She gives me a look and then puts her hands on her hips. “Do you remember the time you broke your leg?”
I groan and put my head down. “No, Aunt Bett, please don’t.”
She turns to Jax. “She broke her leg riding her motorbike over a massive jump Jed dared her to go over. You’d think that was enough, wouldn’t you? Oh no, nothing is ever enough for my Laney. The next day, she got herself back to that track, put herself back on that motorbike and tried the jump again, just to prove Jed wrong. She fell off and broke her wrist.”
I huff and put my head in my hands.
Jax laughs.
“This doesn’t surprise me,” he says.
“See, even Jaxson knows what kind of girl you are.”
“Aunt Bett,” I scoff. “You know I had to take the jump again, Jed would have never let me live it down.”
“And at what cost?” She waggles her finger at me.
I roll my eyes and glance at Jax, who is staring at me with a grin. I look away just as a knock sounds at the door and I hear Jed yell out, “Laney, let us in!”
Kyle looks to me. “That’s Jed.”
He turns and opens the door, glancing at Jed and Mitch. He makes them go through the usual checks anyway, because it’s his job, and the two men let him without complaint. When they’re free to enter, Jed is the first to charge over and scoop me up into his arms.
“You’re crazy, fucking crazy.”
“Jed, you watch your mouth!” Aunt Bett scoffs.
“Hush, Mother, she’s hurt.”
I laugh and push back. “I’m fine, I’m just going to resemble a panda for a few days.”
“Unacceptable. You, princess, should always look like a butterfly.”
That’s Jed, always so dramatic.
Mitch steps up next and pulls me into his arms, holding me tight. I let him, needing his comfort. When we pull apart, he takes my face gently in his hands. “You okay, Laney girl?”
“I’m okay, nothing a few days’ rest won’t fix.”
“Fuck, you had me worried.”
I step back and glance at Jax, who is watching Mitch with a hard expression. He couldn’t be jealous, could he? My heart swells a little at that thought.
“Jed, Mitch, this is Jaxson Shields,” I say, waving my hand at Jax.
“Awesome to meet you, dude,” Jed says, stepping forward. “I stayed in your hotel last year. Epic.”
Jax takes his hand and smiles. “Thanks.”
Mitch is up next, and he studies Jax a minute before extending his hand. “Good to meet you, man.”
Jax nods and shakes his hand, but I don’t miss the way Mitch’s jaw tightens, because I know he squeezed far too hard.
“So, give us all the juicy details,” Jed says, sliding a chair out and flopping down. “What happened?”
“She’s not allowed to share details of her cases with anyone,” Kyle grunts.
“What’s up the fun police’s ass?” Jed mutters, glaring at Kyle.
I burst out laughing. “His head, now leave him alone.”
Everyone laughs now, well, everyone except Kyle.
“Did you try to give him a blow job like you did Nak?” Jed teases.
“I did not give Nak a blow job!” I protest. “I fell into his crotch.”
Jax’s brows shoot up. “Share,” he demands.
Jed turns to him. “She was trying to take him down, and ended up open mouthed on his…”
“He had clothes on!” I protest.
“Sure.” Mitch grins. “We’ve all seen Nak, it was no accident.”
“You’re telling me,” Kyle mutters.
I glare at him. “Shut up, Kyle, you’re only jealous it wasn’t you.”
He crosses his arms. “I don’t swing that way.”
“That’s not what I meant,” I say.
“Okay, kids,” Aunt Bett says. “That’s enough. I’m trying to make soup, it won’t be good for the soul if you’re all arguing.”
I smile at her. “Of course, Aunt Bett.”
For the next hour we all talk and laugh, seemingly at ease with one another. Jed tells us what he’s been doing, and they fire questions at Jax, which he answers with ease. When the soup is served, we all eat some, even if none of us actually feel like it, because Aunt Bett made such an effort. In the end, we all enjoy the warmth the soup brings.
Aunt Bett leaves just after that and Jed and Mitch tell me they’re going to follow. I get another big hug from Jed and Mitch holds my face in his hands, kissing my cheek softly and murmuring that he hopes I get better into my ear, and then they’re gone. I turn to Jax, and he’s watching Mitch go with a tight jaw.
