Page 13 of Hard to Forget


  Jax—You’re still coming to New York, aren’t you?

  Jax—Come on, kitten. Answer the fucking phone.

  * * *

  I don’t answer the phone, I don’t respond to his text messages, I just carry on for the next few days like none of it ever happened. I play the sick card right up until we’re ready to leave for New York. As angry as I am at Jax, I’m not missing the chance to go on a trip of a lifetime, and the ultimate protection case.

  Kyle tried to tell Nak I wasn’t ready, that being ill would put me off guard, but as always Nak came to my defense and allowed me to go. Our plane leaves in an hour, and Kyle is bringing Jax to the airport. I am acting as professionally as I can, trying not to show any emotion. When the two of them enter the terminal, I nod my head in their direction and act as if Jax is nothing more than a job.

  We all take a seat, and silence fills the air, thick and heavy. I can feel Jax’s eyes on me, but I haven’t once looked in his direction. When he stands abruptly, I finally look to him. “I need to use the bathroom.”

  Kyle stands. “I’ll take you.”

  “No,” he says, looking to me. “Delaney can, you’ve done enough in the last few days. She can take over for a while.”

  This gives Kyle a smug look on his face that I want to slap right off. He stares at me, nodding his head, and I can’t argue so I stand and wave a hand. “Right this way.”

  We walk towards the restroom and just before we reach it, Jax lashes out, taking my hand and shoving us both into the shared room that’s big and empty. He locks the door and spins on me. “What the hell, Jax?” I snap. “People might need to use the bathroom. Think of the mothers and kids and people in wheelchairs.”

  “I won’t be long,” he growls. “But you’re going to listen to me.”

  “Actually I’m not,” I say, stepping past him.

  His hand lashes out, capturing my wrist, and he hauls my body up against his, wrapping an arm around my waist.

  “Let me go, you … asswipe!”

  He snorts. “If that’s the best you’ve got, we could be here all day.”

  “Bite me, Jaxson Shields.”

  “If that’s what you want, but let’s save it until after we talk.”

  “We’re not talking!” I snap, trying to stomp on his foot.

  I could get out, really I could, but being in his arms feels … nice.

  “Stop doing that and listen to me,” he orders.

  “So you can tell me all about your little love triangle?”

  “I don’t have a fucking love triangle, Delaney. I didn’t fuck her, which is obviously what you got out of that conversation.”

  I stop, mouth open and ready to fire words at him, but his confession shocks me.

  “You’re lying,” I hiss.

  “Jesus!” he yells. “If you’ll fucking stop and listen.”

  “No.”

  “Yes.”

  “No!” I screech.

  “If I have to use force, Delaney, believe me, none of the training you’ve had will free you.”

  “Do it, I dare you. I’d love to kick your ass again.”

  He makes a growling sound. “Just shut your pretty mouth and listen to what I have to say, kitten.”

  I open my mouth to argue, but he speaks over me, effectively cutting me off.

  “I walked out of your apartment that night after I kissed you, knowing I couldn’t have what I wanted, knowing it was too big of a risk. God, if you knew how fucking incredible it felt … but I was angry, and frustrated and no it’s not a fucking excuse but when she asked to come over, I agreed, I figured she and I needed to talk. Whatever you think you heard, you fucking didn’t. I didn’t go anywhere near Tori that night.”

  “Then why did she say you didn’t do much talking?” I cry.

  “Because I did a whole lot of fucking screaming.”

  “You’re lying.” I try again. “It’s what you do best. I’m sorry, Jax, but how can I believe you when I know you’ve been holding her on the side for so long?”

  He flinches.

  “I care about her, Delaney, and I made a mistake once. I learned from that mistake and it won’t happen again. She wanted it to, she threw herself at me, but I didn’t allow it and I told her I didn’t love her. You heard wrong and jumped to your own conclusions. Jesus, if you can’t see how much I fucking want you…”

  I stare at him and rasp, “I don’t know anymore, Jax. This whole thing seems to be getting harder and harder…”

  He steps closer. “It’s fucking worth it, don’t you think?”

