Page 18 of Jackson

The loud rumble faded. Only the quietness of the afternoon remained as the two men stared at each other. Jackson’s hair was a mess and he had to be chilly in just his jeans and T-shirt. Finn wanted to yell at him. To shake Jackson until he came to his senses. But that wouldn’t work. Laying into Jackson might just push him away.

What Finn understood about Jackson was that he’d always had to fight for everything that he’d ever gotten. Jackson hated to talk about himself shifting any conversation into a joke before turning to seduction. That was why Finn needed to remain firm.

“Are you done?” Finn asked briskly.

“Done?”

“Running,” Finn answered. “Or at least going in circles?”

Jackson frowned.

Finn didn’t give him a chance to answer though. It didn’t matter what excuse Jackson came up with. They both knew that he had at least thought about leaving. It might have been for a second or longer, but it had been Jackson’s go-to move. That needed to end. “There is a bike ramp and stand in the back of my truck. Load your bike up. The tie downs are in the metal box.”

“You want me to put my bike in the back of the truck?”

Finn wanted to smile at how confused Jackson sounded but that wouldn’t do him any good. “I’m waiting.”

Again, Finn had to hold his breath until Jackson started to move. It would always be Jackson’s choice. He could walk away at any time and that terrified Finn. All this could be for nothing. He had to have faith though. Michael was counting on Finn bringing Jackson home. Finn wanted to be the person that Jackson turned to instead of running from.

Finally, Jackson swung his leg off the bike before doing a couple of squats. Finn could imagine how much Jackson was feeling the long ride, but he wasn’t going to show any mercy. Not yet. Later he would draw Jackson a bath in the cabin’s massive Jacuzzi tub and help relax his muscles.

Jackson walked to the back of the truck and opened the tailgate before struggling to remove the ramp. Finn had had help putting it in there. One of the bartenders rode and had let Finn borrow what he needed.

He wasn’t certain where the Harley had come from in the first place.

Hopefully, Jackson hadn’t stolen it or something stupid like that. He’d get his answers though.

Finn didn’t help. He could have, but actions had consequences and Jackson was going to feel his before the night was through.

It took longer than Finn would have liked but Jackson eventually managed to secure the bike. Once Jackson closed the tailgate after replacing the ramp, Finn moved. He quickly stepped up behind Jackson and grabbed his arms.

“Safe word?” Finn barked.

“Traffic lights. Red, yellow, green.”

They’d played at the club, but Finn wasn’t playing now. It was still important that Jackson knew he could stop Finn at any moment. Hell, Jackson could probably knock Finn onto his ass, but the trust was vital to their relationship.

“Good boy.” Finn used the word boy on purpose. Yes, Jackson wasn’t a little, but he was going to submit to Finn.

Jackson stiffened but didn’t respond verbally.

Finn brought Jackson’s arms around his back and held both wrists with one hand. Leaning forward, he kissed the back of Jackson’s neck. “I’m proud of you.”

Jackson snorted again. “For running again?”

“For not leaving. For knowing where you belong.”

“How’d you even know where I was?”

“Do you really want me to answer that?” Finn would answer him if Jackson insisted, but he hoped Jackson wouldn’t think too hard on it. He liked being able to surprise Jackson.

“Yes. No. Yes.” Jackson shook his head.

“What if I told you that I would always be able to find you?” Finn questioned.

“I’d make you swear to it.” The words were barely audible.

Chuckling softly, Finn rubbed his cheek against Jackson’s. That was what he needed to hear. Finn was able to relax. “I swear that I will always find you. I’ll always bring you back. No matter what.” He meant the words with all his heart.

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