Chapter One Hundred and Seven

“Ardere…” I reached out shakily, glancing between his troubled eyes and reddened fingers.

Ardere’s eyes met mine and for a moment he just stared as I took hesitant steps closer while I felt like my heart would beat out of my chest.

“Stop! What are you doing, you could get hurt!” Nathan’s voice travelled through the crowd and Ardere’s eyes widened.

He went to pull away, but before his hand was out of reach, I threaded my fingers through his and held on tight.

“He wouldn’t hurt me,” I whispered, squeezing his hand in mine as pleasurable tingles spread up my arm from his touch. “My Jasper wouldn’t hurt me.” My vision swam with tears as the truth hit me square in the face.

It was him, if there was any doubt before, there wasn’t now.

“Jasper?” He questioned shakily.

“Yes, it’s you, it’s really you.” I choked on a sob, the relief that spread through my body warmed my heart and for the first time in three months, I smiled a genuine smile, watery but genuine.

“I- uh…” He trailed off an