Page 108 of Undisputed Player
He laughed, low and knowing, the sound carrying hints of secrets and sins. "Son, you already do. But who's counting?"
Another pause, then his voice softened with genuine curiosity. "Send me a photo of this girl, will you? If she's got you calling me for favors, she must be something special."
"She is," I replied, thinking of Estelle's stubborn chin, the half-asleep, beautiful girl I saw this morning. "I'll see you soon, Dad."
"Looking forward to it. And Jax?" His voice carried that familiaredge of steel wrapped in silk. "Knock him out next week. Show them what an Easton looks like when he's hunting."
The call ended, leaving me with the phantom scent of expensive cologne and the memory of a man who'd taught me that power wasn't just about money—it was also about violence.
I pulled into the academy's circular drive, scanning the crowd of children and parents for my family.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Estelle
The Bentley's leather seats molded to my body, expensive and warm beneath the soft brown dress Jax had brought to the academy.
He'd appeared in my classroom doorway with a garment bag and that knowing smirk, dismissing my protests with a single look.
The dress fit like it had been made for me, because knowing Jax, it probably had been.
His hand rested on my thigh as he drove, thumb tracing lazy circles that sent heat spiraling through me.
In the rearview mirror, Leo and Avery huddled over the iPad he'd given Leo, their heads bent together in concentration. He’d helped me configure the parental controls on it.
"You're quiet," Jax observed, his voice carrying that particular tone that meant he was cataloging every micro-expression. "Nervous about meeting the others?"
I smoothed imaginary wrinkles from the skirt. "It's not every day you meet three famous boxers and their... people."
His laugh was rich, golden. "Sierra's not 'people,' princess. She'sConnor's almost-wife. And she's nothing to be intimidated by." His fingers squeezed gently. "You'll like her."
"And Adrian?" I'd seen enough magazine covers to know the third member of their infamous trio was... a lot.
"Adrian is a unique experience," Jax answered, a smirk playing at his lips. "Just don't let him talk you into anything. Ever."
"Jax!" Avery piped up from the backseat. "Is Toffee gonna be there? Leo's never met him, and I told him he's the bestest cat in the whole universe!"
“Yes, pumpkin,” Jax replied, his eyes softening as they always did when he spoke to his niece, and now, me. “Toffee will be there, but remember what we talked about? You have to ask Sierra before you pick him up.”
Avery's dramatic sigh made me smile. She was a whirlwind of energy and affection, especially toward Leo, who still seemed both bewildered and charmed by her attention.
We listened to the kids chatter for a while before Jax cleared his throat. “There's something I've been meaning to tell you,” he said, his voice casual. “I've got a fight coming up. Next Saturday.”
I glanced at him, surprised. “A fight? Like... a boxing match?”
He laughed. “Yes, princess. A boxing match. That's what I do, remember?” His fingers found my knee. “A title defense.”
Heat flooded my cheeks. "Oh. It’s an… important one?”
The look he gave me was half amused, half incredulous. “It's a title defense, princess. So yeah, it's important.” At the red light, he turned to face me fully. "I want you there."
It wasn't a question, but it wasn't quite a command either. Something in between, with Jax's particular brand of expectant certainty.
I hesitated, thinking of Leo. “What about?—?”
“Leo will stay with Jovie and Avery,” he cut in, reading my mind. “I've already asked her. But you…” His hand moved from my knee to cup my cheek, blue eyes intense. “I want you there. Watching me.”
The light turned green, and he returned his attention to the road, but I could feel the weight of his words pressing against me. The ideaof watching him fight and seeing his power sent excitement through me.
