Bringing The Fight

7.

* Coralee *

There’s something about Jaxxen and Wylan I can’t figure out. I observed them all morning, concluding they are dangerous men. The way Jax repeatedly reminds me he’s unafraid makes me wonder if I allowed myself to be bullied once more into the house of a dodgy individual.

Except, when Jax peers into my eyes and speaks — it’s as if he sees into my heart. And don’t get me started on how he kisses and caresses my body like I’m the most fascinating woman he’s ever laid those gunmetal grays on. He demolishes any thoughts of leaving Montana and it could cost us our lives. Braden is possessive and if he’s not the one manipulating the situation, then we’re at fault for screwing him out of the chance. A certified maniac!

I fell asleep the night before remembering how Jax laughed when the metal shutters barred the windows and doors. Is he expecting trouble? It was unsettling, but at the time I was tipsy and hyper-focused on the fact they found my birth father.

Then there’s Wylan, who flirts and shoots me odd looks. Is he trying to figure me out too? Good luck. Although he gathered information about my entire life in less than a week, a little creepy considering I don’t even know the guy. After Jax took off to Perla on some errand, I realize Wylan doesn’t care one way or the other if I catch his blue-eyed stare.

Wylan joins me on the porch where I sat to think at the table after the dust from Jax jeep settles, "Wanna get high, honey?"

I blink in surprise when he produces a joint from a small silver tin. He lights up, inhaling before taking a seat on the opposite side. As I leveled him with an unimpressed gaze, he plucks a gun out from the waistband of his pants and sets it where I can see.

Guns don’t scare me, it’s the people behind the trigger who do. I made Braden consent to never bring one into our home. It was the only time he listened. He probably worried I’d shoot him and back then I might have.

It crosses my mind to go to my room or take a walk until Jax returns, but this is an opportunity to grill Wylan while his friends can’t interfere. He does not act as secretive or against my need to flee from Braden, even agreeing it is my decision to leave. He doesn’t seem invested in my problems, and I haven’t decided if that’s a good or bad thing.

"How long have you known Jax?" I ask him.

Wylan offers me the blunt, but I decline, "Few years. What's going on in that pretty little head of yours, Cora?"

Biting my lip, I try to not ogle the handsome man in front of me. Wylan’s sky-blue eyes and constant smiling could crack any female resistance. Jax scowls every time Wylan flirts with me, but there’s no attraction on my part. Plus, he takes nothing seriously. Except for what he wears. He likes his pressed khakis and polos. The stuffy attire is at odds with the dirty country, but he pulls it off.

"Was Jax in the military or something? Why did he move into the middle of nowhere to live inside a transformer?"

Wylan huffs out a chuckle, "No. Hasn't Jax told you anything about himself? What have you two been doing out here if not… talking?"

Rolling my eyes at his obvious innuendo wave towards the woods, “He spends his time out there. We talk, but it's mostly what we like or dislike or my past. I’ve asked, but he changes the subject.”

"Ah, trying to get information from me?" he scoffs, "You're pretty, but I’m not risking Jax’s wrath." he shoots me a cocky grin, stabbing a hand through his shiny brown hair.

I switch my view to the treeline, expecting his non-answer, "I just wonder what's in it for Jax. Helping me, I mean. What's in it for you?"

"Cora, you're a smart girl. s**t, I applaud you getting this far away from that sick asshole Braden, but men like Jax don’t rescue damsels in distress without a motive."

“I’m no damsel!” I hiss, “He practically begged me to move in with him.”

“And I’m sure you put up a fight,” He snorts, “You’re using each other.”

My cheeks grow hot and I fidget with a loose strand on my sweater instead of running away in anger. How dare he suggest Jax has insidious plans when he’s been nothing but kind? He inhales another hit, blowing the cloying smoke in my face. I don’t blink, hating Wylan for making me feel ashamed. Jax still kisses me, but we haven’t discussed my virgin status.

"Should I leave?" I whisper, unable to hide the hurt in my voice.

He exhales, stubbing the blunt out against the wood, leaving a smeared black mark before meeting my frown with a smirk that’s a little to leering, "You tried that once, right? How did that turn out? No, I’ve changed my mind. Stay."

