Page 16 of Jax

"Okay," she whispered, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I understand."

Jax glanced at her, concern etched on his face. "I promise, as soon as it's safe, I'll make sure you see her."

"Thank you," Mia managed, her voice barely audible over the hum of the engine. She leaned back into the seat, cradlingBaloo in her arms and feeling the weight of their situation settle heavily on her shoulders.

"Get some rest," Jax urged gently. "We've got a long road ahead of us."

As she closed her eyes, Mia felt the adrenaline of their escape slowly ebb away, leaving a bone-deep exhaustion in its wake. She drifted in and out of sleep, the steady rhythm of the road lulling her into a restless slumber.

"We're here," Jax murmured, his voice gentle yet firm. Mia blinked, disoriented for a moment before realizing they were at a motel.

Mia's eyes scanned the area, taking in the dimly lit neon sign that flickered above the single-story building. The place was far from luxurious, but at least it seemed secluded.

"It's nothing fancy, but it'll do for now," Jax said, killing the engine.

Mia nodded, her heart hammering in her chest. “Are we . . .sharing a room?”

Jax turned to her, his eyes boring deep into hers, full of sincerity. “Listen,” he said. “I’m going to check us in under a false name. We’ll share a room to avoid raising suspicion. But I promise you, I swear, I’m not going to touch you, Mia. That’s not what this is about. I didn’t set you free to hurt or harm you. From this day forward, your body belongs to you, okay? Not Meathead Chad. Not the assholes in that club with a wad of cash. And sure as hell not me. You’re your own person, Mia. And if any man—or woman—ever tries to take anything from you ever again, I’ll kill them. You get me?”

Mia’s eyes welled up with tears. She had never in her life felt protected by someone. Never felt as though she had worth orvalue, or like anyone saw her as precious. Now, Jax was acting like she was somebody worth looking after, worth saving, and it was truly humbling.

“Thank you," she said, her voice cracking. “I . . . don’t know what to say. I guess trust doesn’t come easy to me. And I wish I hadn’t needed saving in the first place. I don’t like relying on other people, but . . . seriously. Thank you.”

She put on a soft purple hoodie and some leggings Jax gave her, then followed him into the motel office, their footsteps echoing in the empty lobby as he checked them in under a false name. “Mr. and Mrs. Khan,” he said.

Mia tried not to giggle since Jax was obviously referring to Mia’s beloved tiger.

The guy on reception didn’t notice and handed them a key with a yawn.

They trudged out of reception looking for Room 34, and as they did, Mia felt a thrill of excitement. She’d been cooped up inside the strip club, day and night, for six years. Before that, she was in a basement somewhere, made to do disgusting things to men for money. Now, heading to a motel room with her own key, made her feel like royalty. She might as well be about to stay in the Ritz-Carlton.

"Here we are," said Jax. As they entered the motel room, she noticed its sparse furnishings. A double bed, a TV, a tiny bathroom, and some brown and gold curtains which had clearly seen better days.

And yet, somehow, it was a million times better than her old room. There was just one thing missing.

“What’s up?” asked Jax. “I see tears in your eyes.”

“It’s nothing,” replied Mia. “Just . . . I couldn’t bring my things with me. There was only one thing I needed, really.”

Jax smiled, putting his backpack down on the bed. He opened up his bag and pulled out a copy ofThe Jungle Book. It looked just like her copy, but neater.

“You bought me a new copy?”

“I got the same edition as yours so you’d understand the coded message I sent you. Figured you might miss your favorite book, so I brought it with me.”

Mia smiled. “Thank you.” She pulled her warm hoodie around her. “I feel . . . spoiled. None of the other girls from the club get to have all this. I hope I deserve it.”

Jax nodded solemnly. “Each and every one of you deserves it. But I’ve heard about your past, Mia, from Sav. Your foster father, the way you were captured on your sixteenth birthday. You have every right to be here. Away from all that. It’s time for you to start living. And I promise my brothers and I will find a way to help the other girls too. We won’t rest until every damn girl in this city is set free.”

A tentative smile played on Mia's lips, and she felt a surge of gratitude toward Jax. She almost wanted to hug him . . . almost. She had felt so many men’s hands on her over the years that she preferred her own space right now. It made her feel safe.

“Now listen,” said Jax. “Why don’t you go and take a nice warm shower? You must still have damp underwear on under those clothes. I have a bunch of new clothes for you in this bag. Put on whatever you like. Then we’ll talk . . . and eat.”

Mia’s stomach rumbled. “Okay. Sounds good.”

Mia went into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. Alone in the bathroom, she found herself crying, trying to remain completely silent so Jax couldn’t hear her. She didn’t want him to think she was sad about being rescued. She was happy. Of course she was. But it was all so complicated. She had been through so much. She wasn’t even sure if she would ever feel truly safe or normal and she was terrified.

She took a long, warm shower, amazed at how much better it felt than the crappy trickle of lukewarm water she was used to at the strip club. She turned the water up hotter and hotter, until it was so hot it scalded her skin, but still, she kept the shower on, trying to burn away all the bad memories.

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