His eyes finally move to me and he says in a tight voice, “Come on, you need to get some rest.”
He leads me back to my bedroom and pulls the covers on my bed back, saying nothing. His body is stiff and he’s looking anywhere but at me. I grab my nightie and go and change, then return to him staring out my window. “Is everything okay?” I ask.
He nods.
I walk up behind him. “Jax.”
“Are you sleeping with him?”
I blink.
“With who?”
“Mitch.”
I snort. “You already know the answer to that.”
“No,” he says, turning. “I fucking don’t.”
“What’s the problem,” I say, narrowing my eyes. “I don’t understand why you’re angry.”
“He’s in love with you.”
“And Tori is in love with you, but do you see me acting like a spoiled ass?” I spit.
His jaw tics and he growls, “He can have you.”
I narrow my eyes. “I’m sorry, what?”
“He can fucking have you.” He steps closer, leaning down. “And I can’t.”
Oh. Now it makes sense.
“No, he can’t,” I say, staring at his deep grey eyes.
He reaches up, running his thumb over my bottom lip. “If you wanted him to, he could.”
“But I don’t, Jax.”
He closes his eyes, almost pained. “You have an amazing family, amazing friends and you’ve made all your dreams come true. You’re an impressive woman, Delaney. Any man would be lucky to have you.”
“Even a man like you?”
His eyes open and he holds my gaze. “A man like me can never have a woman like you.”
“Why not?” I say, stepping closer, until our bodies are flush.
He reaches up and runs his thumb over the swelling on my cheek. “That’s why,” he says, his voice thick. Then he leans down and brushes his lips over the sore spot, before pulling back and turning his back to me. “Good night, Delaney.”
Then he walks out, leaving me completely speechless.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Being home is both good and bad. It’s good because I’ve been able to get the rest I need, but bad because not seeing Jax for the last two days has been hell. He hasn’t spoken to me, hasn’t called to see how I am, nothing. I know he’s trying to stay away from me after the moments we’ve been having, and I understand why, but it still sucks.
Big time.
Jed and Mitch have kept me company, but both of them have to work so they’ve only been coming by at night. I’m trying not to bother Aunt Bett and Uncle George too much, though I did go over and carve with Uncle George last night. Now I’m at my apartment, I’ve finished cleaning it, I’ve gone to the store, and I’m still restless.
Nothing to do, no one to talk to, and it’s killing me.
I’m busy pacing the room when a knock sounds at my door. Narrowing my eyes, I walk over and peer through the peephole. There’s no one there, so I crack it open. I see a white envelope on the floor, so I reach down and pick it up and tuck it under my arm, glancing around before stepping inside the apartment again. I lock the door and then turn, taking the envelope into the kitchen and using a knife to open it.
I pull out the slip of paper and my heart starts pounding as my eyes scan over the
words.
Back off him. This is your last warning. Watch your back.
My hands shake as I drop the note and lower my head, trying to steady my breathing. They’re trying to get to me, they’re trying to make me frightened. And it’s working. They know where I live. My head snaps up. Holy shit, they know where I live. I scurry towards my phone, pulling it out and dialing Nak.
“Laney, how are you?”
“Nak,” I squeak.
“What’s wrong?”
“They know where I live,” I say, my voice sounding as frightened as I feel.
“What happened? Did they come there? Laney, are you okay?”
“They left a note, a threat. Why are they coming after me?”
“Calm down,” he says carefully. “Believe it or not, it is normal for people to react this way to a bodyguard. I’ve never lost a bodyguard though, and you won’t be the first. If they know where you live, you’ll be safer staying with someone else.”
“I won’t put any of my family in danger, is there somewhere else I can go?”
“If you want to, the nights you’re not with Jax, you can stay in a hotel close by. It’s up to you. The company will cover the costs.”
“Really?” I say, feeling a little less shaky.
