Stolen Identity: Mute Heiress

Chapter 496: Muse

Jax drove slowly through the quiet streets, one hand on the steering wheel while the other rested near the gear shift.

Mari sat beside him, still smiling as she thought about the games.

“I still can’t believe we came second,” she said.

Jax laughed. “You are very proud of second place.”

“I am. It simply means we almost won. Jamal is such a terrible loser.”

Jax laughed. “He said he was joking.”

Mari laughed. “Trust me, if he had won, he wouldn’t have said that.”

Jax smiled. “So, since we didn’t win, are you going to honour the decision and wait for Emily and Callan?”

Mari rolled her eyes. “Of course not. I have no idea when they’re going to be ready. If I had won, I wouldn’t have honoured the terms either. We only indulged Jamal, not because we thought it made sense.”

“That’s a relief. For a moment I was worried,” Jax said quietly.

As much as he admired their friendship, he wasn’t sure how he felt about them making such serious decisions over games.

“About?”

Jax shrugged as he glanced at her. “I was worried that you guys made such serious decisions over games and that you were going to want to honour it.”

Mari giggled. “You have nothing to be worried about.”

For a while, they talked about the game, remembering some of the funniest moments. Mari laughed again when she remembered the way Jax had acted during the charades.

“You know you looked ridiculous, right? You looked like you were fighting an invisible person.”

Jax laughed. “And you still guessed the word. I’m glad no one was taking pictures,” he said, making her laugh some more.

“Because I’m good.”

“Of course.”

Mari smiled proudly.

Soon, the road ahead split into two.

One road led toward Jax’s house.

The other led toward Mari’s.

Jax slowed down as they approached the turn.

Mari looked at the road, then at him. “We are going to your place, right?”

Jax looked at her. “No. I’m dropping you off at home.”

Mari frowned. “Why? I think it’s best we go to your place. That way we can leave together tomorrow.”

He shook his head. “No.”

Mari’s face fell. “No? Why?”

“I have to work tonight.”

She frowned. “Tonight? Tomorrow is the exhibition.”

He glanced at the clock on the dashboard.

“Exactly why I need to work tonight. I still have a few things to finish before tomorrow. And I’ll be busy again in the morning.”

“I can help,” Mari offered.

Jax smiled. “No. I will be distracted by your presence.”

Mari pouted. “But I want to spend the night with you.”

“You can spend the night with me tomorrow after the exhibition.”

Mari leaned back against her seat, then she sighed. “I didn’t realise dating an artist would be this hard.”

“I’m sorry.”

She shook her head. “I keep thinking about what marriage will be like.”

He glanced at her. “What do you mean?”

“What if you have a major project?” She paused. “Are you going to shut me out for weeks?”

Jax’s smile faded into something softer. “No.”

“You’re sure?”

“I’m sure. I have good reasons for doing this. You will understand better soon. And although I can’t promise that work will never become demanding.” He kept his eyes on the road. “I can promise that I will never make you feel like you have to compete with my work.”

Mari looked at him quietly.

“And if it makes you feel better, you can do more than spend the night with me tomorrow. You can stay for the whole week if you want,” Jax offered with a smile.

Mari’s eyes widened as she looked at him. “For real?”

He smiled. “Yeah. I’ve been clearing my schedule. You will have my undivided attention.”

“For me?”

“Only you. I will drop you off at your office and pick you up. And even send you lunch or stop by to have lunch with you if you want.”

Her lips curved into a smile. “That is sweet.”

Jax laughed. “So, do you feel better?”

Mari smiled. “How can I not when you just offered that? You really think about the sweetest things.”

“I think about you. And what could be sweeter than you?”

Her smile grew. “Now that makes me feel better.”

Jax reached over and kissed her hand.

The car soon turned into Mari’s estate.

A few minutes later, he stopped in front of her house.

Mari looked at the house, then at him.

She sighed. “You better not go back on your word tomorrow.”

Jax laughed. “I won’t.”

“I am looking forward to our private after-party,” she said with a naughty smile.

Jax’s eyes warmed. “So am I.”

Mari smiled.

Jax switched off the engine before stepping out of the car.

Mari waited patiently, knowing he wanted to get her car door. She was learning to sit still and let him treat her like a lady.

She used to believe she wasn’t the kind of lady to want men doing this for her, and she had even protested in the past, but her mother had taught her that she needed to lean into her feminine energy more and allow a man to treat her like a lady.

Jax walked around the car and opened her door.

Mari looked at him when he held out his hand. “Thank you.”

She took his hand and stepped out.

Jax closed the door and walked beside her toward the front door.

Mari held his arm, but neither of them spoke.

When they reached the door, Mari turned to him.

“Thank you for tonight. I’m grateful that you spent your time hanging out with my friends.”

“I should be thanking you.”

“For what?”

“It’s been a while. I had such fun. And your friends are cool.”

She smiled. “You’re cool too.”

“I know.”

Mari laughed.

Jax reached for her waist.

Her heart fluttered as he leaned down and kissed her.

The kiss was deep and slow.

Mari’s hands moved around his neck as she kissed him back.

When they finally pulled apart, Jax rested his forehead against hers for a moment.

“Goodnight, my muse.”

Mari smiled. “Good night, Jax. I love you.”

He kissed her forehead. “I adore you.”

Mari smiled as she opened the door. She stepped inside, then turned back to look at him.

Jax was still standing there.

She knew he preferred seeing her go inside before leaving. “I’m inside now. Go,” she said softly.

He smiled. “I’ll wait until you shut the door behind you.”

Mari blew him a kiss, then walked in and closed the door.

Jax waited a few seconds before turning around.

Inside, Mari watched him from the window until he drove off, then she kicked off her shoes and headed upstairs to her bedroom.