10. Jax
Chapter ten
Jax
“ I can’t believe you bought me so many snacks for a one-hour road trip,” said Mia, laughing, as Jax parked the car.
It was so, so good to see her looking so much happier and healthier than when he’d rescued her from the strip club. She already had brighter eyes and a less dull complexion. And as for her body . . . well, she was still skinny, but there was a little more meat on her bones now. He planned to keep helping her with that. It was a shame they couldn’t just go out wherever they pleased and put everything on his credit card. He’d have loved to wine and dine her, taking her out for a nice big steak and a good time.
Still, they were in Bloomington, Indiana, and they were going to visit some old-timey bookstore together, which seemed to be enough to get Mia excited.
When the engine cut out, Jax looked at Mia. “Okay,” he said, “here’s the deal. I still have a wad of cash left, enough for us to buy a few books and have a good time. But we gotta go under the radar. I don’t know who’s out there looking for you and how powerful they are. So, you stick close to me at all times. You do as I say. Got it?”
Mia’s eyes widened. She stopped munching on her corn nuts and nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Jax softened his expression. “You okay, sweetie?”
“Guess I just haven’t seen the Dom side of you come out much yet,” she said, waggling her eyebrows.
“And I haven’t seen the submissive side you come out much yet, sugar,” Jax replied, giving her arm a playful poke.
“Me?” she asked, fluttering her eyelashes. “I’m as submissive as a tiger in the jungle, just waiting for the right Dom to come along and tame me.”
Jax chuckled, feeling a spark of desire between them. He knew they had to keep things low-key, but he couldn’t help but feel a rush of heat at her teasing words. “You better watch out, or I might just have to show you how this Daddy Dom tames his Little one.”
Mia grinned mischievously. “Bring it on, Daddy.”
With a final glance around the parking lot to ensure they were safe, Jax led Mia out of the car. “First thing’s first,” he said. “We head straight to that thrift store and buy ourselves disguises.”
“Ooh, seriously?” asked Mia. “I always wanted to wear a disguise. Wait, are we Bonnie and Clyde now?”
Jax chuckled. “We’re not robbing any banks or shooting anyone.”
“Aw,” joked Mia, pouting. Goddamn, she looked beautiful, with the sunlight glinting in her gorgeous green eyes. As they crossed the road, Mia looked around. “I like it here. Bloomington seems nice.” She took a deep breath. “You can actually see the sky here. The buildings are so low-down. It feels more . . . relaxed here.”
They headed into the thrift store.
Inside, they were greeted by the musty scent of old fabrics and the clinking sound of hangers shifting on racks. Jax couldn't help but feel a thrill as they sifted through the clothes, piecing together disguises that would help them blend into the town unnoticed.
"Check this out!" Mia exclaimed, holding up a pair of cat-eye sunglasses with a mischievous grin. She slipped them on and struck a pose, sending them both into another round of laughter.
"Looking good, kitten," Jax teased, playfully ruffling her hair. He could feel his heart swell at the sight of her genuine happiness, something he desperately wanted her to experience more often.
Jax put on a large waterproof trench coat. “What do you think?” he asked Mia. “Do I look like a detective?”
“More like someone who’s allergic to rain,” she said, laughing. “That thing really covers you up, huh?”
“All right, all right,” said Jax. “How about something a little more . . . rock ‘n’ roll?” He grabbed a black leather jacket studded with silver spikes. There was a large patch sewn onto the back of it with a picture of Death Valley.
Mia smirked. “You might have to take off your glasses. They don’t exactly mesh with the look.”
Jax took off his glasses and pocketed them, and Mia gave him a chef’s kiss. “Perfect.” She looked around the store. “Well, I guess if you’re going for the punk aesthetic, then I’ll join you.” She tapped a finger on her chin as she checked out a few items.
Mia found a pair of black ripped jeans and a vintage band tee that showed a little of her slim, toned stomach.
Jax couldn't tear his gaze away from her as he paid for their disguises at the counter. He grinned.
grinned. "Looking fierce, Mia. Ready to rock and roll?"
Mia winked. "Always ready, Daddy."
As they left the thrift store, Mia caught Jax's arm. "You know, it feels kinda freeing to be out here with you like this. We can be anyone we like.”
