Jaxon, page 4
“This isn’t over,” Jaxon said, his voice low, a promise of retribution. “But it won’t be here.”
Clay smirked, giving a mock bow. “We’ll be seeing you around, Jaxon.”
With that, Clay and his men turned and walked away, disappearing into the fading light. Harper exhaled shakily, the tension in her body easing slightly as she watched them go.
Jaxon turned to her and cupped her face, brushing his thumbs gently over her cheeks. “Are you okay?” he asked.
Harper nodded, though she wasn’t sure if it was true. Her heart was still racing, her mind spinning with the implications of Clay’s presence. But in Jaxon’s arms, she felt a measure of safety, of reassurance that she wasn’t alone in this.
“I’m scared,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “For Mia. For us.”
Jaxon pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. “I won’t let anything happen to you,” he murmured, his lips brushing against her hair. “I swear it.”
Harper closed her eyes, allowing herself to sink into his embrace.
****
The ride back to Harper’s house was quiet but filled with an undercurrent of tension, the kind that thrummed just beneath the surface.
Harper could still feel the lingering unease from their encounter with Clay, but more than that, she felt the warmth of Jaxon’s presence beside her. The way he’d protected her and Mia, the fierce determination in his eyes stirred something deep within her.
When they arrived, Mia bounded up the steps, waving a cheerful good night before disappearing inside. Harper lingered on the doorstep, her heart pounding as she turned to Jaxon. The streetlights cast a soft glow over his face, highlighting the angles of his jaw and the intensity in his gaze.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the gentle night breeze. “For tonight. For everything.”
Jaxon shrugged, but his eyes softened. “You don’t have to thank me, Harper. I’ll always be here for you.”
The sincerity in his voice, the way he said it like a vow, made her chest tighten. She stepped closer, her hand resting lightly on his chest. She could feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her fingers, a comforting rhythm that matched the pulse of her own racing heart.
“I mean it,” she said, her gaze locking onto his. “Thank you.”
Before she could second-guess herself, Harper leaned in, her lips brushing against his in a tentative kiss. Jaxon stiffened for a moment, surprised, but then his hands were on her waist, pulling her closer. The kiss deepened, slow and searching, as if they were rediscovering each other after years apart.
Heat sparked between them, a flame that had never truly been extinguished. Harper melted into him. She curled her fingers into the fabric of his shirt, anchoring herself to the solid reality of him. When they finally broke apart, they were both breathless, their foreheads resting together.
“Come inside,” Harper said softly. The invitation hung between them, heavy with promise.
Jaxon hesitated a moment, searching her eyes for any doubt. When he found none, he nodded, his hand slipping into hers as she led him inside.
The house was quiet, the only sound the soft creak of the floorboards beneath their feet.
After tucking Mia into bed and ensuring she was fast asleep, Harper returned to find Jaxon waiting in the living room. He stood near the window, his silhouette outlined by the moonlight filtering through the curtains. The sight of him there, in her space, felt surreal and yet perfectly right.
She approached him slowly, her nerves tingling with anticipation. Jaxon turned to face her, his expression unreadable, but his eyes told her everything she needed to know. They were dark with desire, with something deeper that made her heart ache in the best way.
“Harper,” he murmured, reaching for her as she stepped into his arms.
The moment their bodies touched, the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them. Harper tilted her head up, her lips seeking his again, and Jaxon met her halfway.
This kiss was different from the one on the doorstep—hungrier, more desperate, as if they were trying to make up for lost time.
Jaxon roamed his hands over her back, his touch igniting sparks along her skin. Harper tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling him closer, needing to feel every inch of him.
Their breaths mingled, their kisses growing deeper, more urgent, until they were both consumed by the heat building between them. His muscled body felt amazing against hers, solid like she remembered, a contrast to her softness.
“Are you sure?” Jaxon asked, his voice rough, his forehead resting against hers.
Harper nodded, her eyes shining with certainty. “Yes. I want this. I want you.”
That was all the encouragement Jaxon needed. He scooped her up effortlessly, cradling her against his chest as he carried her down the hallway to her bedroom.
The door closed behind them with a soft click, sealing them in a world of their own making.
He laid her gently on the bed, his gaze never leaving hers as he leaned down, capturing her lips once more. Harper arched beneath him, and she used her hands to explore the expanse of his back, savoring the feel of his muscles tensing under her touch.
Jaxon left a trail of kisses down her neck, his teeth grazing her skin just enough to make her shiver.
Every touch, every kiss, was a reclamation of something they had lost, a bridge between the past and the present.
Jaxon’s hands were skilled, knowing exactly where to touch, how to draw soft moans from her lips. Harper felt as if she were drowning in him, and she didn’t want to come up for air.
Soon enough, they both dispensed with their clothes. Her breath caught as she beheld him. Over the years, he’d seemed to have worked out more.
She didn’t miss his cock thickening at the sight of her. His hungry gaze was exactly as she remembered—full of lust and something else, something she couldn’t name yet.
They took their time, savoring the rediscovery of each other’s bodies, every moment a testament to the passion that had always simmered between them. The air was thick with heat and emotion, a heady mix that left them both gasping for more.
