Page 102 of Chaos

“I might be wrong, but I think I can hear bikes.” I swear I sound ridiculous. Maybe I’m paranoid. But Brody’s words have been ringing in my head since. It felt like a threat to me.

“Just stay in the car, keep it locked. I’ll put Maeve in her crib, it’s probably nothing,” he says calmly.

Maeve’s cries echo through the phone, making me pinch the bridge of my nose. God, I’m being pathetic.

As the door opens, I spot Jax and I can feel a smile spread across my face. But my joy quickly fades as I catch a glimpse of the glinting silver gun in his right hand.

Maybe I’m not over-reacting.

I snatch up the carton of milk, my hand shaking as I click the unlock button. Jax opens up the door for me, but his eyes are focused at the entrance of our driveway.

“I-is everything okay?” There’s a tremor in my voice.

With a sharp nod, he helps me out and steps behind me, putting himself between me and the road.

With a sense of urgency, he grabs my arm and pulls me inside, swiftly locking the deadbolt behind us.

“I’ll go settle Maeve,” I whisper, stopping halfway up the stairs when I hear his harsh Russian words to whoever he called.

My heart is pounding so hard that my whole body trembles as I scoop up Maeve and hold her close to my chest.

As I sway her in my arms, the floor creaks behind me, and I spin around to see Jax. He leans against the door frame, relaxed, holding Maeve's bottle in his tattooed hand.

“Here you go, baby girl.”

Maeve playfully grabs the milk from him. He positions himself in front of us, and we lock eyes, sharing a tender smile. He gently strokes my cheek.

“It’s fine, sweetheart. I promise you.”

I can hear the pleading in his tone. I trust him to protect us.

Leaning into his touch, I press my cheek against his palm. “I know. We can talk in a minute, Jax. I think this one needs a story from Daddy before she goes to sleep,” I say with a grin.

If this is how it’s going to be, I need Maeve protected, always. I’m sure he knows that. He probably already has taken care of that.

After giving Maeve one last kiss goodnight, my stress seems to settle as I watch her snuggle into her dad’s chest.

They’ve built such an amazing bond after a short period. It’s beautiful to watch them together. It’s like she knows she’s safe with him.

I wait on the balcony until Jax quietly closes the door behind him. I can hear her giggling to herself in her bed. He wraps his muscular arm around my shoulders and pulls me against him. I close my eyes as he presses a kiss to the top of my head.

“Are you okay, tigritsa?” he whispers.

“I am. I could use a glass of wine, though.”

He chuckles softly, his warm hand lacing through mine as we make our way downstairs to the kitchen. I prop myself up on a barstool and watch him as he taps his rings against the counter while he pours us each a glass. He’s hiding something.

I know that because he’s clicking that tongue bar against his front teeth like crazy.

“Spill it,” I say.

His eyes snap up. “Spill what?” he replies, biting down on his bottom lip.

“Whatever is eating you, just say it.” I take a large sip of the wine as he runs a hand through his curls.

“I’ve upped security on the house. From now on, you’ll have either me or one of our men with you at all times.”

“Fine with me.”

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