Jax squeezed her arm. “You can be anyone you like, Mia. This is your chance to start again.”
Mia nodded. “Yeah. I know. I just . . . don’t know where to begin.”
“I’ll help you,” Jax told her.
"Alright, now for the main event," Jax declared, pulling Mia toward a small bookstore nestled between two cafes. The faint scent of aged paper and ink wafted from the open door, beckoning them inside.
“Now remember,” he whispered into her ear. “We’re just a couple of punks who love literature, here to buy some old-timey books.”
“Just a couple of totally normal, literature-loving punks,” Mia echoed. “Got it, Daddy.”
As they entered, Jax watched Mia's eyes widen in awe, a childlike wonder spreading across her face. Her fingers danced along the rows of books, reverently tracing their spines as if she were greeting old friends.
"Oh my, they have so many books by Kipling!" Mia exclaimed.
“They do? I’ll get you all of them,” said Jax, putting his glasses back on to look more closely. “If you haven’t read the Just So stories yet, I think you’ll find them pretty special.”
“All of them?” Mia gasped.
“Sure, punk,” said Jax with a shrug. “He’s your favorite author, isn’t he?”
Mia grinned. “Well, so far he is. I don’t exactly own an extensive library.”
Jax nodded thoughtfully. “In that case, we’re not only getting Kipling today. I’m going to recommend a few others.”
As they continued to explore the bookstore, Jax said, “Kipling is good and all, but ultimately, he’s a white man and a colonialist. I think we might be able to find some authors that resonate with you on an even deeper level. Authors who feel your struggle, who have known your hardship, who have written stories that feel like they have a home in your heart.”
Mia arched an eyebrow. “Like what?”
Jax picked up a few books as they walked along. “Like this,” he said, picking up Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. “It’s about a woman who was enslaved when she was young, but she goes on to become this incredible, fierce, independent woman.”
“How do you know about this one?”
Jax smiled. “I read a lot. Normally on a screen, although I used to read actual paper books as a kid. I was always a lot nerdier than my brothers. I mean, I’m a tough guy, too. And a punk, obviously.” He flexed a bicep and stuck out his tongue to make Mia laugh. “But I really fucking love books. Got into them in a big way after my sister, Chloe, died.”
“Oh, shit. I didn’t know that, Jax. I’m so sorry.”
Jax nodded. “I’ll tell you the full story someday soon. But let’s just say that it changed me. I went into my own head a lot after that.” He paused, spotting another book Mia would like. “Hey! They’ve got Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson. Okay, you’ve got to try this one. Afro-Caribbean folklore and magical realism. I think you’ll really dig it.”
Mia seemed to freeze for a moment, staring at him as if she’d just peeled off one of his layers. She stared, running her eyes over him for a while, then looked back at the book. “Mm-hmm. It looks amazing. Thanks, Jax.”
Jax nodded. It wasn’t often he felt himself blushing, but right now, the heat was rising in his cheeks . . . and, quite frankly, in his cock. He knew that his attraction to Mia was inappropriate, that he should keep his distance from the girl. But seriously? She was completely fucking perfect. And the way she looked at him . . . damn, it blew her mind.
And of course there was the incident last night. He’d gotten the mother of all hard-ons lying beside her in bed, and he’d had to turn away from her and pretend to go to sleep, willing it to get lost.
But then he’d heard her . . . touching herself. Moaning softly. Climaxing right beside him. And of course, he’d had that hard-on all the damn night long. It was only this morning, in the shower, that he’d been able to take care of himself, and what a fucking relief that had been. Only now, the problem was coming back with a vengeance. He only had to look at the girl, smell the girl, think about the girl, and his cock was screaming for his attention once more.
Jax tried to distract himself by recommending some more books: Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. And then some lighter reads too. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett . Matilda by Roald Dahl . Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.
With each suggestion, Mia's enthusiasm only seemed to grow. “Jax, this is so generous,” she whispered, making sure nobody could hear her using his name.
Jax shrugged. “Not sure how long me and you are gonna be holed up together. Can’t have you getting bored with my company, now, can I?”
She shook her head. “Never gonna happen.”
They paid for the books and Mia clutched a handful of them to her chest. "This is the best day I've had in such a long time."
