Page 12 of Jaxon

Harper watched as Miaran ahead, her laughter ringing out as she chased after a butterfly.The sight brought a soft smile to Harper’s lips, easing some of the tension that had coiled in her chest since the incident at the bookstore.

Jaxon stood beside her, his hands tucked into his pockets, eyes following Mia with a protective gaze.There was a quiet between them, a fragile sort of peace, the kind that settled in when two people found solace in each other’s presence despite the storm raging around them.

Harper stole a glance at him, noting the way his shoulders had relaxed, the hard edge of his jaw softening as he watched Mia.She hadn’t expected this when he’d insisted on taking them out for dinner after the ordeal at the bookstore.She had half-expected him to keep his distance, to stay wary and guarded.But Jaxon had surprised her, just as he always did.

“You okay?”he asked, turning his gaze to meet hers.His voice was gentle, but there was an undercurrent of concern she couldn’t ignore.

Harper nodded, though she wasn’t entirely sure if it was true.The encounter with Clay had left her shaken, a lingering fear gnawing at the edges of her thoughts.

But for now, she wanted to hold onto this moment, this little pocket of peace with Jaxon and Mia.

“I think so,” she murmured, offering a small smile.“It’s nice to have a quiet evening.”

Jaxon’s lips quirked into a faint smile, and he reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.The gesture was so tender, so unexpectedly intimate, that Harper’s heart gave a little flutter.It had been so long since anyone had touched her like that, with such care and softness.

“I’m glad you let me tag along,” he said.“Feels good to be here.With both of you.”

Harper felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words.She glanced over at Mia, who was now crouched down, examining a patch of wildflowers.

“She’s happy you’re here too,” Harper said softly.“I can tell.”

Jaxon’s fingers brushed against hers.It was a small touch, but it sent a shiver down her spine, a reminder of how much she had missed this connection.

They spent the next hour in the park, the three of them sharing stories, laughing at Mia’s antics, and enjoying the simple pleasure of each other’s company.For a while, Harper forgot about the danger that loomed over them.She let herself bask in the warmth of Jaxon’s presence, in the way he made her feel safe and seen.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a soft orange hue over everything, they made their way back to Harper’s car.Mia walked ahead, her little hand clutching a small bouquet of wildflowers she’d picked.Jaxon and Harper followed behind, their steps slow, as if neither of them wanted the evening to end.

But as they approached the car, Harper’s heart lurched in her chest.Standing near the vehicle, leaning casually against the side, were Clay and two other men from his MC.The smirk on Clay’s face was smug, his eyes glinting with malice.

“Evening,” Clay drawled, pushing off the car.His gaze flicked between Harper and Jaxon, a predatory gleam in his eyes.“Nice night for a walk.”

Harper’s pulse quickened, her grip on Jaxon’s arm tightening instinctively.She could feel the tension radiating off him, the way his body went rigid, muscles coiling like a spring ready to snap.

“What do you want, Clay?”Jaxon’s voice was low, a dangerous edge to it.

Clay’s smile widened, and he took a slow step forward, his hands raised in mock surrender.“Relax, Jaxon.We’re just out for a stroll, same as you.No need to get all worked up.”

Harper’s heart pounded in her chest as Clay’s gaze settled on her.There was something sinister in the way he looked at her, a promise of trouble that made her stomach twist in knots.

“We’ve been watching,” Clay said, his tone casual but loaded with threat.“Didn’t know you had a family now, Jaxon.Cute kid.”

Jaxon’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides.Harper could see the barely contained fury in his eyes, the way he was holding himself back for her sake, for Mia’s sake.

“Leave them out of this,” Jaxon said, his voice like steel.“They have nothing to do with you.”

Clay chuckled, a cold, hollow sound.“Oh, but they have everything to do with you.And that makes them our business.”

Harper’s breath caught in her throat, fear clawing at her insides.She wanted to scream, to tell Clay to leave, but the words wouldn’t come.Instead, she reached for Jaxon’s hand, her fingers lacing through his, seeking comfort in his touch.

“Let’s go,” she whispered, her voice trembling.“Please.”

Jaxon’s gaze didn’t waver from Clay, but Harper could feel the tension in his grip, the war waging inside him.He wanted to fight, to protect, but he knew the cost of escalating things here and now.

“Not now, Jaxon,” she pleaded, her eyes searching his.“Think of Mia.Please.”

The mention of Mia seemed to pull Jaxon back from the edge.He took a deep breath, his jaw relaxing just enough for Harper to see the struggle in his eyes.Slowly, he nodded, his gaze hardening as he looked at Clay one last time.

“This isn’t over,” Jaxon said, his voice low, a promise of retribution.“But it won’t be here.”

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