Page 59 of Finding His Redemption

“Sounds like someone else I know.” She watched X’s truck disappear around the corner, taillights fading into the darkness, then faced Jax. “Except instead of charm, you use silence. Why haven’t you called?”

Now that the question was out, it charged the air between them. She’d asked before she could stop herself, the words spilling out on a wave of hurt and worry that she’d been carrying for two days.

Shutters slammed down over his eyes.

“I’ve been busy,” he said, voice and expression both carefully neutral.

“Busy.” She repeated the word, tasting its inadequacy, and the first stirrings of anger heated her blood. “Too busy for even a quick text? For two days?”

He looked away, his gaze finding the window, the street, anywhere but her face. “Walker had me working extra hours. And the sheriff’s been sniffing around more. Thought it might be better if I kept my distance.”

The explanation felt hollow, rehearsed.

Nessie crossed her arms, a protective gesture that did nothing to ease the ache in her chest. “So you just decided to cut me off? Without telling me?”

“I didn’t cut you off?—”

“You stopped calling.” The words came out too close to a sob for comfort, and she took a moment to draw in a calming breath. “After weeks of talking every night, you just... stopped.”

“I didn’t think you’d?—”

“No, you didn’t think!” She could hear the tremor in her voice, the way it climbed higher with each word. So much forthat calming breath. “You decided what was best for me without asking me.”

He finally met her gaze, and his expression was tortured, his eyes bright with emotion. “I’m no good for you, Nessie.”

Before she could respond, Ghost materialized in the doorway like smoke given form.

She jumped, pressing a hand to her heart. “Jesus, you’re quiet.”

Jax cleared his throat and surreptitiously swiped at his eyes before facing his bunkmate. “Find anything?”

“No.”

God, was it bad that she almost wished he had found something? At least then, she’d have a reason for her nerves. “So I’m just losing my mind?”

“Didn’t say that.” Ghost spoke in a tone so flat it felt like a defense mechanism. “Said I didn’t find anything. There’s a difference. I can install some cameras if you like.”

“Oh. Uh…” She glanced back and forth between the two men. “I don’t think I can afford that.”

“I can,” Jax said and nodded to Ghost. “Whatever you need. I want this place wired up.”

She stared at him. “Jax, that’s too much.”

“It’s not.”

“It is.”

He growled softly. “Not if it keeps you and Oliver safe.”

The intensity of his words made her stomach flutter. When was the last time someone had wanted to protect her?

Never, she realized. Not even Alek, in the beginning, when he’d been all flowers and sweet words. Even then, his protection had come with strings attached.

“We’ll talk about it tomorrow,” she said at last. “You guys should probably get back to the ranch before Walker or Boone realizes you’re gone.”

“I’m not leaving you—” Jax started, but Ghost interrupted.

“She’s right. Walker will have your ass if we don’t get you back before sunup. And mine and X’s for sneaking you out.”