Chapter 12 – Jaxon
I gripped the steering wheel a little tighter than necessary, my knuckles white against the leather as I focused on the road ahead. The silence in the car wasn’t awkward exactly, but it wasn’t comfortable either. Not for me, at least.
Madeline sat beside me, her legs crossed casually, her foot bouncing slightly in time with the low hum of the radio. She’d changed into something more relaxed — black shorts that showed off way too much of her legs and a fitted tank top that clung to her curves in a way that made my mouth go dry.
It was casual, understated even, but fuck if it didn’t hit harder than the dress she’d been wearing earlier. There was something about the simplicity of it that made it worse. It wasn’t designed to grab attention, but it sure as hell had mine.
I tried to keep my eyes on the road, but my gaze betrayed me, flicking to her every few seconds — her bare legs, the faint curve of her collarbone, the way her hair framed her face as she stared out the window.
Then there was her scent.
Even after the club, she still smelled clean and warm, something faintly sweet but grounded. It wasn’t overpowering, but it was enough to make me hyper-aware of her proximity, enough to stir something low in my gut.
I forced my gaze back to the road, my grip on the wheel tightening. This wasn’t the time to lose focus, not when she was clearly in danger and relying on me to keep her safe. But fuck, it was hard to ignore her when she was sitting there like that, completely unaware of the chaos she was causing in my head.
“Everything okay?” Her voice broke through my thoughts, soft but curious.
I cleared my throat, keeping my tone neutral. “Yeah. Why?”
Madeline shifted in her seat, crossing one leg over the other, and I swore it was the loudest sound I’d ever heard. The faint rustle of fabric, the subtle stretch of her skin catching the dim light of the dashboard — it was fucking torture.
She shrugged, her gaze sliding over to me with that infuriating mix of curiosity and amusement. “Are you always like this, or is it just me?”
My jaw ticked, and I gripped the wheel harder, focusing on the empty road ahead. “It’s not you,” I said simply, though my voice came out lower, rougher than I intended.
She laughed softly, a sound that felt like it reached inside me and pulled at something primal. “You look like you’re ready to snap that steering wheel in half.”
I flicked my gaze toward her briefly, catching the slight curve of her smirk before I forced myself to look away. “Just making sure we get where we’re going in one piece,” I said, my tone clipped, though I didn’t mean it to be.
Her smirk widened, and she leaned back in her seat, completely at ease. “You know, you could try relaxing. I promise I’m not going to cause any trouble right now.”
The “right now” hung in the air like a tease, and my grip on the wheel tightened even more. “Not causing trouble isn’t exactly your strong suit, Scout.”
She tilted her head, her grin turning mischievous. “Oh, come on. Don’t tell me you’re always this uptight. Do you even know how to have fun?”
Fun. That was the last thing on my mind when every part of me was hyper-aware of her sitting just inches away. The warmth of her body radiated across the space between us, her scent curling around me like a trap I couldn’t escape.
Even the casual way she was sitting — legs crossed, one foot bouncing slightly, her fingers brushing absentmindedly against her bare thigh — was enough to make my blood run hot.
I clenched my jaw, trying not to let her words get under my skin — or let her see just how badly she was affecting me. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, and she tilted her head, studying me like she was trying to figure out how far she could push.
She shifted again, crossing her legs the other way, and the movement drew my attention despite myself. The hem of her shorts slid up just slightly, exposing more of her smooth, toned thigh, and I felt a surge of heat that went straight to my cock.
My erection pressed uncomfortably against the fabric of my work pants, and I shifted in my seat, subtly adjusting myself as I gripped the wheel tighter.
Get it together, Jax.
I focused on the road, forcing myself to stare straight ahead, but it was impossible to ignore the way her scent filled the car or the soft rustle of her movement beside me.
Every shift of her legs, every casual brush of her fingers against her bare skin, sent another jolt of heat through me, and I had to bite back a curse.
Madeline seemed blissfully unaware, her attention fixed out the window, her posture relaxed and easy. But for me, it was like being caught in a slow, torturous burn.
If only she knew.
I forced myself to stay focused on the road. The truth was, I didn’t trust myself to carry a conversation with her in this moment — not without giving away the fact that her presence, her scent, her bare legs were driving me to the brink of insanity.
This drive couldn’t end soon enough.
