19. Chapter Nineteen
Maddison
I t takes me nearly two weeks to finish the sign in my spare time, but I’m almost reluctant to wrap this project up. I forgot how working with my hands, creating or reshaping things into something new, settles my otherwise busy mind. The work is soothing after dealing with my cunt of a boss all day and the self-entitled customers who often frequent the store.
Sorry, Irene— clients, not customers. I roll my eyes.
Standing back in the garage, I tuck a stray piece of hair behind my ear and examine my handiwork. Using a wood cutter, I shaped a massive slab of wood into an outline that resembled three mountaintops. The mountains are dark gray while the words Parker’s Automotive Shop are in flowing, white letters. The letters curl slightly at the ends, giving it an eye-pleasing font that is easy to read. It’s also significantly larger than his last sign, making it more likely to be spotted from a distance.
“I hope he likes it,” I mutter.
Absentmindedly tapping my foot against the ground, my gaze glides over to the worktable I’ve temporarily commandeered. The sight of his other gift—the one he’s not expecting—makes my palms sweat. I’m not sure why I’m so nervous over such a small, inconsequential gift. It’s a box of new business cards shaped into mountains that match his new sign, bought from a local graphic design shop.
What if he doesn’t like them? God, he’s the kind of person who would use them anyway. And I don’t want him to feel like he’s stuck using something he secretly loathes.
I groan. A month ago, I never would have done this. I wouldn’t have opened up about my parents or shared his bed, for that matter. And now look at me, jumping on his dick every chance I get. But I can’t get enough of him, and I’ve been trying to ignore the tiny bit of guilt that niggles at the back of my mind when I think of what could happen if Luke found out.
He won’t find out, and what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.
Peering at the clock on the wall, a ghost of a smile curls my lips. I have enough time to grab Jax and show him the sign, maybe even get in a quickie before my shift. With that thought, my mind is made up and I quickly throw my coat on over my t-shirt and leggings. Pulling open the side door of the garage, I shudder when the frigid winter air nips at my exposed skin. Shoving my hands into my coat pockets, I quicken my strides. Despite the miserable cold, I’m grinning ear to ear by the time the shop comes into view.
“You boys always take such good care of me,” a feminine voice purrs.
A trickle of unease shimmers down my spine, my guard immediately going up. It’s a sultry, sexy kind of voice that belongs in a bedroom, not an automotive shop.
And definitely nowhere near Jax.
“Of course, ma’am. Call us anytime.” Jax’s voice is smooth, polite but not flirty.
When I walk into the open stall where the voices are coming from, I’m slammed with a million different emotions: jealousy, fear, irritation, self-doubt, possessiveness.
There’s a blonde bombshell of a woman with her hand wrapped around Jax’s bicep, her perky tits barely restrained by her white shirt, and she’s shooting him a flirtatious smile. I pause to take the scene in, grinding my teeth. She’s looking at him like he’s her next snack. The sight of her hands on his biceps makes me want to kick all her pretty white teeth in.
“The other place I used to go to in Crestwood Heights wasn’t nearly as friendly. The customer service here feels so personable, ya know?” She bats her eyelashes at him, and I curl my hands into fists. I can feel my body temperature rising.
“That’s a shame. I’m sorry to hear that.” Jax’s tone remains all businesslike, and I recognize it as his customer service voice. His gaze briefly dances away, his eyes glancing over the row of cars still lined up in queue. Looking back at her, he smiles politely and tips his chin. “Well, you have a good day.”
She gives him a pouty look, but he’s already strolling away.
“I was thinking maybe if you were free for dinner tonight, I could cook us something? I make a mean steak.”
Jax does a double-take, his eyebrows pulling up. I cross my arms, shifting restlessly on my feet. My movement must catch his attention because that’s the moment his gaze zeros in on me.
I give him a pointed look that says, well?
Translation: I fucking dare you.
