Page 48 of Right Number, Wrong Man
HAILEY
I stomp along the dirt path toward the sunflower field.
Moths dance around electric lanterns installed on the fence posts. Trees rustle at the forest edge and the crickets chirp, but the quiet night makes my thoughts seem louder.
Colt is looking out for me and there I go, being difficult. But why would he push me to start dating someone after all the signs he gave me tonight? That warmth in his eyes, how he held me close and put my hand on his heart—that’s not what friends do! Or is it?
And then he has the gall to ask if there’s someone I like! That’s the one question I can’t answer honestly.
If I told Colt that it’s him I like and then broke his heart because it was some fleeting infatuation—no way! That would be too cruel. I have to figure out my feelings before I confess anything, but my panicked reaction made him really mad.
That’s why I left. I didn’t want to say more things I’ll regret.
The sunflowers sway in the warm breeze and the stars glitter above, only outshone by the full moon. It’s peaceful. Hanging my clutch over a fence post, I tilt my head back until the sunflowers turn into a blurry border of yellow.
Seeing how endlessly the universe stretches makes every problem seem so small. I sigh. There must be a way for me to make up with Colt without admitting my crush.
“Hey, Sugar,” an eerily dark, smooth voice comes from behind me.
Before I can react, a broad body presses me forward into the fence, pinning me in place. My pulse jumps, but I try to stay calm.
“Jax, what are you doing here?”
He chuckles. “Miss me?”
“I told you we’re over. Can’t you respect that?”
“You’re confused. You don’t know what you want, but I’m here to remind you.”
“Remind me that you’re an asshole?” I scoff. “No need for that after your tantrum when I broke up with you.”
“Shut up, brat.” He steps away, and the click of a gun being cocked sends a shiver down my spine. “Now turn around. Slowly. No sudden movements. And don’t even think of screamin’ unless you wanna bet that you can holler faster than I can pull the trigger.”
My pussy clenches and I wince.
Not now ! I’m furious, not horny!
I turn and the first thing I see is Jax’s mask—plus a revolver pointing at my forehead. I bite my lip, glancing at the tight, black tank top hugging his muscled chest.
He shouldn’t get to be so attractive when I’m mad at him. The whole handsome villain act is throwing off my angry vibes.
Okay, maybe I’m a little horny?
Fuck. Jax is right. Clearly, I am confused, but I must stand my ground. I’m a woman with morals and dignity! Some, at least .
I scowl. “Either shoot me or take that gun out of my face and leave. You have ten seconds. Ten. Nine. Eight?—”
“Ain’t that awful cute? The brat thinks she can order me around. Guess I gotta remind you who that sweet cunt between your legs belongs to.”
He wrestles my hands behind my back and metal snaps around my wrists.
“You can’t cuff me to a fence in public!”
“Well, damn, I just did. What’re you gonna do about it, Sugar?” he mocks as he takes the shawl from my shoulders and folds it.
“Okay, fine. I might not be able to get out, but I’ll be really annoying! I won’t stop talking until you open these fucking cuffs!”
Jax ties the shawl over my eyes and darkness swallows the world.
“I mean it! I have a major in unpopular opinions and a minor in unsolicited life advice. Hope you brought some noise-canceling headphones!”
Jax doesn’t answer and I roll my eyes under the blindfold. But with my sight taken away, my other senses kick into overdrive.
Gravel crunches under his feet. I hear his heavy breathing beneath the mask and his woodsy, spicy smell is in my nose.
Wait, that’s weird.
Jax usually wears a citrus-y cologne. This one reminds me of Colt when he came out of the shower earlier, but I guess it’s a popular scent for men and Jax probably owns a few different ones.
“Anyway…” I continue, taking a deep breath.
“Shall we start with you never taking off that mask? Sure, it’s my kink, but you threatened to break things off if I ever tried to look underneath it.
Don’t you think that’s one step too far?
It really gives unresolved childhood trauma and deep-seated insecurity.
You could just pay a therapist to deal with your crap instead of cosplaying a personification of your crippling abandonment issues?—”
A growl sounds and a soft mouth crashes into mine.
My breath catches.
Jax is… kissing me?
Calloused hands frame my face. He groans, nibbling on my bottom lip, his well-groomed beard tickling slightly. God, I didn’t even know he had a beard! Instinctively, I open my mouth and the taste of mint clings to his tongue as it tangles with mine.
He could make this kiss feel as brutal as his vicious threat to shoot me, but it’s gentle. So affectionate, it seems like he kisses me for hours.
Like he’s in love .
When he finally pulls away, I hear the rustle of fabric before his modulated voice.
“I’ve waited all my life for this kiss…” Jax rumbles, his thumb swiping along my bottom lip.
“You can’t just break up with me. We’re meant to be.
The only way you’re gettin’ away from me is when your skin grows cold and your beautiful soul leaves this perfect body o’ yours.
But I’d chase you even in death. There’s no point in livin’ if you ain’t my woman. ”
Heaviness expands in my core. “Did you come to ki—” I can’t say the last bit.
“Did I come to kill you?” He finishes my sentence. “I’ve come to take what’s mine, cause you’re still mine and you always will be.”
His hand slides along my inner thigh, up and up until he cups my sex through my damp panties. I twitch, half afraid, half turned on. Ironic that my gun is right there in my bag, but I still can’t get to it with these dumb handcuffs.
“Ever heard of Russian roulette?” he asks.
“I’ve seen it in the movies…”
Metal presses against my temple and my heart does a backflip. That must be the barrel of his revolver.
“We’re gonna play tonight, Sugar. If you’re truly done with me, you won’t come and I’ll leave you be. But if I make you finish, you’re still mine. For every orgasm you have, I’ll pull the trigger once. It’s up to you to prove you don’t want me anymore… or die trying.”