Lizardfolk Boyfriend: Jasper 2 (special preview)

The sound of rain roused you from sleep. It pattered against the windows and roof while the river gurgled loudly. You blinked slowly, staring through the shadows as you focused upon the window. It was dark still, even more so with the rain coming in. You started to get up when Jasper’s heavy arm laid on top of you.

“What’s the matter?” He grumbled sleepily.

You pet the back of his arm, feel the coolness of his scales, tracing them with the pads of your finger. “I thought I saw something.”

He grumbled and fidgeted in bed. “Like what?”

You lick your lips and turn your head back towards the window.

“No one is out there,” Jasper whispers to you. “No one is going to find us.” His arm curled, pulling you close to him. Your back presses to his broad chest and his arm hugs you tight. “We’re safe here, I promise you.”

You rest your cheek against his arm. “I’m sorry.”

Jasper sighs. “Don’t apologize for being afraid. Your family put you through hell for years. But I am here, and I will protect you.”

You don’t want to start crying now. It was still something you couldn’t get used to. Being here, safe and sound with Jasper was forgein. After being taken in by your uncle when your family died, you were accustomed to his ill temper and horrible treatment. You knew you were safer here, far away from Sothen. But, much like when you were a child, you felt there was a bogeyman lurking around every corner and hidden in the shadows.

“Hey,” he whispers. “Talk to me. What are you thinking?” Jasper’s scales felt cool, but his embrace felt so warm.

You sniffle and hunker down in his arms. “I don’t want to lose you.”

Jasper chuckles, kissing your cheek and nuzzling to your hair. “You aren’t going to lose me, love. I’m too mean and ugly for that.”

Your tears turn into a deep set scowl. “You’re not ugly,” you fuss at him.

He laughs again, nipping your ear as he snuggles closer. “Not everyone has your keen sight and gente mind. Just believe me when I say, nothing is going to take me away from you if I can help it. I was put on this earth to protect you.”

You roll over and touch his face, feeling where the scars begin and his scales melt at the edges. You slowly trace down his jaw and feel his breath shudder. Smiling, you press a kiss to him. “Are you cold?” Jasper always tended to get chilly when it rained.

“Not right now,” he laughs. “Get some sleep. We’ll deal with how cold I am in the morning.”

You rub your leg up his. “You sure?”

Jasper’s low moan goes into his throat. “Get some sleep,” he reiterates. “We can deal with how cold I am in the morning.”

You giggle and press your cheek to his chest. “I don’t mind.”

He slowly rubs your back. “It’s late, and I won’t be at my best if you catch my drift.” He kisses the top of your head. “You’ve not been sleeping well. I want you to get some rest.”

You pout, but only because you agree with him. “If it’s still raining in the morning-”

Jasper bites the tip of your ear. “We will discuss what house work needs done if it is raining,” he warns. “Go to bed. You’re exciting me too much.”

You suppress a giggle and bow your head down, closing  your eyes and listening to Jasper’s mellow heartbeat. Ever since coming here, things have been hard, not because of the new situation, just you. You’ve been having a hard time adapting to not being the punching bad for your uncle and his family. You’re not used to being able to take care of yourself, go where you please, and feel safe in your bed. It took you long enough to get used to Jasper’s protection. Now that you had this happiness and peace, you were terrified of it all going away. You didn’t want to lose your new life. You much preferred being a civilian than being a royal. You much preferred playing a doting wife to Jasper.

That’s when it hit you, all this time you and Jasper had been together, you haven't actually been married. At first it was an act for cover when you first came to the Obresh forest. Over time you two grew together and fell in love, but you still weren’t married. This was your last thought before you drifted to sleep.