Page 25

A few minutes later, Nessie watched from the bakery’s front window as X helped Mariah bundle a sleepy Tate into the backseat of his truck. Even from a distance, she could see the careful space Mariah maintained between herself and X, the way she kept her body angled away from him.

X seemed oblivious to the signals, chatting easily as he secured Tate’s seatbelt. But when he moved to help Mariah into the passenger seat, she stepped back, choosing to walk around him and get in herself. X’s smile dimmed slightly, confusion rippling across his handsome features.

“He’s not getting the hint,” Nessie murmured.

“X doesn’t get a lot of hints,” Jax said, moving to stand beside her at the window. “Not used to being turned down.”

“Maybe he should get used to it.”

Jax glanced at her, something unreadable in his expression. “You don’t like him?”

“I don’t know him. But I know his type. All charm and no substance. Men like that can be dangerous.”

“X isn’t dangerous. Not like that.”

“How do you know?”

Jax was quiet for a moment, considering. “X... he’s got his problems, but he’s not a predator. He’s just...”

“Arrogant?”

“Lonely,” Jax finished quietly. “Uses the charm to keep people at arm’s length.”

“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 for that 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.”

Jax’s jaw tightened, and she could see the internal struggle playing across his features. “I don’t like this.”

“I’ll be fine,” Nessie assured him, though the crawling sensation hadn’t fully subsided. “The doors are locked. I have my gun if I need it.”

Ghost nodded once, seemingly satisfied with her response. “I’ll bring equipment tomorrow. Set up cameras. Motion sensors.”

“And I’ll be back,” Jax said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “First thing.”

“You don’t have to?—”

“I do.” His eyes locked with hers, intense and unyielding. “I do have to.”

Something in his gaze made her throat tighten. She nodded, unable to find words.

Ghost was already moving toward the door, silent as his namesake.

Jax lingered, his eyes sweeping over her face as if memorizing it. “Lock up behind us,” he said. “Call if anything— anything —feels off.”