Then the bastard smirks, widening his stance and resting his hand on the belt of his uniform. The challenging arch of his eyebrows tells me that he knows exactly how jealous I am, and he’s pleased as punch about it. It makes me want to leap across the space between us and throttle him.
“Sorry, ma’am, but I have someone back home who wouldn’t much like that.”
She frowns. “Such a damn shame. The good ones are always taken.” She nods to herself and hikes her purse a little higher onto her shoulder. “Well, if that were to change, you know how to find me.” She gives him a playful wink, her heels clacking on the concrete floor as she sashays to her car. Then she gets into an obnoxiously red BMW and drives off.
I turn to Jax, giving him an unimpressed look.
He saunters up to me wearing a shit-eating grin. I scowl at him, but his grin only widens. I know I have no reason to be upset, none at all. Whatever this thing is that we’re doing, I have no real claim on him. We’re not going to ride off into some monogamous sunset together. And it’s not like he gave her the time of day anyway. So why does my stomach feel like it’s full of something hot and sticky?
“Something wrong, Maddie? You look a little tense.” His eyes dance with mirth.
I want to grab onto his stupid shirt and kiss his stupid lips until I’ve chased away thoughts of anyone but me. I want to wipe that amusement off his face. But there are too many prying eyes on us, the weight of lingering gazes heavy on my back.
But then an idea occurs to me. A wicked, wicked idea that makes my lips curl into a grin.
Cruel, yes. But so satisfying.
“Your office, Jax. Now.”
“It’s so fucking sexy when you get jealous like that,” Jax’s raspy voice rumbles into my ear a few minutes later, my back thudding against the closed door. He captures my lips in a rough kiss, his hand cupping the back of my neck. His thumb brushes over my pulse point, prickling my skin with goosebumps.
“Yeah, you think it’s sexy?” I hum into his mouth, my tongue darting out to flick his bottom lip. He groans, pressing his hips against the cradle of my thighs. I can feel his cock hardening through the thick material of his work uniform, liquid heat pooling in my stomach. Grinding against him, my hips move of their own accord.
“Fuck yeah.”
“You’re not the only one who’s possessive,” I warn him, my grin turning feral. I nip at his bottom lip, feeling satisfied at his sharp hiss. My palms rest over his pecs, my fingers brushing over his nipples before sliding down his broad chest. I marvel at the feel of tight muscles, not stopping until I reach his belt buckle. The metal clinks against the buttons of his pants as I quickly pull his zipper down. Jax’s darkened eyes meet mine, his pupils dilated and drowning in his lust while his chest heaves up and down.
“Wanna see how possessive I can be?” I purr.
He sucks in a breath, his nostrils flaring. “Show me, baby.”
“Just remember that you asked for this.”
Planting my hands onto both of his shoulders, I give him a rough push backwards. Then I push him again, guiding him to the couch on the far right side of the room. Surprise flickers across his face, his arms flailing as he stumbles back. His ass finally connects with the couch.
“Damn, it’s going to be like that?” He gives me a heated expression, one hand cupping his erection.
Placing my legs on either side of his thighs, I climb onto his lap. A thrilling sense of power courses through my blood as I push him flat onto his back, grasp both of his wrists, and pin them above his head. Shock flares across his face. My grip on him is firm, but I’m well aware of Jax’s strength. He can break out of my hold anytime he wants to, and it sends a wave of elation through me that he trusts me enough to play along.
That he’s willing to yield some of his iron-willed control to me.
Leaning down, I slant my lips over his and kiss him. My hips buck and grind, the friction between our clothed bodies feeling good. His hips arch up, meeting mine as he groans into my mouth.
“Keep your hands to yourself,” I order breathlessly. His forehead wrinkles, and he opens his mouth, but I don’t give him a chance to protest. “I want to have some fun. Touch me, and this ends.”
A low moan rattles from his throat.
I gently suck on his bottom lip before releasing his wrists, sitting back while I arch an eyebrow. My pulse is a fluttering mess in my throat, anxious to see how he will react. He could take the power back if he wanted to. It would be so easy for him to grab my hips and flip me onto my back. He stares at me for a long moment, his breathing ragged as his eyes slide down my body.
