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When I go to stand from the bar, my head spins a bit and I have to lean against the countertop. Jax is immediately by my side. I feel the warmth radiate from his body and my body slumps even more at the smell of his firewood scent.

“Whoa,” He says, holding me up. “Okay, I think that’s enough excitement for tonight. Let’s get you to bed.”

“I—I can make it myself,” I say, holding a hand up to my head, which still feels like it’s being swung in a carousel at superspeed.

“Nah, I got you,” He says, sweeping me into his arms.

I don’t even have the energy to protest.

“Goodnight, Livvy,” I hear Summer say.

“Goodnight,” I tell her, waving a hand over Jax’s shoulder as he walks me up the stairs.

As Jax carries me up the stairs, I take time to really appreciate him. His jaw is cast in soft shadows from the hallway lights.

I take all of him in. How strong he is. How considerate he is. How beautiful he is, both inside and out.

I wrap my arms around him and rest my head against his chest, letting out a little sigh of contentment.

I’m sad when he lays me down in the bed. I don’t want him to let me go.

He freezes when I won’t let go of the hold I have on his neck, so he’s bent over my form on the bed.

“Give me a second,” I whisper. “I—I just want you close for a bit longer.”

“Okay, whatever you want, love.”

The nickname makes my heart flutter.

When I finally get the courage to let him go, he pulls the covers up over me and lays down on top of them, leaning over to brush my hair away from my face. It’s like he knows exactly what I need.

“I’ll stay by your side as long as you need me to,” He murmurs.

He traces the marks against my neck with a light fingertip and I turn my head to face him. His eyes are dark and stormy.

“No one’s going to touch you like this again,” He whispers. “I promise.”

“You know,” I say, a smile appearing on my face. “I didn’t know how hot protectiveness was until you told my mom off earlier.”

“Oh?” He asks, a grin appearing on his face too.

Seems he’s not the only one that can use smiles to distract someone.

“Yeah, it was really hot,” I say, my voice soft as I grasp his hand and bring it up to my lips to kiss.

“God,” he groans. “Okay, noted.”

“I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me. For Summer and I.”

“Of course, love,” He says, cupping my cheek. “Always.”

“I—I think I want to give things a try,” I say with a yawn. “I’m excited.”

“Me too,” He says, leaning in to kiss me against the forehead again.

As he continues stroking my hair, my eyes flutter shut and sleep greets me.

CHAPTER 10