Page 27 of Fighting Temptation (Men of Honor 1)
“You promise?” I ask doubtfully.
When he nods I back up a bit because I know he’s going to be pissed. Then really quietly I mumble: “Wyatt.”
“What? Speak up, I didn’t hear you.”
“Wyatt,” this time it’s loud and clear.
My breathing is heavy from the anxiety racing through my system and when I look up at him he’s staring at me with a calmness that terrifies me.
“That’s not funny Julia.”
I swallow nervously, “I wasn’t kidding.”
He grabs my arm and yanks me to him roughly. My throat goes dry from his expression which is filled with a rage I’ve never seen before, and I’ve seen him pretty damn mad. “You fucking promised me. You promised me you would stay the hell away from him! What the fuck do you think you’re doing!?”
I rip my arm out of his hold, feeling my own anger spike. “And I kept that promise Jaxson. For 5 years he’s asked me out and I always declined because of you… for you. But that promise went out the window a year ago when you threw me away.”
I don’t share with him that this is only going to be the third date and probably the final one. The more time I spend with Wyatt the more I realize I just don’t have those kind of feelings for him. But I wanted to try one more time, just to see if there’s something, anything, I can build on. He’s asked me out for so long I feel bad.
“Christ Julia I didn’t throw you away. I’m sorry I hurt you but don’t do this, don’t do this because you’re mad at me.”
“This has nothing to do with you, this has to do with me,” I scream back, “I don’t want to be alone for the rest of my life.” I immediately regret letting that out.
“I’m not telling you to be alone for the rest of your life, I’m telling you to stay the hell away from him. He’s fucking dangerous Julia. I thought you understood that.”
“Listen Jaxson, I don’t know what went down with you guys years ago, but whatever you think of him you’re wrong.” Before I can finish my sentence he interrupts me.
“Have you fucked him?”
I flinch, my gaze snapping to his, “None of your business,” I seethe. “Actually none of this is your business. I don’t owe you any explanations.”
When he takes a menacing step towards me, I back up and bump into the fridge. He puts his arms on either side of my head caging me in. He leans his face in, only inches from mine. My heart races for a whole different reason now. “You are my business Julia and you always will be. Whether you like it or not.”
Shaking my head I whisper sadly, “Not anymore Jaxson.”
Suddenly I hear Wyatt’s car pull up and the car door slam. Shit!
“Julia, you here?” Wyatt yells walking in my front door.
Jaxson tenses and I see so much rage in his eyes that I consider calling Cooper before he can kill Wyatt.
“Please don’t Jaxson,” I plead with everything I have.
“Julia!” Wyatt calls again impatiently.
“I’m coming, I’ll be right there.”
I duck under Jaxson’s arm and walk out to meet Wyatt before he comes to find me. As soon as he sees me he knows something is wrong.
“There you are, what’s going on? Whose truck is that out front?” he asks suspiciously, then his gaze fills with fury and I know Jaxson has come out behind me.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Wyatt moves his angry gaze to me, “What the hell is going on Julia?”
Before I can explain Jaxson starts towards him. “I should be asking you that question Jennings. You don’t listen very fucking well. You must not value your life much.”
Oh god I need to get them away from each other right now. I stand in front of Jaxson before he gets any closer.
“She’s no longer your concern Jaxson, she’s mine now.”
Wyatt’s arrogance ticks me off.
“Both of you stop right now! Or I’ll call Cooper and have him throw you both in jail. And for the record I am no one’s concern but my own.”
Wyatt pulls my arm so I’m standing beside him.
“Let go of her,” Jaxson voice is dangerously low. I move my arm quickly from Wyatt’s grasp to reassure him that I’m fine.
“Wyatt, please wait for me in the car. Before this gets out of control. I’ll be right out, I promise.”
“I’m not leaving you alone with him.”
I step in front of Jaxson as he moves towards Wyatt again. “We both know I’m not the one she needs to fear.”
“Wyatt, please, I’m asking you to do the right thing. Jaxson would never hurt me. I swear, I’ll be right out.”
I’m surprised he listens but I can tell he’s not happy about. He slams my door making me jump.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath, feeling emotionally exhausted.
“Don’t do this Julia. Stay, let me explain.” I open my eyes and stare at Jaxson. His gaze is so full of anguish that my heart squeezes painfully in my chest.
“I’m sorry, I’m not doing this to hurt you,” I whisper softly trying to hold back my sob. “Please, if you leave now I promise we will talk, alright? This is all so much for me right now. I need some time Jaxson. I’m begging you, please don’t cause a scene?”
He walks towards me slowly and surprises me by taking my face in both his hands. Leaning down he places a familiar kiss on my forehead. A kiss that I feel through my whole body. My breath hitches and I close my eyes again before he sees the tears, but I can’t stop one from escaping.
He leans his forehead on mine: “This isn’t over Julia, I’m not giving up on this,” and with that he lets go and walks out.
I stand there a few seconds, still feeling his lips on my forehead. Then I hear him shout… “I’m nowhere near done with you Jennings. If you hurt her in anyway tonight I will fucking kill you.”
