35. Jack
JACK
I’ve never truly wanted to kill anyone until today. I’ve done some awful things in my life, but it was always out of necessity, never because I wanted to do it.
Who do they think they are? I can’t believe this is what Jessi has been dealing with at home. The ridicule. The pettiness. The taunts. She’s stronger than anyone I know.
I veer onto a back road and cut the engine. Jessi’s sobs reverberate against my back. I sigh. I should have reacted differently. But when they said that she fucked Tanner, I saw red. I knew then and there that I would kill anyone who touched her. I want to be the only cock she takes. Ever.
“I’m so sorry,” she says, breaking the silence.
“I’m so sorry. I knew I would end up getting you in trouble.
I understand if you don’t want me to stay with you anymore.
I don’t want you to get into any trouble with my dad or the club.
” Her sobs turn into chokes and coughs. “I swear I didn’t sleep with Tanner.
That night I went out with him, we ran into David and Austin at another MC.
They got into a pissing contest over me.
It was a huge turn-off, and I saw exactly who Tanner was, and that you were right. I had him bring me home.”
All my anger sizzles away. In this moment, all I want is to make Jessi stop crying. Stop hurting.
I jump off and remove her helmet before grabbing her in a hug.
“Stop saying you’re sorry. You did nothing wrong.
I won’t get into trouble for having you stay with me.
You’re nineteen. There’s nothing wrong with that—well, legally anyway.
I can handle your dad being mad, or whatever Shannon would do if she found out.
But there isn’t anything they can do either.
You can make your own choices, Jessi.” I cup her face in my hands and gaze into her bloodshot eyes that somehow still manage to mesmerize me.
“You’re not going home, you hear me? I have dealt with much worse than those fuckboys.
There’s nothing they can do to me. Mike will sort it out with Tim, and if they come near you again, I’ll kill them. ”
“What about Tim? Does he think I’m a snitch?” Her body shakes in my hands.
“No, emotions were high. I’m sure it was hard for him to follow since he doesn’t know anything. I would never let anyone hurt you or think badly of you. You’re safe with me.”
I dash away several strands of hair stuck to her face.
Then I cradle her neck in my hands and brush my thumbs across her cheeks to wipe away her tears.
“As a matter of fact, I love you being in my home. If you want to go back to your dad’s when he comes back, I’ll support you, but I won’t like it.
You can stay with me as long as you want.
I like you staying. I’m happier with you there.
My home is yours. And god damn, I hope you stay. ”
She sniffles, but I get a smile. Thank fuck. Even when she’s crying she’s gorgeous.
“Are you sure?” Jessi says. “I feel so bad about all of this. If I hadn’t come over that night, you wouldn’t be dealing with any of this.”
“Dammit. None of this is your fault. Don’t feel bad and don’t blame yourself. If you hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have bomb-ass meals in my freezer, a movie buddy, or home-cooked dinners. I think I have the better end of the deal.”
I grab her again and clutch her to my chest. The urge to kiss her and make love to her on this bike gnaws at me, but now isn’t the time.
I have enough self-discipline to know that.
She needs me to be here for her, and I’ll be damned if that’s not exactly what I’m going to do, for as long as she’ll let me.