Page 54 of Jax

"Me too," Mia murmured, her cheeks wet with tears.

“I thought I’d never see you again.”

"Alright, girls." Blake's deep voice cut through the emotional moment. "Savannah, why don’t you take Mia up to your apartment? She needs some rest."

Mia glanced at him, noting the concern etched on his face. It was clear he cared deeply for Savannah.

"Okay, Daddy," Savannah replied, her voice steady and strong despite the tears still streaming down her face. She looked at Mia, her green eyes filled with determination. "Come on, let's get you settled in."

Mia gave a small nod, her hand trembling as she brushed the tears from her face. Though exhaustion weighed heavily on her, she felt a glimmer of hope in her heart, knowing she was finally safe with Savannah and their newfound family.

Before she left, Mia looked back at Jax. Her gratitude for him welled up inside her. She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close for a lingering kiss. Their lips met tenderly, Jax's warmth enveloping her as she silently thanked him for his role in her rescue.

"Thank you," she whispered against his lips, her eyes meeting his hazel gaze.

"Take care of yourself, Mia," Jax murmured, his fingers brushing the back of her neck where her tiger tattoo lay hidden. "I'll be here if you need anything."

"Promise?" Mia asked, her voice barely audible, as vulnerability bled into her words.

"Promise," Jax replied with certainty, giving her one last squeeze before letting her go.

Reluctantly, Mia stepped away from Jax, her heart tugging at the thought of leaving him behind. But she knew she needed to follow Savannah, to get some rest. Besides, she was desperate to meet up with her friend, to rebuild their bond and rediscover her own strength. With a deep breath, she turned and followed her childhood friend up the stairs to her private apartment, each step echoing with the promise of a new beginning.

As they entered Savannah's apartment, Mia's eyes widened in surprise. The space was cozy yet stylish, with plush furniture andtasteful décor creating an atmosphere of comfort and safety. A far cry from the cramped, dingy rooms she'd been forced to call home at the club.

"Wow, Savannah . . . you live here? This place is beautiful," Mia breathed, her eyes taking in the details that spoke of her friend's personality—the colorful throw pillows, the bookcase filled with investigative journalism titles, and the framed photos of her and Blake together.

"Thanks," Savannah replied, a hint of pride in her voice. "It was Blake’s bachelor pad originally. But I added a few personal touches."

The mention of Blake brought a curious flutter to Mia's stomach. It was clear he cared for Savannah deeply, and Mia couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the bond they shared.

"Come on," Savannah said gently, guiding Mia farther into the apartment. "You're probably exhausted. Let's get you settled in."

As Mia followed Savannah through her new sanctuary, she felt the weight of her past begin to lift, replaced by the warmth of friendship and the promise of safety. For the first time in years, she allowed herself to exhale, embracing the comfort of the present moment.

No anxiety.

No stress.

Just being.

Mia sank into the plush couch, the soft fabric enveloping her like a warm embrace. Savannah settled beside her, their knees almost touching as they faced each other. The dim light from the nearby lamp cast a cozy glow around them, and Mia felt a sense of safety she hadn't experienced in years.

"God, it's been so long," Mia began, her voice shaky with emotion. "I've missed you, Savannah."

"Me too, Mia," Savannah replied, her green eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I’ve been searching for you for so long. So much has happened since we last saw each other."

As they spoke, Mia found herself opening up to Savannah like never before, sharing stories of her life in the strip club. She told her about the late nights, the leering men, and the feeling of being trapped in a life she never wanted. She also talked about Chad, her so-called Daddy. The man who had abused her like no other.

Savannah listened intently, her expression a mix of empathy and fury. "You didn't deserve any of that, Mia. I wish I could've been there for you."

"Hey," Mia said softly, reaching out to squeeze Savannah's hand. "You were trying your best to find me. You did all you could."

Their conversation shifted to lighter topics, but still remained raw and honest. Mia told Savannah how much her love of literature had helped her through her darkest hours. Savannah shared her own passion for investigative journalism, explaining how it had led her to a career dedicated to exposing corruption and protecting the vulnerable.

“So,” said Mia at last, “how did you and Blake end up together?”

Savannah took a moment, collecting her thoughts, and then began to speak of the corruption she'd uncovered, the powerful enemies she'd made, and the danger she'd faced in pursuit of the truth.

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