Jax pov
The silence stretches between us as we collapse to the floor, the weight of unspoken words filling the space. Blake’s breathing steadies, his expression soft in a way that makes me hesitate. He looks so f*****g peaceful right now, and I know if I bring it up—if I pull him back to reality—it might all spiral again.
“We should get dressed,” I murmur, shifting to sort out my clothes. My movements are quiet and careful, but my mind is racing. Blake sorts out his with sluggish movements before collapsing back onto the ground, staring up at the canopy of leaves above us. I look up as well. The short while passes in silence. I know I need to say it, but the words stick in my throat. Maybe now—when he’s calmer, more relaxed—he can hear me without shutting down or running away.
“You have
