I stepped back,

wide with an emotion I couldn't name. He was a man who w

oud, insistent banging ech

his damn door! You

, and filled with a cold rage

an C

trol. The memories, sharp and brutal, flooded back. The pain,

n back to me. He saw the terror. His expression harde

e simply walked to the

datory way, with eyes that looked at people like they were insects. His gaze flicker

rize. I had the winning bi

He didn't raise it, but the threat was clear. He physically blocke

tone leaving no room for argument. "T

ed. "This isn't over. I

his eyes promising a future of

gth left my legs. I stumbled, and Jax

his voice roug

his arm still around m

you?" Jax asked, hi

s were trapped in my throat. I just sh

of deep frustration

glass of water and a blanket. He wrapped the blanket a

ee table in front

oker. In the chaos of leaving the auctio

fingers brushing my skin as he unclasped the ne

glittering under the penthouse ligh

the choker around his own wrist, fastening the clas

collar. He was w

million-dollar piece of jewelry. I

y. It was a promise. A shield. He

ep didn't come easy. The nightmares did. I wok

Jax was there, looking

shifted to his usual scowl. "What

I whispered,

d. He didn't touch me, but his presence was a comfort. We sa

finally said, not looking at me

r said something genuinely kind

believ