Duncan finally looked away from her to Daniel, then took him in his arms. Father and son stared at each other before Daniel reached up, lightly patting Duncan on the cheek and that was when Duncan broke. He turned away from everyone holding Daniel close to his chest.
Caroline watched Daniel’s little arms reach up to wrap around Duncan’s neck and she lost it. Putting her hand over her mouth, she turned, running right into Jax, who once again, wrapped her in his arms.
Daniel’s little face peeked around Duncan’s shoulder to look at Pam. Then he reached for her. Duncan turned, then sat, scooting the chair closer to Pam and sitting Daniel on the bed.
Taking one finger, Daniel poked Pam in the arm, and then pulled his hand away holding it close to his body before looking up at Duncan, then back to Pam. Surprisingly careful for a three-year-old, Daniel inched his way up the bed and lightly patted Pam’s cheek. He frowned when Pam didn’t respond. “Sleepy?” His little voice broke every heart in the room.
Duncan cleared his throat and nodded. “Yes, Mommy’s sleeping.”
Daniel looked away from Duncan before resting his head on her chest. With his little hand, he patted her softly.
Enemies far and wide looked for a way to bring the VC Warriors to their knees, that much Caroline knew. Wouldn’t they be shocked that all it took was a little freckle-faced boy’s love for his mother?
******
Jill lay on her back in the middle of the floor in Pam and Duncan’s apartment playing airplane rides with Daniel. It had been five days since Duncan had tried to change Pam, two of those days with Daniel being brought in to be with Pam and Duncan. Everyone took turns keeping the active toddler entertained.
Slade walked in and stood over them. He chuckled when Daniel tried to make airplane noises. “How you feeling?” He leaned down, feeling her forehead.
“I’m fine.” Jill grinned at Daniel who was slobbering all over the place while making airplane sounds. “But I may drown in drool.”
Daniel laughed when Jill started to make the noises along with him.
“Don’t wear yourself out,” Slade ordered, his eyes intense as he stared down at her.
“Any improvement?” Jill brushed past Slade’s order.
Slade glanced toward Pam with a confident stare. “Yes, she’s starting to heal herself. The bruising from the needles is gone as are the wounds from being changed.” Slade didn’t say much with Daniel there. “It’s a great sign.”
Relief filled Jill. The past five days have been hell and everything had stopped, except for their vigil over Pam. “I knew you could pull her through.”
“It had nothing to do with me,” Slade replied before Daniel turned toward him blowing drool all over his jeans making his airplane noises. “Hey, mister!”
Daniel and Jill laughed loudly. Slade pulled him off Jill’s feet and tossed him in the air, making Daniel squeal.
“This little airplane is the miracle worker.” He tossed him again and Daniel squealed louder in delight.
Jill sat up and laughed. She then looked over at Duncan who still sat in the same spot he had been sitting in for the past five days, next to Pam, but this time, he was watching his son with a small smile on his face. Her eyes moved to Pam.
“Oh, my God.” Jill jumped up, running toward the bed. “Pam!”
Pam looked up at Jill, her golden eyes bright. “I want to see my son,” she whispered in a weak voice.
Slade hurried over, handing Daniel to Duncan. Taking their son in his arms, Duncan first leaned over, whispered something to Pam and kissed her lips softly. He then sat Daniel next to Pam, his own tears running freely down his handsome face, not caring who saw him.
Daniel reached out, touching the corner of her golden eyes. “Purty.”
Jill heard sniffs, clearing of the throats and sighs, but her eyes were glued to the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. Slade took her hand leading her away and they followed everyone else out of the room to give Pam and her family their privacy.
Caroline stood next to Jax, tears wet on her cheeks. “Is she going to be okay?”
“Because of you, yes, I believe she’s going to be okay.” Slade reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “Thank you.”
“I didn’t do anything.” Caroline blushed. “Daniel did it. Pam hearing her son for those two days did wonders.”