I pulled the car into the driveway of my apartment building, the soft purr of the engine fading into silence as I cut the ignition. The area was quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos of the Strip just a short drive away. The lights of the city still glimmered faintly in the distance, but here, it felt almost normal.
For a moment, I didn’t move, my hands resting on the steering wheel as I stared out at the street ahead. Finally, I turned to look at Madeline. She was sitting back in her seat, her arms crossed loosely, her gaze fixed on something in the middle distance. The soft glow of the streetlights spilled through the window, illuminating her profile — the curve of her jaw, the stubborn set of her lips.
“Why do you keep doing this?” I asked, my voice low but firm.
She blinked, turning her attention to me, her dark eyes narrowing slightly. “Doing what?”
“Carrying on with this story,” I said, leaning back in my seat and crossing my arms. “Even when it’s putting you in danger. Even when you know people are coming after you for it.”
Her expression hardened, and she shifted to face me fully. “Because it matters,” she said simply.
“That’s not good enough,” I replied, my tone sharper than I intended. “You’re risking your safety — hell, your life — for what? A headline?”
“It’s not just a headline,” she snapped, her voice rising. “People deserve to know what’s going on behind closed doors. That’s what I do — I find the truth and tell it.”
Her conviction was admirable, I’d give her that, but it didn’t make her actions any less reckless.
“And what about the people you’re pulling into this?” I countered. “The ones who have no idea what you’re doing or why? Like Quinn. You think she deserves to get dragged into something she doesn’t even know is happening?”
She flinched, her defiance faltering for a moment before she squared her shoulders. “I’m not dragging anyone into anything.”
“Bullshit,” I said bluntly. “You’re becoming friends with her, hanging out at the club, and you think that’s not going to affect her if this blows up? People like the ones leaving you those notes don’t care who gets caught in the crossfire, Madeline. If they think Quinn knows something, they’ll go after her too.”
Her lips parted, but no words came out. I could see the guilt flicker across her face, the weight of my words settling in.
“She deserves to know,” I said after a moment, softening my tone. “You’re putting her at risk by keeping her in the dark. And if she finds out later that you’ve been lying to her this whole time, that’s going to hurt her even more.”
Madeline exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. “You think I don’t know that?” she said quietly. “You think I don’t feel like the worst person in the world for keeping things from her? I didn’t plan for any of this. I didn’t plan to make friends or… or care about anyone here. I just wanted to do my job.”
Her voice broke slightly at the end, and something in my chest tightened.
“Then do it the right way,” I said gently. “Be honest with her. If this story is that important to you, then don’t let it turn you into someone you’re not. And don’t let it put the people you care about in situations where they could potentially get hurt.”
Her gaze dropped, and for the first time since I’d met her, she looked uncertain. Vulnerable. It hit me harder than I expected.
“I’ll tell her,” she said quietly. “Soon. I promise.”
I nodded, satisfied for now, though the weight of the situation still pressed heavily on my shoulders.
As soon as we stepped into the lobby, I saw the flicker of surprise on Madeline’s face. She didn’t say anything, but her wide eyes took in the polished floors, the modern decor, and the faint scent of something expensive wafting through the air.
The building wasn’t extravagant by any means, but it was definitely a step up from what I guessed she was expecting.
“What?” I asked, raising an eyebrow as we stepped toward the elevator.
She blinked, quickly masking her reaction. “Nothing. I just didn’t think…” She trailed off, her lips twitching into a small smile. “I guess I didn’t expect this.”
“This?” I repeated as the elevator doors slid open, motioning for her to step inside.
She hesitated, glancing around again. “You know. The building. It’s nice. Really nice.”
I let out a short laugh, pressing the button for my floor. “What’d you expect? A mattress on the floor and peeling wallpaper?”
“Maybe not that bad,” she said with a shrug, her tone teasing but not unkind. “I just figured… I don’t know. Something more utilitarian.”
“Because I’m a big old grizzly with a stick up his ass?”
She glanced at me, her smile softening. “Because you don’t exactly seem like the ‘luxury living’ type.”
She wasn’t wrong. The apartment wasn’t my idea — it was Declan’s. When I’d signed on to work at the club, he’d made it clear that housing near the Strip was part of the deal. At the time, I’d resisted, insisting I didn’t need the extra perks, but Declan Frost wasn’t the kind of man who took no for an answer, especially when he believed he was right.
