by Lyssa Cole
Alicia pumps her fist in the air while shaking her ass. “Hell yeah, let’s do it!”
Jax grabs my hand and we follow Alicia back to the dance floor, ready to shake our asses, the music carrying us into the night.
***
“MMmmm. I think everyone should have this after a night of drinking and dancing. It’s like a must for sure.” I say around the bites of pancake I keep shoving in my mouth.
After dancing for a couple of hours, Jax asked if we were hungry and then drove us to this cute diner open late for people like us-drunk and hungry.
He is sipping on coffee, munching on his eggs while Alicia and I eat like we never have eaten before. Probably because we were too busy getting ready earlier than thinking about eating dinner or probably because we are totally Shit. Faced.
Jax laughs, watching us. “It’s okay, ladies.” He holds his hands up, then pats ours before reaching for his coffee again. “The food isn’t going anywhere.”
I was feasting on some delicious pancakes with a side of bacon and a couple of eggs. Alicia was having waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. Hers looked mouthwatering.
I kept sneaking looks at Jax and I noticed he kept looking at me too. This connection, this spark we have is really throwing me off. I have never felt that before. Then again, I have never gotten to choose a relationship with someone. I was just always bid into the next one, sold like a piece of meat.
Now I meet this nice man who seems trustworthy but could be a fake. He could be working for my father, trying to get me back home.
I just need to take it slow, that is the most important thing for me. If things begin to get weird or shady, then I back off or get out completely. I can’t be afraid to live; I just have to be careful. Extra careful.
Damn, these pancakes are amazing, the piece literally melting into my mouth like butter with syrup on it.
Alicia and Jax are now bantering about music and I can’t believe this is where I am right now. Not too long ago, I was escaping my father’s evil corrupt world. And now here I am sitting with these people who have so far turned out to be nice people.
I am enjoying myself and the fun people I have met. But I will always have to look over my shoulder, that’s just the way it is going to be for me. The best part is I have my freedom.
***
Jax drops Alicia and I off at my apartment. Alicia is way too smashed to drive her car home, so I told her to crash with me. In the morning, I’ll take her to get her car down at the club.
I let Alicia inside and turn to say goodbye to Jax. His eyes darken as I get closer to him and I see that look again. The look he gave me right before he kissed me earlier.
I want him to kiss me again. The desire courses through me like hot lava, as if we never stopped touching or dancing. Days, weeks could’ve passed, and the longing would still be there, never letting go. Hot and sizzling, burning me from the inside out.
Jax cups my face with his hand, running his thumb over my lip. I bite my bottom lip, my eyes meeting his, both of us speaking volumes without even saying a word.
And that’s all it took.
His lips came crashing down on mine again, devouring my mouth, bruising my lips with his intense kisses. I meet him with as much passion, my tongue slipping inside his mouth.
I break away a moment later, needing to calm myself, catch a breath.
I am completely out of breath when I break away, pushing against his chest lightly with my fingers.
“Jax…I…it’s complicated.” I sigh. I didn’t want to get into this, so I quickly change the subject.
I lean in close, whispering against his lips, “Thank you. For this wonderful night. I have to get inside for Alicia. But I will talk to you soon, you know where to find me.”
I back away from him and turn to go but Jax pulls me down again, his mouth claiming mine once more. After a heated kiss, he pulls back, leaving me there missing his warmth, dizzy from whatever we just shared.
“Goodnight gorgeous.” He winks, turns, and gets in his car. He pulls out, disappearing down the road.
What the fuck am I going to do about him?
Chapter 14
Maddie
Alicia left early in the morning, she had several appointments she had committed to for the day. I felt bad for her, she was looking pretty hungover.
I was feeling bad myself. I barely can recall the night. Except those amazing kisses. I hold onto my necklace, letting my fingers run over the ring hanging at the bottom, as I remembered the feel of Jax’s lips, the sweet taste, the smell of his skin…
I know I drank a lot and I danced quite a bit, probably make a fool of myself.
And Jax. Sexy, unable to resist Jax.
I groan and cover my head with my blankets. I have no idea what I am going to do about him. I can’t get into any kind of relationship with him. It will be too hard to keep my past in the past.
How am I going to resist him though? He is fucking hot and the desire I feel for him is like nothing I have felt before. It’s all consuming and I feel like I am drowning in it.
Drowning in him.
And our kisses…I could barely focus after. All I could think about was how I wanted more. More of him and his perfect mouth. He knew what he was doing, a skilled lover I bet he is.
I want to ravish him as he ravishes me back, our lust combining into something powerful.
But that little nagging voice in the back of my head keeps showing my father’s face and the danger this type of relationship puts me in. I can’t risk being out there. Going out last night was even a big step for me.
I know my father must have someone out looking for me. It’s been over a week now. I know he must be dying to get his hands on me, his sick business suffering from my absence. I hope he goes under.
I am sure he has some fresh from training sex slaves at his disposal, keeping his clients happy. I doubt he needs me anymore but will still take me just out of spite and hate.
Fuck. My life is such a fucking mess.
