"Glad we can amuse you," I mumble.
A wicked grin curls his lips.
"Cut the games, Jax. Why are we here?"
"Wyatt," Willow reprimands again.
I glance at her, insisting, "I'm not a kid anymore. He needs to tell us why we're here." I pin Jax with a challenging gaze. "Spit it out. I've got work to do."
He arches his eyebrow. "Oh? What work is that?"
Embarrassment and shame wash over me. I try not to let it show, but my defenses rise. I snarl, "Is this what this is? You're going to rub it in my face that you know I'm in a bad situation with my career?"
He grunts. "No, I'm going to offer you an opportunity."
"What do you mean?"
His wicked grin pulls wider, slow as honey and twice as dangerous. It tugs at one side of his mouth first, trying to hold back. Then, it spreads, full and cocky; the kind of smile that knows it's trouble. His eyes glint, sharp and steady, like he's got all the time in the world to wreck your plans and enjoy every second of it.
I force myself not to shift in my seat. My pulse bangs against my brain.
He says, "The way I see it, you don't have any options right now."
"Once again, you don't need to state the obvious," I growl.
He points at me. "That mouth of yours has always gotten you in trouble."
I take my cowboy hat off and put it on the table, then run my hand through my hair. "Jax, what is it that you want?"
He leans closer. The rasp in his voice grits deeper. "It's not what I want. It's what I'm going to offer."
The hairs on my arms rise. I clench my jaw, cross my arms, and sit back. I put my ankle over my knee, cautiously asking, "And what would that be?"
Arrogantly, he states, "Well, Willow owes me a favor."
My head jerks toward her. "Why do you owe him a favor?"
"None of your business," she hisses.
"It is my business, so explain," I declare.
"No, it's not your business," she insists.
I turn back toward Jax. "Explain."
"Seems like the little lady doesn't want you to know her business. I'd rather we keep it between her and me." He winks at her.
I curl my fists tight. "I swear to God…"
He holds up his hand. "Calm down."
I take a few breaths, waiting.
He doesn't answer, the tension growing.
I finally slam my fist on the table. "Tell me whatever it is you want, Jax. I'm not into your games. Why am I here?"
"Ah, that's what I wanted to see."
