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“Because, trapped in that cage and unable to get to you, I finally understood how those abused animals felt. How you felt after what happened to you. And because you are the strongest, bravest woman I have ever met. With some killer self-defense moves, too.” Jax laughed. “I have never been prouder than when you took Chase down that night. Without once touching your necklace.”
“You…you said I’m like your mom.”
Jax sighed, dropping his shoulders. “I shouldn’t have said that. I worked so hard to avoid becoming like her. I thought anything could tip the scale, sending me onto that path. Or that I would be the reason another person became like that. A person like you, who already loves animals.”
“Oh, Jax—”
“I didn’t want to trigger that response in anyone else. Nor did I want anything to turn on that ‘hoarding gene’ in me. I figured it lurked within me somewhere, waiting to come out. Not until my uncle told me what my mother did in her childhood and how it differed from my behavior growing up did I finally believe I was free. My uncle’s right. I can’t avoid a relationship because of fear. God put us together, and He knows what I need. What you need. We balance each other out. The rest we can work out along the way.”
Seyla’s lungs quit working for a second. Her mouth went slack. Was he saying that he did want a relationship with her?
“Because of her sickness, my mother wouldn’t give up junk, bags of trash, in order to stay with me, her own son. You, though, you not only sacrificed a thing, but you sacrificed your life for me. That says a lot, and it means more to me than you’ll ever know.”
“You don’t owe me anything, Jax.”
“I’ve worked with plenty of women who have had my back in combat. This isn’t me fulfilling an obligation. God used you to force my heart open again. To help me love again. That’s what I’m saying, Seyla. I love you. I loved you when we were teenagers, and I love you more now than ever.”
“But you…you left. You left me with Jessa at the hospital and didn’t come back.”
“As much as I wanted to stay, there were things I had to take care of so we could be together. I had to forgive my mother for what she’d done and meet with her. I also had to convince my partners to buy the other property after I confirmed the owners were willing to sell it.”
“You didn’t show any signs of this when you came to the house. What changed?”
Jax sighed. Rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand that he held.
When he raised his eyes to hers again, Seyla recognized a sadness there that gripped her heart.
“I wanted to spend time with you first. Also, there were a lot of people around. Which made it difficult to have this conversation. Most of all, I still needed to talk to Matt.”
“Why?”
“When your family left town, Matt wouldn’t tell me anything. I didn’t want to lose my best friend on top of losing you. He refused to even mention your name and got mad if I asked about your progress or if you were allowed visitors. That’s why he isn’t here. We’re working through some stuff. He feels the need toprotect you, even from me. I think he’s been worried I’ll end up like my mom, too. Plus, he’s afraid I’ll hurt you.”
“Hurt me? How?”
“I haven’t let anyone get too close to me. Until now. I’m willing to lose Matt’s friendship, though, if that’s what it takes to have you in my life. I need you in my life, Seyla. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you back then. I’m here now. Say you’ll give us a chance.”
Seyla gazed at him in wonder. He lifted his hands to cup her jaw. She sighed, overwhelmed by how much she loved him. “I love you, too, Jax. I loved you then, and I still love you.”
“I’ve waited a long time to hear those words.”
Seyla tilted her head back and held her breath when he rested his forehead against hers a moment before capturing her lips with his. When they separated, she flicked her eyes toward the guys from Jax’s corporation. They were high-fiving each other like little kids after winning a football game. She gave Jax a flirty grin. “I think the rest of your friends approve.”
Jax chucked his chin at them. “Didn’t I tell you guys it’s the harmless-looking ones you have to guard against? This one stole my heart right out of my chest. She’s got some serious self-defense moves, too. I’ve seen them. Let’s hope we can convince her to teach some classes when we get the new building built. She’s a tiny powerhouse.”
Seyla elbowed him, and his friends laughed.
Jax stumbled, faking a mortal injury.
Jessa added, “I’d sign up for your class, Seyla!”
Jax looked down at her again, happiness glimmering in his eyes. “What do you say, Seyla? Will you finally go out on a date with me?”
Seyla ran her thumb over his cheekbone and drew him close. “It took you long enough. And yes. Absolutely.”
Jax put up a finger. “One caveat.”
Seyla leaned back a little. “Alright.”