“But without your insight that wouldn’t have happened,” Jill replied hugging Caroline. “So thank you.”
Slade pulled Jill down the hall away from everyone. “I’m going to stick close because I do need to check her out after things calm down.”
“Okay.” Jill nodded. “I’m going to find Adam and Steve and tell them the good news.”
Slade pulled her into his embrace, holding her close. “And then you rest.”
“Then I rest,” she agreed, but she had a lot to do and rest was the last thing on her mind. If she was going to save herself, keep Duncan from losing his position as a VC Warrior as well as going to prison, she needed to step it up.
CHAPTER 14
Caroline sat behind Jax, loving the feel of him and the motorcycle between her legs. It was pure heaven and after the past few days, heaven was what she needed. She was exhausted beyond anything she had ever felt before, but so happy with the outcome. Now it was back to reality of getting her house together before school started in late summer.
Slowing down, Jax pulled into her driveway and Caroline actually felt a sense of home, a lonely home, but home nonetheless. Once he stopped, she slid off, feeling a little awkward. What they had been through the past five days had been intense, but this was the first they had been alone. He sent her so many mixed vibes she was afraid of showing him any of her feelings to just have them thrown back in her face.
“Thanks for bringing me home.” Caroline held her bag of dirty clothes.
With ease, Jax slid off the bike and gave her a single nod. Silently, he stared at her in the way only Jax Wheeler could. He made her feel like her clothes were going to melt clean off her body and she’d be standing there completely naked. Why in the hell couldn’t she be more like her sister and have plenty of witty things to say, but nope, she had to stand there like an idiot with absolutely nothing smart to say.
“Well, thanks,” was the very best she could come up with. She did an about face and headed toward the house. Climbing the steps, she carefully skipped over the broken boards. Standing in front of her door, she realized she forgot the new keys for the new locks. “Well shit,” she cursed, knowing that Jax was still there since she didn’t hear the motorcycle start up.
“Such language for a teacher,” Jax said from directly behind her making her jump a mile high.
“How in the world can you sneak up on somebody as big as you are?” Caroline peered around her shoulder to look up at him.
“You looking for these?” He dangled the keys in front of her before stepping closer, his front pressed to her back to unlock the door. “You need to keep them somewhere you won’t forget them again.”
Mortified that she actually leaned back into him, Caroline practically ran into the house, tripping over her own feet once he pushed open the door. Rolling her eyes at her own clumsiness, she finally turned around to face him.
“The front window doesn’t lock so I can get in that way,” Caroline replied without thinking.
“What?” Jax growled. He made his way to the window, locked it and gave it a try. When the window opened easily with a loud squeal, he turned to glare at her.
“Nobody knows about it but me and well, now you.” Caroline crossed her arms.
“If someone wants in this...place.” Jax’s eyes scanned the room. “They’re going to try every damn window until they find one that opens.”
“And they could break it if they really wanted in,” Caroline argued, thinking she made a good point.
“And that would give you time to get your gun because you will hear it,” Jax countered.
“I can’t get my gun bec
“Do you enjoy pushing my buttons?” Jax crowded her space.
Loaded question alert. “Do you like pushing mine?” She cocked her eyebrow and felt pretty good about standing her ground with him.
His eyes darkened as they skimmed over her from head to toe. “Most definitely.” His voice was deep and dark as he stared down at her with a promise of something, but then he moved and walked right past her.
Caroline focused on the spot where Jax had been standing, before he vanished, leaving her hot and itching for his touch. He passed her again carrying a piece of wood, sticking it up in the window he measured it then broke it with his bare hands. Tossing the other piece on the ground, he wedged the piece of wood in her window, then tried to open it. Stepping back, he stared at his handiwork.
A sudden longing hit Caroline right in the gut and if she were being completely honest, in the heart also. To have a man by her side as she made this place her home—their home—was something she yearned for, and Jax Wheeler was the man she wanted it to happen with. Staring at his back, his long black hair a beautiful contrast to the white shirt he wore, she sighed.