"Oh. Well… I suggested letting my father know I'm alive. Maybe he’ll protect me and Jax’s life can go back to normal."

Wylan leans forward, hands between his knees, "Haven’t you paid attention? They aren't good people Coralee. Paddy gave you to an old couple so he could return and do whatever it was he planned."

"You think he was coming back?"

"Why pay the Winters for seventeen years if he wasn't?"

With a shrug I broke eye contact, his bright blues a tad all-knowing in that moment when I brokenly whispered, "I've been alone for so long… and all along it was by design."

Wylan places a hand on my knee, rubbing his thumb over the denim, "I know it stings, honey. Stay here with Jax and you won't be. Or leave and take your chances. Either way, I’ll be around," his touch aims higher, so I catch his wrist with a sneer, "Hmm... shy Cora?"

I dig my fingers into his flesh but he doesn’t even flinch, "Here I am, clearly upset, hoping for a little compassion and you’re hitting on me? Do you have any shame?"

He smirks, yanking out of my grip, "Nope. Life is too short. Plus, I can't resist a virgin."

What a jerk! I stand up to tell him off when we both hear a vehicle approach. I notice right away it’s not the Jeep from the slow tire roll. Wylan snatches the gun and grabs my arm at the same time. He shoved me towards the door, barking for me to get inside the cabin.

My heart races, realizing I have no clue how to access the safety features of Jax’s home. I stumble into the house but stall when a red Toyota RAV4 comes to a stop and a young woman steps out.

Bria.

The curvy, bleached blonde carrying a plastic-covered dish stops cold when she catches sight of Wylan's large body taking up space on the top porch step. Bria licks her ridiculously glossy lips as if she tastes Wylan from where she stands. A weird pang of jealousy stabs me in the chest. She’s obviously here for Jax.

"Afternoon," Wylan drawls when she continues to gawk, "What can I do for you?"

She clears her throat, then sashays closer in her expensive skirt and heels with a flirty giggle, "Hello! Since Jax's jeep isn’t here I assume he’s not home?"

"That's right."

"I'm Bria," she extends a manicured hand, gold bracelets tinkling.

He tips his head politely, dropping her palm after pumping it once, "Peter. He’ll be mighty sorry he missed you stopping by."

She flushes, peering past Wylan to spot me. I didn’t bother to hide once I realized a woman and not an enemy stood in the driveway. Although, from the way her eyes narrow in on me, maybe I’m being too hasty.

"Cora, right?" Bria’s tone is noticeably icy.

Wylan turns, giving me a warning eyebrow jump to keep my mouth shut. How strange is it I already picked up his mannerisms? I should stay indoors, but curiosity takes over my judgment. Jax has every right to a personal life separate from our situation, but I remind myself he has insisted I trust him and I need to learn more before doing so.

With a false smile plastered on my face, I move to Wylan’s side, "Yes. How are you?"

Bria flashes Wylan a coy gaze under thick eyelashes, ignoring me, “I brought Jax my famous brownies. Perla is holding its annual fair and rodeo next weekend, and I'm in the bake-off. He just loves my goodies and thought I'd pop in for a visit.”

She wants to do more than share food, judging from her tight clothing and how she keeps licking those blood-red lips at Wylan. I may have been a tad sheltered growing up, but after living with Braden and witnessing every type of depravity men can fashion up for women, it’s plain as day she came over to seduce Jax.

"That's so sweet," I bump Wylan's hip with mine, "Right, Peter?"

He grins at the blonde, thrusting his hands out for the pastries, "I'll tell him you stopped by. Cora and I are about to shower."

My cheeks flame and Bria's eyes widen, "Oh... I tried to call but... thank you, Peter. You should come and enjoy the festivities."

Wylan keeps the smug grin fixed on his face, taking the container from her before he throws an arm around my shoulders, "We’ll sleep on it. Have a nice day."

Clearly not used to being dismissed, let alone by a good-looking guy such as Wylan, she turned her flustered look to one of indifference, "You too," she eyeballs my relaxed outfit, "See you later Cora."

