by Simone Elise
I walked into our cinema room. The lights were off and Jax was sitting on a middle recliner holding his head.
“You better still be drinking that,” I coaxed as I smiled at him, noticing the untouched bottle of water on the side table. “I put Aspirin in it.”
“Why would you put Aspirin in a full bottle of water?” he looked up at me. “You know I usually only have it in an inch of water, right?”
“Yeah but this way you drink a full bottle of water.”
I sat down in the recliner next to him. ”Drink up sunshine.”
Jax sighed and picked up the bottle, flipping the cap off. “I think you are enjoying this,” he said, glancing at me sideways. “Why didn’t you drink tonight?”
“Don’t know,” I shrugged my shoulders. “Not in the mood I guess.”
Jax nodded his head before drinking the water. Silence settled in the air and it was peaceful. Closing my eyes, I leaned back into the chair. Sometimes I enjoyed just staying home and relaxing. Sure I liked partying, but sometimes it was good to come home after it all and just bum around.
Although usually, I was always too drunk to really enjoy coming back.
“Come here.”
Snapping my eyes open, I looked across at Jax. “What?” I frowned at him, wondering why he had his arms out.
“Come here!” He smirked, and gestured his head for me to move across to his recliner.
“You mean sit with you?” I looked at him strangely. I was sure he had sobered up a bit by now.
He reached out and pulled on my arm, and I slid over the recliner and moved to sit in the nook of his. He wrapped an arm around me, and I leaned into his side, my legs draping over the other side of the recliner. This felt surprisingly nice.
Oh Amber, you are going weak, I thought to myself.
Jax trailed his fingers up and down my arm and sighed softly. “Next time, we should stay in. Unless you’re going as my date.”
“Jax, seriously, what has got into you?” I couldn’t look up to look him in the eye though. Instead, my gaze was glued to his lap and my head leaned on his shoulder. My heartbeat increased when he touched me; my body so close to his for the first time had me in a fit of nerves.
“Nothing.” Jax’s voice was low and his hand paused on my arm. “Why?
Do you want me to stop?”
What the heck JAX! Who in their right mind would want you to stop touching them? I swallowed nervously. “Ummm no. I guess not.”
Of course I was attracted to him; who wouldn’t be? But he was dangerous; he could hurt me. So we shouldn’t be doing this.
But that didn’t stop me from reaching out and taking his other hand in mine. Jax forced me to ignore my gut. For a smart girl, I became stupid when it came to him.
“Are you going to see Blake?”
Jax’s voice was below a whisper as we sat in dead silence in the cinema room. We both hadn’t even bothered to turn the movie on.
“I don’t know,” I sighed, dragging my finger up and down his arm. “He wouldn’t want me to.”
Jax nodded his head knowingly. Guys didn’t like there girls visiting. Why? Well I wasn’t a guy, so I couldn’t answer that question. Though I wasn’t Blake’s girl, but still, he would view me so.
I turned my face to the side to stare at his defined profile. Even though the room was dark, I could make out every feature. His smooth jawline; flawless soft skin that just made me want to reach out and run my finger across it. His hair was a mess, but it was a sexy mess. Not the ‘you-don’t-do-your-hair-and-it-shows’ mess.
Finally, my eyes drifted up to his face and locked with my favorite part… his eyes. I was slightly taken back when I saw them looking back smugly at me.
“Checking me out, Am?” He smirked and I felt myself boil from embarrassment.
“I well… no… just umm… yeah.” I snapped my eyes away from his and glared across the room.
“Don’t tell me, you have a little crush?” His lips brushed across my earlobe as he spoke, his voice husky and thick.
My eyes locked back with his as I turned my head back. Our lips were inches apart; our faces so close. Slowly, I trailed my hand up his arm and placed it on the back of his neck. I caught his eyes flicker down to my lips, just briefly, and it twisted my stomach in knots.