“Do not forget your keys again.” Jax turned around, catching her staring at him. “Because this window cannot be opened.”
The silence was deafening. She didn’t know what to say and was actually afraid to open her mouth for fear of what might come out. So instead, she nodded and turned away to do something, what she wasn’t for sure. This man definitely wasn’t good for her mind because he turned her into a total idiot.
“The scent Hunter picked up on was a hunter.” Jax continued, not realizing where her mind was.
“Oh, okay.” Caroline just wished he would leave. It was so hard with him within arm’s length and knowing what she wanted was so far out of her grasp.
“Which means you need to put no trespassing signs and no hunting signs on your property.” Jax sounded closer.
“I’ll do that.” Caroline closed her eyes tightly, yearning burned in her chest.
Jax grasped her arm, turning her to face him. “Thank you for what you did.”
She stared at his chest, not wanting to look into his golden eyes. “It was nothing,” she replied.
“It was everything.” Jax tilted her chin up with his knuckle. “And we owe you.”
Caroline started to respond that no one owed her anything, but Jax held her tightly, bringing her body flush to his. She waited, not patiently, for him to kiss her again and it took everything she had not to smash her mouth against his. No, she was done doing the chasing or whatever she had been doing. If he wanted a kiss, he was going to have to take it from her.
“It seems I need to practice what I preach.” Jax’s eyes darkened. “I tell you to stay away from me, but I can’t seem to stay away from you.”
Remaining quiet seemed the smartest thing for her to do and honestly, she probably couldn’t form a coherent sentence if her life depended on it. His body was hard against hers and she felt safe and protected, even though he was looking at her with a dark, dangerous stare.
His lips were inches form hers and she closed her eyes in anticipation or prayer, she didn’t know which or if it was both. Finally, his lips softly touched hers, but it wasn’t enough. She wanted more, dammit, and as if reading her mind, he gave her much more. His mouth ravaged hers and she savored every single minute she was in his arms and his mouth was locked to hers.
The kiss was so intense she heard banging, which was strange, but she went with it, and why was he calling her Ms. Fitzpatrick? Hell, how was he even talking? Then the kiss ended as quickly as it began. Caroline knew the disappointment on her face matched the moan of disappointment coming from her throat.
“Ms. Fitzpatrick?” The banging sound started again. “Are you okay? It’s Gary from Tristate Roofing. I have your estimate and have been trying to contact you. Ms. Fitzpatrick?”
Reaching up and touching her lips, her eyes met Jax’s before she glared at the door behind him.
“You want to kill him or shall I?” Jax’s voice was deeper than usual with a sexual roughness that made her want to cry.
“Give me my gun back and I’ll be happy to.” She grumbled before heading for the door. As on and off as she and Jax were, she’d probably be an old woman before he got around to kissing her again and then she’d be too damn old for him. Grabbing the door handle at that thought, she swung the door open with force, startling Gary who jumped back with wide eyes.
“Oh, Ms. Fitzpatrick.” Gary smiled, his eyes going to her lips.
For some reason him staring at her lips gave her an uncomfortable creepy feeling. Looking at the packet of papers in his hand, she reached for them. “Is that the estimate?”
“Yes,” he replied, but didn’t let her take it. “If you have a few minutes, I can go over everything with you.”
Caroline seriously didn’t have a minute, she wanted to get back inside and finish what Jax had started. “That’s okay.” She reached for the papers again, but he kept them out of reach. “I can look it over and then give you a call.”
******
Jax stood back to let Caroline handle the asshole roofer. He could see and hear everything going on from his position inside. He also had one hell of a hard-on and needed a minute. Holy shit, the woman could kiss and was hotter than anything he’d held in a long time. He had plenty of sex, but no feelings were involved, at least on his part. He just took care of his need, made sure the female was well taken care of, and on his way he went. Caroline Fitzpatrick was a whole different beautiful beast and he knew once he got her in his bed, and he was smart enough to know that would be happening sooner rather than later, no other woman would be enough for him. Deep inside in that dark area of his mind, he knew that was the reason he really wanted her to stay away from him, and not his brother; although, his brother was a serious threat.