The corner of his lips pulls into a sexy smirk that has my stomach flipping. He jerks his chin towards me.
“Let’s see what you got, beautiful.”
I smile back, my fingers reaching for the hem of my shirt and pulling it over my head. My bra quickly follows, leaving me bare chested. My nipples harden as the cool air caresses my skin. Jax bites down on his bottom lip with a pained groan. Above him, his fingers clench together.
“Lean down, baby. I want to taste them.”
Ignoring him, I scoot off the couch and begin shedding the rest of my clothes. My shoes, leggings, and panties flutter to the floor as I pull them off. He drinks me in, his pupils blown wide open as I climb back onto him. I give him a wicked smirk, earning me a frustrated growl.
“Maddie.” My name is a silent command, firm and determined.
I giggle, giving him an exaggerated, playful pout. My fingers trail down his still-clothed body. “It’s so hard for you to look and not touch, isn’t it?” I stop at his open belt buckle.
“You’re up to no good,” he growls. His hips arch up just a little, a silent demand for friction.
I unzip his jeans, and he lifts his ass off the couch, helping me so I can shimmy the thick denim and boxers down to his ankles. I pause, admiring the thick muscles of his thighs. His girthy cock is pointing up, drops of precum sliding down his shaft. Leaning forward, I let my naked breasts scrape across the soft fabric of his shirt. “I don’t like watching other women flirt with you,” I admit, my voice a raspy whisper. “I don’t want them touching you or inviting you to dinner.” I wrap my hand around his cock, my thumb spreading precum around his head.
He moans, his eyes half-lidded. “But I didn’t even notice—”
“I don’t even want them looking at you and thinking they have a chance.”
His eyes flicker open, his breaths coming out faster as he watches me.
“This is mine.” I give his cock a firm squeeze, then begin stroking his shaft.
His lips part, a whoosh of air escaping his mouth. “It’s yours. Use it.” His whisper is strained. “Use me.”
His tone is thick with desire, his words sending a punch of heat through my core that has me clenching. Tightening my grip on his shaft, I give him a few more strokes before pulling away. I lean back until my ass is resting on my heels, ignoring his growling protest that stutters off when I slide my palms up my belly. Cupping my heavy breasts, I squeeze them, my thumbs swirling around my nipples.
“I’m going to make myself feel good. And you’re going to be a good boy and watch.”
“Maddie. Fuck.” His body vibrates with tension, as if the act of restraining himself is painful. Then his jaw clenches as he watches my hands knead my breasts. He grabs onto the decorative pillow behind him, his fingers digging into the fabric before moaning, low and needy. “Please,” he whispers. “Please, let me touch you.”
My movements stutter as I bite back a groan. I feel like a queen on a throne as I stare down at him, my clit aching at the realization of how much power I can yield over this man. This strong, unflappable, unmovable man. Begging for me.
My hands slide back down my torso, one of them slipping between the lips of my pussy. I hiss at the burst of sensation as I trail a finger through my wet arousal and circle it around my throbbing clit. Jax whines, and the sound nearly makes me come on the spot.
“Consider this penance for letting that woman flirt with you. Only good boys get to touch.”
I barely recognize myself as I continue circling my finger around my clit, a quiet whimper pulled from my throat as the pressure builds. I’m so wet, I can hear the squelch as my fingers move. Jax’s breathing is unsteady, his eyes glued to the steady movements of my fingers.
“I—fuck,” he barks. “I didn’t even realize—please, baby, just let me touch it. I only have eyes for you.” His pleas are so sexy, I nearly give in. If I give him the signal, he’ll make me feel so good. He’ll have me screaming his name and clenching around his fingers.
“I’ll make you forget she was ever here,” he promises, his raspy voice coming out in a pant. He sounds desperate. “Get that sweet pussy up here and ride my face.”
I blink through the haze of pleasure.
