Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 328

Chapter 328

Jade’s POV:

:

Two days had passed since our confrontation with the Shadow operative with the distinctive mole who had killed Tolosa. Though dispatching him in that market alley couldn’t completely erase the image of Tolosa’s small body clutching those chocolate bars, knowing his killer had paid the price eased some of the heaviness in my heart. A life for a life–the most ancient form of justice.

“I need to wash my hair,‘ I muttered as we reached our new hideout, eyeing the tiny bathroom with its chipped sink.

Ethan followed my gaze. “You shouldn’t bend over with that shoulder wound. It’ll start bleeding again.”

“I’ll manage.”

“No.” His tone left no room for argument. “Lie down on the bed. I’ll help you.”

With a sigh, I settled onto the bed while Ethan gathered supplies–a pitcher, towels, and shampoo he’d picked up at some point during

our escape.

“Close your eyes,” he instructed, sliding a towel beneath my head as I lay back.

The warm water felt heavenly as it ran through my hair. His fingers worked methodically, massaging my scalp with just enough pressure.

As he worked, I noticed the fresh scars on his hand–angry red lines crossing his palm where he’d grabbed the knife meant for my throat. My chest tightened.

“It scarred,” I said, reaching up to touch his hand lightly. “Such elegant hands, now ruined.”

Ethan looked down at his damaged palm with casual indifference. “A few scars are nothing for a man.” His lips curved into a slight smile. “If you like my hands so much, you can hold this one more often.” He extended his other, unmarked hand toward me.

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile.

“What’s the date today?” I asked suddenly.

“The 27th. Why?”

“It’s your birthday.”

Ethan froze, water dripping from his fingers. His expression shifted from surprise to realization. “You’re right,” he said slowly. “I completely forgot.”

“Do I get a birthday present?” he asked, resuming his task of rinsing my hair.

“Obviously not,” I replied bluntly.

He didn’t say anything, just continued washing my hair with the same gentle care. When he finished, he wrapped my head in a dry towel and carefully helped me sit up.

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10:35 Fri, Oct 3 M

Chapter 328

I sat on the edge of the bed while he stood before me, meticulously drying my hair.

*Jade?”

I looked up instinctively.

Before I could process what was happening, his face was inches from mine, his sculpted features filling my vision. Then his lips pressed against mine–brief, warm, and unexpectedly gentle.

He pulled back slightly, eyes fixed on mine. “I just received my birthday gift. I like it very much. Thank you.” Both presumptuous and polite in the same breath.

I stared at him, speechless. I’d been considering buying him a cake later, some small gesture to reciprocate for the one he’d given me last year. Apparently that wouldn’t be necessary now.

“My birthday wish is for you to stay safe,” he said quietly.

“That’s a waste of a wish.”

“Not to me.” His fingers brushed a strand of hair from my face. “Last year, I wished for you to marry me.”

I blinked. “What?”

“When you stopped me outside your house that night and kissed me-” He paused, his expression unreadable. “In that moment, I wanted a future with you. The thought of marrying you exploded in my mind.”

“And now?” I asked, unsure why I was even pursuing this conversation.

“Now I just want you alive and safe. I still want a future with you–desperately so. But compared to your safety, everything else feels secondary.”

The intensity in his voice made me look away.

That night, I lay in bed listening to the sound of Ethan showering, staring at the ceiling and trying not to think about anything at all. When he emerged, hair damp and wearing only sweatpants, he moved quietly, assuming I was asleep.

I felt the mattress dip as he sat on the edge, watching me. The weight of his gaze was almost tangible. I could sense him studying my face, perhaps wondering what was going through my mind or simply reassuring himself that I was still there, still breathing.

“Mr. Haxton,” I said without opening my eyes, “you’re getting remarkably comfortable with bedtime routines.”

He didn’t startle at my voice. “I’d sleep on the couch, but as you can see, it wouldn’t fit half of me.”

When I didn’t respond, he took it as permission to stay. “Are you cold?”

“Why don’t you just ask if you can hold me while we sleep?” I called out his true intention.

“May I hold you while we sleep?” he asked without hesitation.

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10:35 Fri, Oct 3 M…

Chapter 328

I turned onto my side, presenting my back to him. After a moment, he slid under the covers beside me.

“Don’t press on the wound,” he warned.

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