Читать книгу The Rebel Returns: The Return of the Rebel / Her Irresistible Protector / Why Resist a Rebel? - Leah Ashton - Страница 13

CHAPTER SEVEN

ALONE AT LAST.

Jax gently lowered Cleo down onto a long white couch in the expansive living room. He regretted having to let her go. There was something so right about having her slight figure curled up next to him. It’d taken every bit of willpower to concentrate on climbing the stairs instead of turning his head and kissing her.

His gaze dipped down to her lips while remembering how sweet they’d tasted. This wasn’t right. He should be worried about the man who’d run into Cleo at the hotel, not contemplating repeating their kiss because the one they’d shared earlier had been far too brief. And even worse, it had left him anxious for more of her touch.

He’d never had a woman distract him to this extent. What was so unique about Cleo? Could it be the fact she’d always been forbidden fruit? After all, she was one of Hope Springs’s highly respected Sinclair clan whereas his own family had been barely tolerated.

The attraction appeared to be all one-sided as Cleo sat up and looked around the expansive room. “Did you see those posters in the hallway? This really is an honest-to-goodness movie star’s house.”

“Are you saying you doubted me?”

Her gaze darted around the room. “Look at the mantel. There’s an award. Do you think he’d mind if I touched it?”

“I don’t see why he would have to know.” When she went to stand, Jax placed his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll get it for you.”

“Can you believe we’re here? And look over there.” She pointed to the wall to the left. “There’s pictures of him with actresses and politicians. Look at that one of him with the president.”

Jax chuckled at Cleo’s awestruck face. He retrieved the gold figurine, surprised to find it was rather heavy, and handed it to her.

“I just can’t believe you’re friends with him. Can you get me his autograph?”

“I’m sure that can be arranged. Now sit there and don’t move. I’ll be back.”

“Wait.” She looked up. “You promised we’d talk.”

“And we will right after I get our stuff. Just enjoy checking out that award.”

The events of the day were catching up to him, and he couldn’t wait until he got Cleo settled in bed. He inwardly groaned at the thought of her stretched out on some silky sheets. He gave himself a mental shake. That wouldn’t and couldn’t happen. Being a total gentleman tonight was going to be a feat all of its own.

Jax made a few trips to the car and deposited the final items next to the couch.

Cleo eyed up the stash. “What is all of that?”

“Things you’ll need while we’re here.”

“But both of those bags look full. What did you buy?”

He handed over a shopping bag and she peered inside. Her lips formed an O and he realized too late that he’d given her the pink bag. Still, the color filling her cheeks matched the bag and made him smile.

“Don’t worry. I didn’t pick out the lingerie. Marylou helped me out.”

Cleo’s thin brows rose. “Marylou? You mean the woman from the restaurant? The one you rescued from that rude guy?”

He nodded. “She said that if I ever needed anything to ask. I couldn’t risk going back into the Glamour and I didn’t want to risk going to your place, so she discreetly picked up some of my things from the bungalow and bought you some essentials at the guest shops.”

Cleo grimaced and adjusted her leg. “You’re making this sound like we’re going to be here for more than just tonight.”

He glanced at his watch, realizing it was time for her pain medication. “We are. But don’t worry. I have plenty of groceries.”

She sat up straight. “I can’t run off with you. I have responsibilities. People who will be worried about me.”

“Listen,” he replied as he got to his feet, “I’m not any happier about this than you are. But until the police track down this guy, we’re staying put. Now it’s time for your pain meds. I’ll be right back.”

“Jax, you’re being ridiculous. I can get these things for myself.”

He headed for the kitchen, ignoring her protest. Why did she have to be so stubborn? Couldn’t she relax and let him take care of her? Did everything have to be a struggle?

He returned quickly, handing over the glass and the medication, which she took without so much as a comment. He sank down into the armchair across from her and folded his arms behind his head.

“You have to admit staying here won’t be so bad.” He was trying to convince himself as much as her. He leaned his head back. One by one the muscles in his body relaxed. “Even the furniture is comfortable.”

He closed his eyes. This was the most relaxed he’d been in a long time. Was it the house? Or was it the company—Cleo’s company—that had him thinking about the here and now instead of the uncertainty of his future?

“I’m still waiting.”

Her voice startled him as he started to doze off. He lifted his head to look at her. “Waiting for what?”

“For you to explain why we’re here. Who’s the ape that’s hunting you?”

Jax ran a hand over the evening stubble trailing down his jaw. “I honestly don’t know who the man is. But the police are on it now. With the aid of the surveillance cameras at the casino, they’ll be able to identify and locate him.”

