Total pages in book: 213
Estimated words: 202770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1014(@200wpm)___ 811(@250wpm)___ 676(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 202770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1014(@200wpm)___ 811(@250wpm)___ 676(@300wpm)
“Sometimes even the people I protect have secrets,” he says.
That sets me off. “I do have secrets,” I snap. “But not ones that serve your cause. They aren’t yours to know. I’ve told Jax everything I know.”
“Understood,” he says and offers me his jaw. “Punch me. I can take it. It’ll mix things up and get us working well together. And as a plus, you get to let off some steam.”
“You tempted the wrong person,” I warn, stepping to him. “I’ll do it.”
“Bring it.”
Jax catches my arms from behind and pulls me against his chest. I look up at him and he casts me in an amused stare. “Beat him up later. You have a meeting and we have travel plans to make.” He kisses me, and it’s such a relationship-like kiss that it curls my toes right there in front of Savage.
“I suppose I should save my frustrations for Marion.” I look at Savage. “You got off the hook. Stop being an asshole.”
“No promise there,” Savage says, tracing his goatee. “But I’m a work in progress. I might get there. The driver’s name is Smith. He’s the quiet type.” He gives me a mock salute and eyes Jax, giving him a nod.
I turn out of Jax’s arms and climb inside the SUV with him following. He shuts us inside and the SUV starts moving. My cellphone rings and I settle my purse on the seat, pull the phone from my purse to find York’s assistant calling me, which must mean it’s really York calling me. Jax shuts us inside and greets the driver as I decline the call. My phone starts ringing again. I grimace. “You know who it is,” I say.
“York,” Jax supplies. “I thought you blocked his number?”
“He called from his assistant’s phone, which is a head game, and a message, the kind he enjoys.”
“He’s telling you he can still get to you.”
We’re back in uncomfortable territory which is why I don’t agree or disagree. I glance over at him. “I don’t think his timing is a coincidence. He has to know that I’m meeting with Marion.”
“Maybe you should talk to him.”
“No,” I say. “That is not a beast I want to feed.”
“Marion setup this meeting for a reason, Emma,” he warns. “She’s afraid of you. So, either your brother already knows about the affair and they’re going to team up on you, or you’re in for a surprise.”
“My brother wouldn’t sideswipe me,” I say, without an inkling of hesitation. “I know there’s a surprise coming though and it won’t be a good one.”
“Do you want to talk about what that might be and strategize before you go to the meeting?”
This offer surprises me when perhaps it shouldn’t. This is Jax and Jax is never anything I expect, and that’s a good thing. “Thank you, but the ride is short and we’re almost there. I just want this over.”
“We can drive around or park and talk this out,” Jax says. “Hell, we can go get coffee. They can wait.”
“I got this,” I promise. “I’ll deal with it and the rest of my work. Then I’ll clear my schedule and we’ll go to Maine. I’ll run away with you for real this time, Jax.”
Jax laces the fingers of his hands with mine and kisses my knuckles. “Yes. You will. Remember that when you’re in there today.”
“I will,” I promise as the SUV stops and the driver calls out, “We’re here now.”
“Last chance to game plan,” Jax offers.
“I want it over with,” I repeat, and he gives a small nod before he opens the door and steps outside, helping me exit. “I’ll walk you to the door,” he says, his hand at my waist.
We turn for the door and my brother steps in front of us. No. Not us. He steps in front of Jax, his eyes locked on him.
Chapter thirty-seven
Emma
Emma
Chance and Jax stand there staring at each other, two good looking men, the same and yet different, Chance dark-haired, Jax fair-haired, a push and pull of power between them that threatens to explode.
“What are you doing, Chance?” I hiss urgently, and because I know how deeply Jax wants answers, and in truth, revenge, I grab his arm, anchoring him, reminding him that Chance is my brother.
Chance’s gaze rockets to me, his piercing blue eyes alight with anger. “You stayed the night with him again?” he demands.
I blanch, shocked by such a question from Chance of all people. “Where is this coming from? You knew we were together, and how is that your business?”
“That’s a yes,” he says, his gaze swinging back to Jax. “I don’t want her hurt.”
“Neither do I,” Jax says, “and it seems to me that’s not always been the case. York showed up at her place yesterday morning.”
“He’s her ex-fiancé,” Chance replies. “You aren’t.”
“He’s a bastard I don’t want near me,” I snap.