Page 25 of Jaxon

But Harper wasn’t convinced.Her heart pounded as she reached for his hand, gently tugging him toward the kitchen.“Let me see it,” she insisted, her tone brooking no argument.

Jaxon followed her without protest, his gaze softening as he watched her fuss over him.She retrieved the first aid kit from a cabinet, her hands trembling slightly as she set it on the counter.

The reality of the night’s events was still fresh, the adrenaline that had kept her moving beginning to wear off.

“Sit,” she commanded, pointing to one of the kitchen chairs.

Jaxon complied, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips as he watched her pull out antiseptic wipes and bandages.

“You don’t have to worry so much,” he said gently.“I’ve had worse.”

Harper shot him a look, her eyes filled with concern.“That doesn’t mean I’m not going to take care of you.Just sit still and let me do this,” she scolded.

She knelt beside him, carefully rolling up his sleeve to reveal the gash on his arm.It wasn’t deep, but it was long and still oozing blood.Her breath hitched at the sight, her fingers gentle as she cleaned the wound.

Jaxon winced slightly but didn’t pull away, his eyes never leaving her face.“You’re good at this,” he murmured.

“I’ve had to patch up Mia enough times to know what I’m doing,” Harper replied, focusing on her task.“Though her cuts are usually from falling off her bike, not ...knives.”

Her words were a reminder of how close they had come to something far worse.Harper swallowed hard, her hands steadying as she applied the antiseptic and began to wrap his arm with a bandage.

Jaxon reached out, brushing his fingers against her cheek.“Hey,” he said softly, drawing her gaze to his.“We’re okay.You and Mia are safe.That’s all that matters.”

Harper nodded, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill.“I know.It’s just ...tonight was too close.I really thought we were both going to die.”

“I won’t ever let that happen,” Jaxon promised.

Harper finished bandaging his arm, her fingers lingering on the bandage as if to reassure herself he was whole and here with her.

Jaxon stood, pulling her into his arms.She melted into his embrace, the tension in her body easing as he held her close.The scent of him, the solid feel of his chest against her cheek, grounded her in the moment.

“Things are going to be better after today,” Jaxon murmured into her hair.“I promise.”

Harper closed her eyes, her arms tightening around him.“I believe you,” she whispered.

Chapter Ten

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