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Chapter 57: I'm Cranky, Not Stupid

**Jax**

I flopped over onto my back, fighting to catch my breath. Piper curled onto her side and rested her head on my chest. We were silent for several moments - until I felt a drip of moisture on my bare skin and smelled the unmistakable salty scent of tears.

"Piper, honey. Why are you crying?" I wrapped my arm around her. "Did I hurt you?"

"No." She sniffled. "I'm crying because I know I'm going to hurt you."

Pain sliced through my heart, and I closed my eyes. "I know," I whispered, my voice rough with emotion.

She pushed against my chest and peered down at me. Her green eyes shimmered with tears, and everything in me splintered at the pain in her expression. "You do?"