“Absolutely. Don’t let them scare you off, Delaney, because that’s what they’re trying to do. Pack a bag, bring the note to me, and I’ll organize a hotel.”
“Okay.”
“Don’t tell Jax about the note, it’ll only add to his stress. We’ll sort this out. I may have to put Kyle on as extra protection for a while, will that be a problem?”
I shake my head even though he can’t see it. “That’s fine, Nak.”
“Come by the office, we’ll sort it out. Stay calm, Laney, it’ll be okay.”
God, I hope he’s right. I really, truly do. How am I going to protect Jax, when my life is being threatened also? This job is a lot harder than I ever imagined. I always thought it would be me saving a life, not worrying about who the hell is going to save mine.
* * *
I go out with Jed and Mitch that night, needing to clear my mind before I start work again tomorrow. We go to a local bar downtown and get our drink on. The dancing and excessive amounts of alcohol seem to help take the stress away. Well, they cloud the anxious part of my mind and that’s all I need right now.
Nak called me earlier and told me Kyle had received the same note, there was also a suspicious note delivered to the offices. This makes me feel slightly better, purely because it would seem they’re putting a target on all of us, and not just me. That means it could be a bunch of amateurs trying to scare us off. At least, that’s what Nak thinks.
He said they’re probably young recruits and are trying to run their own show.
“Another shot!” Mitch says, sliding a tequila shot towards me.
I reach across the long wooden bar and snatch it before anyone else can, then I tip my head back and swallow it. I’m spiraling out of control, my legs are wobbly, my body is warm and my head is spinning. I feel great. Jed appears beside me and he too has another shot, then he wraps his arm around my shoulders and yells, “It’s been so long since we’ve been out, Laney!”
“I know, right?”
“Let’s dance again!”
All three of us wiggle out to the dance floor and when some groovy music comes on, we start shaking our hips, throwing our hands in the air. Mitch is being a little grabby, occasionally putting his hands on my hips and bringing our bodies close, but I try to ignore it. I put it down to alcohol and let it go.
During the fourth song, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. I pull it out and glance down at the screen, shocked to see Jax’s name flashing. I shove through the crowd, putting the phone to my ear, and answer with a slurred, “Hello?”
“Delaney!” Jax barks. “Where are you?”
“Hello, Jax,” I yell.
“Delaney?” he calls.
“Hang on!”
He can’t hear me, so I rush down the long narrow hall until the music isn’t so loud, then I try again. “Jax?”
“Where the fuck are you?”
“Nice to talk to you too, handsome.”
“Are you drunk?”
“What? No. Yes.”
I burst into a fit of giggles.
“Jesus F. Christ, where the hell are you?”
“Dancing!”
“Delaney, tell me where the fuck you are. I know about the note you all got sent. You shouldn’t be out alone.”
“I’m dancing, sir.”
“Stop playing fucking games and get a cab here, right now.”
“Ah, no.”
“Delaney, don’t test me.”
I laugh. “You’re bossy tonight, didn’t you get lucky?”
“Delaney!” he barks.
“Oh don’t be such a tight ass, Mr. Shields, I’m only dancing.”
“That’s it, where the fuck are you?”
“I told you, dancing.”
“Delaney,” he warns. “Where are you?”
I slur the name of the club and then lean against a wall.
“I’m coming to get you.”
“Kyle won’t like that,” I sing.
“Kyle can kiss my fucking ass.”
I giggle again.
“Don’t move, stay right where you are, and don’t move.”
“Yes, boss,” I say, dropping the phone.
I giggle again and stumble a few times as I reach down to get it. When it’s safely in my hands, I see Jax has hung up. I hear a song I like and pivot, rushing back out onto the dance floor. I find Mitch and Jed, and start wiggling again, forgetting that Jax is coming for me. I feel my phone buzz a few times, but I am far too drunk to try and pull it from my pocket.
I keep dancing, arms in the air, screaming happily. A hard set of arms go around my waist as I’m breaking out one of my signature moves, and I am spun around until I’m facing a stony-faced Jaxson. Kyle is standing right behind him, arms crossed, angry expression on his face. “Hello there, sunshine.” I wave to him. His glare becomes even more intense.
