Page 53 of Jax

Blake ran a hand through his hair. “Shit, bro. You coulda gotten yourself killed. You know we work together. That’s how Paladin works.”

“I know,” said Jax. “But sometimes we have to think outside the box.”

Blake grunted. But beneath his gruffness, there was a glimmer of empathy, an unspoken acknowledgment that Jax had made a tough call for Mia's sake.

"Look, I'm sorry I lied, but I didn't have a choice," Jax insisted, finally meeting his brother's eyes. "We need your help, Blake. Mia's life is on the line."

Blake held his gaze for a moment before nodding, then his gaze settled on Mia. “Mia, I’ve heard so much about you. I hope my brother has been treating you well?"

Jax held his breath, bracing himself for whatever she might say. They'd had their rough moments, especially the argument earlier today, but he hoped that she understood why he'd done what he did.

Mia hesitated briefly before nodding. "Yeah, he has," she said softly, surprising Jax by not mentioning the fight. A wave of relief washed over him, mingled with gratitude and something deeper – affection? Adoration?

"Good," Blake said, his gaze lingering on Mia for a moment longer before pulling out his phone and dialing Nash's number. "Hey, Nash," Blake said into the phone, his voice strained. "I need you to come to the Den immediately. It's urgent."

As Blake listened to Nash's response, Jax's mind raced with worry. He glanced at Mia, her presence both a comfort and a reminder of the danger they faced. He couldn't lose her, not after admitting to himself how deeply he cared for her. But with Viper lurking in the shadows, plotting his next move, Jax knew they were all walking a tightrope between safety and disaster.

"Thanks, Nash," Blake said, hanging up the phone. "We'll figure this out, Jax. We won't let Viper win."

Jax nodded, his determination fueled by the love he had for Mia and the trust he had in his brothers.

Shit.

Wait.

Love?

Did he just think that?

He was in love with Mia?

God, it was crazy. They hadn’t known each other for long. But yeah, he really did love her.

Jax's heart raced as the weight of their situation pressed down on him.

“Daddy?” said a sleepy voice behind Blake. A shock of red hair appeared and Savannah stood in the doorway in cute little duckie pajamas. “What’s going . . .?” Savannah paused, her eyes wide, as she stared at Mia as if she’d seen a ghost. “M-Mia? Is that you?”

Mia’s hand flew to her mouth. “Savannah!”

Savannah's gaze flicked between Mia and Jax, confusion and surprise still written all over her features. But then, something changed—a spark of joy lit up her eyes, followed by a torrent of tears. “Mia, you’re safe!”

Mia ran into Savannah’s arms, and the girls hugged and cried together.

If only she were safe, thought Jax. He’d have to make sure that he remedied that soon.

Chapter eighteen

Mia

Mia's heart hammered inher chest as she locked eyes with Savannah, the friend she thought she'd lost forever. Tears blurred her vision, yet she couldn't look away.

"Is it really you?" Mia choked out, her voice barely audible.

Savannah nodded, her own eyes glistening with tears. "Yeah, Mia, it's me."

In an instant, they were in each other's arms, embracing tightly, their sobs mingling with the sound of the rain. Mia clung to Savannah like a lifeline, feeling the warmth and safety she had missed for so long. They stood there, wrapped in each other's love, their shared past binding them together.

"God, I've missed you so much," Savannah whispered into Mia's ear, her breath warm and familiar.

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