as my heart beats faster.
“Well, some of this has to do with you. Obviously. But there’s a lot more going on here than you realize.”
“Why can’t you just leave me out of it? I don’t understand what you think I have that can help you. I admit I was filled with answers a long time ago, but most of what I know is outdated. Most of the people I had connections with are dead. And I swear to God, I have not seen or heard from Nick. I have not been involved in anything in a very long time.”
“I don’t need any of that, Sasha.” But then Jax’s lips are on mine. This time he’s got my chin, and his grip on it tightens, like he’s warning me not to pull away. His tongue sweeps between the seam of my lips and they part. I have a sinking feeling in my lower stomach, and I’m not sure if it’s dread from giving in or just the fact that I haven’t had sex in a very long time. Because there is no doubt in my mind right now—if he pushes, I will give in. One hand on the strap of my dress would have me begging him for more.
But he pulls back, ending the kiss. “You have the one thing I need, Sasha—Nick’s heart.”
Sasha’s hands are flat on my chest, pushing hard, sending me back a step. A moment later, the sting of a slap cracks across my face.
“Get out,” she growls. “I will not take part in this plot you have to capture Nick. I won’t be used like some thing.” Her blue eyes are burning bright with anger. But there’s something else underneath. Something I can’t quite place. “I said—”
“I heard you, Miss Aston,” I interrupt her again.
“And don’t think I will fall for those fake manners you have, either. Get the fuck out of my house or I will remove you myself.” She glares at me, daring me to challenge her threat.
I can’t stop the snicker that comes out. I mean, it’s a bad move, considering her state of mind at the moment. But holy fuck, that was hot, cute, and even though I know it will piss her off, I want to accept that challenge.
My face is stinging with another slap, followed by a leg sweep that sends me falling over sideways. And any other tough guy might be embarrassed by her success, but my snicker has turned into a full-fledged guffaw. Instead of getting up, I stay on the ground as I throw my head back to enjoy the moment.
“Why are you laughing?” she growls, standing over me with a stern look on her face. Her legs are spread wide, allowing me to get a good long look. She notices my gaze and steps back. “What the fuck?”
“Oh, God.” I laugh again. “I’m sorry,” I say, still chuckling. “Really, I apologize. You’re just so damn cute as the tough girl. And the dress, it’s very revealing—”
“I know, asshole. You picked it out for this reason.”
I laugh again and she puts her balled-up fists on her hips as she keeps her position of power. “I didn’t imagine myself on the floor with you giving me a peek, no. But I’m not complaining. Can I get up now? Or will you kick me when I’m down?”
She turns on her heel and walks further back into the house. It’s an invitation I can’t refuse. I’ve been wanting to get a look inside here for months.
But as soon as I’m on my feet she’s turned on her heel and headed back my way. I put a hand up to protect me from the possible slap, but she glides past and opens the front door. “Get out. I’m not going.”
I grab her wrist and kick the door closed with a slam. Her pulse is throbbing beneath my fingertips and she draws back, ready to put the walls up again.
I tug her towards me, making her crash into my chest, and then I spin us around and push her against the coat closet door, pinning both wrists to the wall on either side of her hips.
“Every time I take a breath, Sasha Aston, you surprise me.”
“Let go,” she demands, wriggling against my hold.
“I expected a lot of things from you, but fear really wasn’t one of them.”
“I’m not afraid of you.”
“I know,” I tell her back, leaning my face into her long hair and drawing in her scent. No perfume. Just the