  “We’re playing with fire, Jax. It’s dangerous and—”

  “And fucking incredible,” he murmurs, stepping close, backing me into the wall.

  “I can’t be a plaything. You saw how I reacted to the very thought that you have been sleeping with another woman and we hadn’t even had sex when I thought it happened. I’m possessive, Jax. I don’t like to share. I think it’s better for both of us, and our careers, if we just—”

  He cuts me off by dropping his mouth to mine and kissing me. I resist only for a second, before I give in and part my lips, letting his tongue slide inside my mouth. I kiss him deep and hard, curling my fingers around his jacket. It’s not a long kiss, but it’s full of promise. He pulls back and stares down at me, eyes full of lust and want.

  “All of those things might be true, but there’s no fucking way I can walk away from you now. I want you more than I’ve wanted anything in my life.”

  “You don’t even know me,” I whisper.

  “I plan on getting to know you.”

  “Jax, this job, I’ve worked so hard for it. I can’t risk losing it.”

  “And while you’re my security, we’ll keep it on the down low, but after that I very much intend on taking you out, kitten.”

  “Don’t you think it’s a bit late for dating, considering you fucked me already?”

  He grins. “I never claimed to be traditional.”

  I sigh and drop my head into his chest. “You’re not playing by the rules, handsome. You’re not supposed to get under my skin.”

  “Too late, baby,” he murmurs, resting his chin on my head. “I’m already there.”

  Yes, yes he is.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  We arrive in New York just as the sun begins to set. I can’t see much as we get into a cab and head towards the hotel, but my heart is racing with happiness and anticipation anyway. The city is bustling, even at this time of the day, and the lights of all the buildings and stores are flickering on to prepare for the night.

  I keep my face plastered to the window, staring out, completely fascinated.

  “I can’t believe you have never ventured to New York,” Kyle mutters, watching me.

  “Not all of us have the luxury of being able to afford that,” I throw back, still staring out the window.

  He snorts.

  Jax says nothing, he’s just squashed between us, and occasionally I feel his hand graze across my leg in a spot Kyle can’t see. I shiver each time he does it, but keep my face turned towards the window. We ride in the cab for about twenty minutes, and then arrive at a massive Elite hotel.

  I thought the one in Denver was huge, but this one, holy shit, it’s twice the size. I gape up at it as we climb out of the cab. It’s at least double the height and way fancier. It’s more modern, with a sleek grey outside, and a pristine sign at the front doors that you walk up to on a massive pair of curved stairs. We enter the hotel, and I gasp at the beauty. There are water features, sleek black and grey tiles, leather furniture and one hell of a reception desk.

  “Oh God, Jax,” I breathe. “It’s amazing.”

  “Mr. Shields,” a man says, approaching Jax. “Welcome back, how was your flight?”

  I glance at the man’s shirt and see it says MANAGER. He must be the man in charge of this hotel. Jax shakes his hand. “It was good, thanks, Timothy. This is my security while I’m here, Delaney and Kyle. You will give them
full access to the hotel.”

  Timothy nods and stares at us. I can see the confused look in his eyes, and I have no doubt he’s wondering why Jax needs security.

  “Of course, sir,” he says. “I have your room ready, I trust you will want to settle in for the evening.”

  “Yes, thanks.”

  Timothy disappears, throwing orders at the receptionists. While he’s doing this, Kyle and I do a basic sweep of the hotel, even though the security should be top of the line. It seems clear. A moment later he returns with two keys. I glance down at them, then back to Jax. He takes them from Timothy and turns, thrusting one at Kyle. “Delaney can take the first shift.”

  Kyle grunts at him, snatching the key from his hands. Then we all follow Timothy as he makes his way over to the elevator. There’s a man, dressed in a crisp suit, who asks for our floor number. Then he escorts us all the way to the top of the hotel, where Jax’s penthouse suite is situated. Kyle is on the floor below.

