicate touches. The harsh mask she'd worn moments before melted away, replaced by infinite gentleness and pain. "Jeremy, I swear I'll work something out with my grandfather. Don't stress about it. Our love runs too deep—he couldn't bear to destroy what we have..."
A harsh laugh escaped Jeremy's lips. "Obviously, I'm not stressed. You care about me this much; I know I'll eventually earn your grandfather's blessing. It's just that the wait has been endless!"
Jeremy's expression turned contemptuous. 'She's no different from the rest—won't make a move unless she's guaranteed success. She shows up with all these promises and sweet talk, but when it comes to actually facing her grandfather, she'd probably freeze up completely.'
Joe's feelings for Jeremy ran deep. He possessed everything she wanted—looks, competence, decisiveness, and the ability to be ruthless when circumstances demanded it.