We were waiting for the each other to give in. I shifted slightly on his lap and I heard the muffled groan that left his lips. Like always, the girl had the upper hand, although my confidence disappeared when I noticed his eyes emanate pure and utter passion.
His tight grip on my waist was only confirming my thoughts. Any minute now, I would feel what it was like to kiss Jax. My heart melted and it took all my self-control to not drive my own lips forward and claim his lips.
“Jax?”
I jumped from Jax’s lap as if it were on fire and stumbled to the floor. Jax looked startled, not understanding why I had just fled from his embrace but when he heard Cole’s call again, he understood.
I scrambled to my feet, climbing over the two rows of seats and flinging myself to the ground in front. The smell of stale popcorn invaded my nose as I lay on the ground. Thank the Lord Jax and I were sitting at the back of the cinema. The doors opened and I froze.
I knew Cole wouldn’t be able to see me from where he was, but I didn’t want to think of what would happen if he caught me laying down; hiding.
“What are you doing in here?” Cole’s voice was rough full with suspicion. “I thought you would be passed out somewhere?”
“Then why were you looking for me?” Jax said, sounding annoyed. I couldn’t stop the smirk that spread across my lips. I think I knew why he was annoyed and it made me excited to think about it.
“Amber must have taken off with some guy,” Cole grunted, and I heard a recliner move as he threw himself down it in. “I thought you might have seen who, before you left.”
“Does it matter?”
“I was meant to keep an eye on her,” Cole said slowly, as if Jax couldn’t understand words.
“I’m sure she is fine,” Jax replied, his recliner moving; he must have shifted his weight in it. “It’s Amber after all.”
“Yeah I guess you’re right,” Cole grunted. “Still, I feel bad.”
“No you don’t.”
“She’s my sister!” Cole’s voice was low. “Of course I feel bad for losing her.”
“You’re pissed cause she interrupted your root,” Jax scoffed, “And when you were done, you couldn’t find her.”
“How did you know that?” Cole exclaimed, sounding surprised.
“I can actually put things before a root.” Jax’s didn’t seem nervous that he’d just nearly got us caught. “Last time I saw her, she was passed out upstairs.”
Great Jax! How the hell was I meant to get upstairs before Cole did to check on me! They were silent for a few moments and I knew my brother, he would be sizing Jax up right about now.
“Right.” Cole grunted, “I’m glad you’re over your crush. El is a good chick.”
Jax remained silent. What did Cole mean by crush?
“Yeah, she’s alright.”
“She’s more than alright mate. If you’re going to step up and call a chick your missus, she’s worth it.”
HIS WHAT! ELLA WAS HIS MISSUS! Since when? I knew that she was his girlfriend, but I didn’t think he had taken it to the next step and actually claimed her as his, amongst his friends. If Ella was now viewed as Jax’s ‘missus,’ she was off the market. His.
I was grinding my teeth. He was dead.
“What? Gone cold on her?” Cole grunted.
“I’m dumping her when I see her next,” Jax said shortly; no explanations offered.
“Why?” Cole’s voice was coated with suspicion, and I knew if I could see him, his eyes would be narrow and his jaw clenched.
“Cause I want to, got a problem with that Cole?” Jax said defensively.
“Stay away from my sister,” Cole growled.
; “Did I say anything about hurting her?” Jax snapped.
“Sleep with her and I will cut your balls off, got it?” Cole’s threat even sent shivers down my spine.
“Remember who you are talking to,” Jax said with a low hiss.
“I know who you are, which is why I am telling you. Stay away from her.” Cole’s threat was still a deep growl, and even if he wasn’t scaring Jax, he sure as hell was scaring me!
“I’ll stay away.”
HE WOULD WHAT!
I gripped the carpet in my fingers, stopping me from jumping to my feet and charging at Cole. Who did he think he was? Threatning men away from me? If I hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t even have known.
“Settled then.” The recliner creaked as Cole got up. “Night, mate.”
I couldn’t believe Cole had the ability to just turn of his threatning tone like that. The voice he just used sounded so light and carefree.
