Breaking our kiss, I bend forward and take one of her nipples into my mouth, licking and suckling against the sensitive peak. The sensation sends her spiraling over the edge, her body tightening around me. The intensity of her release pulls me over the edge right after her.
As we come down from our shared high, I hold herclose, feeling the steadying rhythm of her heartbeat under my palms. Leaning in once more, I kiss her gently, then close my eyes.
CHAPTER 15
GUARD DUTY
ENZO
Watchingover Jax is like babysitting a ticking fucking time bomb. Part of the instructions for his detox were constant supervision for the first few days, and he’s not happy about it. Not that I’m thrilled, either. Being trapped in a room feels suffocating, and Jax’s endless grumbling doesn’t make it any easier.
On the other side of the wall, I can hear Marcus and Lily’s soft laughter. Their quiet murmurs cut through Jax’s grumbled complaints, a reminder of what I’m missing while I’m stuck in here. Jealousy bubbles in my chest, sharp and biting. It’s not just about them being together, it’s the freedom and fun they are having while I’m trapped in this room with a miserable Jax.
“Why is it so damn bright?” Jax growls, yanking the blanket over his head. His dark hair is plastered to his forehead with sweat, and his green eyes—usually sharp—are dull and clouded.
“Because it’s daytime,” I snap, my patience thinning bythe second. “And because you need to get your shit together.”
Jax groans, shifting restlessly under the blanket. “I already feel like crap. Why can’t you just leave me alone?”
I grit my teeth, forcing myself to stay calm. I scan over Jax from head to toe, biting my tongue. He looks like hell—pale, trembling, and, if you look closely into his eyes, defeated. It’s hard to lash out when he’s clearly struggling, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to coddle him.
“You know we can’t do that,” I say, irritation peppering my tone. “This whole trip is for you. We’re here because of you. And all you seem to be able to do is complain. Maybe just shut the fuck up and be grateful.”
“Like I asked for this? I don’t want any of this!” He shoots me a glare, anger flickering like flames in his green eyes. Good. Anger is better than defeat.
“That’s exactly the point!” I growl in a low tone. “None of us asked for this, Jax. But it’s happening. And we’re trying to help you, but all you’ve done is act like an ungrateful asshole.”
Jax flinches, his anger crumbling and his shoulders hunching in. He pulls the blanket tighter around himself, his body curls inwards, like he is trying to make himself smaller. “I’m sorry,” he mutters, so softly I almost miss it. “I just... I hate this. I hate feeling like this.”
Guilt twists in my chest and I regret snapping at him, but I push it down. I can’t let it weaken me. I’ve been through this with Jax before. Experience has taught me that the moment Jax senses any weakness he pounces. And when he is coming down from a high, it’s nearly impossible to tell when he is genuinely remorseful or when he’s just acting.
“I know,” I say, my voice quieter now. “But you’ve gotta fight through it, Jax. We all need you to.”
“Yeah, whatever,” he mumbles, turning his back to me. His body trembles slightly, whether from withdrawal or the chill in the room or in an effort to make me feel worse, I’m not sure.
I clench my fists, a physical manifestation of reining in my frustration. “You’re not the only one hurting, man. We’re all in this together, and you’ve gotta stop acting like the world revolves around you.”
He doesn’t respond, just burrows deeper into the pillow. I sigh and sink into the chair by the bed. This is going to be a long night if he alternates between fighting everything I say and the silent treatment.
Eventually, Jax’s exhaustion wins out, and he drifts into a fitful sleep. I lean back, releasing a tense breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The dim light from the bedside lamp casts long shadows across the room. The air is heavy with the scent of sweat and antiseptic, a constant reminder of why we’re here.
I don’t even realize I’ve dozed off until a soft touch on my shoulder startles me awake. I blink up to find Lily standing over me, her blonde hair framing her concerned face. The gentle glow from the lamp highlights her delicate features.
“Hey,” she whispers. “I just wanted to check on you both.”
I nod, my heart rate slowing at the sight of her. “We’re managing,” I say, though my voice is heavy with exhaustion.
She touches my cheek, her fingers cool and soothing. “You’re doing a good job, Enzo. Jax is lucky to have you.”
Her words are a balm to my frayed nerves. I pull her into my lap, needing her warmth, her presence. She leans in for a gentle kiss, but I deepen it, pouring all my pent-up frustration and need into the connection. Her lips are soft, warm, and pliant. The scent of lavender mixed with cedar clings to her, calming the storm inside me. She smells like her, but also like us. Like my bandmates.
As the kiss deepens, Lily becomes my sole focus. For a few precious moments, no other thoughts enter my mind. There’s only her—the taste of her lips, the feel of her body pressed against mine.
Jax mumbles something in his sleep, and we freeze. Pulling back slightly, our foreheads press together, our breaths mingling in the stillness. When he settles back into sleep, I recapture her lips, the intensity of my need to claim her with my lips overwhelming.
My hands move to her waist, pulling her closer. She sighs softly, her fingers tangling in my hair as our kiss grows more fervent. Eventually, we break apart, our breaths heavy and mingling in the quiet room. I brush a strand of hair from her face, my thumb grazing her cheek.
“You’re incredible,” I whisper, my voice rough with emotion.
