Page 47 of Jax

“What kind of stuff?”

“You know, like, who are you really? Are you really who you say you are?” These thoughts were difficult to admit. She didn’t want to seem paranoid. “Sometimes I even worry that you don’t really know Savannah. That all of this is some elaborate prank."

Jax looked torn, as if he was battling some internal conflict. He ran a hand through his hair, his brow furrowed in frustration. “Little one,” he said, “I understand why your mind goes to those places. Look, I want to promise you, I’m who I say I am. And of course I know Savannah. I’m taking you to meet her as soon as I know for sure that we’re safe. That’s the main reason I turned on my phone this morning. To check there’s no sign of us being tracked. To see if we’re in the clear.”

Mia sniffed. “And . . .? Are we in the clear? Are we safe?”

Jax held her hands, giving them a squeeze. “You’re always safe when you’re with me, Mia.”

Mia bit the inside of her cheek. “I don’t find it easy to trust people. I’ve been tricked before.”

Jax’s hazel eyes searched hers for a moment before he spoke. "I know it's hard, Mia. But I promise you, you can trust me."

"Can I?" She couldn't help the tremor in her voice as she finally confronted him about the text message. "What about that text you got? The one about rehab?"

Jax blinked, clearly caught off guard by her question. "That was . . . look, Mia, it's complicated."

"Complicated?" Her heart raced, fear and anger battling for dominance within her. "How?"

"Let's just say my brothers are worried about me, okay?" He shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze. "I told them I went to rehab. I know it’s not an ideal situation. I hate being dishonest with them. But I couldn’t tell them I rescued you. And honestly, it sounds corny, but this kind of is my rehab. I’ve been away from screens except for that one time, haven’t I? Out in the open, feeling alive." He looked into her eyes again. “I can’t tell them I’m with you just yet, Mia. Not until I know that nobody is chasing you anymore.”

"Are you sure?" Mia pressed, her voice still shaking. "Because I need to know I can trust you, Jax."

"Trust is earned, Mia," he replied, meeting her eyes again with a fierce intensity. "And I'll do whatever it takes to earn yours."

"Alright," she agreed quietly, her voice steadier now. "Just don't make me regret it."

"Never," he vowed, his eyes burning with determination. Then, his expression softened. “How about we go down to the river? Take a dip in the water and clean off?”

Mia hesitated, glancing back toward the tent. An idea began to form in her mind, fueled by her lingering suspicions. "Actually, I'm really tired," she lied, forcing a yawn. "I think I'll stay here and rest while you go, Daddy."

"Are you sure?" Jax asked, concern etched on his face.

"Positive," she insisted, giving him a weak smile. "Go on, enjoy yourself. I'll be here when you get back."

"Alright," Jax hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement. "I won't be long. Get some rest, babygirl."

As soon as she reached the tent, Mia sprang into action, her heart pounding with determination. She needed to know the truth about Jax, and that meant finding his phone. If he was hiding something, she'd find it—and confront him once and forall. No more secrets, no more lies. Only then could she decide if she could truly trust him, or if her fragile hope for a better future was just another illusion.

The tent seemed to close in around Mia as she frantically searched for Jax's phone, her heart pounding like a drumbeat in her ears. Her fingers trembled as she rifled through his belongings, the fear of being caught consuming her every thought.

"Come on, where is it?" she muttered under her breath, frustration mounting with each passing second. She’d seen him tossing it in here before, but where was it?

Her mind raced with questions and doubts, but her resolve remained unshaken—she had to know the truth.

Just then, she noticed a small black bag. Mia's heart leaped at the sight, and she held her breath as she carefully pulled it free. The weight and shape felt familiar in her hand, and she silently prayed that this was what she had been searching for.

As she unsealed the bag, a rush of relief washed over her when she saw the sleek contours of Jax's phone inside.

"Thank you," Mia exhaled, her fingers shaking as she picked up the device and switched it on. She didn't have much time before Jax returned from the river, so she needed to work fast.

The screen glowed, demanding a passcode. Mia's heart hammered in her chest as she racked her brain for possible combinations. She didn’t know Jax’s date of birth. When it came down to it, she really didn’t know much about him. The only things she knew were the names of his brothers and his favorite book.

But wait.

1984.

That was his favorite novel.

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