Page 62 of Fox
“Fox…” Atlas’ voice sounds laced with some kind of pity that makes me feel angry. I’m about to tell him as much when the biker sits up, startling us all.
He looks directly at me, and I feel like I may have to fight this man.
He opens his mouth, and his massive body deflates as a calm, shockingly smooth voice comes out of his mouth, “That’s a reflection on your father, son. Not you.”
I give Atlas a look of shock and surprise. What the actual fuck, this guy was asleep five minutes ago. He just stares at me and shrugs.
The biker continues. “I don’t know you or this girl. But if she has you this conflicted, son, you are already in it too deep. You ain’t getting out unscathed.”
His words hit me in an unpleasant way I hadn’t expected. Giving him a polite smile, mostly out of fear, I excuse myself and head to the break room to escape the overwhelming emotions happening in the tattoo area.
Before I can breathe, there’s a ding from my phone, and I feel annoyance rush through me. I get ready to chuck my phone across the room, but the name on the screen catches my eye.
Torch
I open the message and feel myself visibly relax, and the corners of my mouth pull into a smile. She’s sent me a selfie. It’s of her and Winston. She’s holding him, and they’re pressing their faces together. Her smile is so big, her dimples popped, and her nose and eyes are wrinkled. No filters, no make-up. Just her and that cat, happy as can be. And she sent it to me. It’s not a post going to social media; it’s not in a group chat with our friends; she sent the photo to me. Rubbing the ache in my chest, I tap out a response.
Me: Beautiful
“Son, you are already in it too deep. You ain’t getting out unscathed.”
Yeah, I’m absolutely fucked.
TWENTY-SIX
janie
Iplay with Winston and his toys on the floor when Fox walks through the front door. He walks directly over to me and holds out a bag clutched tightly in his hand. “Here,” he mutters softly. I raise a skeptical brow, then stand up and take the bag before plopping onto the couch.
“What is it?” I ask while turning my attention back to Winston and his demanding meow that supersedes his tiny frame. He tries to climb up the couch, but the poor thing fails. Fox walks over and helps my son up, and I can’t help but smile. Fox loves Winston, even if he acts like he’s an annoyance.
“Just open it,” he grumbles, putting Winston next to me. I untie the shopping bag and pull the item out, looking at it in confusion. It takes me a moment to realize what I’m looking at. It’s a tablet with a digital pen. I whip my head toward Fox, who has a shy smile on his face while rubbing his hands together nervously.
“I umm...” He rubs the back of his neck, “I know you mentioned missing drawing and thought maybe you would like to try digital drawing because it’s a little more forgiving with the lines. Janie, baby doll, why are you crying?”
I ignore his panicked question as I hold the tablet tightly to my chest. He got me a present. A sweet, thoughtful present. Setting the tablet to the side, I place Winston on the floor before moving to the ottoman, where Fox sits, and I straddle his lap.
“J-Janie…” He breathes as my hands hold his jaw.
I stare into his eyes and then down at his lips. “Fox, please, just shut up.” I breathe before pressing my lips to his. A whimper escapes at the contact. God, he feels so good. His mouth hesitantly opens, and I force my tongue inside his eagerly, earning his growl that goes straight to my core. I pull back for air and look at his hazy eyes, filled to the brim with desire, matching my own.
“I need this,” I pant and grind against him. He groans, and his hands grip my thighs.
“Janie…” It sounds like a desperate plea.
I notice the pained look on his face. “Fox?” I whisper, feeling the rejection again, just like at the pool.
I feel his strong hand on my cheek and rest into it, enjoying the warmth. “Baby doll,” he says softly, and I deflate.
“Okay.” I force a smile and move off him while trying to avoid brushing against his raging erection.
“Baby doll, listen.” Fox’s voice is frantic as he stands. I don’t want to hear this. I scoop up Winston and start toward my room.
“It’s fine, Fox; I would really rather not listen to this.” The feeling of embarrassment is becoming overwhelming. Why does he keep doing nice things if he doesn't want me?
“Janie!” His demanding bark of my name stops my progression toward the door. Turning to look at him, I can see the battle on his face, and I soften my rigid stance.
“Okay,” I breathe, allowing him to speak.