  We drop Kyle off on his floor and he tells me he’ll take from midnight on. I nod and he disappears, then we keep going up until we come out into a small hall, with only one door on the entire floor. Timothy unlocks the door and we step in. I gasp at the sheer size of the room, and my heart pounds as I enter it, moving my shaky legs to inspect the incredible room before Jax enters.

  It has shiny wooden floors and warm cream walls, with dull lighting that gives it a comfortable yet elegant feel. The windows in the living area are wide, running from one side of the room to the other and a view of New York City can be seen, the bright lights filling the amazing space. The furniture is sleek and grey, and the lounge sits atop a plush black rug.

  I move to the bedroom and my mouth continues to hang open as I take in a giant king-sized bed by the floor-to-ceiling windows, which are the same as the ones in the living area, only these have big pull-down blinds. There’s a spa, no kidding, sitting right on the edge of the window line, so when you’re in it, you can glance out at the city. My heart pounds as I move through, so impressed I can hardly breathe. It’s spectacular, there’s no other word for it.

  I finish up my check of the space and then return to Jax and Timothy who are speaking amongst themselves. I stop beside them, not interrupting, and when they’re done, they shake hands and Timothy exits the room. I turn to Jax, my eyes wide, and shriek, “Holy shit, this is amazing.”

  He grins and then leans down, hooking me around the waist and launching me up into his arms. “I’m about to make it even more amazing.”

  “I have to check the door is locked,” I murmur as his lips slide down my jaw.

  “It’s an automatic lock.”

  “I should be by that door, Jax,” I breathe as he walks me towards the bed. “In case someone threatens the elevator man and he sends them up.”

  “Baby, it’s a high security establishment, trust me, that won’t happen.”

  “Jax,” I protest weakly.

  “I’ve got a short time before I have to pretend like I don’t want to put my hands all over you, let me have it.”

  I don’t say any more, because he crushes his lips against mine and all fight leaves my body. He walks us to the massive bed and drops my body down, bringing his mouth over mine. His lips are slow and sensual, running down my jaw, over my neck and stopping at my shoulders where he nips lightly. I whimper and arch up, pushing my breasts into his chest.

  He makes a low grunting sound and makes light work of my uniform, tossing it to the ground. Then his lips are closing over my nipples, sucking long and deep, as my fingers run up and under his shirt, feeling his rippled body. He groans and I whimper as he sucks my nipples into hard peaks, before flicking them with his tongue.

  “Jax,” I breathe.

  “Fuck, baby, yes.”

  He slides his body down, pressing his mouth to my belly and causing little shivers to break out over my skin. He kisses a path, swirling his tongue around my belly button and then dipping to my hips, sucking and nibbling on each, making my sex clench with anticipation of his tongue.

  “Jax,” I whine, thrusting my hips upwards.

  “Patience, kitten.”

  “Fuck patience,” I moan.

  He chuckles and kisses a path down my thighs, before slowly, excruciatingly, sliding back up. His hot breath passes over my aching flesh, and I gasp at the sensations that shoot through me. He inhales and hisses a curse, before finally pressing his mouth over my exposed sex. I cry out, thrusting frantically up towards his mouth, wanting more of the amazing pleasure he just gave my body with one small touch of his mouth.

  He groans against my pussy and the vibrations tear through my body, making it feel that much better. Then finally he parts my folds and thrusts his tongue in, making contact with my clit. I moan, low and throaty, and my fingers curl into the sheets as he feasts, devouring my pussy like it’s his last meal.

  I come shamefully fast, and I’m okay with that. My body explodes in pleasure and I jerk so much he has to use his hands to hold my hips down. He licks and sucks until every last shudder has left me, then he slowly stands, staring at me, a strain in his pants that lets me know he likes that almost as much as I did.

  He grabs his tie, unfastening it and jerking it from around his neck. Then he drops his jacket. I watch, body full of lust, as he unbuttons his shirt, sliding it off to reveal that perfect skin stretched over rock hard muscles. Those muscles flex as he leans down, removing his pants, letting his cock spring free. Holy hell, it’s a nice cock. I was drunk the other night, but seeing it now only makes me long for it once more.

  “You have a beautiful dick,” I rasp, staring at it.