"Anything for you, little one," Jax replied softly, his heart pounding in his chest. And in that moment, Jax knew that he would do whatever it took to protect and cherish this fiercely resilient woman who had captured his heart.
They left the bookstore and blinked as the afternoon sunlight hit them. “Let’s put these books in the car,” said Jax, “then I’m gonna get us some food. You like steak?”
Mia shrugged. “No idea. Never tried it before.”
“Holy shit. First pizza and now you’re telling me that you never tried steak?”
Mia shook her head. “Nope. What’s it like?”
Jax grinned. "Well, let me put it this way—it's like biting into a tender piece of sunshine. You'll love it," Jax assured her.
Mia giggled. "Alright, Daddy, I trust you."
As they made their way to the car, Mia held her books close to her chest, a childlike smile on her face. Jax couldn't help but feel a twinge of happiness seeing her like this.
Back at the car, Jax helped Mia load the books into the trunk, making sure they were secure. With a satisfied nod, he closed the trunk.
"You always treat me so well, Jax," Mia said, smiling up at him.
Jax simply smiled back at her, his eyes lingering on her face for a moment longer than necessary. “I wish I could treat you better. I want to take you out to all the fanciest places in town, and get us a room in the loveliest hotel, but . . .”
“But you can’t afford it,” she said sincerely. “That’s all right. I get it.”
Jax shook his head. “No. It’s not that. I can afford it, Mia.”
I can and I will buy you anything your heart desires.
“But right now, we’re keeping a low profile, so I’m gonna have to buy you dinner more discreetly. Sorry if that sounds a bit awkward, but it’s part of the job. I want to protect you while you’re with me.”
"Oh, that's okay," Mia replied. "You’re doing so much for me, Jax. I appreciate every little thing."
Jax’s jaw tightened. “You don’t owe me a thing, Mia. I hope you know that. I’m doing this for Savannah. For Blake. And honestly, for myself. Been a while since I helped anyone in the real world, not just on a screen, and it feels good.” He paused, looking at the fast food restaurant across the road. “So, time for a steak sandwich and fries, yeah?”
Mia nodded, her eyes full of gratitude. “Sounds perfect to me, Daddy.” She linked her arm with his as they crossed the street towards the fast-food joint. Jax couldn’t help but feel a surge of protectiveness as he guided her inside, scanning the area for any potential threats.
The air was thick with the smell of sizzling meat and fried delights as they placed their order at the counter. Jax ordered a ton of sides and dips, hoping to tempt Mia with as much as she could possibly eat. Then they took a seat at a booth near the back of the restaurant.
“I guess our punk clothes aren’t helping us blend in so well,” said Jax. “There’s a lot of people looking at us.”
Mia twirled her hair around her finger. “I think they’re looking at you , Daddy. You’re kinda hot.”
Jax swallowed. “If they’re looking at either of us, it’s you, babygirl. You’re like a supermodel.”
Just then, their number was called, and Jax walked away to get the food. As he left Mia, he got the strangest sensation. He hated walking away from her like this. He never wanted to walk away from her ever again, even if it was only to fetch a damn burger. He looked back and saw her looking back at him. Their eyes stuck on one another’s for a moment, then Mia bit her lip and looked away.
And of course, Jax got another full-on fucking hard-on.
“God damn it,” he whispered under his breath. “Not again.”
He returned with the tray of food, feeling slightly off-balance.
There was an unspoken attraction between them, a charge in the air that made his skin tingle. He set the tray down on the table, trying to ignore the heat in his cheeks. The sight of her biting her lip sent shivers down his spine. Damn, this was getting out of hand.
Mia rubbed her hands together as she started to open all the food wrappers. “It’s like Christmas!” she exclaimed. “Well, not like any Christmas I ever had. But like other people’s Christmases.”
Jax made a mental note that if he still knew Mia at Christmas he was going to give her the best damn Christmas a Little could have.
But for now, they had this stolen moment in a fast food restaurant, a shy smile on her face as she took her first bite of a steak sandwich.
This was a first for her, and he was glad he could share this experience with her.
"You like it?" he asked, his voice just above a whisper.
Mia nodded eagerly as she ate some more. “Oh my goodness!” she said between bites. “It’s so good!”
