Page 11 of Jaxon

She had taken a chance, and it was turning out to be the thrill ride of her life.

Rachel’s curiosity deepened. What was it really like to live this life on the edge of society’s rules? And what about Jaxon himself, with his air of danger and a hint of darkness in his past?

She glanced up at his profile, sharp jaw and full mouth, and heat pooled low in her belly. How had this happened, her sudden fascination with a man who was all rough edges and mystery?

Jaxon slanted her a knowing smile. “Thinking deep thoughts, angel?”

Rachel shrugged, a flush creeping into her cheeks. “Just wondering what I’ve gotten myself into.”

“Don’t worry,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ll take good care of you.”

The tenderness in his touch made her breath catch. Maybe she was in over her head, but she couldn’t deny she wanted to dive in deeper.

Jaxon guided her inside.

Rachel approached the woman's shooting pool, pulse fluttering with nerves. The curvy blonde gave her an appraising look, but nodded in greeting.

Summoning her courage, Rachel said, “I’m Rachel. Jaxon invited me to the party tonight.”

The blonde snorted. “We know who you are, sweetheart. You’re with the prez, ain’t you?”

Rachel ducked her head, a blush staining her cheeks. “That obvious, huh?”

A brunette with tattoos snaking up her arms laughed. “Jax has been waiting for a woman like you. You’re not the usual crow-eatin’ slut he drags around.”

“We were taking bets on how long you’d last,” the blonde said. “But maybe you’re different.”

Rachel leaned against the pool table, crossing her arms. “What’s it like, being an old lady in the club?”

The women exchanged a look, a wealth of meaning in their silence.

“Ain’t no life like it,” the brunette finally said. “Wild and free, but it ain’t ever easy. Life in the MC is raw and real—the good, the bad, and the ugly, all out in the open.”

“But we stand by our men,” the blonde added. “Through hell or high water. That’s what an old lady does.”

Rachel nodded, a surge of longing and fear twisting in her gut. Did she have what it took to stand by Jaxon’s side in this world? She had a feeling she was about to find out.

Jaxon emerged from the crowd, wrapping an arm around Rachel’s waist. “Ready to head out?”

She glanced up at him, at the intensity in his eyes and the warmth of his touch. Her heart kicked into overdrive as she nodded.

They said their goodbyes and headed out into the cool night air. The rumble of bikes and raucous music faded behind them as they walked to Jaxon’s Harley.

He handed her a helmet. “You still want to go to somewhere else tonight?”

Rachel stared at the helmet, hesitation flickering through her. She thought of the wild, raw world the women had described—and of Jaxon, a pillar of strength beside her.

She lifted her gaze to his. “If you’re there with me...then yes.”

A slow, sexy smile spread across Jaxon’s face. He pulled her close and kissed her, a possessive, searing kiss that left her breathless.

“Count on it, baby,” he rasped. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

Rachel’s heart kicked into a sprint, but for the first time, the fear was eclipsed by a thrill of excitement. She put on the helmet with trembling fingers, anticipation for the night ahead building inside her.

Whatever happened at this party, she had a feeling her old life was slipping further away with each passing second. A new world was opening up before her, dangerous yet seductive, and she was ready to ride into it with Jaxon at her side.

7

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