“He is. I think by two or three years.”
“When was the last time they talked?” Was I pressing my luck?
“It’s been a long time.” I opened my mouth to ask another question, but he shook his head before uttering, “If you want to know anything else, you’re going to have to ask Jackson yourself.”
Although slightly defeated, I understood why he wouldn’t divulge any other personal information about his friend’s family.
I wanted Jackson to look at me, but his focus was on Jay, who now stood on the scale, waiting for his weigh-in results.
“One hundred and eighty-four point three,” the man said, marking down his results as well. “They’re cleared to fight.”
Instead of the men dispersing, they moved toward each other. They had to take pictures for promotion, but I worried about Jackson being so close to his brother while he was still raw from last night. I gripped Lance’s arm in worry, but he patted my hand.
“He’ll be all right.”
Both men stood toe to toe, staring each other down. Camera flashes followed, and I counted the seconds until they separated. Jay’s mouth moved, but he spoke so low, I was sure only Jackson heard him. But whatever he said was the wrong thing, because in the next second, Jackson shoved Jay so hard, he stumbled backward. Trevor and Elton immediately jumped in along with a man from Jay’s team and separated the two fighters.
“I spoke too soon. Stay here,” Lance said, rushing toward the stage. But he didn’t reach the first step before Jackson barreled past him and headed straight for me, still only clothed in his underwear.
“Let’s go.” He snatched my hand and practically dragged me toward the exit, not a care in the world he was barely dressed.
“Jackson, your clothes.” I tried to yank my hand from his, but he tightened his hold. “What did he say to you?”
“Not now,” he shouted, continuing toward the door. Not wanting to be the cause of another scene, I followed him. Although, I didn’t have much of a choice, as he refused to release me.
Trevor shouted behind us, but Jackson’s strides never slowed. As soon as we stepped outside, Elton hurried toward thevehicle and opened the doors. We ducked inside, and a minute later, we were on our way back to the gym.
“What the fuck happened back there?” Trevor asked, tossing Jackson’s clothes at him. “You’re lucky if the UFC only fines you for that, Jax.”
“I don’t give a fuck,” he grated.
“You should,” he retorted, facing forward once more, grumbling something I couldn’t hear.
Jackson’s attention remained out the window the entire ride, but with each passing mile, his breathing slowed and his posture relaxed. I was afraid if I said anything, I’d draw him out of whatever headspace he was in, so I remained quiet, as did the guys.
As soon as Elton parked, Jackson hopped out of his seat, came around the back of the vehicle, and opened my door before I managed to unhook my seat belt. He reached for my hand and helped me out, but instead of heading toward the gym, he walked toward the stairwell to our apartments.
“Where are we going?” He didn’t answer me. “Jackson,” I said harshly, hoping he’d stop ignoring me. We were four steps from the top when I stopped, tugging my arm. “Jackson,” I shouted. “What are you doing?”
He turned to look at me, a desperate look in his eyes. “Please.”
I nodded, still unsure why he wanted to go to one of our places. Once at the top, he veered toward his apartment and unlocked the door. He released my hand and headed toward his refrigerator. After drinking an entire bottle of water, he grabbed my hand once more and led me to his bedroom.
“What are you doing?” I asked, hoping he’d give me a clue as to where his head was right now.
“I need you, Sophie.”
He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me incredibly close, his mouth hovering above mine. The storm brewing behind his eyes calmed when I nodded once more. His sigh of relief tore at the deepest part of me. I couldn’t imagine the turmoil he battled, and if I could provide him with the slightest bit of reprieve, I would. He would do it for me, no questions asked.
He popped the button of my jeans and dragged them down my legs along with my panties, tossing them aside before rising back to his full height. My shirt and bra were removed next. As I lay on the bed, he disposed of his only article of clothing, nudged my legs apart, and trailed his finger over the most sensitive part of me. I was ready for him, and he barely touched me.
“I love you,” I said, caressing his cheek, his stubble tickling my palm.
“I love you too,” he whispered against my mouth, nipping my bottom lip before he deepened the kiss. He explored my mouth, the deep vibration of his groan rippling through me. He worked himself into me, the pleasure of his fullness catapulting my desire to new heights.
I hooked my legs behind him and moved with the rhythm of his body. He moaned my name as I raked my nails down his back. I was so lost in the feel of him, that I hadn’t realized he wasn’t wearing a condom.
“Jackson, stop.”
