[Ava's POV]
"Jaxon," I breathed, his name a prayer, a haven on my lips.
The bar's front door swung open and Rhett walked in, the cool air of the night still attached to his leather jacket, helmet under his arm like a soldier's helmet. "You ready, man? We have to go if we're going to make the race."
My eyes lingered on Jaxon, a wordless, urgent dialogue passing between us in one heartbeat. A vow made, a promise taken. He stepped closer, not back, his body a brick wall of flame as he cupped my face with his palms. His kiss was not gentle, but burning, etched into my forehead with a claiming that left me weak in the knees. It was a possession marked. "I have to go."
"I know." The words tasted like ash in my mouth. "Be careful."
His thumb brushed my cheekbone, a last, brief caress. "Alway
