“It’s nothing like it is here in rural East Tennessee,” Flint said, finally stepping in the conversation.
Tyler said, “Look, we appreciate your concern but we’re taking Brianna home with us. You once said you’d look after her sisters. I hope you meant that because we’ll take care of Brianna.”
Kane locked gazes with Jax. “You got anything to add?”
“Not really. You can already guess why we want Brianna.”
“You love her?” Kane asked, not trying to hide the question by using a more considerate and lower tone.
“We all do,” Jax said, glancing at Brianna and not really caring if she heard him. They’d tell her sooner rather than later. If anything, the last few days had taught them plenty. He wasn’t about to postpone today what he might not have a chance to do or say tomorrow.
* * * *
The cops questioned them for a while and finally let them go. Kane had promised to look after Brianna’s sisters and they didn’t seem too happy about the fact, but they’d left in jovial spirits after he expressed he’d been away from Peyton longer than he’d intended.
Tyler and Flint then departed in one of the Jackson vehicles, stating they’d meet them at home. Brianna had been surprised by the affection they’d shown her in public. Flint left a quick kiss on her lips and Tyler had hugged her as if he were afraid to let her go. Then, they’d each shot her a wink and Jax had escorted her to his truck, placing a protective hand in the small of her back as he guided her to the passenger’s side of his vehicle.
“You think he can protect you, Brianna?” Handsome, now handcuffed and headed for the unmarked police cruiser, didn’t seem to mind that the local PD had swarmed the area.
Jax stiffened beside her. “Keep walking. Don’t acknowledge him.” He guided her to the truck.
“You think you’ll walk around here with your nose in the air, spending money like it’s nothing when your father cost us millions? He stole from people who don’t give a damn about the dol
lar but certainly care about the cause. They practice ethical business measures and—”
“And ethical business measures include raping a woman?” Jax charged him like a bull and several of the locals stepped in and prevented him from attacking the one they were trying to take into custody.
“He ain’t worth it, Jax,” Andrew said, straightening his badge as if he wanted to remind him of his career status. At that moment, he was an officer of the law. It didn’t matter that Jax used to train his horses and they went to the same high school. It didn’t matter that they often spent their Saturday nights playing poker at a mutual acquaintance’s home. They were friends, but here in front of his peers, Andrew was a lawman through and through. “Get on in your truck and get on back to the farm. I’ll drop in later to let you know what we have on them.”
The man with Handsome said, “See there? I told you how it’d be here. Didn’t I tell you?”
Jax winked at Handsome. “You’re on our turf now, city slicker. Your mob money doesn’t mean anything here.”
Handsome smiled. “Everybody has a price, Mr. Jackson. Remember that. Because when I find out what it is, I’ll pay it and everybody around you will know you sold out to the mob.”
The sheriff shoved Handsome’s head down and forced him in the backseat of the car. He turned around and greeted Jax by saying his name only. “Jax.”
“Sheriff.” He nodded at the older gentleman. “Andrew, call me later. No need in stopping by. I’ve had a long day. Plan to turn in early tonight.”
Andrew smirked. “All right. I’ll give you this one. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Minutes later, they were on their way to Brianna’s place. A few miles from the Baldini farm, he pulled off on a dirt road, remembering a time when he’d parked there with some little fresh lily who wanted to frisk him in the middle of the day.
Throwing the gearshift in park, he threw his arm behind the seat and turned to her. “You’re going home with me.”
“What?” She shook her head as if she adamantly opposed the idea. “No.” She looked straight ahead.
He grabbed her chin and pulled her face to his. “Yes, Brianna. You’re going home with me and you’re staying.”
“What are you talking about?” She nervously wrung her hands. “I’m not in any danger, especially tonight. Handsome and his men are in custody. Dad will probably have his guys heading our way and by morning we’ll be completely surrounded by bodyguards. You remember that much about him, I’m sure. When the going gets rough, he—”
“Sends someone in to do the job he should be doing himself?” Jax held her firmer when she tried to pull away. “Brianna, I’m sorry. I don’t want to hurt you but I’m not going to tiptoe around the facts either. We can keep you safe. Tyler and Flint are an excellent shot and you already know I wouldn’t let anyone hurt you.”
“But staying with you?” She shook her head. “I don’t know about all that.”
“Are you saying you aren’t interested in me?”
“Level of interest and moving in are two different things.”