Jasmine's college curfew (Patreon)

Continuing flashback...

“Do you have a curfew or something?”

“Curfew?” she echoed, offended. “I don’t live on campus, and I’m twenty-three!”

“I can’t imagine your father would want you walking around at night by yourself.”

Her father didn’t much care what she was up to, but she brushed that thought aside and said, “There’s no reason for me to wander around at night.”

“That’s a relief.”

The fact that he actually sounded relieved tickled her pink. “Worried about me?”

She widened her eyes and batted her eyelashes, but wasn’t able to hold her innocent expression when he scowled. She burst out laughing. He had slowly begun to loosen up and show more of his personality. He was stern and serious by nature, but he was also caring, protective, and thoughtful. He was slowly lowering his guard, revealing a minute expression that meant a lot because she knew it didn’t come naturally to him. She was honored to be included in his small circle.

“I worry about you more than you can imagine,” he muttered.

**This is a raw draft of Bitter Sins. Please do not share or distribute.