Jaxon closed his mouth over her erect nipple. He licked and sucked, making her gasp, to tug at his hair. He bit her lightly, before moving to her other breast. He went lower, kissing his way down her ribs, to the valley between her thighs. Reaching her pussy, Jaxon took his time, savoring the taste of her. Harper gasped, groaning as he began tonguing her slit.
Not long after, Harper climaxed. Jaxon got off her and from the corner of her eyes, she saw him grabbing his pants. He pulled a condom from his wallet before positioning himself at the edge of the bed.
“Harper, there’s no going back once we start down this road,” he told her.
“I know,” she answered and he didn’t ask her again.
Jaxon lifted her legs above his shoulders and slipped the condom on. He then entered her, going slow at first. Finally, he was balls-deep inside her. Harper groaned and needing something to hold onto, she gripped the headboard. Was he always this big?
“Time to make you fly, baby,” he said.
Harper could only nod. Jaxon delivered good on his promise. He started with a rhythm that suited them both. When she begged him to go faster, he complied. Her nipples tightened as he pounded into her.
They moved together in perfect harmony, their connection deepening. Harper soon found herself meeting him for every thrust. Jaxon changed the direction of his next push, making her gasp.
Jaxon smiled down at her and stole a kiss from her mouth. He kept aiming for her sweet spot. The pressure building inside her burst, and Harper came, screaming out his name.
He pushed in and out of her a few more times, before reaching climax. She panted, drifting in a haze of pleasure. Jaxon pulled out of her and disposed of the condom in her bathroom. He returned with a towel, cleaning them both up, before slipping in bed next to her.
They lay tangled in the sheets, the moonlight casting a soft glow over their spent bodies. Jaxon traced lazy circles on Harper’s bare shoulder, his touch soothing, grounding.
“I’ve missed you,” Harper admitted, her voice a quiet confession in the dark. “More than I ever thought possible.”
Jaxon pressed a kiss to her temple, his lips lingering there. “I’ve missed you too,” he murmured. “Every damn day.”
They lay in comfortable silence, the weight of the past lifted, if only for the night. Harper felt a contentment she hadn’t known in years.
Chapter Six
Jaxon sat in the office of the clubhouse. Gunner leaned back in his chair, across from him, fingers under his chin as he listened intently.
The Vice President of the Iron Sentinels had always been a man of few words, but when he spoke, everyone listened.
Jaxon ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that betrayed the tension coiling in his gut. He had always been the type to take matters into his own hands, to deal with threats personally, but things were different now. The stakes were higher, and he had more to lose.
“I wanted to deal with Clay myself,” Jaxon began, his voice low but steady. “But it’s not just about me anymore. I’ve got Harper and Mia to think about. I can’t afford to be reckless.”
Gunner nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing as he considered Jaxon’s words. “Clay’s always been a thorn in our side, but if he’s getting bolder, it’s not just a personal issue. It’s a club issue.”
Jaxon leaned forward, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.
“It’s escalating. The Vipers are pushing boundaries, and it’s only a matter of time before things get out of hand. I need your advice, Gunner. I can’t handle this alone,” Jaxon admitted.
Normally, Jaxon hated admitting any form of weakness. In his world, vulnerability was a luxury he couldn’t afford. It wasn’t just about pride—it was survival.
As one of the senior members of the Iron Sentinels, showing any sign of weakness could be a death sentence. He was used to handling his problems on his own, but this time was different. The stakes were higher. Clay knew about Harper and Mia. The mere thought sent a cold wave of dread through him.
Harper and Mia were his world now. The knowledge that Clay had them in his sights made Jaxon’s blood run cold. It wasn’t just his life on the line, it was theirs too. That changed everything.
He had always been reckless with his own safety, taking risks that most would shy away from. But Harper and Mia had altered that calculus. They made him realize he couldn’t afford to be impulsive, not when the people he cared about could be caught in the crossfire.
Still, admitting he needed help, that this was bigger than something he could handle alone, went against every instinct he had. But he couldn’t let his pride jeopardize the safety of Harper and Mia. So, he swallowed his pride, pushed aside the ingrained need to handle everything solo, and went to Gunner.
The room fell into a contemplative silence, the only sound the faint hum of activity from the bar outside the office. Gunner finally leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk as he met Jaxon’s gaze.
“You’re right to bring this to me,” Gunner said. “The Vipers have been stepping on our toes more than usual. This isn’t just about you and Clay. It’s about them testing us, seeing how far they can go before we push back.”
Jaxon nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly at those words. “So what do we do?” Jaxon asked.
Gunner exhaled slowly. “I’ll talk it over with the Pres and the other senior members. We need to show the Vipers that we’re not going to sit back and let them walk all over us. But we need to be smart about it. No unnecessary risks.”
“Thanks, Gunner,” Jaxon said, relief washing over him. “I appreciate it.”
Gunner clapped him on the shoulder. “We’ve got your back, Jaxon. And Harper and Mia are part of us now too. We’ll make sure they’re safe.”
Jaxon left the office, his mind still racing but his heart a little lighter. As he walked through the clubhouse, Bear caught his eye, raising a bottle in a silent invitation.
