I pull the taser from my bag that Gina gave me for my birthday, cocky as hell. “Plan B. Besides, you’ll be close. If things go sideways, you come in swinging.”
He stares at me, jaw ticking, and I can only imagine the thoughts that are running through that gorgeous head of his.
“You’re fearless. Or just insane.”
I shrug. “Maybe I’m both. But someone’s got to do it.”
He leans in, kissing me hard before he pulls back, eyes wild. “Aubrey, please be careful. Don’t get yourself killed.”
I grin, but my stomach is churning. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
We attempt to get at least a couple hours of sleep, but neither of us is able to rest. Every time I close my eyes, I see Jax’s evil sneer, Dean’s bloodied fists, my own nervousness.
But I’m ready for this. I’m ready to fight for the man I love.
The next day, I walk into Maggie’s like I own the place, but inside I’m a wreck, nauseous with so much adrenaline pumping through my veins. The grill is buzzing with its usual lunch rush of locals, construction workers, even a few sad drunks. I walk straight to the bar and order a shot. I can feel eyes on me before I spot him.
Jax is at the back, sprawled out with two of his goons, boots propped up on the table, looking like he’s king of the fucking world. When he sees me, his lips curl in that sleazy, predatory smile.
He jerks his chin toward me. “Well, if it isn’t the little waitress with a body and a smart mouth. Where’s your boyfriend? Michaels didn’t want to watch you beg for your life?”
I force a nervous giggle, sliding into character, my phone recording in the back pocket of my jeans.
“Dean is a fucking mess. He’s got too much baggage, and I’m done letting him take me down with him. Yeah, the sex is insane, but I want out. I’m over it. This shit is way too much for me.”
Jax leans in. His breath smells like beer and something rotten. He grabs my chin, tilts my face up so I have to look him in the eye. “You’re smart, sweetheart. Play your cards right, and you’ll be protected. We take care of girls who take care of us. Not like some people I could name.”
I have to fight the urge to break his thumb. Instead, I let my lower lip tremble. “Is it true? About that girl? About the club breaking the rules?”
His eyes go cold, and he lets go of my chin, but his fingers trail down my jaw in a way that makes my skin crawl. “People talk too much. But your boyfriend? He never knew when to keep his fucking mouth shut. He played hero, and now he’s got a lot of people thirsty for his blood. You too, if you don’t play nice.”
He lets that threat hang, then leans back, staring me down. “But you help us get to Dean, and you walk away clean. Hell, you might even end up better off than when you started. We like loyalty. We reward it.”
I nod, eyes wide, playing the scared, desperate girl. “Just…please, Jax. Don’t hurt me. I’m not cut out for this life.”
He grins, all teeth. “Wouldn’t dream of it, doll. Not unless you make me.”
His hand slides over my cheek slowly, and I have to fight the urge not to bite him. I want to jab my taser into his gut and watch him piss himself, but I don’t. Instead, I give him the best trembling, scared look I’ve got. “I won’t. I promise.”
He leans in close, letting his lips brush against my ear. “Good girl. I’ll be in touch. Don’t fuck this up.”
I can’t get away from him fast enough, barely making it past the jukebox before I gag in the bathroom, shaking so hard I almost drop my phone. I check the audio…thank God, the whole thing is there. Jax’s threats, his offer, a half confession. Enough dirt to make him the most wanted man in three counties.
I shoot a text to Dean, my fingers barely able to cooperate.
ME: Got it. Meet me at The Cozy Corner.
Back at the diner, Dean listens to the recording. “That’s enough,” he says. “The Sheriff will take this straight to the DA. Or, if Jax wants to keep playing, I’ll send it to every rival motorcycle club in the state. He’ll have to run to save his own ass.”
I rest my head on his shoulder, feeling the adrenaline finally crash. “Do you think it’ll work?”
He squeezes my hand, gentle for once. “Yeah. You were fucking brilliant, Aubrey.”
Gina bursts into the back office, waving her phone, eyes wide. “The Sheriff is on his way. If you two are smart, you’ll disappear for a while.”
“Wait…how does the Sheriff even…” I ask Gina, so confused.
“There’s no time for questions. Both of you have to go…now…out the back,” Gina says, already pulling us toward the door that leads to the alley behind the diner.