I sigh, throwing the covers off me. Time to wash away the sins of last night and start a new day.
I am supposed to message Jax tonight, he wants to see me again.
I really should work, I haven’t in a couple of days. Jax has completely thrown me off my usual schedule.
My head is pounding. I am never drinking again.
***
Jax: Hey there, gorgeous. How is that fine ass of urs doing today?
I smile as I read Jax’s text. He swapped our numbers last night at the diner.
It’s doing pretty good as far as I know, no complaints today. And urs?
My phone pings back almost immediately.
Jax: It would be doing better if it had my hands all over it. What time am I picking u up tonight?
Wow this man. I shake my head, smiling to myself.
Did I miss the part where u asked me out?
Jax: Gorgeous, I would ask u out every night if it meant getting to spend time with you. Will u go out to dinner with me tonight? 8pm?
I feel myself flush, his words washing over me, only making me hotter for him. How could I say no?
8 it is. Don’t be L8, my secret keeper.
***
Alicia comes over, her work day finally done by six, giving me another perfect makeover. My hair flows down my back in long, loose waves with one side pinned back slightly next to my ear. My makeup is dark and smoky again, bringing out that sexy look.
She lines my eyes in dark grey eye liner, shimmering grey and midnight blue eyeshadow, and lots of mascara. Alicia colors my lips ruby red again, slicking on shimmering lip gloss for a final touch.
Alicia let me borrow a short navy blue dress with a shimmering overlay and the cutest pair of strappy heels I have ever seen.
I don’t recognize myself yet again, Alicia doing an amazing job. Her clients are some lucky people.
After a quick drink, Alicia takes off and I am left waiting, only ten minutes to go.
The doorbell rings a second later and I jump. He’s early.
I check my lip gloss quickly and head to the door. I pull it open and almost faint, leaning onto the door for help.
Jax looks unbelievable.
I thought he was hot before, but damn does he clean up well. His dark tan skin is a gorgeous color, and his dark hair is shaved on the sides with just a bit of longer hair on the top. Jax has a bit of scruff, a sexy five o clock shadow that matches his sharp features perfectly. He smells amazing, his scent filling my nostrils. I could drown in it.
He is wearing dark grey slacks with a matching jacket and a white button down shirt underneath with the top two buttons undone. No tie, just gorgeous skin and ink peeking out.
I realize I am staring, my eyes darting up to meet his.
Jax is grinning, obviously knowing what I was doing.
“Hey there gorgeous, like what you see?”
I blush and nod, my eyes glancing towards the floor.
His hand grasps by chin and he pulls my face up, forcing me to look him in the eye.
“Don’t be shy gorgeous. You’re not so bad yourself.” Jax grins again and I can’t help but giggle. His charm is infectious.
He lets go of my chin and I smile up at him, “Ready to go or do you want to come in?”
Jax doesn’t say anything, but instead leans down and brushes his lips against mine. I close my eyes, the electricity zapping through me, all the way to my toes.
I want more, so much more.
I moan against his mouth, pressing my body into his and Jax growls as he pushes me inside, kicking the door closed behind him.
Jax presses me against the wall with the entire length of his body and his mouth begins devouring mine. I whimper against him, my knees going weak as his kiss deepens with every second.
His hands slide down my sides and around to grab my ass and in one swift motion, he lifts me and I wrap my legs around his waist. I can feel his hard length press against my belly and our kiss deepens even more.
I should be resisting him, keeping myself safe. But I can’t. This just feels way too good.
I moan, his mouth drinking in the sound, his tongue slipping inside my mouth and meeting my own. We explore each other’s mouths, kissing with an intensity like no other. My hands run through his hair, grasping and pulling, the desire overwhelming.
Suddenly, Jax ends the kiss, gasping for air and I realize I need the air too. He presses his forehead against mine, whispering, “Did we forget about dinner?”
I grin, then drop my mouth to his neck, trailing soft kisses down to his collarbone. He smells divine and I am starting to think I would rather just stay here.
Jax lefts out a soft moan. “Gorgeous, you keep doing that and we are never going to make it to dinner.”
I smile against him, but I don’t stop. I kiss up the other side of his neck, working my way back to his lips.
I finally make contact, molding my lips to his, pouring my desire into that kiss. He must feel it because he gives it right back to me. Pleasure shoots straight through me, igniting in places I never knew existed. My panties are wet as I rub my body against his, needing to relieve myself in some way.
Jax breaks the kiss, his chest heaving as he tries to slow his breathing. “Oh baby, what are you doing to me? Let’s go eat before I do something stupid.”
He releases my legs, letting them slowly sink to the floor. I feel slightly disappointed. I want more from him. He rubs his chin as his eyes pierce mine. I wish I knew what he was thinking right now.
He lets out a low sigh and takes my hand, his eyes never leaving mine. “Come on gorgeous, let’s go.”
I follow him as he leads me outside, our spell broken. For now.
Chapter 15
Jax
I’m in trouble. Deep fucking shit to be exact. Maddie is unbelievable. Her looks, her personality.
It’s heady. And I fucking can’t get enough. I drink in everything she says, she does. How can this be happening when I barely know her?
