Page 52 of Shadows of Obsession

"Is everything okay?" I asked gently, not wanting to push but sensing he was grappling with something weighty.

Jaxon hesitated, his gaze fixed on the fire as he contemplated his response.

"Yeah, just some family drama. It's nothing for you to worry about."

Despite his attempt to keep his tone light, I could sense the underlying conflict.

"I was worried about you," I confessed, my eyes seeking his. "Connor was, too. I know he's not one to share other people's stories, but he seemed really stressed after you left."

A sigh escaped Jaxon's lips as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Yeah, it's complicated. But I'm okay. Jared was in prison for the last five years. He got out a week and a half ago, and he says he wants to work things out and get on the right path."

His voice carried a note of skepticism, as if he wasn't entirely convinced by his own words.

Five years. That's a long time.

"So, is he still around?" I asked, curiosity and concern intermingling.

"Yeah. He doesn't have anywhere to go, that's one of the reasons he showed up. So he's staying with me until he figures something out," Jaxon replied, his words falling flat.

My brows drew together. "Do you have more than one bedroom? It didn't look like it."

"No, he's sleeping on the couch." A smirk tugged at the corner of Jaxon's mouth, but the humor didn't quite reach his eyes.

"What was he in prison for?" The question slipped out before I could stop myself. As soon as the words left my mouth, I covered it, eyes widening with embarrassment. "I'm sorry. That's none of my business. You don't have to tell me."

I looked away, but Jaxon's deep, rich chuckle still sent a flutter of butterflies through my stomach, a sensation I immediately fought to suppress. This was absolutely not the time for an inconvenient attraction.

"It's okay," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "He was a heavy drug user for a long time. Eventually, he got into gambling to support his habit. When that spiraled out of control, he started dealingdrugs to pay off his debts. It was a big mess." He shook his head, the weight of his brother's troubles evident in his expression.

I listened, intrigued but cautious. I knew better than to judge someone by their past, but the image Jaxon painted of Jared wasn't exactly comforting.

"That's a lot to deal with," I said, unsure of what else to offer. "But you said he wants to get on the right path?"

Jaxon nodded, though doubt still lingered in his eyes. "That's what he says, but I don't know if I believe him yet. I don't trust him as far as I can throw him—but he's my brother, you know? I have to give him a chance."

I understood complicated family dynamics all too well. I was relieved Jaxon had opened up to me, but the weight of his situation settled heavy in my chest.

"Just be careful," I warned, my voice low but firm. "He might be your brother, but you don't owe him anything if he's a danger to you. Especially with his past."

Jaxon nodded, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames. "I know," he said quietly. "I'm keeping an eye on him. But I can't just turn him away, either." He sighed and turned toward me. "Thanks for the concern. It means a lot."

The sincerity in his eyes made my chest tighten. I nodded, though Jared's sudden reappearance, and his history, was enough to make anyone wary. I took a deep breath, the cool night breeze brushing across my skin.

"I'm glad you're here," I said, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips as I drew my legs beneath me and faced him.

Jaxon returned the smile, his features softening. "Me too." He leaned back, letting himself relax. "It's nice to just sit here and enjoy the quiet."

His gaze drifted to my blanket, then back to my face, something playful flickering in his eyes. "Mind if I share?" he asked, gesturing toward the cozy covering.

I laughed, shifting the blanket toward him. "Only if you promise not to hog it," I teased.

He scooted closer, resting one arm on the back of the bench behind me. A sense of calm settled over me different from the peace ofmoments ago. This was warmer, more alive, charged with something I wasn't quite ready to name.

We both drew in deep breaths, eyes fixed on the pulsing glow of the embers, fading in and out like a soothing lullaby. The night grew cooler, and my eyelids began to droop.

Without thinking, without planning, my head slowly tilted, coming to rest on Jaxon's shoulder.