CHAPTER SIX
– SEAMUS –
Fuck. The information Murray just shared solidifies my suspicions while it creates panic on Jaxie’s face.
A handful of men working at Stalwart Ridge security are those I served with.
It creates a solid bond and can be useful during assignments.
Which reminds me, I know for a fact Murray was out of state when Dax died. He was on an assignment with Ballard.
Dax gave me all the access I needed to gain access to certain documents. He knew very well it’s unnecessary, because my computer skills grant me access to anything I set my mind to.
My gaze slides to Jaxie and I can see the panic gaining control over her body as she fists the fabric of her shirt right over her heart. Leaning on my cane, I step closer to Jaxie and reach out to place my large hand on her shoulder.
“Breathe, Jaxie. Take a breath and let it go,” I murmur.
Her blue eyes are swirling with emotion, tugging on my damn heartstrings. I should be the one panicking ’cause the reaction it sparks inside my body is foreign. Without thinking my cane clatters to the floor when I use both arms to pull her against my body.
“Fuck, man really?” Murray grumbles. “You move fast.”
I turn my head to glare at the fucker.
He shrugs. “What? She’s here for one bleep of a second and you clearly staked your claim. Ballard will be pissed when he discovers you beat us to it.”
Jaxie pulls back and is now looking confused. Thank fuck the panic is gone, but I’m sure as hell not liking the turn of discussion. Murray notices her reaction as well.
The fucker has always had a serious case of verbal diarrhea, so it’s no surprise he rattles on, “You’re an intriguing prize piece, Jaxie Stalwart.
Dax managed to keep you away from all of us for years, so we’re all curious as fuck.
Especially when there aren’t any pictures of you.
Damn, you’re a pretty little thing. I sure as fuck won’t mind seeing you around the office, boss.
” The fucker’s gaze becomes hooded. “I, for one, won’t have any issues following your orders.
Any idea how you’re going to run the company?
Since you have two percent more than Burk and Royce, you have more power than those fuckers. ”
He steps closer and fake whispers, “I’m a way better catch than this fucker right here. He’s retired; I’m still a valuable company asset.”
Jaxie fists the front of my flannel shirt and glares at Murray when she whispers under her breath, “Asshole.”
It’s so damn soft it only reaches my ears. One of her hands lets go of the fabric of my shirt and she starts to sign. From this angle I can’t make out a damn word, and by the look on Murray’s face I can tell he doesn’t know any ASL.
Murray rubs the back of his neck and drops his backpack to the floor.
“Oh, right. I completely forgot...you don’t talk, eh?
” He shifts uncomfortably and throws a glance in the direction of the kitchen.
“Smells fucking nice in here. Any coffee? It’s been a long drive up the mountain, and I came straight from the airport to the office, and now here. ”
Did he just completely skip over her?
Jaxie flips him off and stomps off in the direction of her room, both dogs following close behind her.
“Asshole,” I snarl, voicing Jaxie’s first assessment loud and clear for the idiot to hear.
I had a shitty reaction with her using ASL, and my issues not being able to keep up after only having to learn some of it in two weeks. Though, Murray ignores her entirely.
“American Sign Language, she talks just fine, idiot.” I reach down and grab my cane off the floor. “Go to your own damn cabin for some coffee.”
Murray stalks to the dining table and plants his ass on the chair I was sitting on before his arrival. “I’ve been up for two days straight. I’m not at my best, okay?”
“Understatement, and no excuse for what you just did,” I grit.
He glares at me. “You know I’m not good with chicks. Well, other than having them under me for as long as it takes to both get off.”
I throw a glance over my shoulder and am thankful for the closed door.
“Watch your mouth,” I hiss. “You’re in her home, so show some respect.”
He lifts one of his eyebrows. “Yeah, we are. Mind explaining what you’re doing here?
Two mugs, a dirty plate in the sink while there’s still one on the table.
Seems like you two had breakfast together because I don’t see anyone else here.
The way you go all feral protective? Taking her into your arms to comfort her?
You got your cock wet, didn’t you? And I’m not allowed to mention fucking?
Sounds a bit prudish, don’t you think? Also, sly move there, Sea.
Damn, you being retired, living right next to their property gave you all the advantage you need. ”
My anger spikes to a whole new level. “Are you done?”
Murray snorts and waves a finger in the direction of Jaxie’s room. “The question is...are you done?”
I smack a flat hand on the table in front of him.
“This discussion is over. If you’d like to keep your cock functional I’d suggest thinking with the head on your shoulders.
If not, I’d have no damn problem ripping it right off and shoving my fucking cane up your ass.
I won’t have you disrespect Jaxie in any way, and you’ve done nothing but insult her ever since you set foot on her fucking property.
It ends, or I’ll make it end. Now, I’ll ask again. ..are you done?”
Somehow during my rant I’ve grabbed the fucker by the throat. My anger is still swirling hot through my veins until soft fingers touch my forearm. I turn to look into Jaxie’s blue eyes.
I take a step back and let go of Murray when I see Jaxie sign, “He’s done.”
“He better be,” I grumble and glance in the fucker’s direction.
Murray’s gaze bounces between us. “I’ll be damned. You see, read, that...I mean...what she said? How long has this thing been going on between you two? Shit. I never had a shot, did I? Man, Ballard is going to be pissed.”
Jaxie frowns while my anger is still locked on the same level. I served and worked for years with both guys.
Which means... “You two made a bet?” I grit.
“Ballard. Fucker thought he was gonna win too, until Royce messaged him when we were in the parking lot. He had to go back inside to meet him in his office while I got a head start.” Murray grins, but my glare makes him clear his throat.
Jaxie is bouncing her gaze from me to Murray while taking everything in. I know how bad it sounds. Hell, it’s a horndog move, and it all concerns her.
“Don’t judge. You would be in on it too if Nolan hadn’t dumped his assignment on you.
Taking his place fucked up your leg. Pretty sure you’d be the one being called into Royce’s office instead of Ballard.
You know it, and I know it. Instead, you’re here getting the girl.
” Murray gets to his feet. “Which reminds me...I’m tired as fuck.
Never mind the coffee. Tell Ballard I could have won if I wanted to.
Oh, and come over tomorrow night, me and Ballard are playing poker.
” He nods at Jaxie. “You’re invited too, of course, being his girl and all.
Okay, it’s been a pleasure, folks. Happy fucking. I’m out of here.”
The sound of Nolan’s name, the idiot who deliberately sabotaged an assignment and caused a life-altering injury, creates a new level of fury. I need to calm down. Though, just the sound of that idiot’s name still makes me flip my shit.
Murray is oblivious to my reaction as he grabs his backpack and strolls out of the cabin. Jaxie and I stare in silence at the closed door for a few heartbeats.
Until she surprises me when she asks, “N-Nolan L-Lowell hurt y-you?”
This time I let some of the fury out by snarling, “Don’t even think of voicing that idiot’s name in my presence again.”
I need to calm down before I lash out some more. Taking a breath, I want to say something, but nothing comes to mind. So, instead I stomp into my room and make sure the dogs stay with her as I close the door behind me.
The reminder of the idiot who is responsible for taking away the ability to continue to do what I love, and was damn good at rips open old wounds.
Not just the scars from the injuries I sustained, but also the mental ones.
My body might have done what it could to heal and keeps building strength as time passes, yet the pain is still vivid every damn day of my life.
I glare down at the cane in my hand and throw it across the room. If it wasn’t for that fucker my life would be completely different right now. Hell, I’d even dare to say I’d be a different person. Less angry, less moody, less...broken.