Page 94 of Jolt's Vengeance

"Um, guys," she pipes up, her voice trembling, "can we head inside so I don't freeze my ass off?"

I turn to look at her, feeling a pang of guilt.

In the drama of our reunion, I'd almost forgotten about my friend standing out here in the chilly Montana air.

"Aye, of course. Sorry, love."

Da nods, his stern expression softening slightly. "Right, let's get you all inside. We can continue this... discussion.. where we won’t freeze our asses off."

As we move toward the clubhouse, Jolt's arm snakes around my waist, pulling me close.

The heat of his body seeps through my clothes, and I lean into him instinctively.

His touch grounds me, reminding me that no matter what chaos is going on around us, we're in this together.

"You okay?" he murmurs, his lips brushing against my ear.

I nod, offering him a small smile.

"Never better," I whisper back, and I mean it.

As we walk, I can feel Jolt relax beside me.

His stride becomes more confident, his grip on my waist more assured.

It's as if being here, in this place that's so much a part of me, is making him feel more secure in his place by my side.

This man, this beautiful, brave man, chose me.

And I chose him.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Jolt

The crackling fireplace casts a warm glow across the living room of Kade’s old house, which is where all of the guests coming to Montana stay.

Its flames dance in rhythm with the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree.

I lean back on the couch, my arm draped casually around Aggie's shoulders as she nestles against me.

Her presence is a soothing balm, easing the tension that's been building in my muscles all day.

"Ye know, Jack, this is nice. Just us, away from all the chaos."

I nod, running my fingers through her blonde hair.

It's so different from her natural red, but I love how it represents her rebellion, her strength.

"Yeah, it is. Though I gotta admit, I'm surprised you're not bouncing off the walls with excitement. It's Christmas Eve, after all."

Aggie shifts slightly, and I catch a glimpse of those striking emerald eyes.

There's something there, a flicker of... what?

Sadness?

Anxiety?

---