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I turn back and look up at Andrew. He’s shooting daggers in Shady’s direction.
“Fucking Shady, always causing trouble. I don’t see why Jaxon allows his ass in here. He’s bad news and everyone knows it.”
He tips his head down to me and asks softly, “Are you okay? He didn’t do anything to you, did he?”
I shake my head. “No, he just said some nasty things to me.” I duck my head in embarrassment. I have no idea why I’m embarrassed. Andrew didn’t hear what Shady said.
Andrew places his pointer finger under my chin and tips it up so I have to look at him.
“Hey, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. You didn’t ask for that fucker to say those things to you. Shady’s always been loose with his words, and he doesn’t shy away from what he wants. Jaxon will take care of him.”
I close my eyes tightly and whisper, “That’s just it, though. I don’t want to cause problems for Jaxon. I don’t want him, or anyone, to get hurt because of me. I’m not worth getting hurt over.” I’m a nobody who came from a dysfunctional family and then married a man who enjoys torturing innocent people. I’m nothing special.
“Wait, what?” Andrew asks, his voice sharp. I open my eyes at his tone. Now he sounds angry. The sweetness has gone from his voice. For the first time his gaze flickers to my scar, before landing back on my eyes. “Why in the fuck would you think you’re not worth it? Bailey, I may not know you, but I do know you’re special. I’d kill any man who has such a small nut sack that he gets off on hurting women. Women are precious creatures that should never have to put up with assholes like him. You are worth it, Bailey. Don’t ever think otherwise.”
I don’t get a chance to reply, because I see Jaxon out the corner of my eye walking out of the hallway. Andrew drops his hand and we both glance up to watch him make his way toward Shady’s table. Shady has his back to Jaxon, so he’s clueless he has a very pissed-off tattooed guy storming his way.
When Jaxon gets to the table, he says not one word to Shady before he grabs the back of his head and slams it face first against the wood. He then bends down to whisper something in his ear. Jaxon yanks Shady from his chair, still holding on to his neck, and marches him toward the door. People scramble to get out of his way. Shady’s two friends begin to rise from their seats to follow, but Jaxon turns and points to them while saying something. It’s too loud in the bar to catch what he says, but whatever it is, it causes them to sit back down. Jaxon and Shady disappear out the door.
I turn wide eyes to Andrew and ask, “What is he going to do?”
“He’s gonna teach that stupid fuck to not mess with what’s his.”
“What! No! I’m not his, Andrew! I could never be his! I don’t want to be his!” I step closer, fear making my hands shake. “What if he gets hurt? You can’t let him do this! You have to go out there to make sure he’s okay!” I can’t believe this is happening. I’ve had enough violence to last me a lifetime. I want nothing to do with it. Nothing is ever solved through violence.
And besides, why would Jaxon even want me? I’m flawed, on the inside and out. He knows this. I’ve never given him a reason to think I want him in that way. Yes, he’s becoming a friend, even though I vowed to not let people get close to me, but there could never be more than that.
I’m breathing heavily now. I’m confused. I can’t let Jaxon beat the crap out of someone under the misguided notion that I belong to him. I also feel protective of him. I can’t stand the thought that at this very moment he may be getting hurt. I don’t want him as a woman wants a man, but I certainly don’t want him hurt.
My eyes are pleading with Andrew to go out there to check on Jaxon.
“Bailey, sweetie, he’s fine. Trust me. Jaxon is definitely not the person hurting right now. As far as you being his, you may as well get used to the idea. You are definitely his. It doesn’t have to be a scary thing though. He considers Mia, Anna, his mom, and his Gram his as well, and if it were any of them in your shoes, he would be exactly where he is right now, doing exactly what he’s doing. Jaxon is fiercely loyal and protective of his family. He’s latched on to you, so you’re now considered part of that group. Embrace it, Bailey. I don’t know what kind of family you have but know that you’ve just gained an exceptional one.”
I want so much for his words to be true, but I know they can’t be. It’s only a matter of time before I’ll have to leave. The bonds that are starting to form between me and these amazing people will break, and they’ll hate me. I don’t know why these people like me and think I’m worth something. When I leave, they’ll see that it was all a lie and they’ll be glad I’m gone. The thought brings the never-ending waterworks to my eyes.
Just then, Jaxon pushes through the door and he immediately zeroes in on me. He’s breathing heavily, his fists clench and unclench at his sides. I can’t really tell because of the low lights, but it looks like his knuckles have a few scratches on them.
He starts stalking toward the bar, stopping briefly to talk to a huge man standing beside the door. The man disappears out the door that Jaxon just entered through. When Jaxon gets to the partition, he lifts it and then lets it drop behind him, causing a loud bang. He walks straight up to me and wraps his big hands around the sides of my head. The back of his fingers sift through my hair, while his palms rest on either of my cheeks. What is up with people touching my face?
He bends down low, so we are on the same level, his eyes darting back and forth, searching mine. “Are you okay?”
There’s not a mark on his beautiful face, and I release a sigh of relief. I thank God he was not hurt.
“Yeah, I’m okay. What did you do to Shady?” I ask nervously, not sure if I want to know the answer.
The colors in his gorgeous eyes seem to swirl, and I feel his fingers flex slightly in my hair.
“Nothing that you need to worry about, angel.”
I nod, leaving it at that.
“Give me just a couple minutes, and I’ll take you up to the apartment. You’re done for the night.” He pulls my head forward and plants a soft kiss on my forehead.
“But I can’t leave Mia and Andrew to work alone. It’s too busy in here. They need my help,” I protest, not sure if what I say is true, or I’m just using it as an excuse. Sure, the place is hopping, but I know that Mia and Andrew can handle it on their own. It’s the thought of being completely alone with Jaxon that makes me uneasy. I’m not sure if I’m ready for that again just yet. I haven’t had enough time to resign myself to it. I know he won’t hurt me, but it’s still terrifying.
“Angel, Mia and Andrew can handle it. They’ve been doing it for weeks now. They’ll be fine. You look dead on your feet. You need a good night’s sleep in a warm and comfortable bed. I’ll be right back.” And with that, he turns and walks away before I get a chance to protest further.
I take in a much-needed breath and rub my tired eyes. He’s right; I’m exhausted. It’s been years since I’ve done this type of work and my body isn’t used to it. It’ll be a nice change to sleep in an actual bed. I’ve slept in a few motels since the beginning of my trip, but not many. I’m really looking forward to sleeping in nice, smooth, clean sheets. I can already feel the softness of the mattress beneath me, and I sway a little.