He pulls me tighter against his side, caressing my bicep in a soothing manner, and it does funny things to my body, "Yeah. Okay." As soon as Bria is out of sight I sling his arm off, "Seriously? A shower? We’ll Sleep on it?"

He cackles, "Could happen," he dodges the swipe I aim at his chest, "Now I understand why Jax sticks around this Podunk town with an ass like that bringing him baked goods. Hmm, those lips… Made for sucking dick."

I growl, letting my jealousy show as I stomp back into the house, slamming the door on him, and twisting the lock. Not my problem if he’s stuck outside until Jax returns.

“Did you actually growl at me? Awe, come on, honey! I’m sure she’s worked out Jax doesn’t want her goodies anymore! Open this door! Cora? Dammit!”

Giggling as he bangs on solid wood, I run upstairs without a backward glance. I’m calling a timeout from these attractive men. Too much testosterone is making my lady parts crazy. Plus, I need to rethink Jax’s motivation for supporting me. He doesn’t work, so how can he afford this laid-back lifestyle?

I spent the rest of the afternoon organizing the clothes Jax bought me, laughing when I unearthed a box of Victoria's Secret lingerie, wondering how he knows my size. Men like to dream, I suppose. An uncomfortable thought crossed my mind that maybe he sees me as a conquest, but I blew off the ridiculous idea.

I curled up on the bed, relaxing with a book when the sun lowered in the sky, skipping out on dinner. While I was poking around yesterday, ran across the selected poems of William Blake hidden in one of the repurposed wooden shelves lining the wall beside the front-facing window, and Jax explained the elderly librarian gave him a sack full of random paperbacks a few summers ago when they upgraded their system. All I’ve done lately is cook and clean. I had enough of that obeying Braden’s rules. Although I told Jax I wish to be useful, need distance tonight.

I crave information about Jax’s past but Wylan befuddled my good-guy view of the caring man who offered me a way out of living in a crappy attic then proceeded to clothe and feed me asking for nothing in return. He insinuated Jax expects something from me, and my housekeeping skills weren't on the list.

The intimate apparel I buried in the closet boils my blood.

I'm a virgin and they know — much to my mortification — how the monster I lived with debased me in every way but that way. Weird for sure, but the truth of the matter is — I have no plans to give it up. Many perverts tried to seduce me during my travels, but I would only disgrace myself if I spread my legs to spite Braden.

But Jax… Whew.

My attraction to him isn’t just physical. When he caught me on the side of the road after my panic attack, I recognized the desperation in his embrace. The silent cry for comfort. He isolated himself in the country for years, but now claims we’re in this together. Was I the catalyst or an excuse to rejoin society? Jax truly wants to help me because he understands my chaotic situation. He’s a bossy jerk sometimes, but his kindness shows everywhere I look. Then there’s the way he kisses… as if I’m his air. The last sip of oxygen in outer space and only the breath escaping my lips will save him.

I fell asleep, only to stir awhile later when the mattress dipped and warm fingers brushed across my cheek. The first person I normally assume to catch me unaware is Braden, coming to drag me back. But it’s not his cloying cologne I smell, but the earthy masculine scent of the mountain man that’s burying himself in my heart and soul.

Opening my eyes, the low moonlight shining through the window allows me to see Jax’s massive form, head propped up on one large forearm. I roll over, so we’re eye to eye. His body is solid muscle, and I imagine he’d have made a formidable Viking.

"Do you believe in reincarnation?" I whisper.

In the dim light, I track his eyebrows quirk at my odd question, "No."

"What do you believe in Jax?"

He carefully brushes the hair away from my face and I resist the urge to nuzzle into it, "For a long time I chose power and money as my sole goal in life. Figuring if I had both, there was nothing else I needed besides the control and fear that came along with it."

"Seriously? Wealth and fear? I don’t see it." I sorta did. He’s awfully bossy, but he’s not controlling.

He runs a callused thumb over my chin and I shiver under the tender touch, "Not anymore. What about you, Sunflower?" he mummers beside my ear.