“No touching,” I reiterate. His look of disappointment reminds me of a kid who was just told he had to eat his vegetables before he could have dessert.
Circling my other hand around his shaft, my fingers trace along the bulging ridges of blue veins. I begin to stroke him again, making sure to brush along the underside of his head. It twitches in my hands, his eyes nearly rolling back into his head. Scooting forward a few inches, I let his hard cock slip between my thighs. Grinding my pussy over his shaft, I throw my head back with a quiet cry. Heat pools in my belly as I begin the slow climb towards my orgasm.
“Are you going to come?” Jax asks. “Put me inside you. Come on my cock.”
I shake my head, the fog of pleasure making it impossible for me to talk.
“Maddie.” He growls my name. When his hands leave their place to reach for me, I freeze. I give him a warning look, and he pauses.
“Should I stop? I can always finish this in private,” I taunt.
“God-fucking-dammit. You’re killing me.” He looks like a wild man now, his restraint on thin ice. I’m hit with a surge of triumph when his hands return to their spot above his head. He gives me a dark look. “Go ahead and play out your little game, but just know that you’re not getting away with this. I’m going to fuck you so good.”
I shiver, and he gives me a knowing smirk.
He curses when I gently squeeze my fingers around the head of his cock, guiding it to bump against my clit. His eyes glaze over, his lips parting on a silent moan as I continue to stroke. Every swipe of his cockhead over my clit has me whimpering. My hips begin to thrust, matching the rhythm of my movements.
“Maddie.” He sounds desperate again, his whiny pleas tumbling out in one swift breath. “Maddie, Maddie… Maddie, please. Put me inside you. Don’t come yet.”
I hit the peak of my climax then, my orgasm washing over me in delicious waves. The pleasure spreads outwards, my toes curling as my pussy clenches. I throw my head back on a mewling whimper, my movements slowing as I let the sensations wash over me. Beneath me, Jax curses. I’m vaguely aware that he’s calling out my name, telling me how bad I am.
My muscles feel loose, my body languid as I stare down at him, giving him a slow smile. His eyes narrow suspiciously.
“Touch me now,” he says, a hint of a growl laced in his voice.
Huffing out a laugh, I pretend to consider it. “Maybe later. I have to get ready for work now. Thanks for the good time though.”
He gives me an incredulous look as I climb off him, his erect cock looking angry and swollen.
Giving it a pointed look, I begin putting my clothes back on. “You might want to take care of that.” I give him an overexaggerated, theatrical wince. “It looks like it hurts.”
“Maddison Raddix, don’t you dare leave me like this.” His dark, rumbling tone sends a renewed shot of arousal through me. I ignore it, snickering as I shove my feet back into my shoes.
“Get your ass back over here and ride my cock.” He barks the command at me, giving me a murderous look as I head towards the door.
I resist the urge to strut.
“Maddie, I’m sorry,” he hisses. I pause with my hand wrapped around the door handle. “I didn’t know she was flirting with me, but I’ll be more careful next time. Just…please, come back over here and touch me.” Glancing over my shoulder at him, his pleading eyes nearly crumble my resolve. His hand wraps around his cock, giving it a stroke. But I remember the thrum of anger I felt when he let that woman touch his arm.
“You will be more careful next time,” I tell him, lowering my voice as I meet his eyes. “Because you’re going to feel that ache all day long. And no matter how much you want to touch yourself, you’re not going to. You’re going to think about how much this moment hurts and wish I was here to make it better.” His mouth drops open, his eyes bulging. But he takes his hand off his cock, and I smirk.
Spinning around, I open the door and step out into the hallway. Letting it slam behind me, I stroll through the shop with a grin. Employees pause, giving me curious looks as I whistle a merry tune under my breath. Their eyes dart to the direction of the hallway when Jax’s thunderous voice echoes through the space, some of them exchanging worried expressions.
“Maddie! Don’t forget what they say about payback!”
I throw my head back with a loud laugh.
Yeah, payback is a bitch. Or is it? I can’t wait to find out.