Fallen Between

Taunting Words

Jax orders a drink. Sitting, he watches the woman in fascination.

"New?"

Jax turns to the guy behind the bar and nods.

"Yeah, the reason behind the mask?" Jax turns back to the woman dancing. She looks amazing, graceful and amazing. The mask covers her whole face with bunny ears.

"Boss insists. Stops the jerks following the ladies after the show. They can't see their face then they can't just assume they are up for it and try to take it."

Jax nods. It is a good idea. He hadn't expected Ethan to care too much about that though.

"You think Crystal is breath-taking, just wait. Candy is out next. She's only been here about 2 months but God, she is everyone's favourite."

Jax nods. He isn't interested in women. His eyes glance about looking for anything, Ethan, Deana, anything at all. The music stops as Crystal walks off stage. Jax has no doubts it is a stage name, along with Candy. The lights go low as the music begins. The sound of swords swiping across the floor in one quick move makes him look up. Jax's eyes stop on the woman, mesmerised as the fire lights around her, and her body moves gracefully to the music. Her body is covered in just body paint and strappy leather lingerie. Jax's eyes stay fixed on her. He can't seem to stop watching as she dances around the fire with the sword in hand.

"Beautiful, right? Candy, they call her because she is so sweet every guy wants her, but damn that sword could kill anyone in one stroke."

Jax simply nods, his eyes not leaving her as she dances on the stage. She looks fantastic, he can't deny that.

"Her hair?"

The barman laughs, shaking his head. "Not real, but you got to admit the fact those dreadlocks flow down her body just adds to her beauty." Jax nods, they certainly do. "Weird, isn't it? You can't see her face, not even a small part of it, yet you already feel like you're falling in love. Personal dances are expensive as hell, but with her so worth it. No touching of course." Jax looks back at him, confused. Personal dances? "Okay, I lie, touching is allowed if the woman agrees and that is extra. She never agrees though, not that I have heard of anyway."

Jax simply nods, turning back and watching her as she finishes dancing. An hour later he decides to quit. There's nothing here tonight except women dancing on stage. He picks up his glass and drinks the last bit, catching the next woman due to dance and begins walking towards the stage. He stays watching as she throws something in her mouth before drinking water. Drugs. He feels his head shake. What did he expect if this was Ethan's business? He would want the women relaxed when they danced, and certain drugs would help with that. Taking out his phone he messages Lucas an update. He should check on Melodie. It is nearly 11 pm so he could just drive by and make sure everything is okay. Leaving, he drives to her place. Stopping outside, he looks at the house.

It feels too quiet, too dark. Even if she is home and asleep, there is always one light on but it isn't.

Getting out, he walks up to the house and takes out the key. He unlocks the door and walks in. Searching the house he finds it is empty, dead and empty. Panic begins to set in as he sits at the kitchen table. She wouldn't be so stupid to go back to Ethan, surely? Midnight hits and he hears the front door unlocking. He watches as Melodie steps through, her body stopping in shock as she sees him.

"Where the f**k were you?" His voice is loud but trembling. He was sure she had run to Ethan just to make a point.

"Work, Jax. God, who do you think you are?" She walks in and straight to the fridge, taking out a drink.

"Office isn't open this late, Melodie, so don't bullshit me with work. Where the hell were you?"

Melodie looks at him. He will tell her dad, and then she knows she will get s**t. "I work in the local bar, just down the street, as well. Just Monday, Wednesday, then Friday through to Sunday. It's different to being stuck behind a computer, Jax. Go on, run and tell Dad." She pulls a face at him. "Tattletale." She feels her eyes rolling. He always does, always tells on her.

"That's all, Melodie? Just the local bar? You weren't with Ethan?"

Melodie laughs, sitting down. "Jealous much, Jax? What, worried that I will fall in his arms and not care about you anymore?"

Jax nods looking at her. "Jealous as hell, baby, and I swear if you go near him, you will regret it. Stay the f**k away."

She stands, staring at him in shock. He wasn't meant to agree, damn it.

He shakes his head, trying to compose himself again. "He pushes drugs onto women, Melodie. He isn't to be trusted."

Her head tilts to the side slightly. "Jealous, yet you won't touch me or let me touch you?"

Jax looks at her. He should have known she wouldn't let that slip by without commenting.

"You don't touch me, Melodie. Hell, I get angry as hell even considering you being with him."

Melodie laughs, looking at him. "Just touch me, Jax, let it happen. What are you so afraid of?"

He moves closer to her, his eyes different. Her body shakes slightly at the sight. "I could let you love me so quick, Melodie, and hell, I would leave you just as f*****g quick. Then what? You scream you wanted more and I refuse?" He knows that is how it will end.

"You have some serious issues, Jax."

He nods, laughing. "Yeah, and so do you, baby, and my biggest one is wanting you. I am off. Stay the hell away from Ethan or hell yes I am telling your father and making sure he sits a bodyguard on your arse." He can't protect her; the more he stands close to her, the more he wants her.

"Go home to your wife, Jax, if she is even there."

His jaw clenches at her words, more from pain because he knows the house will be empty – it always is. That is why he stays at his apartment. Turning, he walks out and drives home. Stopping outside the house, he sees the light is on.

A smile comes to his face as he sees Roxanne moving in the living room, a towel wrapped around her. Sitting for a moment, he smiles at her even though she can't see him. He misses her. He misses having his wife and wishes things could go back to how they were. Maybe telling her everything will help? Perhaps she will change her mind?

His hand goes to open the door and it stops when he sees the figure joining her, his arms wrapping around her waist. Jax watches as he gently kisses Roxanne's neck and she smiles up at him. He should just force her to divorce him, yet part of him still loves her. Even just that small bit is enough to not want her hurting from her father's disapproval.

Turning the engine on, he drives away, heading for his apartment. He walks in and sits down. He needs a submissive, needs to stop going home in the hopes Roxanne will be waiting for him and he sure as hell needs to avoid Melodie.