I sit there, my heart racing, as my mind tries to figure out how to get out of this.
"There's no point hurting that pretty head of yours, darlin'. This is the favor you owe me."
"Jax, please," I beg.
"Sorry, I won't change my mind."
"Why me? A million other agents probably owe you favors," I declare.
He nods. "That's true, they do."
"Then why me? Please, pick another one," I plead.
He leans closer. "I can't. That boy owes both of us something."
"He doesn't owe me anything."
"Ah, but he does," Jax insists.
I shake my head. "No, he doesn't."
Jax takes another sip of coffee, then says, "He owes both of us, and we're going to get what we're owed."
"He doesn't owe me anything," I repeat.
Jax takes another large swig of coffee and sets his mug down. "Do you know what I lost when I finally kicked him off the team?"
"No. What did you lose?"
"Let's just say it was more than money. And I know he's still got it in him, but this is his last chance. So, if anyone is going to profit from him, it will be me. Hopefully, he's smart enough to save himself this time."
"Another agent?—"
"Won't get the sponsors on board the way you will," Jax interjects.
"That's not true. Other agents can get the sponsorships," I argue.
Jax shakes his head. "They won't work for him as hard as you will."
"I don't even like him anymore," I point out.
Jax shrugs. "Not my problem." He leans across the table. "I know sweet spots may burn, but they don't disappear. So I know you'll work harder than anyone else will for him."
Embarrassment steals my words.
Jax insists, "You'll get it done. I know you will."
"No, I won't. Please. I'll owe you two favors. Just don't make me his agent."
"Sorry, Willow, it's done." He rises, picks up his coffee mug, and takes it to the sink. He turns on the water and rinses it out.
Dread swallows me whole.
Jax turns off the water and puts the mug on his dish rack.
"Tough Rider and Roughneck Armorworks are looking for riders to sponsor. They might be a good place to start." Jax winks.
"How do you know that?" I question.