Jax watched her, mesmerized by her enthusiasm. It was contagious, making him want to taste the sandwich himself. He picked up a fry from their shared platter and brought it to his lips, suddenly aware that he was ravenous. He devoured the crispy snack with a hunger that he recognized as more than just for sustenance.
“I love the dips too,” said Mia, helping herself to everything. “I think it’s safe to say my appetite has come back.” She paused. “You know, Chad never let me eat much. Said I couldn’t get fat or the customers would ask for their money back.” She frowned, seemingly lost in the memory.
Jax swallowed hard, trying to hold back the emotions that threatened to spill over. He knew he had to be strong for her, and for both of them. He placed a comforting hand on her back and squeezed it gently. "We're in this together, Mia. No one can take that away from you again."
Mia looked up at him, her eyes filled with both gratitude and sadness. She took a deep breath and wrapped her hand around Jax's fingers. "You're the only one who’s ever made me feel safe," she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Well, apart from Savannah.”
Jax's heart ached for her, but he knew he had to be strong. He gave her a reassuring smile. "We'll find you a life where you can be safe and happy. And I'll make sure no one ever hurts you again." He smiled. “Plus, you’ll be seeing Savannah again real soon. I promise.”
“How long are we doing this, then?” asked Mia. “Lying low?”
Jax considered this. “I think we should do at least a week. Give your enemies time to lose interest and stop sniffing around. If they don’t find you within a week, something tells me they’ll be replacing you with the next girl. They’re all about business, after all.”
“But . . . will I ever be safe going back to Chicago? What if I run into one of them on the street, or at the grocery store, or whatever?”
Jax's brows furrowed in thought as he took a moment to contemplate Mia's concerns. He knew that going back to Chicago would always pose a risk, especially with the shadows of her past haunting her every step. But he also understood that running away forever wasn't a solution either.
Leaning in closer, Jax locked eyes with Mia, his gaze unwavering. "We'll figure it out, Mia. Together. I won't let anyone harm you ever again." His voice was firm, laced with determination.
Mia nodded slowly, a mix of fear and hope swirling in her eyes. She trusted Jax more than she had ever trusted anyone before, and that trust gave her a glimmer of courage she hadn't known she possessed.
As they finished their meal, their conversation shifted to lighter topics, exchanging stories and jokes, their laughter mingling with the background chatter of the fast-food joint. Mia's laughter was like music to Jax's ears, easing the tension coiling inside him.
Finally, when they’d finished their food, and Mia had eaten as much as she could manage without bursting, they left the restaurant, stepping onto the quaint streets of Bloomington in the warm glow of the early evening sunlight.
"Jax, I don't want to leave yet," Mia said suddenly, stopping in her tracks and looking up at him with pleading eyes. "I haven't felt this alive in years. And this . . . normal. Can we stay in Bloomington just a little longer?"
Jax hesitated, knowing that lingering in one place for too long could be dangerous. "Mia, I love being here with you, but I think it’s for the best if we keep moving. If there’s a chance that anyone saw us here today . . .”
He trailed off, seeing the sadness in Mia’s eyes.
“I just want to feel like I can stop and take a breath for a while. You know?” she said sadly.
“Well, staying in a hotel is risky. We'd have to give personal information, and there could be surveillance."
"Isn't there another way?" she asked, her voice tinged with desperation.
As they rounded the corner, a weathered sign caught Jax's eye. Faded letters spelled out "Bloomington Books" above the entrance to an old, seemingly abandoned bookstore. Intrigued, he tugged gently on Mia's hand, leading her toward the building.
"Maybe there's an alternative," he murmured, his curious gaze scanning the storefront. "We could explore this place, see if it's safe enough to spend the night."
"An abandoned bookstore?" Mia's initial skepticism gave way to a gleam of excitement. "That actually sounds . . . perfect." She smirked. “And definitely very, very punk.”
Jax pushed open the creaky door, revealing darkness within. They stepped inside, the scent of musty paper and forgotten stories enveloping them. As their eyes adjusted to the dim light, they found themselves surrounded by towering shelves filled with dusty volumes, evidence of what must have been a once-thriving literary haven.
"Let's make sure the coast is clear," Jax whispered, leading Mia through the shadowy aisles. He felt a thrill of excitement at their daring adventure.
"Okay," Mia agreed, her eyes wide with wonder as they moved deeper into the bookstore.
