Page 58 of Alpha Jax

Another silence envelops us as we plod along the path together, no doubt both reflecting on our shared trauma. After a minute or two, Theo speaks again.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you the past few years.” His voice is gravelly, full of regret.

“Fiveyears,” I correct, the words tumbling out before I can even consider them. I curse my mouth for moving faster than my brain, even sorrier that they slipped out when I see the pained glance that Theo shoots me in response.

“Yeah. I shouldn’t have left you behind like that.”

I don’t know what to say, and there’s a lump in my throat that I’m not sure I can force words past. So I just leave it, waiting for him to continue.

“I’m glad you’re living up here now, though. I hope we can make up for lost time.”

I give my brother a little nod. “Of course we can. I’d like that.”

Theo’s lips stretch into a grin; the kind of smile that lights up his whole face. It has a way of making me feel instantly better, and it’s contagious- suddenly I’m smiling, too. He moves closer to me, sliding an arm around my shoulders as we continue walking.

It feels good, having my big brother by my side, spending time with him again. It also feels a little shitty, because now what I’ve been doing with Jax is weighing even heavier on my conscience.

As we reach the end of the path and start heading into Goldenleaf, I’m not sure what I’m feeling more guilty about- the fact that I’m sleeping with Theo’s best friend behind his back… or the knowledge that I have no intention of stopping any time soon.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Jax

It’s the first night this week that I haven’t seen Quinn, and honestly, it feels a little weird, like I’m already accustomed to the pattern that we’ve started to fall into. Discontent to go to sleep without at least touching base with her, I send her a quick text as I slide between the sheets to let her know that her car repairs are done. Then I try to be smooth and offer to pick it up for her, but it turns out that Brady gave her a call, too, and she already picked up her car this afternoon.

It’s not a total loss, though, because we spend the next hour sending messages back and forth, chatting about the unreliability of cars and the day we each had and the best and worst pizza toppings. I completely lose track of time, hanging on Quinn’s every word as the conversation flows easily like we’ve known each other for years, not weeks. The truth is, we still barely know one another- but the more I get to know Quinn, the more I like her. Probably not the best thing for our situation, but I mean, what’s not to like? She’s amazing.

I lose track of time, starting to get a little drowsy. That’s probably why I’m off my game a little bit when I send my next text.

Jax:Felt weird not seeing you tonight.

She doesn’t respond right away, and I start to sweat it a little until her response comes through.

Quinn:The night isn’t over yet.

If I was drowsy before, I’m wide awake now.

Jax:What are you suggesting?

Quinn:I’m feeling dirty.

I immediately throw the sheets off of me, sitting up in my bed.

Jax:How dirty we talkin?

I don’t want to push my luck, but I’d definitely be down for a late-night meetup if that’s what she’s getting at.

Quinn:Filthy. I think I need a shower…

Quinn:Join me?

My heart hammers against my ribs as I stare at Quinn’s words on my phone, my mind immediately conjuring the image of me giving it to her hard up against the shower wall. Is it risky?Sure. But is it worth the risk to head to the showers right now to make that fantasy a reality?Abso-fucking-lutely.

I fire off my response as I scramble out of bed.

Jax:See you soon, beautiful.

I had to throw in that little term of endearment; I don’t want to make her feel cheap or used. Just because this thing between us is purely physical doesn’t mean I don’t respect the hell out of the girl or recognize how fucking special she is. I know I’m a lucky bastard that she’s even giving me a second of her attention.

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