by Erin Trejo
“Why?” Is the only coherent thing I can say. Jaxson smiles at me with that devilishly beautiful grin before he leans in closely to me.
“I warned you that you’d pay.” Jaxson turns and walks away as though nothing ever happened.
I’m left standing with Bryce’s arm still latched onto mine. His breathing is heavy. I risk the chance and look up at him, his eyes seething with heat.
“We should get you to dinner.” He says huskily. He releases his grip on me but places his hand almost intimately on the small of my back.
He leads me through another hallway until I see the extravagantly decorated dining table. Food lines the table but it’s not the food I zero in on.
It’s Jaxson at the head of the table.
Dark.
Dominate.
And in control of my life.
Chapter 13
I pick through the food that Beverly placed on my plate. As good as it looks, I can’t force myself to eat it. What if he poisoned it? I don’t know anything about these two. Aside from that fact that they are both devastatingly gorgeous.
“You have to eat.” Jaxson’s voice booms through the room. I shift in my seat not at all comfortable with him watching me. Especially while I eat. It reminds me too much of the way Don used to do it.
“Why am I here?” I drop the fork listening to it clink on the plate. In the silent room, it almost sounds like a bomb going off.
“As I said before. You are an asset to me. You will be of service to us in the near future.” I swallow hard trying to dislodge the lump that has consumed my throat. An asset?
“What kind of service?” Jaxson closes his eyes clearly annoyed with all the questions but I need to know what they want from me. I watch as he takes long slow deep breaths before opening those piercing eyes. He zones in on me.
“You will find out in time, Jade. As for now, you need to eat and stop with all the goddamn questions.” His tone has turned lethal.
“What happened to Don?” Why am I still talking? Don’t I listen?
“Questions, Jade. Enough of them!” I jolt slightly at the way he raised his voice but I want to know.
“You killed him, didn’t you?” Bryce chuckles across the table from me. I glance at him but he doesn’t even look up from his plate.
“Do I strike you as a killer?” Now it’s Jaxson’s turn to question me. The way he can maneuver around the things I ask almost amazes me.
“Yes. You do.” I don’t hesitate when I respond.
“I didn’t kill your little boy toy.” He mumbles. Bryce laughs again, harder this time. He and Jaxson share a glance before I see the smirk cross Jaxson’s face.
“He isn’t my boy toy and neither are you. If that’s what you think you’re doing with me, you’re dead wrong.” Jaxson slams his fists down on the table. Everything in its path shudders from the impact.
Two things occur to me in this moment. One, Jaxson is a loose cannon that I need to tread lightly around and two, he holds the power in this house. I see the look on Bryce’s face out of the corner of my eye.
“If you don’t plan to eat, go to your room, Jade. I can’t handle much more from you before I lose my sanity all together.” The growl that rips from him should scare me but it doesn’t.
I shove the chair back roughly, listening to it thud to the floor before I leave the room.
Like I said, if he wants to play with my life, I can at least make his a little more difficult.
Chapter 14
I lay on the softest blankets I’ve ever felt. The smooth silk allows my fingers to glide over it easily. I’ve never felt anything like it. It must be expensive. A knock on the door has me jolting off the bed. Is it Jaxson coming to hurt me? Why do I even think he would hurt me? Oh, that’s easy. He’s a monster.
Maybe it’s Bryce. If I can get on his good side maybe, just maybe he could help me out of here. I could cozy up to him, couldn’t I? Pursue him and make him believe I’m interested? Who the hell am I kidding? I saw the look in Jax’s eyes. He would never allow that. Another knock and I shove off the bed taking a deep breath. I turn the knob to see Beverly standing in the doorway with a bright smile on her little old face.
“The boys had to go out on business. I saw you didn’t eat much for dinner and I thought you may like a light snack before bed.” She stands there with her hands clenched together in front of her.
“Is that ok? I mean, I don’t want you in any trouble.” It’s true. I saw his eyes, the way they darkened to almost black. I have no doubts in my mind what he’s capable of.