  He curls his hand around it, stroking softly as he comes towards me, kneeling on the bed. “You have a beautiful pussy.”

  I smile as I watch his big body come over mine. I open my legs willingly, feeling his cock press against me. “I didn’t pick you as a missionary kind of guy,” I tease, running my finger down his chest.

  “You rode me,” he murmurs, pressing his cock in just enough for my pussy to burn pleasantly. “Now I’m going to ride you.”

  I shudder and my nipples come to life once more at his words. He pushes into me in one hard thrust and I gasp, pushing my hips up to adjust to his length. He makes a ragged sound and reaches down, gripping my hip with one of his hands, while the other reaches up and curls around the back of my head.

  Then he rides me.

  Jax doesn’t ride slow, or soft, or even hard, he just rides deep. So deep I can feel him inside me, tight and hard. His body above mine is ripped and heavy, so beautifully heavy. His fingers in my hair tug as he thrusts his hips, driving into me, making my body sing. I’m smothering my screams in his shoulder, loving how his skin tastes against my tongue, and God I’m close.

  “Jax,” I gasp. “Oh God.”

  “Fuck. Yeah.”

  He fucks me harder now, both of us nearing the end. His skin slaps against mine, my legs ache as they stretch wider around his hips, and my pussy is getting tighter and tighter as my orgasm builds. I am tipped over the edge when he arches his body, leaning down and latching onto my nipple. I come hard and long, rasping his name as my head falls back into the pillow.

  “I’m going to come, fuck, baby,” Jax roars and then his body goes still inside mine and I can feel every pulse of his beautiful cock.

  He flops down over me, propping his weight up on an elbow while resting his forehead against mine. I breathe him in, his scent a mixture of sweat and sex. He smells amazing.

  “Tell me you’re not going to keep getting better,” I whisper. “Because I swear you’re incredible as it is, and I don’t think I can handle too much of you.”

  He chuckles, pressing a kiss to my nose. “I haven’t fucked you against a wall yet,” he murmurs.

  I shudder.

  “Or in the shower.”

  My pussy clenches.

  “Or in my car.”

  “Okay,” I breathe. “I take it back, I totally want to know if you get
better.”

  He grins and rolls off, pulling me into his arms. The sun has fully set outside now, and the lights of the city shine through the window. Jax rolls us so his chest is pressed against my back and we’re both staring out the big windows. “Are you in love with it?” he says, pressing his face into the back of my neck.

  “From what I’ve seen, yes. It’s incredible.”

  “These lights are my favorite thing when I visit.”

  “I didn’t think Jaxson Shields had favorite things.”

  He chuckles. “I’m a human, baby, not a drone.”

  “Okay then.” I curl my fingers in his. “What’s your favorite color?”

  He snorts. “Really, out of all the questions you could ask, that’s it?”

  “Okay, it was kind of lame. Give me a break, it’s my first time.”

  “Try again.”

  I think hard. “Okay, I have a hard one.”

  “Shoot.”

  “What’s your favorite item of clothing?”

  He snorts then chuckles. “Really, that’s the best you can come up with?”

  “Yes, it tells me a lot about you.”

  “How so?”

  I grin. “Well, if you say a suit I know you’re uppity, if you say boxers, I know you’re a stud muffin.”

  He snorts. “Tell me you did not just call me a stud muffin.”

  I giggle. “Come on, handsome. What’s your fave clothes?”

  “Fine, boxers.”

  I burst out laughing and I can feel his body shaking behind mine with laughter.

  “All right, serious question. If you got stranded on an island and could only take three things, what would they be?”

  “Easy,” he says. “You, beer and water.”

  I snort. “Seriously?”

  “Yeah, kitten. I could have you to make love to, beer to keep you happy and water to keep you alive.”

  “There’s a loophole in your little plan.”

  “Oh yeah, what’s that?”

  “Beer dehydrates.”

  He grunts. “Well then the water will balance it out.”

  “What will we eat?”

  He strokes the curve of my breast. “Bananas.”

  “I’m allergic to bananas.” I laugh.