When I am supposed to be bringing her back to her family? Her evil, corrupt, crime family?
Guilt rolls through me, a thick, strong wave as I think of what I will have to do.
I have to earn her trust to get her to go with me. I don’t even know if I can do it. To drop her off there when I just want to protect her from them. And watch her face break as she realizes who I am, her trust in me crushed.
The worst part is I am not supposed to be feeling this way. This should be a job to me, a job to complete and move on from.
But since the moment I’ve laid eyes on her, I haven’t been able to stop myself.
I want her to be mine and only mine, no one else’s.
What the ever loving fuck am I going to do?
***
We are finishing dinner and I watch Maddie sip her wine, her eyes bright and glowing. Our meal was delicious. I want to bring her back to her apartment and ravish her but I know I shouldn’t. I need to just drop her off and go home.
I need to move slow, she will trust me quicker and this whole thing will be fucking over with.
Maddie grins at me, licking the last drops of wine from her lips, “So Jax, do you always meet women online? Or should I say from those videos?”
I chuckle, my eyebrows wiggling at her. “How did you ever find out my secret?”
She laughs, winking back at me. “I have my ways. So I am not the first women you have met off there?”
I nod my head yes as I answer her, “Of course you are. I am not some sleaze who picks up women who strip on camera.”
Maddie snorts, “Okay, but you wanted me, what’s the difference?”
Shit, this conversation is headed to a place I don’t want it go.
I reach out to touch her hand, the spark causing us to both jolt slightly. “Maddie, you are…” I sigh as I try to get the words out. “You are different. There was something about you that I knew I just had to meet you and figure out what it was. I only go on that website from time to time, it’s only been since you that I have wanted to be on it more often. Usually, I like my women in the flesh, not on a camera.”
She blushes and I can’t help the fact that my cock has just gotten hard again for the tenth time tonight. I don’t think it’s even gone down. Maddie looks stunning with flushed cheeks and I want to keep on making her blush.
“What about you?” I ask her, curious as to how she is going to answer.
Maddie shrugs, looking away from me, not wanting to hold eye contact. “I just only began stripping on camera to make extra money. I have never meet a man from the internet before. Quite frankly, it scared the shit out of me to even meet you, hence why I avoided you for a while. But then you stalked me at the club so there’s that….”
I laugh as she grins at me. “Stalked you, huh? Is that what you call going to your favorite local spot and just happening to find you there? Besides, I wasn’t talking about your videos, I was talking about you. What is Maddie all about?”
I can see her body stiffen lightly and her eyes dart to the trouble. She looks uncomfortable as hell. I probably shouldn’t have asked her that. I am heading into dangerous territory but I can’t help but wanting to know her.
I want to know everything about her. It’s this craving inside me that I am unable to fight off.
“I..my past is fucked up. That’s all I really want to say.” She looks away, her face unreadable. The atmosphere felt cold. Fuck. I didn’t want to ruin the good time we were having. But then she turns back to me, surprising me with a smile playing on her lips. “I did have a good childhood; my mother was the best. She’s gone now though.” I see her playing with a necklace around her neck, the same necklace I notice her playing with often. I nod towards the piece of jewelry and Maddie’s eyes glance down then right back up to mine, searin
g into me. “It was my mother’s, it’s all I have left of her.”
Maddie sighs, her face growing sad. “But now, I am trying to enjoy life…my dream is to move out of this country so I am saving a lot of my money I make. Hopefully, one day.”
I can’t break eye contact with her, even if I tried. She has pulled me in, with her softness, her sad musings and I just want to protect her.
I should have known-her past was going to be fucked up because of her family. Reaching out, I grasp her hand, running my thumb over the smooth, perfect skin. “Both my parents are gone too. I just have my siblings left. I know how hard it can be.”
Her eyes lift to mine. “You lost your parents?” She whispers, her eyes welling with tears. She is clutching her hands together now, her fingers wrapped around that ring and necklace as if it was her lifeline.
I nod. “Yes, a horrible car accident. Ripped my family apart. My older brother is off somewhere around the world with his bat shit crazy girlfriend and my baby sister is lost in her grief and still has not recovered. She lives with our grandmother now. I know what it is like to hurt and not have a family there by your side.”
I lean in and brush my lips against hers, inhaling her intoxicating scent. I whisper, “Oh, Maddie, what are you doing to me?”
I close my eyes and press my lips to hers, not rushed or hurried, but slow, wanting to feel her softness for as long as I can.
She deepens the kiss, leaning closer to me and we continue kissing for a few moments before breaking away.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I know it must be Scott. I ignore it, staring at Maddie instead. She is absolutely stunning. How am I ever going to finish this job?
My phone begins buzzing again and I know my time is running short. I have only been here a couple days but the Kaplan’s’ don’t wait for anyone.
I need to distance myself if I am ever going to get this job done.
Chapter 16
Maddie
I slid into Jax’s sleek Dodge charger, not sure how this evening is going to play out. We barely made it out of the house earlier. I want him to come in but I just shouldn’t risk it.