Eight
The morning after, everyone pitched in tidying up the mess we had created. The entire ground floor of the house reeked of weed and garlic, so we had to open all the windows.
Melody and Chris were still overly playful with each other, even now they were both sober; it was nice to see. It didn’t surprise me that Jaxon and I had again moved back a step. He wasn’t mean to me, but he had readopted his usual stand-offish self.
When Melody had left, Jaxon handed me my article back, stating that he had read it and found it thought-provoking. He suggested a couple of changes which I agreed on. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that he must have given the piece his full attention to have picked up on two repetitive sentences I had drafted in error.
Dominic eventually messaged to confirm that he wouldn’t be back for the wedding, which I found more than a little inconvenient. We were all invited to the evening party and I didn’t want to take a taxi by myself. The thought of going with Daisy and Marcus made me feel like a loser. Jaxon and Chris had also been invited but Chris was away that week. Something to do with a Conference run by the NHS which provided medical students with an intro into what to expect during the first few weeks of their course.
I toyed with the idea of asking Jaxon to take me. Would he get the wrong idea, like I was asking him to be my plus one? Throwing myself at him again!
I decided to go for it but would make certain he knew I was only asking for a lift due to Dominic not being able to go. I didn’t want to increase his ego any further, he already knew that I fancied him like mad.
I caught him as he was on the way up to his room. I kept it casual, explaining that Dominic couldn’t take me and wondered if he minded if I caught a lift .
“I’ll take you to the wedding, no problem,” Jaxon replied. There was a stony edge to his tone; like he was mildly offended. Had I made him feel like second best?
A day or so later when Daisy and Marcus came back from my auntie and uncles, we were standing in the kitchen talking with Chris. Mum was nervous about the results of the fertility tests she and Marcus were waiting for. As a future medical student, Chris was all ears.
Whilst we chatted, I was sitting at the kitchen counter speaking to Marcus about my article when Jaxon strode into the kitchen. He looked amazing, dressed in smart jeans and a dove grey shirt. I surveyed him from beneath my lashes with mounting fascination, admiring his broad shoulders encased in the finest cotton. His bold profile was silhouetted against the light. His masculinity had never been so well pronounced in the formal clothes he was wearing. Although he’d probably look amazing in a bin bag.
“Where are you off to?” Marcus questioned, twisting from his position by the sink. Daisy and Chris had moved over to the table where he was sketching something for my mother. Goodness knew what? The reproductive system maybe?
Jaxon’s next words sent a storm of frustration through me.
“I’m meeting Molly in town,” he replied, shrugging into a crisp suit jacket. I gritted my teeth at the unwelcome response. I could smell aftershave. If he was just meeting Molly, why was he dressed so nicely? Because something was going on between them, there must have been. It felt like a smack in the face, which was ridiculous considering he wasn’t my boyfriend or anything. Jealousy roared through me in one painful surge.
Level grey eyes met my wide astonished ones as Marcus turned back to the pots and Jaxon redirected his focus. I drowned out my stepfather’s comment that Molly needed to call him about her mother’s trust. What trust? As in money? Giving my full attention to the source of my pain .
My stepbrother’s gaze bored into me and his strong jaw was clenched. It was like he was waiting for me to say something. Like what? Don’t go? Could he read the hurt in my eyes? I was just about to blurt out a forced ‘have a good time’ when he beat me to it, moving toward me with a determined expression.
As Jaxon moved past me, what he whispered in my ear ruined my entire evening.
“Don’t wait up.”
*****
The next week flew by. I submitted my article and was waiting for Jessica’s feedback. Jaxon spent most of the time at work, Chris always appeared to be in his room and Daisy and Marcus were back and forth to the clinic. We were all like ships in the night.
In confidence, my mother had explained that she had been diagnosed with secondary infertility which meant she couldn’t have any more children. Those first few days of finding out the news were sad ones, with a strained atmosphere in the house. Almost like everyone was going through their own separate bout of mourning.
“How can you miss what you never had?” my mother had said whilst she was in my room, seeking solace. I listened, and comforted her, giving her my strength and support. Daisy was now so fragile, so much so that Marcus felt she wasn’t up to the wedding and sent their apologies.
It was the start of the month, but luckily Molly didn’t come calling which was a good thing, me harbouring that secret urge to punch her in the face. I wondered what cunning feminine tricks she’d used on Jaxon to catch his eye in that way. I hadn’t been able to get the thought of her and Jaxon together from my mind for days .
