I raise an eyebrow, and he grins then drops my hand. “Tell you what. I’ll hop in and if you decide to join me, great. If you prefer to take one alone after, that’s fine too. I didn’t mean to pressure you.”
“I don’t feel pressured. I’m just tired. The last few days have drained every ounce of energy from me.”
“I know, baby.” Kissing my forehead again, he heads toward the bathroom, the bell of temptation ringing in the air behind him.
CHAPTER 59
JACK
Before we fell asleep last night, Jessi told me what Austin said and did after I was taken away. It took everything in me not to cross the lawn dividing our houses and kill him. No one should threaten a woman like that, especially mine. But Jessi pulled the covers over us and made me forget everything until sleep claimed us.
I hitthe club later than usual, and as soon as I step inside, I’m desperate to find Mike. Austin and his merry men need to be taken care of once and for all. Stay the hell away from Jessi, from me, and from this club. Mike will either stand behind me or he won’t—same for the MC. But I don’t give a shit. I’ll take care of those assholes somehow. The decision’s been made.
Mike is in his usual spot behind the bar. He nods and heads down my way. “Hey, Jack. How you doing? How’s Jessi? She was a wreck when Kade brought her in.”
“I’ve been better, but at least I’m not in jail. Thanks for that, man.”
“You got it. You know, I never thought we’d find ourselves in this situation—having to potentially back out of an agreement with a sister club because of a family feud.” Mike pours us cups of coffee and continues, “Jack, everyone’s on edge. They’re worried there will be more retaliation and scrutiny at the club. I know where your head is, and I get it. But I have to look out for the club’s best interest.”
“What are you thinking?” I ask.
“We have some favors we can call in with the chapters who use Austin and David. Rather than violent retaliation that’ll have police sniffing around more, we can get those shitbags blacklisted and threaten exposure—or worse. We can always threaten them and hope it ends there. If we have to, we’ll call in our favors and let the chips fall.”
I drum my knuckles on the bar, mulling over the idea. “I like that. If we have to go further, I’ll go as far as I have to. I won’t allow Jessi or this club to get hurt again.”
Mike stares at the coffee in his hand. “Jack, I understand why you’re doing this, I do. I know it hits close to home when women are threatened or hurt. I wanna make sure you don’t get lost in it. Revenge is a cancer. It will infiltrate every aspect of your life if you go too far.”
“I know. Jessi’s relying on me. I got it under control, but I’ll do anything to protect her.”
“Holy hell, man. I’ve never seen you like this with anyone. She’s young. She has a life to live. Be realistic here. You can’t really want a future with her.”
I let out a long sigh. “Mike, you don’t know her like I do. I’ve got it bad for her. I think she might be the one.”
Mike runs his hand down his face. “Hmm. Dude, she’s nineteen. She probably wants to go to college, get married, have babies and shit.”
My blood simmers and I start grinding my teeth. “So what? She can live her life and be with me. I’ll support her in anything she wants to do. Anything. I love her, man.”
Mike’s eyes pierce mine. “Babies. You don’t want children. You going to take that from her?”
“No. If Jessi wants a baby, I’ll give her one. I’d give her anything she asked for.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I realize I mean every word.
Mike shakes his head and tosses the remainder of his coffee in the trash. “If you say so, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
CHAPTER 60
JACK
On my way to pick up Jessi to take her dress shopping, I give a lot of thought to what Mike said. What if he’s right? This is a fling for Jessi and she doesn’t want more. I’m not getting those vibes whenever she’s around, but maybe she doesn’t know what she’s doing or what she wants. She’s vulnerable. Inexperienced. She can’t think in fight-or-flight mode. Will she still be interested in me once David and Austin are out of the picture? As I pull into the driveway, I try pushing the uncertainty out of my mind.
David, Austin, and the rest of their fan club huddle on the front steps of Shannon and Jeremy’s house. David has seen better days—his bruised eyes and lip are yellow-gray, giving him a Frankenstein resemblance. I know I should’ve done more to him, but being locked up leaves Jessi vulnerable.
My front door creaks open and Jessi walks out, her eyes narrowed. “What are they doing?” she asks.
I hop off my bike and pass her my helmet. “Stay here. This won’t take long.”
“What are you going to do? Let’s go. Please, Jack. They’re not worth it.”
My eyes search her face, softening when they dip to her mouth. “Mike and I might have figured out a way to stop this. Stay here. Do you trust me?”
