One Man

by Lisa Renee Jones

  “I want to be with you, Jax.”

  He leans in to kiss me when his phone buzzes again. He grimaces, his lips brushing mine before he retrieves his phone from his pocket and glances down at the messages. “I’m going to grab my purse,” I say, and I do just that, rushing to the bathroom, scooping it up, as well as my briefcase. My gaze shifts and somehow lands on the journal where it rests on the nightstand, the memory of Jax refusing to read it hitting me in all the right ways. He wants to read it. He’s holding back for me. I don’t remember the last time anyone sacrificed for me and I know that’s a sacrifice. I know Jax is looking for what pushed his brother over the edge. I know he thinks that’s my family and still, he didn’t read the journal. I decide to leave it on the nightstand. I just don’t want to risk leaving it in my office or apartment right now.

  Rejoining Jax, I find him checking his watch and I have a momentary flash of York doing the same thing. I hate that the damn watch brand reminds me of York again. I hate that he’s under my skin enough to distract me from Jax, who matters. York doesn’t matter. Well, the man doesn’t matter, but the hell he can put me through does. It’s what he might put my family through that does. It’s how he might lash out at Jax that does.

  And deep in my gut, my fear is that Jax is right. York is in the middle of this thing with Jax’s brother, which will lead only one place: a war between York and Jax. But where does my brother fall in all of this? Where do I?

  “Ready?” Jax asks, and I force myself back into the moment, and that’s not a challenge. Jax is an amazing man, gentle and yet confident, caring and yet dominant, striking combinations that apparently work for me. I’m going to the castle with him.

  “Yes,” I say. “I’m ready.”

  We exit the hotel room and he hands me a key. “Yours. It’s our room now.”

  I have no idea why this warms me the way it does, but it does. I accept the key, and his hand closes around mine. “Soon you can share my real bed.”

  The air thickens between us, that electric push and pull that is always present, jolting up a notch. “The king’s bed in his castle?”

  “King of the north,” he jokes in a Game of Thrones jest that only endears me to him more. His humor is sexy, but if I’m honest with myself, so is the darkness he buries beneath that humor. He’s broken in some way. I’m broken in many ways. This draws us to each other. I know this. Death has been our mutual calling card, but for the first time, I wonder if that bond heals or destroys.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  Emma…

  My worries are easily forgotten when my eyes meet Jax’s as laughter fades into heat, something that’s becoming familiar between us. I run my hand down the lapel of his jacket, and my God, his suit makes him look like walking sex. I have a momentary flashback of his lips on my belly, my fingers tangling in that dirty blond hair.

  “If you keep looking at me like that,” he warns, “we’ll go back into the room.”

  He takes my briefcase, slides his arm around me and the two of us start the walk to the elevator. Slowly. Like we both dread letting the rest of the world into our world. At least, I know I do. The Jax North playground is a good playground.

  A few minutes later, we step off the car into the lobby and a tall, brutal-looking man with a scar down his cheek greets us. “Howdy there, ma’am,” he says, giving me a nod. “I’m Savage, Rick Savage, but everyone calls me Savage because I’m so nice and all that fun stuff.” His gaze shifts to Jax. “I have men following you both. You won’t see them unless you need them. I’ll be locked into them and you both.”

  I don’t have to ask who Savage is. I know Jax hired protection. With York in town, I’m not fighting that idea either. “Do you know how York got into my apartment? I assume Jax told you what happened?”

  “He did,” Savage says. “And whoever helped him was good enough to stay off our radar, and that’s really damn good.”

  “That’s not comforting, but then, York has money. He’ll pay for the best.”

  “Jax paid for the best,” he assures me. “Us.” He shifts his attention back to Jax. “There’s a black SUV waiting for you out front.” He looks at me. “Don’t leave your offices without our ride or our support.” He hands me a card. “Put my number in your phone.”

  I accept the card. “Thank you, Savage.”

  He narrows his eyes on me. “No pushback? I’m used to pushback from pretty ladies.”