The day of the wedding finally arrived and with it, two text messages. One which was welcome; the one that I’d received only hours after that first one, not so much.
The first text was from Jessica. I take it you haven’t seen this morning’s paper. Well done, your article is in print with your name beside it. Congrats! They loved it! x
I was thrilled and immediately forwarded the message to my mother. I also sent it to Jaxon with a thank you for his help. Hoping he’d message back and congratulate me. But I got nothing. Daisy replied with several emojis and a few sentences saying how proud she was. She instantly said she was going to the shops to buy loads of copies and that we could frame my first published piece and hang it in the dining room. I also messaged Dominic, who in turn, sent me a string of well-done emojis.
I had already signed consent forms when I submitted my draft and so the editorial department had the rights to print my work. Jessica said she’d email me a form which I needed to complete so they could pay me.
On cloud nine, I drew my focus back to that second text that had both shocked and excited me at the same time.
Uncertainty and intense curiosity lanced through my chest as I stared down at the message on my phone. The ID was unknown but I knew who it was.
I’d received a text from my father. How he had my number was anyone’s guess.
I need to see you. I want to explain why I left. Please reply to this message x.
As I reread the text over and over, dread surged through me like a river breaking its banks. Why now?
It couldn’t have come at a worse time; I had been in a better place, ready to enjoy my evening. We were only invited to the night party and in my opinion that was the best bit. I was ready to dance until my feet bled and was looking forward to showing off my dress, impressing Jaxon. In a look what you could have had type of way.
I drew in a cautious breath, unsure of whether to answer. My automatic confused reaction to reading those words was strange. Shouldn’t I have been happy that he’d reached out at last? He was my father.
My phone pinged and I received another text but it was from Jessica. Did your dad manage to track you down, he called the office earlier. Shit. So, the paper had given him my number not realising we were estranged. He must have seen my article in the paper which would have told him where I worked. I batted off the thought, partly annoyed that they had broken every rule of GDPR. I was an adult now and they shouldn’t have given my details out to anyone. Of course, Jessica didn’t know about my past and probably thought she was doing the right thing.
As I paced the floor of my bedroom, wrapped in only a towel, I toyed with the idea of telling my mother. She probably wouldn’t take the news too well, especially considering how delicate she was after the news that she and Marcus couldn’t conceive. The thought of hearing her crying sent a jet of panic to whoosh through my frame. What the heck?
A splintered memory of my mother and father arguing peppered my thoughts. The contact from my father suddenly felt wrong. Like really wrong .
I thought back to that time I had tried to see him at his office and how his security had marched me off the premises. Had he had a change of heart?
A sick sensation pooled in with the dread and I felt a strong need to hide, escape. Ram my hands over my ears. WTF?
Something was off.
I lowered my shaky limbs onto my dressing table chair and looked at myself in the mirror. The girl in the reflection appeared haunted; but by what? Faint memories of my parents when they were together ?
Thankfully I didn’t have time to dwell on my emotions as a fist banged on my door, making me jump, redirecting my thoughts.
“We leave in forty-five minutes—be ready—or I go without you,” Jaxon boomed from behind the barrier. I shouted my reply, stating that I’d be ready. I wasn’t one of those girls that took an age to dress and I didn’t wear much make-up anyway. My hair would take the longest time as I was going to style it in a half up half down do, and then curl the ends with my hair straighteners.
The sound of Jaxon’s door slamming pushed me into action. Forcing me to bury thoughts of my father.
After around thirty minutes and with fifteen minutes to spare, I was ready.
I admired my creation in the full-length mirror on the back of my bedroom door.
My hair had obeyed me for once and looked fantastic. The black curls were shiny and fell down my back with a top section knotted and a few tendrils kissing my face. I wore more make-up than usual, adding layers of mascara to build up my lashes. I also added a touch of blusher and painted my lips a deep red to match my outfit.
I had purchased a fitted, long red dress which was strapless, the heart-shaped neckline highlighting my breasts and leaving my throat exposed. My waist looked even smaller as the material gripped it before flaring out into a skirted section that boasted a cheeky slit. The slit ran almost to my thigh. The gold strappy sandals gave me more height and I had managed to find a clutch bag that matched the shoes perfectly. The only jewellery I wore was a slim bracelet. I really did feel like a million dollars, clichéd but so true.
