Page 22 of Jax

Mia watched him work, the flames casting flickering shadows across his face. She loved watching his thick biceps flex as he put logs in the fire. It was unusual to see a man look so intelligent and so buff at the same time. He was like . . . Clark Kent.

"Nice and cozy," Jax said, rubbing his hands together before joining Mia on the couch. She pulled her knees up to her chest, green eyes fixed on the fire. The warmth was a welcome change, but something else stirred inside her; a longing she couldn't quite place.

"Jax?" Her voice was quiet, barely above a whisper.

"Yeah, Mia?" He turned to her, a curious expression on his face.

"Can I . . . can I have a hug?" The vulnerability in her request caught them both by surprise. For someone who often wore an armor of attitude and defiance, this was new territory.

Jax hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching hers before he nodded. "Of course."

He opened his arms, and Mia leaned into him, resting her head on his chest. His strong arms enveloped her, providing a sense of comfort and safety she hadn't known in years. With every beat of his heart, she felt herself relaxing, her mind quieting as she focused on the warmth of his embrace.

"Thank you," she whispered, her breath tickling his skin.

"Anytime, Mia. Anytime." His voice rumbled through his chest, soothing and solid like the earth beneath them.

As they sat nestled together, Mia thought about how different Jax was from all the other men she’d been close to in recentyears. He was so warm and solid. He smelled good. Like paper and steel, clean and fresh.

A part of her longed to explore the boundaries between them, to test the waters of the unknown. But she wasn’t sure if full-blown sex was something she ever wanted again. Not after all the things she’d been exposed to and forced into throughout her life. Could it ever feel like something healthy or wholesome to her? Or would she always feel afraid of it, disgusted by it, like it didn’t belong to her?

For now, she was content to be held, to feel the warmth of another's touch and know that she was safe.

"Jax?" She spoke up again, her voice laced with uncertainty.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you. For everything. Not just for taking me out of that place, but for taking me to all these new places. Showing me that there’s goodness in the world."

He tightened his arms around her, a warmth spreading through her as she realized just how important this moment was for both of them. "You're welcome, Mia. And just so you know, we haven’t even got started yet."

A thrill ran through her. What else did Jax have in store for her? Was it really possible that she could feel even better than this?

Mia's fingers traced the frayed edge of the woolen throw draped over the back of the couch, her green eyes darting between Jax and the flickering flames. The cabin was quiet, save for the crackling fire and the distant rustle of the trees outside. She bit her lip, fighting the urge to fill the silence with words—words that might be too bold, too forward.

"Hey, uh, Jax?" she asked, her voice unsteady.

He looked up from tending the fire, his brown eyes warm and inviting. "Yeah, Mia?"

"Um." She hesitated, drawing a deep breath. "Would you . . . would you share the bed with me tonight? I know it's weird, but I just . . . I don't want to be alone."

Something flickered across his face—surprise, maybe, or concern. But he didn't laugh or tease her. "Are you sure that's what you want?" He searched her eyes, seeking honesty. "I don't want you to feel uncomfortable, Mia."

"I'm sure," she said, her voice stronger now. "I just . . . need your warmth and presence beside me."

"All right." His gaze remained steady, even as he gave a small nod. "But if at any point you change your mind, just say the word. I'll take the couch."

"Thank you." Relief washed over her, mingling with a nervous excitement that sent shivers down her spine.

“It’s not quite time for bed yet, though,” said Jax, looking at her with a strange seriousness in his eyes.

“It isn’t?”

“No,” he said. “You told me you were a Little. So I think it’s time for milk and cookies and a little play, don’t you?”

Mia bit her lip. “A little play?”

A mischievous glint danced in Jax’s hazel eyes as he nodded. "Yeah, a little play. You know, to help you relax and unwind after everything you've been through."

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