Chapter 1847

The chief's face dropped the second he heard her. He shot the wild girl a glare so cold, she actually flinched. If he let family ties get in the way tonight, he was done for—and he knew it. His whole demeanor changed, and the girl-usually so fearless-took two big steps back. She'd never seen her uncle look this scary before. The doting, gentle man who always spoiled her was gone.

"Uncle, don't look at me like that. You're scaring me," she stammered, unable to meet his eyes. He felt like a total stranger.

He turned to the officers behind him. "Take her to jail. No visitors unless I say so. I'll send the official charges later. Notify her parents. From now on, I have nothing to do with her. Treat her like anyone else—no special favors."

A few cops immediately stepped in, holding the girl down before escorting her away.

"Uncle, you're my uncle! You raised me, you always spoiled me how can you do this? I'm your niece! You'd betray me for some outsider? My mom will never forgive you!" She wailed and struggled, but it didn't matter. The chief's word was final, and no one dared to defy him. Honestly, she'd brought this on herself.

...

Jackson and Fiona had barely stepped into the apartment when Jackson started hurrying her off to shower. "It's getting late, you should rest," he insisted.

Fiona was confused-it was only seven. Sure, early to bed and all that, but this was pushing it.

But Jackson wouldn't take no for an answer, so she grabbed her pajamas and headed for the bathroom.

The second the door closed behind her, Jackson dashed to the front door, grabbed the groceries he'd stashed outside, and made a beeline for the kitchen.

Fiona had mentioned wanting barbecue and beer, and Jackson was determined to make it happen. It was such a little thing, but he wanted to do it right.

He'd already looked up how to do it. All he had to do now was skewer everything, get the grill going, and start cooking. Fiona took forever in the shower-he figured he had at

least two hours-so he had plenty of time.

MS

Time ticked by as Jackson worked in the kitchen, focused on his surprise. Fiona, meanwhile, got suspicious and ended her shower early. She peeked out into the living room-Jackson wasn't on the couch. She tiptoed through the apartment in her soft slippers, following the sound of chopping coming from the kitchen.

When she peeked in, she stopped short. The dining table was already set, skewers piled high in the center, perfectly grilled. Fiona just stared, stunned.

Just then, Jackson turned around holding the last plate of barbecue, and their eyes met.

V

"You're done already?" Jackson looked genuinely shocked, but quickly broke into a grin. He grabbed a lamb skewer, handed it to her, and said, "Here, try it. See if you like it."

Fiona didn't hold back. One bite and she had to admit it was amazing.

Honestly, it was the best barbecue she'd ever had.

That night, she drank a can of beer with Jackson. It hit her fast-her cheeks were instantly pink and warm, soft as a peach, just begging to be touched.