“Jesus,” he cursed, shaking his head, his eyes still on her as she talked to the roof guy. “I’m truly fucked.”
When he heard the roofer guy, Gary, pressure Caroline to let him into the house to go over the estimate, he knew it was time to let the asshole know where he stood.
Stepping up behind Caroline, Jax had perverse pleasure of seeing the fear in the man’s eyes. Reaching around Caroline, he grabbed the estimate and scanned it.
“Nine thousand seems pretty high.” Jax frowned at the man, daring him with his eyes and attitude to try and screw Caroline over.
“Ah, well, actually...it’s not.” Gary cleared his throat. “The whole roof needs to be replaced and that estimate includes material plus labor.”
“I’m sorry.” Caroline shook her head. “I can’t afford that.”
Gary’s whole demeanor changed. “Well, Ms. Fitzpatrick, we’re very competitive with neighboring companies. You’re not going to find a better deal than this.”
“That doesn’t change the fact that I can’t afford it.” Caroline frowned as she walked out into the yard and looked up at her roof. “Are you absolutely sure the whole thing needs to be replaced? I mean I know the shingles do, but the wood? There isn’t any that can be saved?”
Jax knew the answer to that, but waited to see if this guy was brave enough to take advantage. He knew how these assholes worked. He would get the job, she would sign a contact, and then once he started, he would then falsely regret to inform her that more work equaling more money would have to be done. Crossing his arms over his chest, Jax waited for Gary’s answer.
Glancing at Jax, Gary hurried off the porch and started pointing out things which Jax had to give him credit were true.
“I’m sorry I’ve wasted your time, Gary.” Caroline frowned with a sigh. “I’m going to have to go a different avenue on the roof for now.”
Disappointed, Gary nodded. “I understand, but please keep my information and if you change your mind, give me a call.” Gary once again glanced up to Jax, then back to Caroline. “Is that your husband?”
Caroline was still looking at the roof when Gary quietly asked her that question. “No.” She frowned at him.
“Oh.” Gary nodded. “Your boyfriend?”
“Gary,” Jax called from the porch where he was watching and listening to every word.
Gary jumped as if guilty. “Yeah.” He cautiously approached Jax.
Jax grabbed his shoulder with one hand and squeezed enough to send a message as he leaned close to his ear. “Not going to happen.” Jax growled and could have sworn he heard the man gulp in fear.
Jax shoved the estimate into Gary’s stomach, turned him around using his one hand on his shoulder and sent him on his way. Gary hurried to his truck without even looking at Caroline, who was still staring at her roof in despair.
It had been a long time, but it looked like Jax was going to be doing some roofing. Yeah, he was truly fucked.
CHAPTER 15
Jill shoved two crackers in her mouth and wanted to gag. She had begun hating crackers with a passion because that was all she could eat, but it was keeping her going...kinda.
“Hey!” she yelled at Steve who was coming out of Adam’s room.
Steve jumped, then turned toward her like she was a monster. “What?”
Slowing her steps, she watched Steve and knew something was up. It had been two days since Pam had pulled through, and although she found Steve to tell him the good news, she hadn’t seen Adam and she really needed to talk to both him and Steve.
“Is Adam in there?” Jill went to open Adam’s door, but Steve jumped in front of it, stopping her.
“He’s not there.” Steve’s voice was a little high-pitched.
“Okay, then why were you in there?” Jill interrogated Steve, the big liar.
Steve grinned, started to say something, then frowned and grinned again. “I had to get something.”
“What?” Jill cocked an eyebrow, looking at his empty hands.
“I, ah, couldn’t find it.” Steve, the worst liar in the world, lied.
“Cut the bullshit, Steve.” Jill went to open the door, but Steve knocked her arm away.
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