She said nothing when Jax handed her the helmet. Didn’t meet his eyes, didn’t flinch when the engine roared to life beneath her. She got on his bike like she’d done it a hundred times before—her arms around his waist, her heart locked in a cage he couldn’t see.
The ride back to the compound blurred past her in silence.
No stolen glances. No small talk. Just asphalt, wind, and the chill settling deep in her bones despite the sun.
When they pulled in, people looked up.
Of course they did.
The runaway came home.
But Taylor didn’t give them a show. No biting retorts. No fake smiles. She slid off the bike, peeled off the helmet, and walked past everyone like they didn’t exist.
Straight to Jax’s room.
The door shut behind her with a finality that echoed.
She leaned against it for a seco