I melt into the mattress when he continues to caress me as if memorizing my features, "Well, I used to go to church with my parents, presuming if I prayed hard enough... but now I doubt if God even heard me. It must have been the devil listening instead."

He explores my body languidly, relaxing me further until my skin prickles, anticipating his next stroke, "Why do you say that when you look like an angel?"

Such a charmer.

I sigh when he rests a heated palm on my hip, "I only had one close friend growing up. The other girls called me a c**k-tease because the boys at our school liked me, but I didn’t care. I was lonely, and they filled a void. Mom and dad never noticed because I wasn't allowed to date. I was secretive, but kids can be cruel. Sometimes when Braden hurt me, feared seeking attention caused everything."

He kisses my forehead saying, "They were jealous," he leans back with a smirk twisting his sinful mouth, "Speaking of..."

I groan and try to push him away, but of course, he doesn’t budge, "Bria. How are her famous brownies?"

Jax grabs my ass, heightening my arousal, "Delicious. I saved you one."

I shoot him a glare he probably can’t make out, knowing I’d rather toss it into the trash than try anything that woman made. Smugly smiling, he leaned closer before slipping a hand between my thighs, fingers pressing against my center. I inhale his woodsy scent, becoming soaking wet. Jax attacks my mouth, lips, and tongue with so much heat I wonder if he’ll burn me from the inside out. I kiss him just as fiercely, moaning when he cups my left breast.

“Coralee,” he breathes against my collarbone, the heel of his palm drifting to the bare skin above the waistline of my jeans when my shirt rides up from my squirming, “You’re so beautiful. I’m holding back by a thread.”

Whoa… time to slow our roll. I’m not ready for intimacy, although my lips continue to taste the exposed skin below his close-shaven jaw. Salt exploded on my tongue, and the lemony odor of his soap seeped into my senses. It took everything I had not to wriggle out of my constricting clothes.

A blush scorches my cheeks as I stutter, “She-she’ll be pleased you enjoyed her goodies.”

"What? Do you think I’m into her?" he growls against my wet lips, grinding his erection against my stomach, “Never was.”

I push his chest again, creating space although I ache for more. It would be easy to lay here in the dark pawing this gorgeous man, but we need to talk before we go too far. "What time is it?"

He nuzzles my neck, making me shiver and writhe against his hard abs, "After eight. Are you hungry? Let me fix you something to eat."

I smile into his soft hair, but this has to stop before I rip off my jeans because Jax lights my core up like the fourth of July, "Thank you. I'll be down in a few minutes."

He lifts his head at my dull tone, "Are you angry? I haven’t spoken to her in weeks."

I sit up, facing away from his confused expression. Gah, why can’t I be a normal woman? "No. I found the lingerie you bought and don’t want it. Also, don’t defend your s*x life, Jax. We're basically strangers. You never discuss your past. Is there a reason?"

He springs off of the bed gracefully for a man his size. Guilt flits across his face before softly uttering, "I ordered them because you deserve everything this world has to offer, but I can see you took it the wrong way. I’m sorry. Meet you downstairs."

Shut down—again.

I roll my eyes, going into the bathroom. We have to slow down. I could fall so easily for Jax. Every time his rough hands touch my skin, I want more. So much more than someone like me deserves. He doesn’t know the first thing about what I deserve. If only I wasn’t such a coward, and he’d answer my questions, perhaps we’d move past first base! Just imaging Jax’s body naked sends a thrill through mine.

I reopen my emotional wounds, but why won’t he?

“Have a nice nap?” Wylan snips when I enter the dining area. There are four empty beer bottles and a stack of cards in front of him. The speakers in the walls play a song by Arcade Fire, and I blink in surprise at the hidden sound system. “Dirty pool locking me out, Cora. I’ll get you back for that one.”

I shrug, sitting on the other side of the table. “Bring it.”

Jax joins us, shuffling the deck without a single glance in my direction. Awkwardness settles in the air. I’m always so relaxed around him, the uncomfortable sensation makes me retreat. Wylan says something I can’t hear, and Jax grunts in response. I acted ungrateful with his generosity. Why did I jump to conclusions? Jax has been nothing but a gentleman except for dry-humping me before I rejected his advances. Damn Wylan for getting in my head.

