When Fiona had called and screeched over the phone that she wanted to drag Harley back to live with her, Jax had fumed. Being with Fiona had been a circus, and it continued even after they'd separated. Now, Fiona was aware of another woman's presence in Harley's life, and she'd warned Jax about her intentions.
"You've signed her over to me, Fiona. Harley lives with me now, and she will live with me until she chooses otherwise. She's not a pet. She's not one of your self-serving friends. You can't just decide to ditch her, and then take her back because you're having a tantrum. It doesn't work that way!" he'd screamed back.
Fiona had freaked out even more and threatened to find out who the woman was in his life. If he told Cade about it, would it serve as another wedge between them?
Jax shut off the faucet and stepped out of the shower. If it was a battle Fiona wanted, he was ready to face her. But the uncertainty between him and Cade took precedence at the moment. If Jax had to fight for Cade too, he would do it. But first, Cade had to know what was at stake.
There was a knock on the bedroom door as he dressed for the night.
"Come in." He pulled a shirt over his head.
His own bodyguard, Zee, walked into the room. "Got a minute?"
"Yeah." Jax picked up the towel he had dropped on the bed and dried off his hair with it. "What's going on?"
"I think it's a bad idea to take Cade tonight." Zee was never one to sugar coat anything, and that was why Jax trusted him. He had expected as much from Zee.
"It isn't against the rules for her to come to the club with us, is it?"
"No … but you know what's against the rules." Zee stood by the closed door, large arms crossed over an even larger frame.
Jax ignored what he said. He threw the towel onto the bedroom floor and sat on the bed, pulling his boots on. He couldn't help but wonder if Cade would say the same thing. She didn't argue with him about their kiss, nor did she push him away earlier in the hallway. Would she use the same reason why they should not be together?
"Why her, Jax? Why Cade?" If Jax didn't know any better, he'd think that Zee had designs on Cade, but he was privy to an information not many knew. The big guy was in a serious relationship.
Why Cade? Such a valid question. "Why not her?"
Zee shook his head and raised a hand to pinch the bridge of his crooked nose. "Harley is her first assignment. She's never been around your type of people."
"What type of people am I, Zee?" Jax couldn't contain the annoyance in his voice.
"She could get hurt."
Jax narrowed his eyes at his bodyguard, and took a few seconds before he said, "I wouldn't do that to her."
"No, but Fiona would." Zee cleared the space between them. Jax stood to face him, mano a mano. "You're putting Cade in the line of fire."
"She's a tough girl. She can handle it." Jax had to admit he might be pushing Cade into a precarious position.
"No. You're wrong. Cade is different. Yeah, she's tough, but there are things you don't know about her."
"Then tell me," Jax challenged. "Is she hiding anything? Is there something I should know that could possibly put me in a bad position? Or Harley? Is she unstable?" Zee pressed his lips together into a firm line. A muscle jumped on his jaw. "You're not going to tell me or it's nothing. I've made my decision."
Zee backed away and walked towards the door. "Then you leave me no choice but to take actions," he warned before opening the door.
Jax sat back down on the edge of the bed, with his hands running through his hair. His body shook in frustration. If only he knew exactly what Cade felt about him. There seemed to be other factors to consider. What actions would Zee take? He stood, muttering an expletive, and letting out a heavy exhale. Tonight, he'd find out if Cade did want more from him. He'd find out what she would be willing to sacrifice, because he knew what he would be willing and unwilling to give up.
***
"Ready to go?" Jax walked into the living space. "Where's Beth?" he asked JP. What he would like to know was why wasn't Cade back. He also noticed that Harley wasn't in the room.
Luke spoke first. "Beth and Harley went across the hall. They didn't like what Cade was wearing. If you ask me, she looked damn fine." Luke was lazily strumming on a guitar, unaware of the sneer Jax sent his way.