  “Not from me,” I say.

  “Interesting,” he says. “Then you believe there’s real trouble.”

  “Yes. Yes, I do.”

  “What kind of trouble?” he challenges, and I don’t like the way his tone seems to spell guilt of some type. I’m not guilty of anything, but being in the middle and being stupid enough to stay with York as long as I did.

  “The kind that has York Waters walking into my apartment and Jax hiring you to protect us both.” I turn and look at Jax. “I need to get to work.”

  His eyes soften with understanding, not accusation, and when Jax waves Savage off, I allow him to pull me back under his arm and set us into motion once again. But Savage follows. I can feel his big bear of a presence behind us, pressing on my shoulders. He’s protecting us. He’s looking for answers, but he doesn’t trust me. It’s the kind of negativity I don’t need right now. We exit the hotel and just before I climb into the SUV, Savage is standing right there with us again.

  “Sometimes even the people I protect have secrets,” he says.

  That sets me off. “I do have secrets,” I snap. “But not ones that serve your cause. They aren’t yours to know. I’ve told Jax everything I know.”

  “Understood,” he says and offers me his jaw. “Punch me. I can take it. It’ll mix things up and get us working well together. And as a plus, you get to let off some steam.”

  “You tempted the wrong person,” I warn, stepping to him. “I’ll do it.”

  “Bring it.”

  Jax catches my arms from behind and pulls me against his chest. I look up at him and he casts me in an amused stare. “Beat him up later. You have a meeting and we have travel plans to make.” He kisses me, and it’s such a relationship-like kiss that it curls my toes right there in front of Savage.

  “I suppose I should save my frustrations for Marion.” I look at Savage. “You got off the hook. Stop being an asshole.”

  “No promise there,” Savage says, tracing his goatee. “But I’m a work in progress. I might get there. The driver’s name is Smith. He’s the quiet type.” He gives me a mock salute and eyes Jax, giving him a nod.

  I turn out of Jax’s arms and climb inside the SUV with him following. He shuts us inside and the SUV starts moving. My cellphone rings and I settle my purse on the seat, pull the phone from my purse to find York’s assistant calling me, which must mean it’s really York calling me. Jax shuts us inside and greets the driver as I decline the call. My phone starts ringing again. I grimace. “You know who it is,” I say.

  “York,” Jax supplies. “I thought you blocked his number?”

  “He called from his assistant’s phone, which is a head game, and a message, the kind he enjoys.”

  “He’s telling you he can still get to you.”

  We’re back in uncomfortable territory which I why I don’t agree or disagree. I glance over at him. “I don’t think his timing is a coincidence. He has to know that I’m meeting with Marion.”

  “Maybe you should talk to him.”

  “No,” I say. “That is not a beast I want to feed.”

  “Marion setup this meeting for a reason, Emma,” he warns. “She’s afraid of you. So, either your brother already knows about the affair and they’re going to team up on you, or you’re in for a surprise.”

  “My brother wouldn’t sideswipe me,” I say, without an inkling of hesitation. “I know there’s a surprise coming though and it won’t be a good one.”

  “Do you want to talk about what that might be and strategize before you go to the meeting
?”

  This offer surprises me when perhaps it shouldn’t. This is Jax and Jax is never anything I expect, and that’s a good thing. “Thank you, but the ride is short and we’re almost there. I just want this over.”

  “We can drive around or park and talk this out,” Jax says. “Hell, we can go get coffee. They can wait.”

  “I got this,” I promise. “I’ll deal with it and the rest of my work. Then I’ll clear my schedule and we’ll go to Maine. I’ll run away with you for real this time, Jax.”

  Jax laces the fingers of his hands with mine and kisses my knuckles. “Yes. You will. Remember that when you’re in there today.”

  “I will,” I promise as the SUV stops and the driver calls out, “We’re here now.”

  “Last chance to game plan,” Jax offers.

  “I want it over with,” I repeat, and he gives a small nod before he opens the door and steps outside, helping me exit. “I’ll walk you to the door,” he says, his hand at my waist.

