Page 68 of Triple Power Play 3
“I can always leave you the car,” Ethan offers.
Jackson and I stare at him. The lack of vehicles is not the problem.
“What?” he asks. “You’re doing that twin thing, scowling at me identically.”
“I can’t drive. I don’t have a license.”
Ethan’s brows nearly hit his hairline. “Seriously? I spent six figures on a vehicle, and you don’t have a driver’s license?”
“I’ve never needed one.” I’m far too fearful to drive. Can you even imagine? I’d be a nervous wreck driving a luxury SUV. “I thought you bought it for you.”
“I’d rather she wasn’t behind the wheel,” my husband adds.
“Of course you would.” Ethan gives Jax a hard stare. “What do you wanna do then?”
The gentle glow of the outdoor lights casts a shadow over Jackson’s green eyes as they meet mine. “Is that why you’re upset? ’Cause the Viking is leaving?”
I hesitate, and Ethan interlaces our fingers, his thumb running over my knuckles.
“Not if it’s going to hurt you or if he’s a source of trauma for you.”
Jax is not fixable—no one truly is. He is, however, worthy of love and healing, and unfortunately, having Reece in our home prevents that.
A little voice inside my head questions my innocence. I was in his bed, after all. I said things I had no right to and crossed lines I shouldn’t have. I knew Jax’s temper, knew he’d be livid, but I wasn’t attempting to hide anything.
He cocks his head. “That’s not what I asked.”
“I’m disappointed.” Despite the lump in my throat, I force myself to say the words. “I want him to stay. I think he’s good for us. He just spent twenty minutes telling me it’s your past that doesn’t trust him and explaining why he needs to leave.” A tear slips out, and I brush it away.
He caresses my stomach and nods in contemplation. “So…” he drags out the word. “You’re not mad at me?” That boyish smile curves his lips. “Except for running Reece out of here?”
I tilt my head, gaze at the sky, and gather my thoughts. The night is dark but not overcast, allowing the stars to take center stage. For a moment, I lose myself in the glittery void.
Earlier, I wanted to escape all three of them, but now, I realize we’re all messed up, confused, and doing our best to make this work. I want everyone to be happy, preferably together. “I can deal with everything else, but not you screaming at me, intimidating me.”
Ethan grabs Jackson by the nape and gives him a tug. “It won’t happen again, will it?”
His answer is immediate. “Nope.”
“Who’s going to talk to Reece?” Ethan asks Jax. “You or me? She needs to eat.”
Some silent conversation takes place between them, and Jax smirks. “When are we getting tattoos?”
Ethan shakes his head. “You’re such a child. Set it up.”
“Fine,” Jax relents. “You deal with Reece—he likes you better. I’ll cook dinner.”
I stand, tuck my hands into my hoodie and head into the house.
We enter the living room, and Jax wraps an arm around my neck. “I love you. I love you. I love you,” he chants. “We’ll work it out with Reece.”
“I love you.” I encircle his waist. “Do what’s best for you.”
“You’re what’s best for me. If you trust him, I’ll try to do the same.”
We reach the kitchen, and he plops me onto the onyx island.
Ethan strides down the hall. Jax hands me a bubbly water then rummages through the stocked fridge.
