With a mischievous grin, Sofia can’t contain her laughter as she drops yet another ice cube into my open palm. Turns out, the tongue bar shouldn’t be used for that long. Now my mouth is fucking killing me.
“Stop laughing at me.” I pretend to pout.
“I’m sorry, it’s just so funny. You injured your tongue going down on me. Like, I’ve never heard of that before in my life.” With each beat of her hand against her leg, her laughter grows louder, until she’s doubled over with tears streaming down her face. When I pop the ice onto my tongue, it’s an instant relief.
I watch her, and the sheer happiness on her face is unmistakable. It’s so intense that it sends a sharp pang through my chest.
The moment her streaming eyes lock with mine, it’s as if a puzzle piece finally finds its place, and everything suddenly makes sense.
I fucking love this woman.
Love.
There is nothing else it could be. Yet, this dark cloud sits over me, even now. That I’ll destroy her, too.
It’s the same story with anyone I let get close.
I can’t break this cycle. As I rub my hands on my jeans, a sudden tightness grips my throat, like I can’t breathe. My phone vibrating in my pocket is a welcomed distraction.
Nikolai’s name flashes up on the screen.
“I’m heading to your place. There’s been a hit at Enzo’s club.”
I crack my knuckles. This is exactly what I need. The best way to battle these feelings is to fight. “I’ll meet you out front.”
The line goes silent.
“Jax… Why do you sound odd?”
I’m never going to live this one down. “I have an injury, that’s all I’m telling you.”
I hear Alexei’s cackle. “Does that mean you’ve taken that clicking machine out?” Nikolai chuckles.
“Only for the day.”
“That must have been a good feast,” Alexei yells through the speaker.
I shake my head, cutting the call.
“I’ve gotta go out for a bit. I shouldn’t be long,” I tell Sofia, whose laughter has died down. Concern is written across her face.
I pull her into an embrace and inhale her sweet strawberry scent. As she leans back, studying me, I frame her face with my hands. “I’ll see you soon, sweetheart.”
I almost say it, I’m so close. But what if that ruins everything?
She nods and kisses me.
Just like that, my problems seem to melt away. My mind stops spinning. I’m back where I belong. With her.
“Give Maeve a kiss from me. I’ll try to be back by bedtime.”
“I will, Jax. Be careful, okay?”
“You got it, boss.”
I’m so close to telling her how I feel. But, I don’t, not yet.
