Page 61 of Save Me

“Once you’ve made contact, always come back to this position, arms up, protect your face.” He moves my hands back slowly. “Huh,” he says.

When he doesn’t continue speaking, I look at him, only to see his gaze looking pointedly at my wrist, and the raw skin in the shape of a heart.

“I take it back,” he starts with a mischievous smile. “Maybe you and I do have the same extracurricular activities.”

“Tread carefully, Ryan,” Jax growls, albeit half-heartedly.

I look at Ryan, his golden eyes dancing playfully as he seemingly decides just what to say next, and I already know it will be something that will most likely cause a reaction from Jax.

True to his nature Ryan doesn’t miss a beat.

“If you ever need someone to show you the ropes I would be more than happy to,” he says with a wink.

Ryan swivels but it’s too late. Jax tackles him to the ground, pinning him quickly until Ryan taps out. I can’t help but let out a genuine laugh.

“Thatwas childish,” Ryan says with a smile.

“Andyouwere inappropriate,” Jax says mildly, though his eyes are dancing with the possessiveness I’ve come to love.

“Are you guys going to teach me or spend the rest of the day arguing?” I say with a laugh.

By the end of the hour, I’m drenched in sweat and only a little bit closer to learning how to throw a punch.

“It’ll take some time, but we’ll have you in the ring with us soon enough,” Jax says lovingly, and already I find myself looking forward to our next boxing lesson.

CHAPTER 27

‡

The house isquiet, the sky is dark, and Jax is beside me sleeping peacefully. He fell asleep hours ago, after leaving a trail of kisses across my skin and his name dripping off my lips like a sin. I should be relaxed, Iwasrelaxed, completely spent after our activities together, but I can’t sleep. I roll to my left, before adjusting my pillow again, still unable to get comfortable. The silky sheets feel suffocating against my skin, his bedroom too vast, the air too cold. I turn towards Jax, trying to find comfort against him, closing my eyes as I nuzzle into his chest. I breathe him in as I take deep breaths, trying to will myself to sleep. It starts to work, and I walk the line between sleep and wakefulness, in a limbo of lucidity, as I think about Jax and the touch of his skin against me.

Jax shifts in his sleep, lazily throwing his arm over me, pulling me into him, his leg looping over mine, and his hand interlacing my own. He plants a tender kiss on the back of my head before his breathing gets deeper again. The last thing I remember before I drift off to sleep is the sound of him breathing behind me.

Bryce’s voice sounds loudly, startling me awake. “What the fuck, Tanner?”

“Don’t look at me.” He chuckles. “She asked for it.”

“That was way too far and you know it. Have you seen what you did to her face and neck? Jesus Christ…”

Someone laughs, and I can only assume it’s Tanner.

“Oh, come on, it wasn’t that bad.”

“You were supposed to make sure she didn’t run away, Tanner. That’s it.”

“She’s still here, isn’t she?” he bites back.

“You know that’s not the point.” Bryce raises his voice. “And now you show up here again, already drunk.”

“Chill the fuck out.” Tanner’s voice rises in volume in response and I hear footsteps shuffle about. “You can’t tell me that you never thought about it?”

I can’t hear what Bryce mumbles in reply, Tanner’s laughter making it hard to hear.

My hands shake as I pull the blanket higher around me, retreating into the safety of the cocoon it creates.

My whole body feels disconnected at the sound of his voice, my breathing shallow and rapid, my hands clammy and unsteady, as shivers course through me, despite the warmth of my blanket.

“Tanner, stop.” Bryce’s voice rings out.

---