This chapter contains explicit content, themes intended for adult audiences only (18+). Reader discretion is advised.
JAX'S POV
The brownstone apartment felt like a win. Jess was buzzing as we signed the papers, talking nonstop about where she'd put her bed and how she'd paint the walls some bright color. I nodded along, forcing a smile, but that knot in my chest wouldn't loosen. She looked happy. Healthy even. But all I could picture was that hospital call last year, her in a bed looking too small and broken.
We grabbed takeout after and ate on the floor of her new place, boxes stacked around us. "You don't gotta check on me every day, you know," she said, poking my arm with a chopstick.
"I know." I didn't mean it. I'd be driving by here plenty.
Later that night, back at my house, I