"Look at all these," Mia breathed, her voice barely louder than a whisper, as if she were afraid to disturb the solemn hush that enveloped them. She trailed her own fingertips across the book spines, lingering over titles that caught her eye.
Jax felt his heart swell as he watched the wonder in her eyes. He knew how much literature meant to her, and it filled him with happiness to be able to share this moment. "This place is amazing," he agreed, his voice low and reverent.
As they wandered the aisles, Mia's eyes lit up when she stumbled upon a cozy kids’ reading corner tucked away in the back. Surrounded by shelves full of children's classics, the area boasted plush cushions and warm blankets strewn about the floor. "Oh, Jax, look!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.
"Wow," he murmured, following her gaze to the inviting nook. "It's perfect."
Mia sank down onto the cushions, her face alight with joy. "I could stay here forever."
Jax grinned, lowering himself next to her. "You know, we might just have to."
They sat in silence for a while, but Jax felt like his heart was pounding so loud Mia would hear it. “I’m just gonna look for some candles,” he said. “You relax here. Have a little play.”
“Play?” asked Mia, incredulous. “I’m going to read .”
Jax chuckled. “As long as you read playfully .”
Mia picked up some children’s books, reading pages from them aloud and giggling, while Jax searched in various dusty dresser drawers until finally, he found an old gas lantern. “Even better than a candle,” he said.
Mia laughed. “Seriously? What’s that doing in a bookstore?”
Jax pointed at a crate of food and cooking utensils. “We aren’t the first folks who squatted here.” He returned to Mia’s side. “Don’t worry, though. Looks like it was a bunch of hippy students. There was a sign on the crate saying, ‘So long, suckers!’”
Mia shook her head. “That’s ridiculous.”
Jax turned on the lantern and the whole place felt much cozier straight away. He even found an old record player in the corner of the store and put on an old jazz record, then he sat on a cushion beside Mia.
"Tell me something, Jax," she said, her voice soft and full of trust. "What's your favorite book?"
" 1984 ," he answered without hesitation. "I've always been drawn to stories about fighting against oppressive systems."
Mia nodded thoughtfully, her green eyes searching his face. "Is that anything to do with Chloe’s death?”
“Sure is,” replied Jax. “Chloe was taken down by a bunch of traffickers.” He paused. “In fact, I’m pretty sure it was the same group of guys who took you.”
Mia looked wary. “So . . . this rescue mission. Are you saving me because you couldn’t save her? Am I some kind of stand-in for Chloe?” She paused. “I’m sorry. That sounded so harsh. I’m just . . . I guess I hoped you like me for me, Jax. Not because I remind you of . . . her.”
Jax took Mia’s hand. “You’re nothing like my sister,” he told her. “Seriously. Not a bit.”
Mia looked down at the floor. “Oh. Right.”
“Look at me, Mia,” Jax urged her softly. “You’re amazing. You’re the bravest, fiercest young woman I ever met. And even after everything you’ve been through, you still have fight and passion in you. And a love for good books. You seriously impress me.”
And turn me on .
“What about Chloe? What was she like?” asked Mia, looking into Jax’s eyes now.
Jax sighed. “Chloe was young and lost. Our parents died when we were young, and my brothers and I had to bring her up. But while my brothers and I went on to find our purpose, our mission, Chloe took longer to find herself after our mum and dad died. In the end, she ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time, and her life was cut short. Not her fault, and not mine, but me and my brothers blamed ourselves for it. We set up Paladin Security, vowing to never let another vulnerable woman slip through the net again." He paused. “Then we realized just how fucked the system is. From the lowlife scumbags on the streets right up to the corrupt politicians. It’s a damn mess, Mia. But we’re going to sort it out, one asshole at a time. We’re gonna clear up the city if it breaks us.”
Mia let out a small sound of distress as she squeezed Jax's hand. "I'm so sorry, Jax. For everything you've been through."
He nodded, understanding the pain she felt for him.
Jax continued to hold her hand, his eyes fixed on the flickering light of the gas lantern. "Don't be," he replied softly. "We've all suffered. We’ve all been hurt, but that's what makes us strong. We don't need to save each other, Mia. We're already saving ourselves."
Mia looked up at him, her eyes glistening in the dim light. Her voice was barely audible as she spoke, "Jax, I want you to know something too."