“No dear. There is no worry. Mr. Murphy expressed his wishes for you to wander freely. Come with me.” She smiles. I look down at the sweatpants and tank top that I have on and rethink going out there with her. Beverly stops when she notices I’m not behind her. She must see the war that’s waging inside of me.
“I assure you, the Murphy boys will be out late. You’re fine to wear that out here.” Her gentleness is almost overwhelming. It’s such a stark contrast to the way Jaxson acts.
I nod once before I follow her out of the room. We wander the halls much the same as we did earlier. When we step into the kitchen, Beverly pulls a pan of muffins from the oven.
“I love to bake. The boys don’t usually eat them up as quickly as I make them though. Do you like blueberry?” She grabs two small plates from the cabinet and I’m relieved that she will be joining me.
“I do. Thank you for this. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful of your dinner.” I have to play my cards right with her. I have to get her to like me.
“No dear. Don’t you fret about that. I know those two men can be overbearing at times. They are decent people though.” She smiles as she slides the plate across the counter to me.
I take a bite and my stomach grumbles. It’s the best tasting thing I’ve had in a long time.
“This is amazing.” Beverly smiles.
“What would you like for breakfast?” She asks. My heart flutters in my chest. She’s actually asking me?
“I’m not picky. Yogurt and granola would be great.”
“Finish up here. I’m going to retire for the evening. Is there anything else I can get you?” I watch her stand and place her plate in the sink before turning back to me. I shake my head.
“No. This was great. Thank you.”
“I’m the last room upstairs on the left hallway if you need anything.”
How is someone as sweet as Beverly in the middle of those two kidnappers?
Chapter 15
The room spins. I found the liquor cabinet. Hey, she said they wanted to have free reign of the house. I took advantage.
I put a record on the old record player that I found in what I assume to be the den. It’s dark but quant. There’s a small desk in the corner but it’s the artwork in here that intrigues me. Expensive doesn’t even cut it.
I lay on the floor on the soft plush carpet as I stare up at the overly extravagant chandelier. The way the light reflects off the small pieces of glass throws a rainbow through the room. I hum along to the soft music before sitting up and taking another big gulp of alcohol.
That’s when I notice the sculpture in the corner. How had I not seen that to begin with? I shove myself off the floor and move toward it. I run my fingers over the intricately carved structure when the music suddenly stops. Is the record over already?
I spin around a little too quickly, grabbing the sculpture to keep me upright. That’s when I see him. Partially hidden by the shadows in the room but those eyes can’t be hidden.
“Do you realize that the piece of art you are currently attached to is valuable?” I let out a half laugh half snort. He cocks his head to study me when I shove off the sculpture.
“I do realize that. In fact, if I were to guess, I’d say that it was approximately worth around six hundred thousand.” Jaxson eyes narrow in on me before he looks away. Glancing around the room he spots the bottle I have been drinking from all night.
�
��I see you’ve become acquainted with my liquor selections.” He walks over, picking up the bottle from the floor. He holds it up as though examining it. “Quiet the little drinker, are we?”
I giggle as I stammer toward him. Grabbing the bottle out of his hands, I take another long pull. The alcohol doesn’t even burn on its way down this time. I think I’m numb to it.
“How do you know how much that sculpture costs?” He slides his hands back into his pockets in that sexy way he keeps doing.
“I’m not a fool, Jaxson.” His head tilts to the side.
“Who is the artist?” The smug smile that curls his lips is infuriating. He’s initiating a challenge that I will gladly accept.
I hold my head high and say, “Mikal Johanson.”
He looks surprised by that. And that’s when my eyes catch on the piece on the small table next to him. A gasp escapes me. Jaxson follows my gaze but quickly looks back to me. I stumble toward it, lifting it in my hands. I’m enamored at the piece. It’s beautiful.
“Mercello Ferrari.” I’ve never seen a piece of his up close before. This is miraculous for me.
