Page 9 of Jaxon

Tess grasped her shoulders. “You’re playing with fire. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

Rachel held her friend’s gaze. “What if it’s worth the risk? Don’t I deserve a chance at happiness after everything I’ve been through?”

Tess searched her face for a long moment. Finally, she sighed. “You’re right. You do deserve to find love in whatever form it takes.” A wry smile curved her mouth. “Just promise me you’ll be careful. And call me if you need anything.”

Relief flooded Rachel. “I will. Thank you, Tess. For always understanding.”

Tess pulled her into a fierce hug. “That’s what friends are for. Now go get your man—and try not to get into too much trouble!”

Rachel laughed, the sound light and free. She had Tess’s blessing, and her own fears were fading into the background. Tonight, she had another date with Jaxon, and this time she would dive in headfirst. Danger be damned. Her heart knew this was a risk worth taking.

Rachel stood before her mirror, scrutinizing her reflection. She’d chosen a flirty red dress that showed a hint of cleavage, paired with strappy heels. Her makeup was subtle but smoky, her lips stained cherry red. She hardly recognized herself. When had she become this woman, daring enough to court danger for the promise of passion?

Her thoughts drifted to Jaxon, conjuring the intensity of his gaze, the roughness of his hands. A delicious shiver ran down her spine. But along with the attraction came the familiar ache of anxiety in her stomach, a warning she couldn’t ignore.

Rachel sank onto her bed, suddenly breathless. What was she doing? This man lived a life of violence and lawlessness. If she let him in, she’d be stepping into a world where nothing was safe or certain. Where she could be hurt in ways, she didn’t dare imagine.

The old fears rose up to choke her, shadows of the past threatening to eclipse this newfound daring. Her fingers curled into the bedspread as she fought for control, torn between yearning and terror.

She had a choice to make, and no easy answers. Did she dare expose her fragile heart to a man who might break it? Or should she cut her losses now and cling to the security she knew?

Rachel closed her eyes, searching for the truth amid the chaos.

No, she wasn’t going to back out of this. Jaxon and her had a connection, deeper than just attraction. Their souls were both wounded.

So, she got dressed and headed to meet him.

Jaxon pulled up on his custom chopper, black from handlebars to tailpipes. His piercing blue eyes gazed at her from beneath the black leather cut he wore, the words “President” and “Green Devils MC” stitched across the back in lurid green thread.

Rachel swallowed hard, clutching her purse. She had lived a sheltered life as a nurse, craving order and routine. Now she was plunging into a world of danger and unpredictability. But one look at Jaxon’s ruggedly handsome face filled her with a thrill she had never known.

Jaxon killed the engine and swung off his bike, striding toward her with a predatory grace. “You came.” His voice was a low rumble, like the bass growl of a big cat.

“I said I would.” Rachel tilted her chin up, trying to seem braver than she felt.

Jaxon stopped in front of her, close enough for her to feel the heat radiating off his massive frame. “A lot of people make promises they can’t keep.” His eyes darkened with old pain and bitterness.

Rachel sensed the shadows lurking in his past. She wanted to soothe away the hurt, to show him she was different. Reaching out, she laid a hand on his leather cut, feeling his heart pounding beneath.

“I don’t make promises I can’t keep,” she said.

Jaxon’s eyes widened. He grasped her hand, turning it over and pressing a kiss to her palm that sent shivers down her spine.

“Maybe you’re not like the others after all,” he said, a note of wonder in his voice.

Rachel smiled, her own cynicism fading in the warmth of his touch. “Why don’t you show me your world...and I’ll show you mine?”

Jaxon’s lips curved into a smile that lit up his face, erasing the darkness that had lingered there. “It’s a deal, angel. Hop on.” He jerked his head toward the chopper.

Heart racing, Rachel climbed on behind Jaxon and wrapped her arms around his waist. Together, they roared off into the night, toward a future of thrilling possibilities.

The clubhouse came into view, a dilapidated warehouse with several motorcycles parked outside and the unmistakable roar of rock music blasting from within.

Rachel’s heart skipped a beat. What was she getting into? She tightened her grip around Jaxon’s waist, her palms slick with sweat.

Jaxon glanced over his shoulder. “You okay back there?”

She swallowed and forced a smile. “Just enjoying the ride.”

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