“Let’s go,” Jax says, leaning down and putting his shoulder into my belly.
Then I’m launched up and into the air and we’re moving through the crowd at a rapid pace. I weakly pummel my fists into Jax’s back, but my efforts are futile, he’s on a mission. Kyle is walking ahead of him, scanning the crowd like a madman. We go out a back door and Jax drops me into his car before sliding in. Kyle gets in beside me, and suddenly I’m jammed in between them.
“It’s a man sandwich!” I cry happily, clapping my hands.
“Take us home,” Jax orders, slamming his door.
“Why so angry?” I coo, poking my finger into Jax’s cheek.
“Delaney,” Kyle warns. “Stop.”
“Or what?” I say, turning to him. “You’ll tackle me to the floor with your big powerful body?”
Kyle looks to the car ceiling, then back to me. “You’re drunk.”
“There’s no law against that.” I wiggle my finger in his face. “I’m on my days off and I now have angry people wanting to kill me, too.”
“That’s exactly why you shouldn’t be out!” he spits.
“Do I tell you how to run your life?”
He sighs and Jax reaches over, grabbing my hand and making me face him. “He’s right, Delaney. You shouldn’t have been out tonight.”
“Who are you, my bodyguard?” I say, then burst out laughing. “See what I did there?”
Both men look to the ceiling now.
“Oh hey, we should have a party!” I clap happily.
“No, we should not,” Jax grunts. “You’re going to sleep as soon as we get back to my apartment.”
“Ooh, I get to have a sleepover. Can we have a pillow fight?”
“Fuck. Me.” Kyle grunts. “You shut her up, or I will.”
“That’s not very nice.” I pout at him. “I thought we were friends.”
“We’ve never been friends,” he points out rudely.
“Because you want to bang me and can’t?”
I keep a straight face but it’s hard because Kyle flinches. “I’d rather date a cow.”
“See, that right there is love,” I say, wrapping an arm around Kyle’s shoulder. “You can admit it, we’re all friends here.”
He flicks my arm off him, so I focus on Jax. “Hey there, handsome.”
Jax’s mouth twitches. “Hey, kitten.”
“How’s it going?”
He gives me a half grin, and he looks so damned sexy doing it. I just want to lick him.
“It’s going great, how are you?”
“Drunk. Can I lick you?”
His brows go up. “I beg your pardon?”
“Lick you. You’re so sexy.”
“Jesus, Delaney!” Kyle snaps. “Enough.”
“Don’t be jealous, Kyle. It’s not his fault he’s pretty.”
“You’re wounding me,” Jax says. “Time for quiet now.”
“No fair,” I mutter, leaning back and crossing my arms.
My head drops to the side and my face falls onto Jax’s shoulder. Then I close my eyes and effectively pass out.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“Turn her to the damned left!” Kyle barks.
I’m in Jax’s arms and my eyes have just fluttered open. He’s carrying me up to the apartment and having a rather difficult time of it, considering I’m like a heavy, dead fish in his arms.
“I’m fucking going left,” Jax snaps. “It’s like carrying a fucking pole, it ain’t easy to move her around.”
A pole?
How charming.
“Just turn to the damned side, or we won’t fit in this elevator.”
Jax turns and then we’re in an elevator. I look up at him and he finally sees I’m awake. “How you doin’ there, kitten?”
I reach up and touch his cheek. “So handsome.”
He shakes his head slightly and grins, then we’re moving. When we reach his apartment, Kyle does his thing and then lets us inside. Jax puts me down on the sofa and gets to work retrieving some water and painkillers. He hands them to me, then says, “Sleep it off, kitten.”
I don’t argue, I flop down and sigh, closing my eyes. I hear their voices fading in and out as I drift off. I don’t figure I sleep long, but I must because when I wake, Jax is sitting at a stool in the kitchen and Kyle is nowhere to be seen. I sit up, and everything is clearer. I try not to think about the fact that I made an absolute fool of myself. Jax looks over when I sit up, and smiles. “How’s your head?”