I wondered fleetingly what Jaxon would think when he saw me. Excitement at surprising him bubbled in my chest. He’d never seen me in anything as elegant before as I usually lived in jeans and hoodies. The dress I had worn to Daisy and Marcus’s wedding had been quite plain as I had been rebelling at the time .
Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I took a deep breath and set off for the stairs. Holding the banister, I carefully negotiated the steps. I didn’t want to end up falling on my arse and ruining my entrance.
As I turned the corner, Jaxon was waiting at the bottom of the stairs and holy shit. He was wearing a tux and looked smoking hot. Talk about scrubbing up well, he was like a male model. The cut of his jacket had been tailored to accommodate his huge shoulders. The blood must have drained from my brain as I couldn’t think straight.
His eyes met mine, roaming over my body, drinking in my appearance and I saw from the flare in his eyes that he liked what he saw. I continued my slow journey toward him with a smile; one he half returned.
His dark hair was swept back neatly from his face with a lock or two attempting to rebel against the style. The tanned column of his throat was dark against the whiteness of his shirt. I had a sudden image of myself standing before him, tugging off the bow tie and encircling that strong neck with my fingers. My nails were also painted red and I longed to see the contrast of them against his skin.
As I came to the bottom step, we were at eye level. He couldn’t hide the way his body was responding to me and a thrill ran up my spine.
“Fuck me,” Jaxon whispered, his eyes dark with hunger. My breath quickened and a tremor ran through my body.
“Is that a good or a bad fuck me?” I questioned, staring him straight in the face. I felt beautiful and empowered, nothing he said tonight could knock my confidence.
He rubbed his nape, and I saw a flash of discomfort flash over his face. “You look stunning, you know you do. I can see I’ll have my work cut out for me tonight.”
My brow threaded. “Work?” I fielded .
Jaxon leaned forward and raised his hand, pushing a tendril of my hair behind one ear. “Keeping all the dicks who will be slavering all over you at bay.”
I raised my eyebrows, my smile widening and turning suggestive. I couldn’t help myself. I felt sexy.
“What about you?”
“Oh, I’ve factored myself in there too, believe me,” Jaxon husked. I felt that tone of voice everywhere like it had reached out and touched my skin. I snatched in a sharp breath as the atmosphere sizzled around us.
We stared into each other’s eyes for a moment longer before Jaxon turned toward the door and offered me his arm. I stepped onto the floor and threaded my hand through it. He smelled so masculine and musky with only a hint of aftershave. My heart was banging in my chest like a drum at that moment.
“Just so you know. I don’t dance. Ever,” Jaxon stated out of the blue.
“Fine,” I replied thinking we’ll see in the back of my mind.
My heels clicked against the marble as he led me out to his car. He even opened my door for me and helped me with my dress. As he smoothed the material into the foot well of his Ranger Rover, my breath caught in my throat as he purposefully slid one of his hands up my leg, from my ankle to my thigh. It was a lover’s touch and it felt amazing.
As we travelled to the venue, I couldn’t stop myself from looking at the way Jaxon’s white shirt pulled across the muscles of his arms as he drove. He had taken his jacket off and hung it in the back so as not to crease it.
There was a definite atmosphere in the car; it was thick and heavy and to distract myself from leaning over and touching his leg, I introduced some small talk. Deciding to tell him about the text from my father.
“So, can I tell you something?” I questioned, readjusting the seat belt slightly so it didn’t pinch the material of the bodice of my dress.
“Always,” Jaxon returned swiftly with a side glance .
I told him about the text from my father and gave him some background. I imagined he already knew as no doubt Daisy would have told Marcus. Jaxon came clean and explained that he’d originally believed that Daisy had been kicked out by my father for cheating, which was totally not the case. Hence his first opinion that we were gold diggers.
I was surprised as he didn’t know much at all, although he did say he’d eventually got the vibe that my dad wasn’t one of the good guys. And of course, I already knew that, remembering he’d had a temper and liked to shout a lot.
Jaxon listened and interjected at points, but he didn’t give me much advice or tell me what to do and, on that occasion, I would have preferred it. Now I’d have to decide on my own.
As we pulled through the gates where the evening celebrations were being held, Jaxon suggested I sleep on it. He said he knew that talking about my father was upsetting to me and that I needed to push it from my thoughts and enjoy my evening. And of course, I knew he was right. He also stated that whatever decision I made would be the right one, he was sure of it.