“Night.” Jax’s voice wasn’t as forgiving.
Would he keep his word? I knew Jax wasn’t an angel, but for my brother to even think he was too dangerous for me had me thinking. I bit my bottom lip. Was Jax really that bad?
I heard the door close, and slowly returned to my feet. Jax was glaring at the ground, his arms crossed tightly, his face murderous. How had Cole threatened that face, when it had the ability to look like that?
“Jax?”
Slowly, his eyes drifted up to mine. The only emotion I could get from him was anger - everything else was masked.
“It’s late,” he muttered, and then got up from his chair. “Night, Amber.”
He started moving through the recliners, but I was quick enough to block his exit, standing cross-armed in front of the door. He wasn’t avoiding me; I wouldn’t let him.
“What? Gone cold Jax?”
“Move, Amber.”
“Make me.”
“It’s late,” he grunted. “Stop being childish.”
“You weren’t ready for bed a few minutes ago. What? Did Cole scare you off?” I scoffed and shook my head.
“What do you want?” he narrowed his eyes. “Because right now, I am half hungover and don’t have time to deal with your shit.”
My glare dropped; in fact I think my whole face dropped. My ‘shit’; that was what he had called it. His voice was hard and snappy, and I felt my confidence fall a few notches.
“Fine. Night.” I flung around, pushed the door open, and stormed up the hallway. One minute he’s sweet, the next seductive, and then BANG, Mr Jerkface was back.
“Amber, wait!” He hissed behind me in a low voice. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
Oh yeah Jax, because what you just said could be taken so many other ways, I scoffed to myself. I felt him reach out for me, but I was too quick for him; I fled up the stairs. His footsteps were not as light as mine, and when I made it to the top, I darted off in the direction of my room.
Bloody Jax. He’d give anyone a headache.
Closing my door softly, I was finally in the clear. He wouldn’t have the guts to come in here; not after Cole had threatened him.
I turned away, but was forced to whip my head back around when the door burst open and he stormed in with an annoyed expression on his face. He closed the door.
“Really? You thought a door would keep me out?” he grunted before walking to my bed, and taking his top off.
“Is there a reason you are taking your top off?” I flicked my hair out of my eyes, trying not to let my voice quiver with desire. “Last time I checked, this wasn’t your room, plus, didn’t my brother mention something about ripping your balls off if you slept with me?”
“It was cutting my balls off,” Jax corrected, hurling his jeans to the floor. He casually lay back in my bed in his boxers. “Do I look like I am scared of your brother?”
“You should be,” I said, crossing my arms. “Is that why you are in here? To prove that you aren’t scared of him?”
Jax’s smirk stumped me; in fact, it startled me! His eyes glinted with mischief as he placed his hands behind his head. Wasn’t he dying of a hangover earlier?
It was an act. Big surprise.
“No. I’m here to prove I’m better than my brother,” he stated matter of factly.
I opened my mouth and then closed it. My mouth formed an O when I understood what he meant, and I couldn’t help the blush that crept across my cheeks.
I was only more embarrassed when Jax chuckled at my shock. His pendulum-like behavior was taking a toll on me; it was like he wasn’t sure what he wanted, and it showed when it came to me.
“So, Amber. You ready to be handled by a real man?”
His voice was seductive, dangerous and inviting, all at once. Just like the drug you know might kill you. His eyes were locked with mine, drawing me to him.
So I wasn’t surprised when my mind turned off, lust took over, and I found myself moving across the room.
Chapter 22
“So, how was the high school skirt?” Tyler snickered.
“Shut it Ty,” Cole grunted. “I didn’t get any.”
There were a few different grunts of disbelief.
“WHAT?” Cole snapped. “I went to it to keep an eye on Amber.”
“Sure you did,” Troy’s voice joined the conversation. “So, did you bring her home?”
Cole remained silent and the room broke out in laughter; I heard Cole snapping at them to shut up.
Putting my hand on the door knob, I closed my eyes tightly. “He won’t be there, he won’t be there…” I chanted to myself as I opened the door, and my chanting immediately stopped.
