Page 73 of Switch

I hear his bike before I see him. That deep, familiar rumble shakes the quiet night, sending a rush of emotions through me—relief, frustration, anger, and something that feels an awful lot like heartbreak.

I glance at the clock.12:13 a.m.I've been waiting all night. Hell, I've been waiting since he texted earlier today saying,Should be home late tonight.That was it. NoI miss you, noCan't wait to see you. Just a blunt statement.

For days, I’ve been pacing, trying to shove down the worry clawing at my stomach. Trying to remind myself that this is his life. That I signed up for this. But now that he’s here? I'm done pretending this is okay.

The front door swings open, and Jax steps inside, his cut slung over his shoulder, exhaustion written all over his face. He kicks the door shut behind him, heavy boots scuffing against the hardwood.

“Hey,” he mutters, dropping his cut onto the counter and running a hand over his shaved head before finally looking at me.

I don’t say anything right away. I just cross my arms, waiting, but when nothing comes, I explode. “That’s all you have to say?”

He sighs, dragging a hand down his face. “Babe, I’m exhausted. Can we do this tomorrow?”

I let out a bitter laugh. “Tomorrow? Are you serious?”

His jaw clenches. “Bella, I just walked in the goddamn door.”

“And I’ve been sitting here for almost aweekwondering where you are, if you’re okay, what the hell is going on!” My voice rises, my chest heaving. “And you think I’m supposed to just sit here andwaituntil you decide to tell me something?”

His fists tighten at his sides. “I told you it was club business. Youknewthis was part of the deal.”

I throw my arms out. “What does that even mean, Jax? Because it sure as hell seems like ‘club business’ is just an excuse foranythingyou don’t want to talk about!”

His eyes flash. “It means you don’tneedto know.”

I take a step back, my stomach twisting.

Jax stiffens, but he doesn’t take it back. He doesn’t soften.

“You don’ttrustme,” I whisper, my throat tight.

He lets out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. “Trust? Jesus, Bella, it’s not about trust. You aren’t in the club. I’ve nevergiven you a reason to doubt me before. Where is this all coming from?”

I clench my jaw, biting back the emotions threatening to spill over. “You’re right, Jax. Youhaven’t. But you’ve also never given me a reason to believe you’lllet me in.”

His hands flex at his sides, his entire body coiled tight. “I am not like other guys, Bella! I’m anofficerin an MC. Thatmeanssomething.”

I laugh, but it’s empty. “Oh, Iknowit does. It means I get to be second to the clubforever. It means you get to pick and choose what parts of your life I get to be a part of.”

“Youknewwhat this was when we got together,” he snaps.

“Did I?” I challenge, stepping closer, anger burning through me. “Because I thought I was getting into a relationship. Not some half-assed,part-time boyfriendsituation where I sit at home waiting while you disappear for a goddamnweek.”

Jax’s eyes darken, his muscles tensing. “Is it that time of the month? You’re being apsychogirlfriend right now.”

I freeze. The room goes silent except for the pounding of my heart in my ears. Jax stiffens, realizing immediately he fucked up, but it’s too late. The damage is done.

I shake my head slowly, stepping back like I’ve been physically hit. “Wow.” My voice is barely above a whisper.

“Bella—”

“No,” I cut him off, my throat raw. “I’m not doing this. I’m not going to stand here andbegfor scraps of your time, your attention, your fucking respect. Wouldn’t want to act like a psycho girlfriend!”

He groans, rubbing a hand down his face before turning away from me to grab a beer from the refrigerator. “Jesus Christ, Bella, I don’t need this bullshit right now.”

And that’s my breaking point. I turn and storm into the bedroom, grabbing my overnight bag from the closet. I shoveclothes inside blindly, my hands shaking so badly I can barely zip it up. I’m furious, on the verge of tears, but I won’t let him see me break. He doesn’t get that part of me.

Jax follows me in, leaning against the doorframe. “What the fuck are you doing?”

---