The party was being held at Whitley Hall; a five-star hotel located on the opposite side of Norwich to where we lived. It was a grand, beautiful, ivy-covered building. Very traditional inside with wood panelling and shiny marble floors. I had been to several events there.
As we pulled into the car park and Jaxon searched for a space, another smaller vehicle whipped in front of us a stole the spot he had earmarked. He cursed under his breath, his shoulders flexing as he jammed his foot on the brake. The seatbelt jolted across my shoulders and I wrenched forward, steadying myself with the flat of my hand against the dashboard.
“Sorry,” Jaxon apologised, dragging off his belt like it suddenly offended him. What on earth was he doing? “Give me a minute. ”
My brow furrowed as he shoved open the door of the car forcefully and jumped down, his body full of unleashed aggression. I then clearly saw what or should I say, who he was heading for and I didn’t fancy their chances.
I leaned half across his seat, listening intently, nervous knots dancing in my belly. We hadn’t even arrived yet and already, there was drama.
“I suggest you move your car and find another spot dickhead,” Jaxon boomed over at the lad who was in the process of getting out of his car. It was one of those boy racer types of vehicles and he fit that description perfectly.
Considering the differences in their sizes, he didn’t look scared. Foolish, foolish boy. I could only see Jaxon’s back and the smug expression of the smaller, skinnier guy over his broad shoulder.
He had the gall to shoot Jaxon a cocky expression. Talk about taking your life in your hands.
“What? I got it first. If I were you, I’d look for a bigger space mate?” the boy said, his London accent thick.
Jaxon stopped in front of him, his hands on his hips. Gosh, his bum looked nice in those trousers. I batted off the ill-timed thought. Bloodshed was looming!
“And if I were you , I’d get back in that piece of shit, and find another space.”
I took my belt off, panic in my chest of an ensuing fight; not that it would last long. “Jaxon, come on—let’s park somewhere else,” I shouted, using my hand to try and add volume; the engine of our car still running. It was a hybrid but still made some noise.
“Yeah, why don’t you listen to your wife, buddy,” the lad batted back, his brow now creased as he shot a look around Jaxon’s imposing form toward me.
“Move it dipshit, now.” There was no doubt how riled Jaxon was; and over a car parking space of all things. But then I had always known he was a hothead. The clash had nothing to do with him wanting that particular space, he just couldn’t bear the thought of someone taking something that he believed to be his.
“Why would I do that? I’m all parked now. There are tons of space,” the lad pointed out, waving his arms around. They looked like twigs compared to Jaxon’s huge, bulging biceps.
“Fine, we’ll do this the hard way,” Jaxon growled in a low, scary voice. The expression on the lad's face dropped after Jaxon took a purposeful step toward him, his hands now fisted at his sides.
“How about if you don’t shift it, I beat the shit out of all of you,” Jaxon bristled, cracking his neck from side to side.
I then realised there were four of them but the other three looked like they were about to be sick. It was comical really.
“For fucks sake, keep your hair on big-un. I’ll move it.”
Jaxon turned back toward me shouting, “Wise decision,” over his shoulder.
His eyes met mine through the open door and he shook his head and rolled his eyes as if to say fucking kids . I chuckled as he joined me and we waited for the other car to move.
“He’s right. There are other spaces you know?” I pointed out with mild amusement. Jaxon shot me a bland look.
“I know but that’s not the point. The little shit thought he’d get away with it. Nobody cuts me up.”
“Well, you certainly made your point,” I replied as I motioned towards the lad’s car as he reversed past us flipping us off with a grin. They were all back in there and smiling, amazing how their courage had now returned.
Once we had parked the car in said space, Jaxon shot around the bonnet, his eyes glued to mine through the windscreen. He looked devilishly handsome, the altercation with the boys had added fuel to that fire under the surface. Stoked the beast in him; the one that liked to roar in the face of challenge. My stepbrother really did get his rocks off on confrontation .
Jaxon then opened my door as I was gathering the folds of my dress and helped me down. Like a perfect gentleman, the opposite of the aggressive man who had been about to rough up a group of teenagers. They were dressed casually and so wouldn’t be at Mattie and Alex’s party thank goodness. I didn’t fancy Jaxon having the opportunity of getting his revenge for that rude finger gesture. Mattie had purposefully stated in the invite that guests were to wear black tie; hence my overly fancy attire and Jaxon’s tux.