“It’s not exactly luxury,” I said, leaning back against the elevator wall. “Just practical. Declan’s idea. He likes to make sure his people are nearby and taken care of.”
Her brows lifted slightly. “Your boss seems… thorough.”
“That’s one word for him,” I said with a smirk.
I thought back to the first time I’d met him, years ago. Declan wasn’t just a club owner; he was a strategist, a master at seeing every angle and playing the long game. He didn’t hire people lightly, and he sure as hell didn’t keep them around if they didn’t prove their worth.
When he’d brought me on, it hadn’t just been about my resume. He’d seen something in me — something I wasn’t sure I even saw in myself at the time.
“He’s not just thorough,” I said after a moment. “He’s smart. Calculated. The kind of guy who doesn’t make a move without knowing exactly how it’s going to play out.”
Madeline tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “And you? How do you fit into that?”
I shrugged, the corner of my mouth lifting in a wry smile. “I’m the guy who makes sure shit doesn’t go sideways.”
She studied me for a moment, like she was trying to piece something together. “So, you’re close?”
“Close?” I echoed, letting out a dry laugh. “Not exactly. Declan’s not the ‘buddy-buddy’ type. But we respect each other. He’s got my back, and I’ve got his. That’s enough.”
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open to my floor. I gestured for her to step out, following close behind.
When we reached the door to my apartment, I unlocked it quickly, pushing it open and stepping inside. As she walked in behind me, I saw her reaction again — the way her eyes swept over the clean lines of the living room, the dark leather couch, the minimal but intentional decor.
“You can say it,” I said, smirking as I dropped my keys on the counter. “It’s nicer than you thought it’d be.”
She rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. “Fine. It’s nicer than I thought it’d be.”
I chuckled, moving to the kitchen to grab a couple of water bottles. As I handed one to her, I caught the faintest smile on her lips.
“Declan’s influence again?” she asked, taking the bottle.
“Yeah,” I admitted. “He’s got a habit of making sure his people have what they need, whether they like it or not.”
She nodded, her expression thoughtful as she took a sip of water. For a moment, the tension between us seemed to ease, replaced by something quieter, something almost… easy.
I cleared my throat, pushing off the counter. “There’s a spare room down the hall,” I said, gesturing toward the hallway. “It’s set up for guests. You can use that while you’re here.”
She blinked, clearly surprised. “You have a guest room?”
I smirked. “What, you thought I lived like a hermit?”
Her lips quirked into a small smile, but it faded quickly as she glanced toward the hallway. “I don’t want to put you out,” she said, her voice soft. “I can just crash on the couch or—”
“Scout,” I cut her off gently but firmly. “It’s a guest room. It’s meant to be used. It’s got everything you’ll need — fresh sheets, toiletries, all that. If there’s anything else you’re missing, let me know, and I’ll make sure you have it tomorrow.”
She hesitated, looking torn, and that hesitation did something to me. It wasn’t the uncertainty itself — it was the way it softened her usual sharp edges. The way it made her look almost vulnerable, like she wasn’t entirely sure she deserved to accept what I was offering.
“Okay. Thanks,” she said finally, her voice quiet but sincere.
I nodded, but my focus lingered on her, watching as she shifted her weight. She was clutching the water bottle in both hands, her grip just a little too tight, as if she needed something solid to hold onto.
“You’re safe here,” I said, my tone softening despite myself. “No one’s getting through that door without me knowing about it.”
Her eyes met mine then, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. There was something in her gaze — something vulnerable and guarded all at once, like she wanted to believe me but wasn’t sure if she could.
I wasn’t sure when she’d managed to get to me this way, but the fact that she was here, standing in my apartment, trusting me to keep her safe… it made me feel something I hadn’t felt in a long time.
Protective.
And not just because it was my job.
I’d been in this line of work long enough to know when someone was keeping secrets, and Madeline had more than her fair share. But those secrets weren’t enough to make me want to push her away. If anything, they pulled me in deeper, made me want to figure out what made her tick, what made her fight so damn hard even when the odds were stacked against her.
She nodded again, her gaze dropping as she murmured, “Good night,” and stepped toward the hallway.
I watched her disappear into the guest room, the door clicking softly behind her. Only then did I let out a slow breath, running a hand over my face. This wasn’t how I’d planned to spend my night, but now that she was here, I knew one thing for sure.
I’d do whatever it took to make sure nothing happened to her again.