“I’m glad you didn’t because if my back had been better, I might’ve gone in there and come out with regrets.” Jax was sort of kidding. Maybe he would’ve done nothing at all, just like tonight.
“That’s why I called Gideon.” Tristan continued with a wry grin. “And then I spoke to Owen, Marci, and Angelo, who were almost as angry as I was, and the rest is history. We came up with the plan, and I expected it to go sideways, but not the way it did. If you had gotten hurt…”
“But I didn’t get hurt, because you protected me,” Jax told him, his gaze and heart steady. “Keep answering,”
Tristan stroked his beard, thinking. “Derrick hit on Eve in the parking lot on Valentine’s Day, when she came to find Rain but saw me instead.”
“I still can’t believe they were working together to take me down.”
“I’m sorry.” Tristan drooped at the reminder.
“If you say you’re sorry one more time, you’re fired.” Jax parroted Angelo, and that got a tiny grin from Tristan.
“Okay, understood. And to answer your last question, I believe she’ll stay away. Liam works for an incredible lawyer who’s taking care of the restraining orders. She helped Mason with his last year, and he hasn’t heard a peep from his family since then.”
“Will that really stop her?” Jax squinted, unsure. “She’s angry and devious, that’s not a good combination.”
“She won’t risk going to jail.” Tristan seemed sure of himself. “She’s too pampered. She wouldn’t weather it well and she knows that.”
Jax grinned, thinking of her in orange, and his doubts began to melt away. “Yeah, she’d freak out. And now that you’re not an easy target anymore, she’ll try to find someone who is.”
“That’s all thanks to you.” Tristan brushed fingertips along Jax’s cheek,and Jax couldn’t help but smile. Their first-date deal had been kind of a joke, but it had manifested into reality.
“You’re welcome, but just so you know? It works both ways. I’ve been calmer than I should be, and I know it’s your fault.” Jax smirked.
“I’ve noticed that.” Serious, Tristan nodded.
“I know it sounds strange, but because you weresoangry on my behalf, I didn’t need to be.” Jax reached deep, speaking from his heart. “I’m usually the one fighting for myself, even against my own body, but you were out there fighting for me. You’ve always been fighting for me.”
“I have. And I won’t stop.” Tristan brought Jax’s hand up to his lips again, placing a lingering kiss on it.
“Tristan…” Jax tried not to turn a brighter shade of pink but failed.
“Any other questions or comments?” Tristan’s eyes seemed to lighten even further, and Jax could get lost in them forever. “Once again, I promise that I won’t hide anything from you ever again. Except birthday presents.”
“That’s acceptable,” Jax grinned, but quickly sobered as he realized that he was being a hypocrite.
Tristan’s face also fell. “What’s the matter?”
Jax took in a steadying breath.
“I hid something from you too, so we’re even,” he stated, remembering the conversation he’d had before their first date. “Eve was at The Pointe last year, to find Rain-”
“I know,” Tristan interrupted. “Rain told me last week.”
“Did he tell you anything else?” Jax ventured, not wanting to betray Rain’s secrets but also wanting a clean slate with Tristan.
“No…” Concern wrinkled Tristan’s forehead. “There’s more?”
“It’s not my place to say?” Jax’s voice went up at the end, making it a question, and he knew he looked pained.
“And how doyouknow this?”
“Rain told Ollie. Not many people know, but everyone who does is sworn to secrecy because Rain doesn’t want you upset.” This time, Jax squeezed Tristan’s fingers, hoping that he wasn’t hurt. “I wanted to tell you but…”
“But it was complicated.” Tristan squeezed back, letting Jax know that they were fine. “I get why I’m the last to know, but I’d better go downstairsand find out what else he hasn’t told me.”
“Yeah, you should. And we have to talk to my mom too.”