As we walked into the hotel, the sound of music hit my ears. They must have hired a band and it added to that party-like atmosphere. The melody was unique and miles apart from those disco do’s you attended that still played I am the Music Man, Jive Bunny, and the Birdie Song! Perrish the thought!
The ballroom was located at the back of the hotel and it had been decorated beautifully. There were circular tables which surrounded the dancefloor which was currently lit up by stars. The pattern was caused by lights on the ceiling and a variety of ballgown-wearing dancers.
The party was in full flow. We approached Mattie who drew me in for a hug and then shook hands with Jaxon.
“Welcome. So glad you made it. Alex’s is around here somewhere, although I warn you, we’re both already smashed,” he confessed, his cheeks bright pink. Jaxon chuckled from beside me.
“And why not? It’s your big day after all!” I replied, handing him the card from my bag. He took it with a thank you.
Looking back and forth between us Mattie explained with a cheeky grin, “So, I’m surprised you two came together after what Amy told me.”
We both attempted to put him right by speaking over each other before I addressed Jaxon, “Sorry, you go.”
His reply pleased me. “We’ve made a temporary truce. For one night only of course. ”
Mattie’s grin became meatier and he nudged me with his elbow. He looked a bit ruffled and his tie was missing. “Lucky bitch,” he whispered with a wink at Jaxon.
I felt Jaxon shuffle uncomfortably beside me but he managed to crack a smile.
Mattie then danced off with his card and Jaxon led me to the bar.
He purchased a bottle of champagne and after checking the seating plan, we walked over toward our table for the evening. No one was sitting, they were all standing around in huddles, chatting or swaying to the music. I spotted Jenna and Nixon over by the window with the baby, my Auntie and Uncle by their side.
I held up my empty champagne flute to say hi and they waved. I would go and see them later.
A frisson of heat skirted up my arm as I felt Jaxon's strong hand at my elbow, guiding me through the crowd of partygoers. He was so huge and manly by my side and I acknowledged that I was with the best-looking man in the room. So handsome. I so hoped he thought me pretty in my dress. At that thought I realised how amazing my about-face was in respect of Jaxon. Having spent such a long time disliking him and not caring what he thought, now it appeared that’s all I cared about. I blamed Jenna.
We came to stand by our table and I placed the glass and my bag down. Jaxon opened and poured champagne into our two glasses as our friends and my family surrounded us.
Boyd McKenna was there with what I assumed was his date. She was looking up at him in awe, totally love-struck. Poor girl. Amy and Mason appeared from around the speaker; Amy admiring my dress and I hers. She looked stunning, draped in purple lace and I noticed Mason's dicky bow matched that shade perfectly. Very co-ordinated which was a surprise considering how different their opinions had been in the past. To think Amy and Mason had been at war since they were children; they now looked as tight as a loved-up couple could .
“Fuck me, Wynter. That dress is—amazing. It would look better on my bedroom floor of course,” Boyd cut in with a saucy wink. A smile accompanied my eye roll. The eye roll was for Boyd, the smile for his date; poor girl.
Boyd McKenna was a handsome guy but very much a player. He had made Jenna’s life a living hell when she had first moved in with Nixon at Lamb Hill Farm. Amy had explained that she and Jenna saw Boyd as a brother now and I was pleased for them. I took a glance across the ballroom at Jenna, my God, she was stunning. You couldn’t be mean to someone like Jenna Taylor-Joy for long; she was the sweetest, most beautiful girl I had ever known. All my male friends used to fancy her.
“Does that shit ever work? That’s like a dodgy chat-up line from the 70’s,” Nixon drawled, appearing in between his two younger brothers. He was still scary to look at; very handsome but he carried that edge of danger and threat.
“Well, you’d know old man,” Jaxon boomed with a bark of laughter. I knew from Jenna that Nixon had turned thirty and was a bit on the touchy side about his age.
“Up yours, you cocky little sod,” Nixon batted back as they fist-bumped. “You look stunning Wynter.” Even his compliment was forceful. There was nothing soft about the man; Jenna was his softness I imagined. They’d even each other out.
With a twist to his lips, Boyd nudged his date so hard that some of her drink sploshed out.
“To be honest, I’ve never needed to resort to lines. Once they see the good stuff, they’re all over me like flies.” Boyd boasted. He said it in a jokey way but you could tell his date wasn’t amused.
“Flies buzz around other substances too Boyd,” Amy added, giving her boyfriend Mason a playful smirk. He chuckled as did Nixon and Jaxon .