  We turn for the door and my brother steps in front of us. No. Not us. He steps in front of Jax, his eyes locked on him.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

  Emma…

  Chance and Jax stand there staring at each other, two good looking men, the same and yet different, Chance dark-haired, Jax fair-haired, a push and pull of power between them that threatens to explode.

  “What are you doing, Chance?” I hiss urgently, and because I know how deeply Jax wants answers, and in truth, revenge, I grab his arm, anchoring him, reminding him that Chance is my brother.

  Chance’s gaze rockets to me, his piercing blue eyes alight with anger. “You stayed the night with him again?” he demands.

  I blanch, shocked by such a question from Chance of all people. “Where is this coming from? You knew we were together, and how is that your business?”

  “That’s a yes,” he says, his gaze swinging back to Jax. “I don’t want her hurt.”

  “Neither do I,” Jax says, “and it seems to me that’s not always been the case. York showed up at her place yesterday morning.”

  “He’s her ex-fiancé,” Chance replies. “You aren’t.”

  “He’s a bastard I don’t want near me,” I snap.

  “A bastard who had a key she didn’t give him,” Jax adds.

  Chance looks at me. “I don’t even have a key. How fuck did he get a key?”

  “I don’t know,” I say. “But he walked right in, and honestly, you don’t know that man like I do. I thank God Jax was there. He made him leave. I don’t think you really understand, Chance, and that’s on me, but—he scares me.”

  My brother stares at me to the point of awkward before he says, “I’ll get him out of town.” He looks at Jax. “Thank you for being there for my sister but I’m not my father. I don’t know what happened between him and your brother and neither does Emma.”

  “Prove it,” Jax says. “Why did your father want the castle in the first place? He came at it like we’re sitting on an oil field.”

  “I’ll be damned if I know,” Chance says. “But he wanted it.” My brother glances my direction. “He even put that in the will. Get the castle. That’s an exact quote.”

  Relief washes over me that he’s not only been honest with me on this, but that he’s done it in front of Jax, and even looks at Jax as he adds, “That’s all I know.”

  “And I need to know what that’s about,” Jax says. “Because my brother is dead.”

  Chance draw back, as if slapped. “You actually think that’s connected to us?”

  “Is it?” Jax challenges.

  “Look, man, I get it. It hurts, but I don’t see the connection between my father and your brother’s suicide.”

  I cringe with the descriptive words I know will hit a nerve and set Jax off.

  “I do,” Jax says. “And I won’t stop coming until I know where that lands.”

  “Coming?” Chance challenges.

  “Yes, coming. And if you didn’t think I had a reason, you wouldn’t be in my face about Emma. You wouldn’t think I have a reason to hurt her.”

  Chance’s gaze jerks to me. “Did you hear that? Do you see who you’re playing games with right now, Emma?”

  “He isn’t trying to hurt me, Chance.”

  He takes my arm. “Come with me.”

  “No,” I say, shoving against him. “Stop. I’ll meet you upstairs, Chance.” I soften my voice. “I know you want to protect me, but Jax isn’t the enemy. Tell him what you know.”

  “There’s nothing to tell.”

  “If you want to protect her,” Jax says, “rein in York, use his family, and yes, I mean Marion, who you too coincidentally have your sister meeting today. Because if you don’t, I sure the fuck will.”

  “Jax,” I warn.

  He looks down at me. “He hasn’t protected you, Emma, but I will and that I won’t apologize for.”

  “You will?” Chance challenges. “Says the man accusing her family of God knows what?”

  Jax’s gaze jerks back to his. “Yes. I will and everyone should take note and take it well.”

  “I’ll handle York,” Chance replies and looks at me. “Marion will be here in fifteen minutes. I’ll see you upstairs.”

  I give him a choppy nod, and he turns and walks away. I stare after him, praying that he’s not involved in something that damaged Jax’s family, but that doesn’t absolve Jax from his behavior either. The minute my brother’s out of hearing range, I whirl on him. “Why would you go at him about Marion?”

