“I’m glad I lost Jonathan. I’m sorry to say that Olivia, but I am.” Mom didn’t look the least bit regretful, but I understood.
I nodded, because I understood. I totally understood. Wasn’t that how I felt about Braddox? My guilt that I’d wished him dead only made room for the relief I felt also that he was gone.
I wanted more for Jaxon than fighting with Braddox all his life. But I wanted more for me, too.
Did that make me a bad person?
Mom and Trenton hugged us and then returned to their car. I turned, staring up at Jaxon. “Do you think it’s bad that I… I’m glad he’s gone?” I felt bad saying it when Jaxon was obviously upset he’d died.
Jaxon studied me and then glanced back at the disappearing coffin. He looked back at me, and shook his head. “I think with Braddox there’s a dichotomy in how we feel about him. There was potential there, but he’d already hurt us so much, it was hard to say for sure one way or the other, you know? I don’t know if he would have changed at the end, if he wasn’t facing death.”
“You got it completely.” I wrapped my fingers around his tie and tugged him closer. Nipping his lower lip with my teeth, I murmured against his mouth. “I heard it’s a good thing to celebrate the death of a loved one by making love yourself. Want to test that out?” I licked his bottom lip and then pulled back, arching an eyebrow at him.
He dug his fingers into the hair at the back of my head and growled as he pushed his mouth against mine. Passion burned in the kiss between us and when he pulled back, I gasped for air. “I would love to celebrate with your body. If you’re up for it.” He winked and pulled me against him, the evidence of his desire hard against my stomach.
“Definitely.” We turned toward the El Camino and then I stopped him, staring up at Jaxon. My expression serious, I asked, “Do you think you can ever forgive Braddox for what he did?” Was I asking Jaxon for permission to forgive Braddox myself? That’s what it felt like.
“No.” Jaxon’s gaze softened. “He’s already forgiven. There’s no reason to be mad. He had his reasons. He’s my brother. I forgive him.”
That’s why I chose Jaxon. Because no matter what someone did, he could see the good in them. Even knowing what they did, he still forgave them. I could love a guy like that without even trying.
“Maybe you can tell me about your trip to the strip club. Braddox told me you’re pretty talented.” He winked and walked past me as my mouth fell open and I pivoted to stare after him. “Wait what? What do you mean?”
I shot an irritated glance back at Braddox’s grave. Leave it to the jerk to get me in trouble even after he was gone. I turned back to join Jaxon. If nothing else, Braddox had kept things interesting. I could use a little bit of quiet though.
Settling into the seat beside Jaxon, I shut the door behind me and turned to face him. “I have some cash. What do you think about holding off on college and going somewhere we can lie on the beach? Somewhere warm?”
Jaxon’s answering grin warmed me clear to my inner core. “I was thinking the exact same thing.” He scanned me head to toe. “I could use a few months of you in a string bikini, if we’re being honest.”
“If I’m wearing a string bikini, you’re wearing a thong.” I quipped at him as he pulled out of the parking spot.
He laughed and shook his head. “Fine. We’ll discuss clothing later. Pick a spot and let’s head out.”
I scooted across the bench seat and leaned up to whisper in his ear. “I think we need to go to the beach again. Right now.”
He shot a tight sideways glance at me, his eyes wide. I nodded. “Right now, Jaxon. I’m ready.” He didn’t say anything but turned the steering wheel in the direction we’d gone a week ago. We both needed the release and the chance to connect with just each other.
Plus, I needed to not think about Braddox. I just wanted to focus on Jaxon.
That’s all I wanted for a long, long time. If I could forgive Braddox, I could let him go completely. Just Jaxon and I could move on together. That’s what I wanted. That’s what we needed. And for once, I just might get the things that would complete me.
‘Bye, Braddox.
***I’m not crying, you’re crying! Oh, my word, I’m seriously wiping the tears from my eyes. I’m so happy for Jaxon and Olivia, but I also can’t help but wonder why Stephanie and Braddox had to die. That was rough to go through.
I’m so grateful you joined me on this journey. If you’ve had a chance to check out The Bad Boys of Jameson Academy already and you’re looking for another Blaine Bully Romance, there’s a new series you might want to check out! Stolen, book 1 of A Mountain Academy Racing Romance series -
He doesn’t know he’s stolen the infamous illegal street racer… his nemesis and his match.
Savannah Carmichael races under the moniker Scar. She’s ranked #1 across the west coast with her hot-as-hell 1969 Mach I Mustang. Everyone has seen the car. Everyone KNOWS the name. Not many have seen the driver’s face.
Of course, everyone assumes the dangerous racer is a guy. No one knows Scar is a “she” and a sexy one at that.
Johnny Westland needs first place in the upcoming race against Scar, but not for the title or the glory. He’s desperate to help his family get out of debt. One last boost to his dad’s gambling will get them out of their tragic position.
Thinking he needs an edge on the big race coming up, Johnny kidnaps Savannah, the girlfriend of the guy he thinks is Scar.
Except… she’s hotter than he’d planned, with delicious curves he wants to run his hands all over, and she’s not scared of anything.
Not even him.
Johnny doesn’t want to crave the enemy’s girl. When he protects her from an attack on his own side, he has to decide just what loyalty looks like and how far he’s willing to take his attraction to Savannah.
What he doesn’t know is how much she hates that she wants him, too. And if she tells him, Scar will have to tell him who she is, too… and that’s a secret she’s not sure she can reveal – and survive.
In this explosive new dark bully romance series, there’s enough angst and burn to turn a harmless taste into an addiction. Let Johnny become yours.
Never miss out on a Taylor Blaine book – sign up to get an email on new releases and sales. Maybe even some stupid stuff that she’ll come up with at the last minute. Who knows, it could be fun!
Thank you so much for joining me with the Jameson cousins. I love them so much! Stryker… sigh.
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More bully romance titles by Taylor Blaine
Bad Boys of Jameson Academy
Her Challengers
Her Brawlers
Her Champions
Forgiven
Chapter 1
Olivia
Braddox
Chapter 2
Jaxon
Chapter 3
Stephanie
Chapter 4
Olivia
~~~
Chapter 5
Olivia
Chapter 6
Roman
Chapter 7
Olivia
Chapter 8
Jaxon
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Braddox
~~~
Chapter 11
Jaxon
Chapter 12
Olivia
Jaxon
Chapter 13
Olivia
Jaxon
Chapter 14
Olivia
Chapter 15
Braddox
Staci
Chapter 16
Olivia
Chapter 17
Staci
Chapter 18
Olivia
Chapter 19
Jaxon
~~~
Chapter 20
Jaxon
~~~
Braddox
Chapter 21
&n
bsp; Olivia
Chapter 22
Jaxon
Chapter 23
Olivia
Chapter 24
Jaxon
Chapter 25
Staci
Donnie
Epilogue
Olivia
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Forgiven: a bully romance (An Academy Twin Rivalry Series Book 3) Page 19