“Don’t you start,” Boyd replied. “It’s not my fault that you chose the wrong brother. When you finally come to your senses, let me know.” He stated arrogantly, flashing a cocksure smile at Mason.
“Alright dickhead,” Mason grunted. “You be waiting a long motherfucking time,” he volleyed back, wrapping an arm around Amy’s small waist and drawing her to his side.
The girl with Boyd necked her drink and stormed off.
“Oops,” Boyd blurted pulling a face.
“Another one bites the dust,” Mason whispered under his breath as we all watched her go with varying expressions.
Boyd drained the pint in his hand before slamming it on our table next to my bag. “Fuck it. She’s been way too clingy and I only brought her as a favour to her brother,” he moaned, totally unbothered that she had just stropped off.
“Someone won’t be getting any tonight,” Amy joked with a twist to her lips.
Boyd grimaced and slapped a hand against his head as if he hadn’t thought that far before recovering. “There’s plenty more fish in the sea. Isn’t that right Jaxon?”
“Whatever you say, buddy,” Jaxon replied as he took a drink from his glass. It was spoken in one of those tones you used to placate someone.
We were side by side but I could feel Jaxon’s eyes on me.
Clearing his throat Boyd questioned, “So are you two—” Gesturing between us with a wave of his finger and narrowed eyes.
“—No,” I replied firmly before Jaxon could say anything smutty. I felt him shuffle on his feet and say something to Nixon but missed it.
Boyd puffed out his chest. “Well, since you’re free and single Wynter. Would you like to dance?” he suggested, getting in my space, and holding out his hand. There was a moment’s quiet where everyone exchanged glances but no one said anything and I couldn’t exactly refuse so I slipped my fingers into his .
Jaxon again moved from one foot to the other, the action suggesting he was agitated. Boyd then turned me towards the dance floor but was interrupted by Jaxon’s hand on his shoulder.
“Keep your hands where I can see them. Otherwise, we’re going to have a problem.”
“You sound jealous?” Boyd taunted. He was blatantly provoking. It was playful but from Jaxon’s expression; the bigger man didn’t take it that way.
My stepbrother's eyes narrowed dangerously. “How could I be jealous of you shithead. You only bench one hundred and fifty. So nope, no jealousy here sunshine,” he stated arrogantly, suddenly like a cauldron of volatile emotion.
“Bullshit,” Boyd coughed into his free hand, casting me a wink. I smiled warmly as he was so annoying but in a boyish light way. I also quite liked the fact that there was a person who dared take the piss of Jaxon Savage.
Boyd’s grin then became much meatier as he continued to poke the beast.
“You warning me as a brother or a potential lover?” Boyd questioned, sliding his shoulder out from under Jaxon’s impression of the Vulcan Neck Grip. I could see the others behind my stepbrother, straining to hear above the music and noisy chatter of the guests. Nixon had an exasperated look and his eyes were tired. New baby and all that.
“Pick one, either way, the message is the same. You touch her, you die,” His voice became much sterner at the end. Talk about territorial, I half expected him to lift his leg and pee on me. From those last words, I realised that he had been offended by my accepting Amy’s lift that day from the hospital. That’s why he’d been in a mood when he arrived home. FFS! Men! They say one thing yet mean another. I needed to remember that. The fact that he was acting so possessively warmed my insides.
Boyd cleared his throat and shot a grin before sobering and replying, “Message understood. I’ll just keep her warm for you.” He then twirled me away onto the dance floor, his hands moving to my hips .
I could see Jaxon over Boyd’s shoulder. He had now lowered himself into a seat at our table with Mason and Amy. Nixon too had turned a chair around and straddled it backwards and they all appeared to be chatting. Jaxon looked jealous, it oozing from him and I fucking loved it!
“So—you and Jaxon? I can’t say I’m surprised,” Boyd chuckled into my ear. The music was a slow song and not overly loud so I heard everything he said easily enough.
“We’re not together Boyd,” I corrected him. “What would make you think that?”
“Apart from his warning, you mean? Fuck me. I’ve never seen him act like that around pussy.” Great and now I had been relegated to pussy. Marvellous.
Ignoring his offensive comment, I nodded; my arms were draped lightly around his neck. He wasn’t joking either.
“Really?”
“He can’t take his eyes off you for a start. I remember him banging on about you at the beach one time too. So, fucking obvious.”