“Come on, Jax. Let’s have a drink,” Bear called out, grinning.
Jaxon hesitated for a moment before nodding and joining Bear at the bar. The familiar routine was comforting, but as the night wore on, he found his thoughts drifting back to Harper and Mia. He could no longer afford to lose himself in his old habits. His priorities had shifted, and he wasn’t the same man he used to be.
After a few rounds, Jaxon excused himself, heading back to his room in the clubhouse. The quiet solitude of his space offered a welcome reprieve from the noise outside. He was just settling in when his phone buzzed, Harper’s name lighting up the screen.
“Hey,” Jaxon answered, a smile tugging at his lips.
“Hi,” Harper’s voice came through, warm and familiar. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“Not at all,” Jaxon said, leaning back against the headboard. “What’s up?”
“I was wondering if you’re free this Saturday afternoon,” Harper began, a hint of hesitation in her voice. “Mia’s usual babysitter isn’t available, and I could really use some help.”
Jaxon’s heart leapt at the opportunity. “Of course. I’d love to. This is my chance to prove to you that I can be dependable.”
Harper’s soft laugh was music to his ears. “I don’t doubt that. Thank you, Jaxon. It means a lot.”
“Anything for you and Mia,” Jaxon said sincerely. “I’ll be there.”
Jaxon ended the call. He was committed to being a part of their lives and being the man they could count on.
****
Jaxon woke early on Saturday morning, a rare sense of anticipation humming through him. Today was different, special. It was his first real chance to spend time with Mia, his daughter. The word still felt surreal, but it also filled him with a warmth he hadn’t known he was missing.
He left the clubhouse before most of the others stirred, the morning still crisp with the promise of a clear day.
On the way to Harper’s bookstore, he made a quick stop at her favorite café. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods greeted him as he walked in, a stark contrast to the usual scent of motor oil and leather he was accustomed to. He ordered a couple of coffees and a selection of pastries he knew Harper liked, hoping to surprise her.
When he arrived at the bookstore, it was bustling with the weekend crowd. The familiar bell above the door chimed as he stepped inside, scanning the room. His gaze quickly found Mia, seated in a quiet corner with a book nearly bigger than her lap. She was engrossed, her small brow furrowed in concentration.
When she glanced up and saw him, her face lit up, and she waved enthusiastically. Jaxon couldn’t help but smile and wave back. Feeling a swell of something he couldn’t quite name—pride, joy, maybe both—he made his way through the crowd to find Harper. She was behind the counter, helping a customer. Jaxon waited until she finished before stepping up, placing the coffee and pastries on the counter.
“For you,” he said, leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek.
Harper’s eyes softened as she smiled. “You didn’t have to.”
“I wanted to,” Jaxon replied, savoring the way she looked at him, like he was something good in her world. “And thanks again for letting me spend time with Mia today.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Harper said, her voice warm. “She’s been looking forward to it.”
Jaxon nodded, glancing toward Mia, who was still absorbed in her book. “Me too.”
With that, he took Mia’s hand, and they headed out for their day together. Their first stop was the park, a large, open space filled with families, kids, and the distant sound of laughter.
Jaxon felt a little out of place at first, but Mia’s excitement was contagious. They played on the swings, chased each other on the grass, and even attempted to fly a kite, though it ended up tangled in a tree.
After a while, they took a break, sitting on a bench with ice creams in hand. Mia licked her cone thoughtfully before looking up at Jaxon, her eyes serious in the way children could be.
“Are you going to be around?” she asked, her voice small but direct.
Jaxon’s heart clenched. He hadn’t realized how much that question would affect him. “I hope to be,” he said honestly, meeting her gaze. “I want to be.”
Mia nodded, seemingly satisfied with his answer, and returned her focus to her melting ice cream. But Jaxon couldn’t shake the weight of her question. He knew how much it mattered, not just to Mia, but to Harper too. He had to prove to them both that he was here to stay.
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, they made their way back to the bookstore. The crowd had thinned, leaving the space quieter and more intimate.
Harper’s assistant greeted them with a smile, letting them know she would handle closing for the night.
Harper appeared from the back, her expression brightening when she saw them. “How was it?”
“Great,” Jaxon said, glancing at Mia, who nodded vigorously. “She wore me out.”
Harper laughed, a sound that made Jaxon’s chest tighten in the best way. “Thanks again, Jaxon. Really.”
“Anytime,” he said, meaning it.
“Have you eaten yet?” Harper asked, a hopeful note in her voice. “I was thinking maybe you’d want to join us for dinner?”
Jaxon didn’t have to think twice. “I’d love to.”
They walked to a cozy diner nearby, settling into a booth. The atmosphere was warm, the clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation providing a comforting backdrop.
They ordered, and as they ate, the conversation flowed easily. Mia recounted their adventures in the park with animated gestures, and Harper listened, her eyes crinkling with affection.
Jaxon found himself watching Harper more than he intended, admiring the way she engaged with Mia, the soft curves of her smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed. It wasn’t just the warmth of the diner or the satisfaction of a good meal—it was being with them, feeling like he was part of something he hadn’t realized he needed.