The kitchens clean, as if they hadn't eaten or cleaned up already. I rummage through the fridge, taking out a yogurt. Instead of rejoining them, I eat in the den, switching on the TV. I finish quickly because the men behind me are unnaturally quiet. After tossing the trash, rush outside to play with the huskies.

"Good boy," I coo when Stimpy brings me a piece of wood to throw.

Ren and Stimpy are so playful that time passes and I find myself apart from the driveway and in the woods with the dogs running around as if they want me to run with them. I spin to pick up another stick and scream. Wylan grins like a villain in a bad horror film, standing a mere five feet away.

“Jumpy?” he snickers in amusement. “Gotcha.”

I scowl, returning my attention to Ren, who’s rubbing against my legs in an attempt to lure me further into the darkness, "What are you doing creeping up on me?"

"We couldn't see you from the house and I needed a smoke," Wylan waves a lit joint in my face, "You shouldn't stray when you don't know your way."

"You rhymed," I toss a stick, watching both dogs take off, “And I’m not going anywhere.” Hint, hint.

"You want some, honey?" he extends the fatty inches from my mouth.

I purse my lips, "I don't do drugs."

"Ever?"

The automatic lights behind us shade Wylan’s eyes so I’m unable to make out his astonished expression, but I hear it in his incredulous tone, "It’s complicated. I get weird when I smoke."

He tilts his head, "How weird?"

"Forget about it," I mutter, walking back to the front yard.

"Did Bria upset you so much you felt the need to hide in your room all day? Lock me out for saying she has c**k sucking lips?" Wylan falls into step beside me, "I reminded Jax you're a kid who sees him as a hero unlike the f**k off he actually is."

My cheeks flush, thankful it’s dark, "That's complete bullshit!"

"Bullshit?" he chuckles in my ear, "She curses. Do it again."

I shove his shoulder with as much force as I can muster. He’s not expecting it, staggering back a few feet, still laughing like he’s the funniest person alive for pushing my buttons. Does Wylan think I’m a prissy teenager? Well, I didn’t exactly act mature when I locked him out.

"I couldn’t care less who Jax sleeps with because it’s not my business," I retort, “We’re just friends.”

“Yeah right,” he smirks in an irritating way that’s sexy yet condescending, “I doubt you’d understand anyhow, being a virgin.”

“Wow, really? Quit bringing that up!” My fists ball at my sides, ready to flatten his nose if he keeps taunting me with jealous nonsense.

Stepping onto the porch, he pauses, "Sorry. Hey, we should check out that fair Bria mentioned. I mean… it sounds fun. Wanna go with me?"

I open and close my mouth, shocked because he’s suddenly turned venerable and soft-spoken. What? Is he asking me out? No... he can’t be. I suspiciously squint at him, to which he widens those conniving blues, "Did I say, me? I meant us. Bria, Jax, and maybe Ren. Stimpy licks his balls in public."

Wylan is such a little s**t! “You better find a comfortable spot to sleep outside!”

Jax storms out of the house, "I should kick your ass, fucker. Come on, Coralee, let's round up the dogs."

I place my fingers against my lips and whistle. Both dogs bound out of the darkness and begin chasing each other. "Here they are. I'm going to bed. Good night, boys."

Wylan snickers, "I get it. See you in the morning."

“Get what?” I snap, toeing off my boots, “You’re infuriating, you know that?”

He shrugs unashamed, smoking his damn weed, wandering off towards the outbuildings. Jax shots me one last soft smile with gunmetal eyes boring into mine before I continue inside with mixed feelings.

Slipping back into bed in panties and a tank top, I cannot unwind, listening to the guys laugh and play cards while my thoughts return again and again to the way Jax squeezed my breasts. He’s always watching me with those intense stormy grays, as if waiting for the chance to devour me whole but won’t give in to temptation. I push him away too, scared Braden will hear another man is touching his precious Princess. Gah, a throbbing settles in my core and I toss and turn, wondering how Jax would make love to me.