  “He knows York showed up in your apartment and he’s throwing you into a meeting with Marion. I don’t like it, Emma. It feels off.”

  “He’s my brother and he didn’t know about York showing up to my apartment until we told him.”

  His lips thin. “He knew. I saw it in his eyes.”

  “He didn’t know,” I bite out.

  “Take it from me, sweetheart. We don’t always know our siblings as well as we think. I’m proof of that fact.”

  That statement ignites more anger in one moment, and then softens me in the next, my hand settling on his chest. “I know. And I know you want to protect me, but Chance and my mother are all I have left. I need to believe in my brother.”

  “And he needs you to believe in him, but at what cost, Emma?” He softens. “Just be careful, baby. I don’t want you hurt in all of this. You’re in the middle of a live fire.” He pulls me close, pressing his cheek to mine, his lips at my ear. “We are good, really damn good, Emma.” He inches back to look at me. “You know that, right?”

  “Yes. I know.” I grab his lapel. “And I really do like baby. Not just because of how you say it. Because I’ve decided that you use it when you’re emotional and I think very few people get to see those emotions. But just remember, we’re good because we understand each other. And what I understand now is that while you may not choose to show those emotions to others, they’re present, and like it or not, they’re a part of you and your decisions.”

  He doesn’t agree or disagree. He doesn’t even comment. He simply takes my hand and brings it to his lips. “Be careful,” he repeats. “Call me if you need me. I’m going to a couple of meetings, but nothing I won’t end for you.”

  Protectiveness radiates from him, the kind you don’t just hear, but feel. It’s another something that I’ve never felt that from anyone in my life, even Chance, if I’m honest. “I’ll be fine. I have Savage, too. I’ll call him if I need help and text you so I won’t interrupt your meetings. I’ll see you soon?”

  “The minute you’re free, baby.” He leans in to my ear again. “And I already can’t wait.” He pulls back and slides my briefcase onto my shoulder. “Go inside so I know you’re safe.”

  I turn, walking toward the door, but dread fills me at what is before me, and I find that I want to turn around and walk back toward Jax, but that’s not an option. I need to know what this is all about. I need answers. And so, I keep moving forward and enter the building, waving goo
dbye to Jax, and heading toward the elevator. Once I’m on the car, my mind shifts back to Jax’s accusations about Chance. Did Chance know about York and he didn’t check on me? And if so, how would he know? That doesn’t feel right. York is somehow up to no good, no good that I now really, truly, fear links to Jax and his brother. But if Jax is right, if my brother knew that York was at my apartment, does that mean that he’s involved, too?

  The elevator door opens and Chance is standing there waiting on me.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  Emma…

  I step out of the elevator to join Chance in the hallway. “You’re starting to seem like my stalker brother, which would be a great title for a Lifetime movie.”

  “Marion’s already here,” he says. “She’s waiting in the conference room.”

  “Why is she here at all?”

  He actually looks irritated by the question. “She’s our largest corporate customer. Why else?”

  “The morning after York breaks into my apartment?” I challenge.

  “York is not a part of Marion’s business. He runs his own company. And you’re letting Jax North get into your head and that’s dangerous. He clearly thinks we fucked over his brother. He’s trying to fuck you to fuck us.”

  I suck in a breath, stunned. “You think he’s fucking me for revenge? Because he can’t possibly want me for anything but that or money?” Anger unfurls in me and I try to turn away, wanting out of this hallway.

  Chance catches my arm. I face off with him. “I need to put up my stuff before the meeting and we have security cameras. Do you really want us fighting to be on that footage?”

  He grimaces and lets me go. I charge into my office, flip on the light, and walk to my desk. I used to love this office, with the cute gray couches with red accents pillows, big windows overlooking the ocean. Now it feels like a prison.

  “Come on, Bird Dog,” Chance says, joining me and shutting the door. “You know that’s not what I meant.”