I cried myself to sleep last night. I woke up red eyed and puffy again because of Dr. Jackson King. He had made me feel used. I know it wasn't explicit but we had discussed being exclusive but here he was allowing me to be mistreated.

I should have stood up for myself but these were his colleagues and I was trying to keep my cool, but still. It hurt more because I loved him. I knew I needed to give him time because I know what I want but he's still unsure and that's supposed to be ok too.

I changed into a casual dress. And slipped my sandals on before getting enough courage to head out and speak with Jackson about my feelings. He was already gone but he left me breakfast and note to meet him at the conference. I didn't really feel like going but I wanted to see Jacksons dumb face. And in truth I needed to apologize too.
****

I arrived shortly after the first seminar had started. I didn't want to interrupt so I headed to the bar for a drink. I ordered a glass of red wine. And sat drinking it alone.

The man we met last night Dr. Timothy Burk sat next to me a few minutes later.
"Hey we met last night, Elizabeth right?"

I smiled and nodded in response. I got a weird vibe from him and the fact he spent any time with Sabina made me dislike him a hair more. Jackson didn't seem a fan either.

"Can I get you another drink?" He inquired as he ordered himself a jack and coke.

"No, I'm fine thank you."

"Missed the first seminar too huh? They are always so boring anyway" his smile was too toothy and I could smell the liquor on his breath.

"I'm just waiting for Jackson that's all"

He sneered at the name. "He your boyfriend or are you just fuck buddies? Because I'd love to take you back to my room." He looked me up and down. I cringed. Gross. I hoped it was the booze talking that made him think that was a great pickup.

"That's really none of your business Dr. Burk. But also No. I'm not interested."

I stood turning to walk away. But his hand clasped around my arm tightly, pulling me back and sloshing some of my wine onto the floor.

"You playing hard to get baby? I think I like that." He used his free hand to run his fingers along my cheek.

Bile rose up my throat. I turned and threw my wine in his smug face but before I had a chance to do anything else a fist flew at his face . His grip loosened and I moved away quickly.

Jackson looked murderous. I don't know where he came from but I was happy he was here.

Burk stood up blood coming from his lip. "What the fuck man?!"

"I was nice when it came to my daughter, Burk but my woman, I don't think so. Walk away or I'll make sure you never work another day in your life." Jackson stood his ground fists still clenched at his sides.

Burk had the intelligence to turn and walk away holding his lip and mumbling under his breath. What a creep.

Jackson was still stiff and I gently put my hand on his shoulder. "Jackson?"
Wordlessly he grabbed my hand pulling me from the building and stepping back out into the London air. He hailed a cab for us and we headed back towards the hotel.

He was so mad his body vibrated in anger and I dared not say anything. The ride was short back to the hotel. He held my hand tightly the whole drive there and as we made our way to the suite.

Inside our room he paced back and forth mumbling to himself as I watched. He finally stopped his movements and looked and me sitting on the couch.

"Are you ok Elizabeth" his words were tight I knew he was still upset.

"I'm fine, I'm ok. A little shaken up that's all." Jackson moved to sit next me at my words. He brought me into his arms holding me tightly. It felt good to have him near after sleeping separately last night. "I was trying to think of all my self defense moves before you came out of nowhere." I was trying to make light of the situation.

Jackson released me and smirked, " I know you could have handled yourself just fine." His hand reached for my cheek.
"I'm so sorry about last night. I wasn't giving you the respect you deserve. I told Sabina you were my girlfriend and to back off."

I smiled big, "really, I'm your girlfriend now?"

Jackson laughed, " you have been since the day on the beach. I knew then but I wasn't ready for you. But I am now. I love you Elizabeth."

Tears sprang to my eyes, I could hardly believe my ears. I jumped into Jackson's lap. Kissing him hard with my arms wrapped around his neck. He returned the kiss with just as much fervor.

He loved me.