He hoped.

“But you do know why he’s here and what he wants.” Her eyes grew round. “Jax, what did you do?”

The fact she thought he might be on the wrong side of the law dug deep into his chest and pulled at the old scars on his heart. Years ago, when all of Hope Springs saw a delinquent kid, she’d looked at him as somebody worth befriending. Cleo always made him feel as though he mattered.

But for the first time, the look in her eyes had changed. Was she now looking at him as her mother had done and seeing him as the no-good Monroe kid who could never amount to anything but trouble. Anger and hurt churned in his gut. He thought he was far past these old feelings—yet being here with Cleo had rolled back time.

“I’m not a criminal,” he ground out.

Color filled her cheeks. “I—I didn’t mean it like that. This whole thing has me on edge.”

“I guess once you’re considered the bad boy, the reputation sticks.” His jaw tightened, holding back old resentments.

“That’s not true. You’re forgetting all of the people who cared about you. People like Kurt and my grandfather.”

“You’re right.” He sighed. “I shouldn’t have gone off on you. It’s just been a stressful day.”

“And I deserve some answers.”

“Yes, you do.” Although he was certain his words would not give her the peace of mind she was seeking, he owed her the truth. “I’m a key witness in a federal court case.”

“A witness.” She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “I take it this isn’t a simple murder case.”

He couldn’t help but smile at the way she classified murder as a simple case. “No, this isn’t about murder. It’s actually a white-collar crime.”

The worry lines on her face smoothed. “Well, that doesn’t sound so bad.”

Would it be so wrong to let her cling to the idea that this case was no big deal? Then she wouldn’t have to worry. But she also might decide to let down her guard, giving that thug a chance to get near her again. No, she definitely needed to know the whole truth.

“It’s a money-laundering scam that involved my business partner. I blew the whistle on him before he could take us both down. I wore a wire and gave the government all the evidence they needed to make their case against him and his shady affiliates.”

Cleo’s face grew ashen. “That sounds dangerous.”

“Let’s just say these men aren’t the friendliest people to cross.”

“That...that man... Does he want to—”

“Scare me off? Yes, he does. But it won’t work. I will finish what I started.”

“Oh, Jax. What if—”

“There are no what-ifs. I just have a few more weeks until I return to New York for the trial and then this will all be over. Now it’s time to call it a night. I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted. It’s been a long day.”

In truth, not only was he truly tired but he also needed some space. He was still smarting over the fact that Cleo thought he might be a criminal.

Her fine brows gathered. “You can’t expect me to stay here with you until the trial.”

“We’ll have to see how things go. But for now you’re staying where I can protect you.”

He yawned. Maybe tonight he’d be able to fall asleep without the endless hours of staring into the dark. Or even worse, to drift off only to have that blasted recurring nightmare where he was chased down a dark alley. Stupid dream.

“Come on.” He knelt down beside her and held out his arms. “Your chariot awaits.”

* * *

Cleo’s head felt fuzzy. She didn’t know if it was the painkillers or the information she’d just learned. Either way, it didn’t matter. She was tired of being treated as if she was helpless. And she didn’t need Jax making decisions for her.

When Jax reached out to her, she pushed aside his offer. “Thanks, but I can get to the bedroom on my own.”

His face creased with frown lines, but he didn’t argue. Instead he grabbed her crutches and held them out to her. “Are you sure?”

She nodded and placed the crutches under her arms. A bump on the head hadn’t made her forget the way Jax had rejected her earlier that day. The memory still stung. Why should things change just because she got hurt?

They weren’t a happy couple. They never would be.

She paused at the bottom of the long line of steps. Suddenly, sleeping on the couch didn’t sound like such a bad idea.

“Sure you haven’t changed your mind?” Jax prodded in a persuasive voice.

“I can manage.” All she had to do was focus. Soon she’d be upstairs and then she could lie down.

“You don’t look so good.”

“Thanks. You sure know how to give a girl a compliment.”

“That isn’t how I meant it and you know it. You’re just being difficult.”

He was right. But tonight she didn’t care. Maybe it was the medicine or hitting her head, but she didn’t feel like acting as if everything was all right when it clearly wasn’t.

He followed her into a spacious bedroom with a king-size bed done up in peaches and cream. She sat down on the edge, very aware of Jax’s presence. He knelt down in front of her to remove her shoe from her good leg. Why did he have to be so nice when she wanted to be angry with him?

“I can do it.” She attempted to take over.

He brushed aside her hand. “You don’t need to. That’s what I’m here for.”