As I’m dozing off, the door opens and Jax sticks his head in to check on me. He does this every night, and normally I pretend to dream, but not tonight. I beckon him closer with a crooked finger. His eyelids become hooded and his wide shoulders tense as he slowly makes his way to the end of the mattress.

"Will you sleep with me? Hold me... just until I fall asleep?" I quietly plead.

His hands clench, "Not a good idea. Plus, this bed is small as hell."

I lean on my elbows, pulling the sheet low, offering him a view of my near nakedness. I’m out of my depth. Braden only taught me what he enjoyed, and I’ve never been with anyone else. Having a choice in who touches my body is liberating, but it’s been so long since someone who cared for my well-being wrapped me in their arms.

Jax groans and his eyes roam across my bared form, "f**k Coralee. I can't."

I’ve sent him mixed messages. No wonder he won’t even touch me now. I’m such an i***t. Blushing, I quickly recover, yanking the covers up to my chest. Why would he choose a damaged girl over a woman like Bria? "I-I'm sorry, Jax. I'm..."

“Stop!” he growls, perching his large frame beside my hip, "You're so f*****g beautiful I can barely take my eyes off you sometimes. There's so much I wish to show you, to experience together. If I let myself get carried away in what I want, then I am not focusing on what you need. I've been a selfish bastard all my life, and I will do better for you."

I swallow the sudden lump of tears his kind words bring, rasping, "For me?"

"Only you," his rich timber soothes as his hand cups my cheek, and this time I nuzzle into his touch, yearning for more, "My plan is to make you believe in the kindness of the world again. It’ll be tough with assholes out to steal your inner light. It’s possible though because I understand your turmoil. Abandoned by those you trusted, but still hopeful it won’t bleed into every facet of your life. How it changes your insides and you worry the darkness will devour your soul entirely. A slave to other’s sick ambitions until you stand up and scream — no more!" He nods as if agreeing with his own bleak outlook. His rough palm slides behind my neck, massaging my burning skin, and I squeeze my thighs together to ease the throbbing, "Just because we’re taking it slow, doesn't mean I don't want you. f**k, do I… every second of the day. Even when you’re a brat."

My mouth parts, but he rendered me speechless. My stomach clenched, his statement hit me hard. He gets it. The confusion and stress that I’ll find trouble because of my painful past. Constantly waiting for someone to screw me over or worse because I depended on the wrong people. It’s such a relief to learn he has taken my unspoken fears into consideration. Not many would. Jax is exceptional.

He slowly leans in, and I moan when his lips meet mine. I shiver in his arms, his hold on my nape allowing Jax to deliver our best-shared kiss to date. It’s deep, raw, and messy with panting murmurs of his thinning restraint. My breast ache, n*****s sharpening against his broad chest. I cry out again, gripping his hulky forearms as if I’ll float away otherwise, on fire for more. More sentimental declarations and more of his panty-melting kisses.

“Jax…” I whine in exasperation, shamelessly rubbing my t**s in his face.

"Shh," he gently eases my grip off his biceps, our breaths uneven when he stands, "Go to sleep, Sunflower. Tomorrow we'll work on your exercise routine. I hung up workout clothes in the closet."

I blink, the fog of lust too thick to comprehend he’s bought me more clothing. Why is he so obsessed with my physical fitness? Knife tossing is fun though, and when he’s covered in sweat, I swear my ovaries kick.

I lick the taste of him off my lips, savoring it, "Thank you, Jax."

He grins down on me with a nod, igniting my core all over again, "Thanks for trusting me."

He lets himself out and I ignore the throb between my legs. What a long day! How did I get to this place with someone who understands I need to find myself before rushing into anything? He’s so patient and sympathetic.

Who made Jaxxen White give up on life and move out here? I want to know everything about this enigmatic man, and I can’t deny my feelings anymore.

I envision myself walking away from Jax and my head pounds. How could I leave now?

If remaining here means I can have some happiness, some peace of mind I’m staying even with the possibility of Braden finding out and ruining it all. I believe Jax when he professes he’ll protect me. But hope it doesn’t come down to that because of my selfishness.

Looks like I’m living in Perla indefinitely.