“How do you know all about these artists?” Jaxson steps up next to me. His heat overwhelming.
I set the piece back in its rightful place before I take a step back, falling on my ass.
“I told you, I’m not a fool.” It may look like I am now but I assure him I’m not.
Chapter 16
“I’ve never met a woman that knew her artists.” He seems shocked that it’s even conceivable for a woman to know her artwork.
“Who is the artist of that chandelier?” I ask as I lay on the floor watching the colors drift through the room.
“I think you’ve had enough fun for one evening. Come. Let’s get you to bed.” His voice is calm, almost caring. A shudder races through me at the thought of that. Is he just pretending to care?
“I want to know, Jax. Who designed it? It’s magical. It reflects light like nothing I’ve ever seen.” Jaxson looms over me, his jaw tensing.
“I did. I designed it. Now, come.” He holds out a hand to me. I reach for it but miss landing back in the position I was in the begin with. Laughter erupts out of me. I can’t read the look on Jax’s face right now though.
He kneels next to me, lifting me in his arms. I wrap my hands around his neck and inhale his scent.
Jaxson tenses the moment I touch him. It takes him a few minutes of standing still before he relaxes. He walks out of the den and down another hallway.
“Ohh is that a Pristine?” I squeal when I see the vase on the table in the hallway.
“It is. You can look at more tomorrow.” I lay my head back on his shoulder. Jaxson moves swiftly through the halls of the mansion. I wonder how long he’s lived here? Does Bryce live here? So many questions form in my head but none of them come out of my mouth.
“See you in the sunlight. Where everything is so bright.” I sing to myself. I can feel the laughter rumble through Jaxson’s chest. I look up and smile as he shakes his head.
“Do you like to sing, Jax?” I know I’m way beyond drunk at this point but as long as he’s smiling, I’m going with it.
“No, Jade. I don’t sing.”
“Why? Are you that bad? Do you sing in the shower like normal people?” That vibration runs through him again.
“I don’t think I’m like normal people.” Sure, he is. He has to live and breathe much the same as we all do to survive.
“You’re beautiful. A monster, yes but a beautiful one.” He steps into my room and moves straight toward the bed. He stands me up in front of him as he pulls the blankets back.
“Why do you think I’m a monster?” He questions as he lifts me and sits me on the bed.
“Because you killed Don and you kidnapped me.” I drop back on the pillow when it occurs to me. I didn’t check the closet. I throw the blankets back quickly and leap from the bed. Jaxson watches me warily. I pull the closet door open and peek inside, only letting out a sigh when I see it’s empty.
I turn around and walk back to the bed, climbing back under the blanket. I roll up in it much like I always have. Jaxson watches me intently before he says, “What was that about?” My eyes slowly flutter closed.
“Monsters are everywhere, Jaxson. They hide in closets.” I mumble as sleep pulls me under. Just as I’m about to be gone, I hear Jaxson say, “Not all of them are hidden.”
Chapter 17
I pry my eyes open only to see the blinding sunlight. I groan and roll back over taking the blankets with me when I smell the cigar smoke. I immediately jump up to and see Jaxson in the dark corner of my room.
“What is with you and watching women sleep?” I ask annoyed that he’s once again in the room when I was asleep.
“Woman. I’ve only ever watched you.” A tingling sensation works its way up my spine. Why is he telling me that?
“Should I thank you?” I ask sarcastically. Jaxson doesn’t move, his dark eyes stay holding me in place.
“No. There won’t ever be anything for you to thank me for. Get dressed.” He snuffs out the cigar before shoving out of the chair.
“Where are we going?” I ask not much in the mood for his games.
He glares at me before he says, “On a field trip of sorts. I expect you to act somewhat civilized while we’re out.” The warning in his tone is enough to get me moving.
I throw the blankets back and climb out of bed all the while his eyes following me.