His gentle tone smoothed her agitation. “I’m not even sure how I’ll sleep tonight. Every time I close my eyes I see that ape man. You have to promise to be careful. He isn’t a nice guy. He totally gave me the creeps.”

“I’ll be careful.”

“You promise?”

“I do. I brought us here, didn’t I? He won’t know where to find us.”

She lay back against the bed and closed her eyes, willing away the image of that man. Jax’s warm fingers touched the bare skin of her calf, snapping her eyes open. What was he doing? Then she realized he was removing her sock. How could such a mundane task feel so amazing?

Dropping the sock, his fingers continued to work their magic, kneading and pressing on the sole of her foot. One by one her muscles relaxed and she turned to putty in his hands. The most amazing sensations coursed through her body. If he could do this massaging just one foot, she couldn’t even imagine what other tricks he had up his sleeve.

“This will help you relax.” His voice was soft and soothing.

She hadn’t realized that she’d moaned out loud until he said, “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

“What can I say? I’m a sucker for a foot massage.”

“Scoot back on the bed.”

She did as he said, wondering what he was up to next. He grabbed a couple of pillows and propped up her injured leg. Then he sat down and put her other foot in his lap. The pad of his thumb rubbed up and down over the arch of her foot. She watched him as he used both hands to stretch her foot and then run both thumbs in circular patterns.

“Close your eyes,” he said, still working his magic fingers.

She was in the midst of ecstasy and didn’t want it to stop so she complied. Tomorrow she would stand her ground—yes, tomorrow. Tonight she would let him feel as though he were taking care of her... Just so long as his fingers kept moving.

Time slipped by and, at last, he stopped. She was lost somewhere between floating on a fluffy cloud and half-asleep. He got up and turned off the light.

“Don’t go.” She reached out to grab his hand. “Not yet.”

“Cleo...”

All she knew was that she was in a happy place and she didn’t want it to end. Her body felt like mush. The darkness made her feel safe from his scrutinizing stare. She felt as though she could say anything to him. And in a sleepy haze she decided to throw caution to the wind.

“Why don’t you find me attractive?”

She heard a swift intake of his breath. Then an awkward silence hung there.

The edge of the bed dipped as he sat down. The back of his hand glided over her cheek. “Who says I don’t find you attractive?”

“When we kissed earlier, you pulled away. You didn’t like it.”

His voice was soft. “Did you ever think that I liked it too much?”

“Then kiss me now.” He groaned but she wasn’t giving up. “I’ve kissed you twice. You owe me.”

Again there was an elongated silence. It had to be the medication because she’d never asked a man to kiss her. And it was so much easier to blame it on the painkillers than to admit how very much she wanted him. She’d never desired a man as she did Jax.

Then without warning he leaned over. His lips were just a breath away from hers. “Cleo, you don’t know what you’re asking of me.”

“Yes, I do. I want you to kiss me. I want to know what it’s like to be desired by Jax Monroe. Hope Springs’s bad boy. Now a Wall Street tycoon. Kiss me, Jax. Please.”

With a moan, his mouth pressed to hers. His kiss was hungry and needy. And her heart swelled. Somewhere in the haze of her mind there was a warning voice, but it was garbled and she didn’t feel like heeding to caution. Here in the dark there was just the two of them.

His lips moved hungrily over hers like a starved man. And she met him kiss for kiss. Her fingers worked their way over his muscular shoulders to his neck and then her nails raked through his short hair.

The kiss went on and on and she never wanted it to end. She just floated along in the moment, enjoying having Jax so close. Because come the stark morning sun, she’d come to her senses. A relationship wasn’t in the cards for her. But a fleeting moment of ecstasy was too tempting to pass up. Tomorrow would come all too quickly.

As though he could read her thoughts, he pulled back. His breathing was uneven and rapid. But as she reached out to him, he jumped to his feet.

“Cleo, you couldn’t be more wrong. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone. But this, you and me, it can’t be.”

“Of course it can’t be,” she spat out. No matter what he said, he didn’t find her attractive enough. She blinked back the tears swarming in her eyes.

She’d miscalculated. Instead of the kiss making her feel better, she felt even worse knowing that he still thought that they were a mistake—that she was a mistake. She wanted to get as far away from him as she could, someplace where she could lick her wounds in private.

“I want to go home. Charlie needs me.”

She rolled over onto her side, craving the company of her tabby cat. Anytime she was upset, he was right there with a loving rub and a cheerful purr. Her wounded body ached but it was nothing compared to the great big bruise on her heart.