He leaned in, his gaze never leaving hers. "Yeah?"
"I trust you," she whispered. "I trust you with my life."
Jax was silent for a moment, taking in the weight of her words. "Thank you, Mia," he said, his voice just as quiet. "I'll never betray that trust."
She nodded, her fingers intertwining with his.
Jax pulled Mia closer, his heart swelling with affection. "You know, Mia," he murmured, the softness in his voice barely audible. “I like you. A lot.”
Mia's breath hitched, her eyes wide with surprise. Her lips parted, but no words came out.
Jax hesitated for a moment, his fingers brushing against her warm hair. “Mia,” he murmured. “I want to kiss you.”
“Go ahead,” she whispered.
That was the green light he needed. Swiftly but gently, his lips grazed hers, slow and tender at first, waiting to see if she’d flinch, or reciprocate. Thankfully, she kissed him back, so his kiss became harder, deeper. He slid his tongue between her lips and then the kiss became passion-filled and desperate, as if they were trying to drink each other in, to become one in that moment.
"Mmm,” Mia moaned, pressing her body against his. He wanted her so, so badly, but he needed her to slow down. To make sure that they were acting with clear heads. That she wasn’t going to let him do anything to her that she’d later regret.
“Baby,” he murmured against her mouth, “not so fast. You’re getting me too turned on.”
“That’s the idea,” she said mischievously. Then, broke off from the kiss and got up from her beanbag, shimmying closer to him, swaying her hips and swaying her hips seductively to an imaginary beat. Her movements were fluid and enticing, and it took all of Jax's self-control not to reach out and touch her.
As she danced closer and sexier toward him, Jax felt a growing sense of unease. He wanted Mia—that much was clear—but he didn't want her to perform for him. He wanted something real, something meaningful. And he knew she deserved that, too.
"Stop," he commanded, his voice firm yet gentle. Mia halted mid-move, looking at him with a mixture of confusion and hurt.
"Did I do something wrong?" she asked, biting her lip.
"No," he reassured her, patting his lap, and gesturing for her to sit down on it. The feeling of her ass on him sent electricity jolting around his center. "But I don't want your old stripper moves, Mia. I want the real you, the woman who loves literature and has a mind and body of her own. That's who I'm interested in."
Tears sprung to her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m an idiot.”
“Shit, no,” said Jax. “You’re not at all. You’re fucking awesome. And what you were doing just then was very, very sexy. You’re very sexy. But I’m a Daddy Dom, remember? I get to decide when it’s okay to initiate a sexual encounter. I make those decisions based on what I think will keep both of us safe and satisfied.” He spoke as gently as he could, but he knew he was getting his words tangled up. he was so used to talking to people online, behind the protective cloak of a screen, where he could write and erase and rewrite his words however much he wanted. In real life, his words felt clumsy and buffoonish.
“I feel so silly,” said Mia.
Jax hated seeing Mia look so ashamed. He hadn’t meant to make her feel that way at all. “Hey,” he told her. “You have literally nothing to feel bad about. I just feel like I could kill that Chad guy for what he did to you, and seeing you dance like that just now . . . I know that it was a show. It was for other people. I want you to be the one who’s getting entertained. I want people to work hard to get you aroused. To make you feel damn special.”
“I do feel special when I’m with you.”
Just then, an idea hit Jax. He knew that Mia was a sub and that she’d asked about this before, so it was worth a try. “You know,” he said, “what you did back there, trying to turn Daddy on to get him to fuck you . . . that was kinda naughty.”
Her eyes widened, and for a moment, vulnerability flickered across her face. Then, with a playful smirk, she asked, "Does this mean you're going to spank me for being naughty, Daddy?"
Jax couldn't help but chuckle. "Is that what you want, little one?"
She nodded eagerly, her eyes filled with anticipation. Guiding her to a nearby bookshelf, Jax positioned her so that she was leaning over it, her curvaceous ass exposed.
“Pick a safeword,” he urged her firmly.
“Uh . . . Mowgli"?” she asked unsurely.
“Perfect. You utter that word even once, babygirl, and this whole thing shuts down immediately. If all you want is to be held, cherished, and coddled, I’ll do that right now. But otherwise, that comes after.”
“No,” she said insistently. “I want this. I think I actually . . . need this.”
