Page 29 of Switch

Jenny shrugs, unrepentant. “I’m just saying.”

Carlie gives her a pointed look. “I know what you’re saying, but you, of all people, know relationships don’t go in a straight line. They’re messy—up, down, sometimes backward and sideways. You can’t just issue ultimatums.”

Jenny nods reluctantly but adds, “I’m still saying it. Just don’t hurt him.”

The weight of her words lingers in the air, and Carlie, sensing the tension, steps in again. “We know being with a man in an MC isn’t like dating some regular guy. It’s tough—it comes with a lot of challenges, especially in a club like this one that isn’t always playing by the rules. You just have to be honest with yourself about what you want. And if you don’t think you can deal with it, that’s okay. But Jax… he really is one of the best. Sweet, supportive, always putting everyone else first.”

I cross my arms, looking around at the group of women who clearly care deeply about the men they’ve tied their lives to. There’s no hostility in their words, just a quiet fierceness born of love and loyalty.

“I appreciate what you’re trying to do,” I say finally. “Hell, I’d do the same thing for my sisters. And yeah, Jax seems like one in a million. But I don’t know how I feel yet. I promise I won’t purposely hurt him, though.”

Jenny studies me for a second before nodding. “Fair enough.”

Carlie places a hand on my arm, her smile softer now. “That’s all we can ask. Just… take care of him, okay?”

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Okay.”

As we finish putting away the food, the conversation shifts to lighter topics, but the weight of what they’ve said stays with me. It’s clear how much these women care about Jax, and I can’t help but wonder what it says about him—and maybe about us—that they’re already pulling me into their circle.

ELEVEN

JAX

The truck rumbles softlyas I drive through the quiet streets, the glow of the dashboard lighting Bella’s face. She’s staring out the window, her fingers lightly tracing the seam of her jeans. I glance over at her, debating for a second before I speak.

“You want to come back to my place for a little while? No expectations,” I add quickly. “I’m just not ready to say goodnight yet.”

Her head turns, and a small smile pulls at her lips. “Yeah, okay. I’d like that.”

Relief hits me, and I adjust my grip on the wheel, turning toward my neighborhood.

As we roll onto my street, I see her straighten in her seat, her eyes scanning the quiet rows of houses. I know the thought running through her head, and it makes me smirk.

“Not what you were expecting?” I ask.

She shakes her head, laughing. “You are full of surprises. No, this wasn’t what I pictured.”

The house is a simple one-story with a soft green paint job that’s faded in spots but still solid. The kind of place that says “home” without trying too hard.

I pop the garage door open and pull inside. The space is organized in a way that makes sense to me. Tools hanging on pegboards, a workbench stacked with projects I’ve been meaning to finish. It’s not pristine, but it’s functional.

Bella climbs out of the truck, her gaze flicking around before landing on me. “You spend a lot of time out here, don’t you?”

I nod. “Keeps me sane.”

As we step inside, the sound of paws clicking against the floor greets us. Oreo bounds up, her black-and-white coat gleaming as she sniffs Bella with her usual enthusiasm.

Bella crouches, holding her hand out. “Oh, hello,” she says, scratching behind Oreo’s ears.

“She’s a sucker for attention,” I say, watching as Oreo leans into Bella’s touch.

Bella laughs as Oreo licks her hand. “She’s beautiful.”

“She’s my girl,” I say, a little proud. “And yeah, I know—Oreo’s not the most original name, but it fits.”

Bella grins, standing as Oreo moves to nuzzle my leg.

I lead Bella into the living room, flipping on a lamp that casts a soft glow over the space. It’s nothing fancy—just a couch, a TV, and a few personal touches. A couple of pictures hang on the walls, one of me and the guys from a few years ago and another of Oreo as a puppy. I walk through the kitchen and open the sliding glass door to let Oreo out to do her business.

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