His voice pulls me back to reality and I drop her. She goes down to her knees gasping for air.
"See, I told you the only place you're good is on your knees."
Blake runs his hand up my back sending tremors through my body. I take a breath and walk to the stairs, wishing I could go back and do things differently tonight. My nerves can't take much more of this shit.
"Caleb, get Miranda out of here and don't bring her back again," Blake says.
A smile forms on my lips as I open my bedroom door.
†††
I avoid Blake and Jax for two days, trying to make sense of things— Sammi's words ringing in my ears every moment I'm awake.
This may be the only chance you get.
Sitting on the bed, I run my fingers through my hair and sigh. Staying in this room isn't going to make the issues go away.
I shrug into a pair of sweatpants and long sleeve shirt, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The sun isn't fully up, but I can't stay in bed any longer. The apartment is quiet as I make my way to the kitchen. Blake's live-in housekeeper is coming back today, so another person is joining this circus.
A tapping startles me, and my head snaps up. Jax stands in the kitchen, leaning against the island, sipping a cup of coffee. I stop and narrow my eyes at him. He's deadpan and unmoving. I shuffle to the coffee pot and make a cup.
"So . . . we on speaking terms yet?"
I set my cup on the counter, running my fingers around the edge. "What do you want me to say, Jax?"
"I don't know, Lily. You've never ignored me for this long."
"Well, you pissed me off. Calling Monroe was bullshit and you know it."
"Blake Mason is nothing but a power-player, Lily. He'll use you, and when he gets bored, he'll replace you. How's that any different from all the other men you've ever been around?"
"At least it’s my choice."
"I
wouldn't assume you know my intentions, Agent Unnami," Blake says, his voice deadly.
Jax's nostrils flare, fists clenching as he twists his head, cracking his neck. He strolls over, stopping nose-to-nose with Blake. "If you hurt her, I'll make you disappear."
"What she and I do is none of your business. You need to let her make her own decisions for once," Blake says.
Jax glares, turns on his heels, and walks toward his room. I sag onto one of the barstools, pressing my forehead against the countertop, my chest tight. I've never fought with Jax, not on a personal level.
Blake places his hand on the center of my back, sending a low roll of shakes through my body. Breathing deep, I try to control them, will them to stop. They aren't as strong, but still noticeable.
Gently, he moves his hand up and down my spine. "Are you okay, Lily?"
"Of course."
"Would you like some breakfast?" He moves around to face me.
I sit up and stare at him. I've seen little of him in two days, but any time we’re in the same room he tries to make small talk. He left flowers on my table again, which I kept this time.
"Buenos dias, Mr. Mason," says a cheery voice behind me.
I cock my head, taking in the short, exuberant Mexican woman as she hurries into the kitchen.
"Oh, Mr. Mason, who da pretty lady? Muy Hermosa. You two want breakfass? I make waffles, eggs, bacon. Whatever you want," she says stopping between us, smiling from ear-to-ear.