“Are you going to watch me dress?” I ask not at all meaning it. Jaxson must take it as a challenge. He sits back in the chair he was in. He throws one leg out and bends the other at the knee clearly making himself comfortable. His hand comes to rest on his chin, stroking it slowly.
“It was a joke.” I mumble but I can see the amusement in his eyes.
“Oh, little puppet. I think you will find that I don’t joke. Everything that I say is truth.” I glance over my shoulder and look in his eyes. He’s trying to push me. He wants to see me break but I won’t let him win. Not now.
I pull my clothes out of the dresser, setting them on the bed. Slowly I begin to pull my shirt over my head with my back to him. I hear the groan but it shocks me even more when he says, “Turn around. You want to play this game, face me.”
The thought of him seeing me completely naked is discomforting. I’m not sure what to make of it but I suddenly feel exposed. Maybe playing with the fire that is Jaxson wasn’t the best idea. I can already feel the burn.
“Do it now, little puppet! Don’t make me repeat myself.” He growls. I turn around slowly with my arms covering my naked breasts. Jaxson cocks his head to the side to study me.
He shoves off the chair, stalking toward me with a purposeful glint in his eyes. My body shakes in anticipation of what he may do to me. Jaxson reaches out, running his finger over my collarbone.
“Drop your arms, Jade.” It’s a low command but a command all the same. I slowly let my arms fall to my sides. Open and vulnerable to him, I don’t know what to do. I avoid his gaze, looking to the side.
I close my eyes and wait for whatever torturous game he’s about to play when I feel his soft lips take my nipple into his mouth. An involuntary gasp escapes my parted lips. Jaxson’s tongue flicks and tickles the now hardened bud. My body is on fire with no way to extinguish it.
I reach for his head, trying to hold him to me. At first, he lets out a growl but then he pulls away so quickly I cry out at the loss of contact.
“Get dressed.”
Chapter 18
I’ve ignored him the whole ride. Why should I give him the benefit of my attention? The way he plays games with my body is wrong. He pulls me to a place that I’ve never been only to walk away from me.
“Come.” He climbs out of the car. I follow behind him not sure what the hell we’re doing now. He hasn’t said anything and I don’t ask.
I climb out just as he passes some cash to the food stand operator. He turns with a smile o
n his face as he passes me a cup. “It’s peppermint tea. It helps calm your nerves.” He nods his head toward the small park in front of us. I don’t know what the hell he has planned but something in the back of my mind says this isn’t just for a pleasant day out. No, this is more than that.
Jax sits on a bench motioning for me to join him. Reluctantly I do. He passes me a croissant before pulling his own from the brown paper bag. I watch him pull off a piece and pop it into his mouth.
“You said that monster’s hide in the closets.” He isn’t asking me, he heard me last night. I nod slowly wondering where he’s going with this.
“Look around you. At the people.” I follow his gaze to the people that are wandering around the park. Some smile, some laugh. Others look lost in thought.
“What is this about?” I ask. Jaxson sighs heavily before he looks at me.
“Monsters are everywhere. Not in the closest. They are people that you meet on the side of the road. That bump into you at the grocery store. The ones that watch you in the dark. If you looked around here at this precise moment, would you be able to tell who the monster is?” He asks me. A serious tone now takes hold. I look around once more before pulling my gaze back to his. Shaking my head slowly, I know what he’s doing. He’s trying to frighten me. He’s trying to scare me into submission.
“I see you, Jaxson. Isn’t that enough?” Fire shoots through those beautiful blue eyes of his. A nerve has been struck and there’s nothing I can do to take it back now.
“No, it isn’t. You need to learn to trust no one, Jade.” His eyes hold a truth that I don’t think he even realizes.
“I don’t trust you.” The words come out as a whisper. The corners of his lips pull up into a smile.
“And you’d be right to not trust me. I can make your world a living hell. I can initiate so much pain that you will never be same.” Is that anything different than he’s already doing? I let that sink in when he chuckles and says, “It’s not even close, little puppet.”