"Remember," he said softly, "this is because I care about you. I want to help you let out some of the shit you’ve been through. You're safe with me."
Mia's breath hitched as Jax delivered the first smack, his hand making contact with her flesh in a firm but caring manner. She let out a small moan, and Jax felt a surge of protectiveness and desire course through him.
He meted out another and another, and each time Mia’s cries grew louder. But she didn’t use her safeword.
The last stinging slap echoed through the dusty bookstore, and Mia let out a deep, shuddering breath. Her body trembled, and Jax could see that something inside her had shifted, broken open to release years of pent-up pain. As tears streamed down her cheeks, he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her in a protective embrace.
"Shh," he murmured into her hair as she sobbed against his chest. "I've got you, little one. You're safe with me. I’m here for you." For as long as you want.”
He held her tightly, feeling the weight of her past abuses and the strength of her spirit. It humbled him, this trust she placed in him, and he vowed to never betray it. As her crying subsided, her eyes met his, raw and vulnerable but also filled with gratitude.
"Thank you, Daddy," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
"Anytime, Mia," he replied softly, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.
Jax led her to the cozy reading corner they’d discovered earlier, its soft cushions and blankets beckoning them to seek solace within. He helped her settle onto the makeshift bed, tucking the warm blankets around her as their bodies pressed close together.
"Better?" he asked, concern lacing his words as he traced gentle circles on her arm.
"Much better," she sighed, a small smile playing on her lips. "I feel . . . lighter, somehow."
"Sometimes we need to let go of the past to make room for the future," Jax said, his gaze locked with hers. "You're strong, Mia. And you deserve happiness."
The soft glow of the moon filtered through the dusty windows, casting an ethereal light upon the sea of books that surrounded Jax and Mia as they lay entwined in the cozy reading corner.
"Jax . . . " She hesitated. “Will you kiss me again?”
He leaned forward, capturing her lips in a tender kiss.
"Thank you," Mia whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I've never felt so . . . cared for."
Jax's heart swelled with pride at her words, knowing that he had played a part in making her feel safe and cherished. He brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, marveling at the trust that shone in her eyes.
"Always, princess," he murmured, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on her arm. "I'll always be here for you."
Mia hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Jax, I . . . I want to ask you something."
"Sure, what is it?" he replied, his gaze never leaving hers.
“Are you attracted to me? Like, do you actually want to be sexual with me?”
Jax's heart pounded in his chest, excitement, and responsibility mingling together within him. “You can feel for yourself if you like.”
She frowned, puzzled, but then he gently guided her hand down to the thick bulge in his pants and she gasped. “Ah. So you do like me like that.”
“I like you like that more than you could know, sweetheart. And if you want me to be with you, intimately, if you feel ready for that step, then we’ll do it. Soon. But not before we’ve properly dictated our boundaries.”
She swallowed loudly. "Good, because I think . . . I'd like to explore being your Little, with you as my Daddy Dom."
His heart practically exploded at hearing this.
"Are you sure, Mia?" he asked gently, wanting to give her every opportunity to change her mind if she needed to. “You’re vulnerable, and you’ve been through so much—”
Her green eyes met his, shining with determination. "Yes, I'm sure. I want this, Jax. I want a healthy sexual relationship for the first time in my life. I want to submit and be dominated, not be the one having to perform for someone all the time."
"Then I promise you, Mia, I will do everything in my power to be the best Daddy Dom I can be. We'll take this journey together, at whatever pace you're comfortable with." He leaned down to kiss her softly, sealing their pact with the tender meeting of their lips. “And I promise you, when I fuck you, it’ll be all about you, sweetheart. You’ll experience pleasure like nothing else.”
"Then it's settled," Mia whispered, her voice full of hope as she snuggled closer to him. "You're my Daddy Dom. And soon, you’re going to fuck my brains out."
Jax chuckled. “One step at a time, little one. One step at a time.”
Jax held Mia tight, his cock straining painfully in his pants, knowing that he’d be happy to wait as long as it took for Mia to be ready for him. Because once they started, he was going to blow her fucking mind.
“Goodnight, Daddy,” said Mia with a yawn. And with that, she fell asleep, and the night encompassed them both, the darkness hiding the secrets they shared, and the adventures yet to come.