I pursed my lips as hope swelled in my chest. Jaxon was like the biggest itch that I needed to scratch. I was still torn; my emotions having been split into two possible explanations. I lusted after my stepbrother and needed to get him out of my system or, I had genuine feelings for him. The jury was still out, but I knew I couldn’t run from it any more.
“Is he looking now?” I asked as Boyd manoeuvred us so he was again facing Jaxon over my shoulder.
“Yup. Looks like he wants to throttle me.”
We continued to dance through part of the next song until Boyd made a wicked suggestion. “Shall we fuck with him?”
“How?”
“I could grab your arse,” he said with a wolfish smile. He was so much fun, I found it hard to imagine he had a darker side. It was the same with the younger one Seth, he too was harmless. Of course, Nixon and Mason were the opposite, both members of the dark side of the force, I would say. Especially Nixon.
Before Boyd could carry out his lewd suggestion, I jumped in with, “Maybe not grab it. But I wouldn’t object to you placing your hands there. Just for experimental purposes of course.”
“You naughty girl, you play dirty,” Boyd whispered.
I didn’t have to ask twice and my tummy flipped as Boyd slowly slid his hands to curve around my satin encased bottom.
“And boom! We have lift off.” I knew by that comment that Jaxon was coming over. Boyd and I drew back as he suddenly cut in between us. My God that was fast.
“Take a hike dipshit,” he instructed with a flick of his head toward where the others were sitting; all wearing shit-eating grins of course.
Boyd held up his hands in mock surrender, before shooting me a private look. I read it immediately. Boyd believed Jaxon really did like me.
And then it was like fireworks went off in my chest as Jaxon’s hands settled on my hips and he pulled me against him. I ran my fingers up his biceps and linked them around his neck, staring up into his beautiful face. The assorted lights cast moving shadows across his skin. His jaw was jutted out at an angle; a stubborn one I would say.
“I thought you didn’t dance?” I stated, innocently enough.
“I don’t usually, but it was either that or tearing Boyd’s arms off,” Jaxon almost growled down at me. He was genuinely annoyed; I could feel it in the tense muscles of his neck.
“Why would you want to do that?” I knew I was fishing but I couldn’t help myself. Jaxon saw what I was doing and this time he wasn’t as evasive. His breath smelled of sweet champagne. It kicked off my senses and I longed to taste his lips. Feel his tongue against my own .
“Seeing him touch you pissed me off,” Jaxon informed me. His tone was now deadly serious and it caused a tingle to shoot through me.
“You do know he only did it to wind you up though right?”
“I get that. He’s a brave guy.”
“So—you admit you were jealous?”
“I admit no such thing. You are part of our family now Wynter and it is my job to keep you safe and out of mischief. Getting involved with Boyd McKenna on any level would not be a good thing.” And that bubble of hope I had been hoarding, burst. Again, he had twisted things. But I knew he was lying, he had to care more than some crappy brotherly excuse.
His words lingered like a bruise that took forever to fade. They made me question myself and I sank my teeth into my lip and turned my head away. Looking at the other dancers.
My body stiffened and I tried to pull back slightly but Jaxon wouldn’t allow it and his hands tightened on my hips which forced my head back to his.
“What?” he questioned as if he didn’t know why I was suddenly so pissed off.
“You’re so full of shit.” I huffed, giving in my attempt to get away from him. He would let me go when he was ready and not before.
As another song came on, I realised he had directed us further down the dancefloor where it wasn’t as busy. The music was also fainter due to the distance from the large speakers.
Jaxon then shocked me by sliding his hands over my bottom and cupping it, lifting my pubic bone closer to his. He then spoke against the cuff of my ear, his voice strained.
“What the do you want from me, Wynter? Do you want me to say that I think about you every fucking waking second? That you haunt my dreams; that I imagine what your hair would look like draped over my pillow and that every time you push your glasses down your pert little nose and glare at me, I want to rip them off your face and push you up against the nearest wall? Do you want me to tell you about all the depraved things I want to do to you? Would that please you?”
His body heat was like a potent drug and I was panting as I stared up at him wide-eyed. “Well, that’s a start,” I replied breathlessly, almost stuttering. It was like the floodgates had opened.
He drew back, the corners of his mouth pinched in disapproval. “I want you, Wynter. So, much I ache. How could I not? You’re so fucking perfect,” Jaxon sighed, drawing back slightly so he could pierce me with his expression. His words made my heart dance.
