Page 29 of Jax

Jax smiled. “I read a lot. Normally on a screen, although I used to read actual paper books as a kid. I was always a lot nerdier than my brothers. I mean, I’m a tough guy, too. And a punk, obviously.” He flexed a bicep and stuck out his tongue to make Mia laugh. “But I really fucking love books. Got into them in a big way after my sister, Chloe, died.”

“Oh, shit. I didn’t know that, Jax. I’m so sorry.”

Jax nodded. “I’ll tell you the full story someday soon. But let’s just say that it changed me. I went into my own head a lot after that.” He paused, spotting another book Mia would like. “Hey! They’ve gotBrown Girl in the Ringby Nalo Hopkinson. Okay, you’ve got to try this one. Afro-Caribbean folklore and magical realism. I think you’ll really dig it.”

Mia seemed to freeze for a moment, staring at him as if she’d just peeled off one of his layers. She stared, running her eyes over him for a while, then looked back at the book. “Mm-hmm. It looks amazing. Thanks, Jax.”

Jax nodded. It wasn’t often he felt himself blushing, but right now, the heat was rising in his cheeks . . . and, quite frankly, in his cock. He knew that his attraction to Mia was inappropriate,that he should keep his distance from the girl. But seriously? She was completely fucking perfect. And the way she looked at him . . . damn, it blew her mind.

And of course there was the incident last night. He’d gotten the mother of all hard-ons lying beside her in bed, and he’d had to turn away from her and pretend to go to sleep, willing it to get lost.

But then he’d heard her . . . touching herself. Moaning softly. Climaxing right beside him. And of course, he’d had that hard-on all the damn night long. It was only this morning, in the shower, that he’d been able to take care of himself, and what a fucking relief that had been. Only now, the problem was coming back with a vengeance. He only had to look at the girl, smell the girl, think about the girl, and his cock was screaming for his attention once more.

Jax tried to distract himself by recommending some more books:Salvage the Bonesby Jesmyn Ward,Things Fall Apartby Chinua Achebe. And then some lighter reads too.The Secret Gardenby Frances Hodgson Burnett. Matildaby Roald Dahl. Anne of Green Gablesby L.M. Montgomery.

With each suggestion, Mia's enthusiasm only seemed to grow. “Jax, this is so generous,” she whispered, making sure nobody could hear her using his name.

Jax shrugged. “Not sure how long me and you are gonna be holed up together. Can’t have you getting bored with my company, now, can I?”

She shook her head. “Never gonna happen.”

They paid for the books and Mia clutched a handful of them to her chest. "This is the best day I've had in such a long time."

"Anything for you, little one," Jax replied softly, his heart pounding in his chest. And in that moment, Jax knew that he would do whatever it took to protect and cherish this fiercely resilient woman who had captured his heart.

They left the bookstore and blinked as the afternoon sunlight hit them. “Let’s put these books in the car,” said Jax, “then I’m gonna get us some food. You like steak?”

Mia shrugged. “No idea. Never tried it before.”

“Holy shit. First pizza and now you’re telling me that you never tried steak?”

Mia shook her head. “Nope. What’s it like?”

Jax grinned. "Well, let me put it this way—it's like biting into a tender piece of sunshine. You'll love it," Jax assured her.

Mia giggled. "Alright, Daddy, I trust you."

As they made their way to the car, Mia held her books close to her chest, a childlike smile on her face. Jax couldn't help but feel a twinge of happiness seeing her like this.

Back at the car, Jax helped Mia load the books into the trunk, making sure they were secure. With a satisfied nod, he closed the trunk.

"You always treat me so well, Jax," Mia said, smiling up at him.

Jax simply smiled back at her, his eyes lingering on her face for a moment longer than necessary. “I wish I could treat you better. I want to take you out to all the fanciest places in town, and get us a room in the loveliest hotel, but . . .”

“But you can’t afford it,” she said sincerely. “That’s all right. I get it.”

Jax shook his head. “No. It’s not that. I can afford it, Mia.”

I can and I will buy you anything your heart desires.

“But right now, we’re keeping a low profile, so I’m gonna have to buy you dinner more discreetly. Sorry if that sounds a bit awkward, but it’s part of the job. I want to protect you while you’re with me.”

"Oh, that's okay," Mia replied. "You’re doing so much for me, Jax. I appreciate every little thing."

Jax’s jaw tightened. “You don’t owe me a thing, Mia. I hope you know that. I’m doing this for Savannah. For Blake. And honestly, for myself. Been a while since I helped anyone in the real world, not just on a screen, and it feels good.” He paused, looking at the fast food restaurant across the road. “So, time for a steak sandwich and fries, yeah?”

Mia nodded, her eyes full of gratitude. “Sounds perfect to me, Daddy.” She linked her arm with his as they crossed the street towards the fast-food joint. Jax couldn’t help but feel a surge of protectiveness as he guided her inside, scanning the area for any potential threats.

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