Page 9 of Stuffed

After long moments, Jax carefully withdraws and collapses beside me, pulling me into the shelter of his arms. I tuck my face into the crook of his neck, breathing in the intoxicating scent of sex and spice and something uniquely him. My body still hums, nerve endings singing from the force of my release.

"That was..." I trail off, lacking the words to encompass the magnitude of what just transpired between us.

"Earth-shattering? Life-altering?" Jax supplies with a wicked grin, his fingertips tracing idle patterns on my hip.

I slap his chest playfully, a smile tugging at my lips. "I was going to say intense. But yes, all of the above."

He chuckles, the sound a deep rumble beneath my cheek. "Oh, sweetheart. That was just the appetizer. Wait until you see what I have planned for the main course."

A delicious shiver races down my spine at the dark promise in his voice. If that was just the beginning, I can scarcely imagine what other decadent delights Jax has in store. The mere thought has desire unfurling anew in my still-quivering core.

As if reading my mind, Jax rolls me beneath him again, his weight a welcome anchor pinning me to the rumpled sheets. He nuzzles my neck, teeth grazing the sensitive skin of my throat.

"After dinner," he murmurs, his lips brushing the shell of my ear. "I’m going to spend all night feasting on you until you forget your own name."

I already can’t wait.

four

. . .

Jax

I button up my shirt,watching Claire slide her dress back on with a satisfied smile. The sight of her glowing skin still sends a thrill through me, even as we prepare to head downstairs and play hosts once again. The kitchen staff has been bustling around, the aroma of roasted turkey and spiced pies wafting through the old inn.

As we enter the dining room, the long table is already set with gleaming silverware and elegant china. Guests begin to arrive, filling the space with jovial chatter and clinking glasses. I keep Claire close, my hand resting possessively on the small of her back as we make our rounds and greet everyone.

The dinner progresses smoothly, a delicious spread of traditional favorites and a few of my own gourmet twists. But as I savor a bite of stuffing, I notice a man leaning in close to Claire, his eyes roaming over her in a way that makes my blood boil. She laughs politely at something he says, but I can see the discomfort in the tightness of her smile.

Jealousy rears its ugly head inside me, a snarling beast clawing at my chest. I grip my fork tightly, knuckles turning white. How dare he look at her like that, as if she's his to covet? The urge to march over and rip him away from her consumes me.

Claire glances my way, her eyes widening slightly at the intensity etched on my face.

I want to whisk her away, to claim her as mine and mine alone. The thought of anyone else touching her, desiring her, fills me with a primal rage.

And then fucker puts his hands on her.

I stand abruptly, my chair scraping against the hardwood floor. The chatter in the room fades to a distant hum as jerk him up from his chair and thunder, “Get out!” at him.

I don’t know who he is, and I frankly don’t give a fuck because he’s just crossed a line.

Everyone is staring at the scene I’m making, but again, I don’t give a fuck. I tug Claire's hand, pulling her to a stand and then I lead her away from the curious gazes of our guests. She follows without hesitation, her trust in me evident in every step.

We weave through the inn's winding corridors, the air crackling with tension. My pulse races, the need to have her, to claim her, overwhelming all rational thought. I find a secluded alcove, hidden from prying eyes, and press her against the wall.

My hands frame her face, tilting her chin up to meet my burning gaze. "You’re mine, Claire.Mine, and I’m not done with you yet," I growl, my voice rough with desire. "I'll never be done with you."

Claire's breath hitches, her lips parting in a silent gasp. I close the distance between us, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss. It's all tongues and teeth, a desperate clash of passion and possession. She melts into me, her hands fisting in my hair, pulling me closer.

I break the kiss, trailing my lips along her jawline, down the slender column of her neck. "Mine," I whisper desperately against her skin. "Only mine. The thought of anyone else touching you drives me insane."

She arches into me, a soft moan escaping her. "Jax," she breathes, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm yours. Always."

My heart swells at her words, the intensity of my feelings for her nearly overwhelming. I claim her lips once more, pouring every ounce of my devotion, my hunger, into the kiss. She matches me, stroke for stroke, her own passion rising to meet mine.

I feel Claire's hands slide down my chest, her fingers deftly working at the buttons of my shirt. My breath catches as her nails graze my skin, leaving trails of fire in their wake. She pushes the fabric off my shoulders, her eyes dark with desire as she takes in the sight of me.

"My turn," she murmurs, a seductive smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She presses her palms against my chest, backing me up until I'm the one pinned against the wall. Her lips find my collarbone, teeth grazing the sensitive skin there, and I can't suppress the low groan that escapes me.

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