Page 21 of Jax

She grinned. “You trying to fatten me up?”

Jax chuckled. “Wouldn’t do you any harm.”

Mia grabbed the sandwich he held out for her and started to wolf it down.

Jax watched her happily. It felt so damn good to take care of someone like this. It had been a helluva long time since he’d had a Little to look after. Didn’t have time for dating with all that screen time he engaged in. Not that Mia was his Little, obviously.

"Actually . . ." Mia began, hesitating for a moment before continuing. She seemed bolder now, more open in sharing her thoughts. "This whole place reminds me of the stories I used to read when I was younger."

"Really?" Jax asked, genuinely intrigued. He loved seeing this softer, more vulnerable side of her—the Mia who had found solace in the pages of a book.

"Uh-huh," she nodded. "Growing up in foster care, life wasn't always easy. But books were my escape, y'know? I'd lose myself in these worlds filled with adventure and magic, and for a little while, I could forget about everything else. I loved Jungle Book. Found that one in a library once. I liked Dickens, too. His larger-than-life characters were like my friends."

Jax's heart clenched at the thought of the pain she'd endured, but he couldn't help but admire her resilience. "That's amazing," he said quietly, reaching out to gently squeeze her hand. "I'm glad you had that."

"Me too," Mia agreed, her expression softening as she gazed out across the water. "And being here, in this village . . . it feels like stepping into one of those stories. Like we're characters in our own little tale."

"Is that so?" Jax teased, his lips curving into a smirk. "Well, then we'd better make sure it's one hell of a story, don't you think?"

"Definitely," Mia grinned, the light in her eyes shining brighter than ever. "A story worth remembering, no matter what comes our way."

“One with a happy ending, too.”

They walked around the place a while longer, taking everything in. Jax couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over him as he and Mia followed this shadowy trail deeper into the park. It was as if they were leaving the weight of their pasts behind them with each step they took, and all that mattered now was the present—this stolen moment of peace.

Mia sighed contentedly. “I don’t want to leave.”

Jax smiled. “Then let’s not. Not tonight, at least.”

“What do you mean?” Mia asked, frowning.

"There are cozy log cabins available at the park, apparently. They have fireplaces and rustic furnishings. Not a television in sight. How does that sound?"

"Perfect," Mia breathed, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"Great, I'll book one for us."

"Thank you, Jax," Mia said, touching his arm gently. "For everything."

Chapter nine

Mia

The cabin door creakedopen, a light breeze sneaking in behind Mia and Jax as they stepped inside.

“Wow,” said Mia, looking around the place. “This is . . . unreal. I feel like I’m Goldilocks, about to steal the Three Bear’s porridge.”

Jax turned and grinned at her. “If you want porridge, babygirl, I’ll make it for you. No need to steal.”

Mia laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m not a thief. And maybe in the morning, huh? Not sure porridge is an evening meal.”

Jax shrugged. “When you’re with me, you can eat what you want, when you want, princess. Not even kidding. Middle of the night, first thing in the morning. Whenever the mood takes you to eat, just let me know what your heart desires and I’ll go find it for you.”

Mia looked at Jack, trying to work out if he was being serious. The hazel eyes behind his thick black glasses definitely looked sincere. “Why are you being so kind to me?” she asked. “Seriously?”

“You were treated like shit for a long time,” Jax told her. “Now, you deserve to be treated like a damn princess. Anything you want. Any time you want. Just ask me and I’ll provide.”

Jax shrugged off his jacket and tossed it on the nearby chair before moving to the hearth, striking a match to light the wood piled there.

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