Page 124 of Undisputed Chaos
Jax slid into the seat Isla had vacated with a glass, his expression amused. "So whipped," he commented with a smirk. "Welcome to the club."
I snorted, still watching Isla as she laughed at something Sierra said. "Like you're one to talk. You built Estelle a fucking private academy.”
"Best investment I ever made," he replied without hesitation.
His eyes drifted to where Estelle sat, her long fingers animatedly describing something to the other women. "They seem good together."
Connor joined us, taking a seat across. "Sierra was up all night choosing books for the flight,” he said, his usual gruffness softened by fondness.
I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips as I watched Isla. She fit so perfectly into our world, slotting into the space I’d been longing to fill.
"You think she's handling it okay? All of this?" I gestured vaguely, encompassing the jet, the security, the overwhelming reality of who and what we were.
Connor's eyes narrowed slightly. "She seems adaptable.”
"She's probably tougher than she looks," Jax agreed, pleasing me with his assessment. “She’s dating this one, after all.” He gestured to me.
Pride surged through me at their approval. Of course my angel was perfect—I’d known it from the moment I saw her.
But having Connor and Jax see it too, having them accept herwithout question into our fucked-up family, meant more than I cared to admit.
"She's going public with us after the fight," I said, unable to keep the brag from my voice. "Posting about me on her social media."
Jax raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Bold move. Her followers are mostly the flowers-and-sunshine type, aren't they? You'll give them collective heart attacks."
I grinned, the image bringing me a surge of satisfaction. "That's half the fun. Plus, her fucker ex follows her from burner accounts. He'll see it."
Connor's expression darkened at the mention of Isla's ex. "The one you started messing with?”
"The very same," I confirmed, my own mood shifting at the thought of Noah's continued existence in Isla's orbit.
"Don't worry. I'm handling it. Systematically."
The knife in my pocket seemed to warm at the promise of future use.
The landing was smooth, the jet touching down on a private airstrip on the outskirts of Tampa.
Through the window, I could see the convoy of black SUVs waiting to transport us to the arena. Mara was already on her phone, coordinating with the ground team.
"Ready to watch me win?” I asked Isla, squeezing her hand as the jet taxied to a stop.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "You sound pretty confident for someone who hasn't fought yet."
"It's not confidence if it's a sure thing," I winked, bringing her hand to my lips. "And with you watching? No way I lose."
As we disembarked, the familiar heat hit like a wall. Isla's hand remained firmly in mine as we descended the stairs, Kim and Trina flanking us, their eyes constantly scanning the perimeter.
The convoy was impressive, four identical black SUVs with tinted windows, a security detail of six additional personnel spread between them.
Jax had spared no expense after the incident, hiring an entire private security firm to supplement Mara's team.
"This seems... excessive," Isla mumbled as we approached the vehicles.
I pulled her closer, pressing my lips to her ear. "Nothing is excessive when it comes to keeping you safe, angel. Nothing."
"The VIP box at the arena has been secured since yesterday," Mara informed me as she slid into the front passenger seat.
"Two entry points, both guarded. Bulletproof glass facing the arena."
