“Are we good?” Keys asks, and I look at my brother. I trust him above all of the others for the most part. We’ve been through the fire together. He’s young though, and he’s got a hell of a lot to learn, especially when it comes to questioning me.
“If you lay off my woman, we’re square,” I tell him.
“You really don’t see the fucking mess you’re going to get yourself into? Even if by some miracle we avoid going into war with the Saints, do you really see that old bastard welcoming you to the family and letting you touch his granddaughter? Shit man, you’re setting yourself up, and I don’t want to see you fall.” I know his concern comes from a good place.
“I got it under control. The only reason I haven’t faced it head-on is because of all the shit going down.”
“It’s your funeral,” Keys says in resignation. “You got a death wish over a piece of ass, it’s none of my concern.”
“I’m warning you, Keys.”
“That’s my final thoughts on the matter, you just better make sure you watch your back, because I can’t be there to guard it all the time.” He slaps my shoulder.
“Point made,” I say, suddenly feeling bone tired. I follow him out to our bikes, jump on and take off towards my apartment without a second glance. I don’t want to talk to anyone anymore.
No one, but Bree.
Chapter Forty-Three
Bree
“You still can’t get her?” Jax asks, as I hang up my phone and stare at it. It’s not like Roxanne to go this long without talking to me, or at the very least checking in.
“No. I’m sure she’s fine. It’s just…”
“You’re worried?”
“It’s been over a week. I haven’t talked to her since that morning in your apartment, Jax. I can’t remember going a week without talking to her, let alone even longer.”
“What do you want me to do?” Jax asks. He was lying on the sofa, and I had been holding his feet while we watched a movie. Now, he does a half sit up and moves his legs so he can pull me back into him with my head resting on his stomach. I turn to the side so I can see the television, not that I really care. I let the heat of Jax’s body relax me. His fingers go into my hair, and I allow my eyes to close, drinking in the moment. I’ve never had much tenderness in my life and Jax spoils me with it. I’m coming to crave moments like this as much, if not more, than anything else we do together.
“I don’t guess there’s much you can do, honey. I’m sure she’s fine. She’ll probably check in tomorrow. She may have found her a new boy-toy.”
“I’ll send a couple prospects down tomorrow to check on her,” Jax says, and I turn to look at him.
I look back at him. “You can’t do that.”
His eyes crinkle around the corners. “I can and I will.”
“How would you explain it?”
“I know a couple of boys that would keep it quiet, baby. But, even if they didn’t, that just means whatever we have to face, we face sooner. You and me are together. That’s not ending. I’m not letting you go. Everyone else will just have to get used to it.”
“I felt more secure about that before your buddy Keys.”
“It will be okay,” he tells me, but I think for a minute I see doubt in his eyes. There’s things we should discuss, but I find I don’t want to go there again—at least not yet. I know it’s stupid, but I want to remain dumb and pretend that Jax loves me as much as I love him. I know from his reaction to the word he doesn’t even believe in the word. Maybe I can love him enough for both of us. I know I don’t want to give him up. Although he may not love me, he wants me, and he’s claiming me. Maybe in the badass-biker world that equates to the same thing? Or maybe I’m doomed to be like Roxy. Living on my own in another state with nothing but my memories. On that note….
“If you’re sure,” I tell him, turning my body so I’m on all fours and climbing over him. That gets his attention and he helps pull me up, his hand locking onto the back of my neck as he brings me in for a kiss. His face is intense, tight with desire. For me.
Jax kisses me, and I keep wondering how it’s possible that every kiss is better than the time before. Surely that can’t be normal, or else people would be kissing all the time and nothing would get done in the world. Kissing Jax is that addicting.
“Damn, baby.” His tongue darts over his bottom lip. “You can kiss.”
“I was thinking the same thing about you,” I tell him, sliding my hand into the jogging pants he’s wearing. I instantly find his cock and smile when I feel how hard he is. For me.