“Morning,” I muttered, walking across the dining room and slumping down in a chair next to Adam. I shot a quick glance at Jax. He looked normal although his opinion of me would definitely have been different, considering the way I had high tailed out of my room.
Yep. I had frozen about three steps before getting into bed with him. I had realized what I was doing, and sprinted from my own bedroom.
“What’s up sis?” Adam shouldered me lightly. I frowned slightly and took in his appearance.
“You got a haircut?” I raised an eyebrow questioningly. His hair was now extremely short, making him look like a gangster from a movie, and he was sporting a new tattoo that was peeking out from under his tank top. “New ink too?” I asked.
“Yeah. Thought it was about time I got the chest piece finished. How’s the head?” He asked, offering me some toast. I declined.
“Umm not too bad.” I replied with a smile. Sure, I had a headache, but it wasn’t from drinking. It was because of that laidback bikie at the other end of the table.
He wasn’t looking at me; good or bad sign?
The boys went back to talking casually between themselves, and I just sat cross-legged on the chair, cupping a glass of orange juice and not looking up from it. I knew if I did, my eyes would travel down to Jax, and I already looked like a child to him.
Who runs away?
“Amber?”
My head snapped down the table to Jax, who was looking at me, relaxed.
“Um yeah?” I asked. He was talking to me?
“Got any plans today?”
Shaking my head, I noticed how all the boys had gone quiet.
“Wanna go for a ride?”
I choked on the mouthful of orange juice, and he smirked at me while Adam patted me on the back; I had gone bright red.
He raised an eyebrow, looking rather smug. “It’s meant to be a nice day. Thought you would be keen.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t have to if you don’t want to though.”
“Well, I have no plans, so why not,” I said, wiping my bottom lip. So he wasn’t angry at me about last night.
Cole threw his fork down to his plate and made some grunting noise before getting up and leaving the table, making a scene. Jax, however, didn’t look at him. His eyes were glued to mine. He was cool, collected and didn’t seem fazed by Cole’s reaction.
Maybe Jax didn
’t just want me for a quick lay. Perhaps he actually wanted me for more. Well, a whole day on the back of his bike… I would soon find out.
***
“So, about last night...” I started.
“Don’t worry about it.” Jax cut me off, handing me a helmet. “I put you on the spot.”
“Yeah, but I acted like a child. Who runs away?”
Jax didn’t respond. Instead, he got on his bike, straddling it and waiting for me. Placing a hand on his shoulder, I threw my leg over the bike and gripped him from behind, wrapping my arms around his waist, the leather of his patch cold on my arms.
“Amber?” Jax said as he cocked his head slightly over his shoulder. “I broke up with El.”
With that, he started the bike up, it roaring loudly, without giving me a chance to respond. He broke up with El, which meant he… didn’t care for her?
What does that say about me? Why did I get this feeling that the reason we were going out today was because he wanted to talk to me?
My stomach flipped over. I was falling hard for a bikie.
Chapter 23
“People keep crossing the road,” I hissed up at Jax, as we walked hand in hand down the footpath.
He was standing tall, his patch on display for everyone to see. His sunglasses blocked his eyes from view, but I think everyone near us knew that his eyes were deadly. I attempted to pull my hand from his grip again, as I saw yet another family cross the street to get away from us.
“Stop doing that,” Jax snapped down at me, and purposely pulled me closer to his side “I’ll think you’re ashamed to be with me.”
Rolling my eyes, I attempted to not be pissed off by his confidence. “When you said let’s go for a ride, I thought we would be going for a ride. Not a ride into town,” I stated.
“Don’t worry Amber, you can cling to me for the whole afternoon.” He smirked sideways down at me, “I’ve just got to take care of something first.”
We came to a stop out the front of a pub; men were leaning over the rail, bottles of beer and cigarettes in their hands. These guys didn’t even care it was barely midday; actually it looked like they had been at it for a while.