“But I’m a Scatterbrain, I annoy you all the time. I can’t do anything right. How is that perfect?” I pointed out, awareness that he was aroused pouring into me and making me hot all over.
“All those things only add to your appeal. What originally annoyed me became endearing. You’ve got under my skin but it needs to stop. It has too.” His confession was strangely calming as it confirmed that I wasn’t going mad.
We danced for a while longer, not speaking, his body rubbing against mine, touching me in places it probably shouldn’t with a room full of guests there. I had a vision of him peeling my dress off me.
“So, where do we go from here?” I questioned, forcing a weak smile. His long fingers now rested safely back on my waist and I placed my hands against his chest.
“Nowhere. I’m not the man for you. I don’t date, I fuck. End of.” That original spicy tone of his turned sour. A long sigh left my body. I had always delegated this boy to the back of my mind but now I’d allowed him forward, there was no chance I could push him back there.
“If anything were to happen between us Wynter, it would mean more to you than me. I’m not into relationships, I don’t do flowers and romance and all that crap and you should have that. With someone who can give you everything you want.” His remarks hit me hard and a ball landed in my throat. My thoughts flickered toward Dominic, it's not like I had any of that from him either.
My eyebrows bunched in confusion. “What if I don’t care about that stuff?”
I watched as Jaxon’s face tightened and a vein fluttered in his temple. “You do. It’s stamped all over you.” There was a challenge in his voice.
I felt like yelling up into his face. How dare he think he knew what I wanted.
“So, we are just going to ignore this thing between us? Like cowards?”
He held my gaze. “It’s for the best.” I heard the sadness in his voice as his eyes dropped fleetingly to my mouth.
“Then why does it make me feel so shit?” The words fell from me without conscious thought and I felt like crying.
Over the last two years, I had been so strong and yet in a matter of weeks I had allowed this boy to worm his way under my skin. And now nothing would come of it anyway; how fucked up was that? I felt like a child who had just lost her favourite toy only to be offered a shitter one. I had been fooling myself.
Jaxon Savage knew the effect he had on the female of the species, so why was I different to anyone else? He wanted to screw me but didn’t want my heart. Fact.
“You feel shit because you are mistaking your feelings of lust for something else. Something that doesn’t exist.”
My temper flared that he dared tell me how I was feeling. That we were the same, just after a shag. Well, what I felt was deeper than that, I knew that then.
“You’re—you’re wrong,” I stuttered, looking up into his face. I could feel his heart thundering against his chest. He was lying. I raised my hand and ran my knuckles down one of his cheeks but he caught my wrist. His strong fingers wrapped around that fine-boned area. The contrast of our skin screamed our differences.
The moment stretched between us .
Jaxon lowered my hand to my side, his thumb sliding over my pulse which caused my heart rate to increase. I flushed and then scowled, instantly regretting how weak I was against him. My entire being wanted to melt into him.
Gently he set me away, taking my arm and leading us back to our table. The others had attacked the buffet and were all tucking into heaped plates. Someone must have bought a round of drinks as there was a full glass of white wine next to my champagne glass.
Their stares morphed into smiles as we joined them. Random I know, but I noticed Boyd ate with his mouth open. Gross. The table was now full with some other guests I didn’t recognise. Nixon had gone back to Jenna and the baby but I couldn’t see my Auntie and Uncle.
Jaxon pulled out a chair for me. “Do you want something to eat?” he questioned.
I didn’t look up at him, I just shook my head. “No thank you. I’ve lost my appetite,” I muttered under my breath. I felt like a kicked puppy.
He then walked away without another word, commanding the entire room. The power and magnetism which radiated from his body followed him, and it felt like my heart was splitting in two.
The rest of the evening was fine. I wasn’t alive with pleasure or anything. I didn’t have any more offers to dance; no doubt the other single guys there thought I was with Jaxon. Something which would put anyone off trying it on.
We all chatted at our table and the level of awkwardness between Jaxon and me was only just bearable. The others purposefully made sure they included us both in the thread of their chat.
I managed to congratulate Alex and chatted with my Auntie and Uncle and said hi to Jenna and the baby.
Amy was the person I spoke to the most. I also texted Dominic a few times and got nothing back .
As you can imagine, that also didn’t help my mood. He was supposed to be my boyfriend and so where the fuck was he?
Yes, I was in the middle of falling for my stepbrother, but I decided at that point that Dominic wasn’t worth my feelings of guilt.