Page 99 of From Hell

The burly guy who was with Jaxon’s father comes over and introduces himself as Shepherd, dragging a petite woman with shining black hair on his arm along with him. “Jaxon, your father wants to speak to you,” he says gruffly, ignoring me. “Or whoever you are today.” Jaxon’s shoulder tense, his features hard, but Shepherd carries on, a half sneer stuffed full of riddles on his lips. “I mean. We don’t always know, do we?”

What does he mean by that? I look at Jaxon, but he doesn’t explain, too busy bristling. “I’m not leaving Laine alone.”

Only then does Shepherd offer me a glance, regarding me like filth marring his perfectly pressed suit. “Shina will stay with her.”

Slowly, Jaxon pulls me to his side, his eyes never leaving Shepherd. “Don’t go anywhere. Stay right here with Shina where I can see you.” His voice is warm honey in my ear.

As Jaxon and Shepherd head toward Jaxon’s father, leaving me alone with the petite brunette, she gives me a warm smile. “You’re causing quite the stir.”

“What did he mean? Whoever Jaxon is today?”

Shina shrugs and takes a sip of her champagne, looking across the room in the opposite direction Jaxon and Shepherd went in. “Not now. Later.”

I follow her look. Addison, our old university friend, strides over. I can’t help my eyes being drawn to his mangled hands.

“Jaxon said you were in town.” His cold and empty smile rakes over me.

“Addison,” I say breathlessly. “Nice to meet you again.” The lie coats my tongue. Memories of him hurting Molly flash before my eyes as bile corrodes the back of my throat.

Addison chuckles, lust flaring in his as he gives me a once-over. “Brainy Lainey, don’t you look fucking edible.”

“Give it a rest, Addy,” Shina warns, her tone not quite friendly either.

“What? Can’t I say hello to the little bird Jaxon’s brought into a den of wolves?”

Bird.

Just like the nickname on the letters.

Addison brushes a stray lock of hair from my eyes. I jerk back, suppressing a strangled sob, and slide on a humorless smile, but it doesn’t feel like it fits my face. Everything feels weak and useless under Addison’s scrutiny. Everything feels wrong. I suddenly don’t want to be here.

But then a warm, solid presence comes up behind me, and a steadying hand grips my waist tight, tethering me to him. Jaxon. He’s what keeps my breathing steady, the stronghold he has on my jelly-like body stopping me from fainting.

I’m caught between two evils. I don’t know which one I should be hiding from.

“Addison, was the message not clear last time?” Jaxon scowls.

Addison’s smile cracks, but he looks me up and down, dragging his gaze over my body like he owns it. “Oh, it was clear. You don’t like to share your toys.”

Jaxon hand on me tightens to the point of bruising as he flashes a sadistic snarl. “I don’t. So fuck off.

In my purse, my phone buzzes, letting me know that Sage is outside.

Earlier, I sent her to my house. I planned to lose Jaxon at the auction for a short while, giving me enough time to get the letters from Sage and then get back to him without him knowing. It sounded far easier in my head.

“Excuse me…I need to go and find the ladies’ room.” I breathe out.

“I’ll go with you,” Shina offers, but Jaxon shoots her a glare that could wither roses.

“No! I will.”

I stare at him. “Excuse me?” But I don’t get time to argue; Jaxon is already dragging me like a sack of potatoes toward the party’s edge, where the crowds are thinner and the air isn’t thick with testosterone.

Whatwasthat?

Jaxon yanks me into the narrow hallway where the powder room is located. It’s empty. “Why were you talking to Addison?” His voice is unnaturally calm, though it manages to wrap around my insides and squeeze.

“What?” I stare at Jaxon open-mouthed and then shake my head. Jaxon acting like the bitter, jealous boyfriend is not something I’d ever see.