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  She hesitated and glanced at Jax. “I didn’t promise, I agreed to dance with him,” she mumbled so only he could hear.

  Jax shrugged his shoulders. “You can dance with whoever you like.” There was no indication if he was angry or not.

  “Okay, well, are you sure you’re all right?” She wanted him to say she’d be dancing with him, but instead he nodded.

  “Yeah, go ahead.”

  Disappointed, she let Damien lead her onto the dance floor.

  ***

  JAX WATCHED DAMIEN LEAD Tierney away and fought the urge to go after her. The way her dress hugged her body, made him possessive as hell. What is wrong with me? His heart wouldn’t stop racing, and the weird vibration began to mess with him. His temperature continued to rise, while his pounding brain filled with fog. What was I thinking getting so wasted last night?

  Unable to take his eyes off Tierney as she danced, Jax wiped his brow. Damn. I want her. Needing a distraction, he got up and started towards the men’s room. Fuck—it’s a freaking furnace in here. He wiped the sweat from his brow when someone grabbed his arm. Jax turned with a snarl, then blinked at the curvy, voluptuous woman standing before him and quickly shut his mouth.

  “Hey, good looking. I’ve been waiting to get you alone.” The woman licked her blood red lips, eyes undressing him. “C’mon let’s dance.” She oozed sex from every pore in her body. Her long, dark, wavy hair reminded him of Tierney’s, but that was where the resemblance ended. The brown eyes filled with lust staring hungrily at him, felt like they were undressing him.

  “No.” Jax could feel the heat of Tierney’s gaze on his back burning through him.

  “Come on, I’ll take your mind off her.” The woman ran her fingernails down his arm to his hand, making him shiver as she pulled him closer. She started to dance seductively and then leaned in and rubbed against the erection he still sported for Tierney.

  Her touch, though only a light sweep, drove him wild. If he’d been feeling like himself, her closeness would be unbearable, but as he burned for Tierney, the fog in his mind continued to grow. Jax groaned.

  “Like that, don’t you?” The woman, maybe twenty-four, gyrated against him and sweat trickled down his chest.

  “Who are you?” he asked, mind in a daze.

  “I’m Serena,” she said in a husky voice as she ran her fingers down his chest.

  ***

  TIERNEY COULDN’T BELIEVE her eyes. Jax wouldn’t dance with her, but he didn’t mind dancing with a brunette, who used him as her own personal Slip’n Slide? The woman acted like she wanted to fuck him right there on the dance floor. What the hell? Possessive anger screamed that he belonged to her, and Tierney started toward them, intending to rip the woman’s arms off. She stopped herself. Jax didn’t belong to her.

  Emotions unravelling, she closed her eyes and tried to lose herself to the music. Determined to have a good time with funny, handsome Damien, she forced herself to let her anger go. But they weren’t the arms she wanted, no matter how comforting.

  The dance ended and thanking Damien, she stepped off the dance floor and stopped. Jax stood glaring at her. She glared right back. “Where’s your—” She wanted to say fuck-buddy, but didn’t. “Dance partner?” The brunette was nowhere in sight.

  With a snarl, Jax grabbed her arm and pulled her back onto the floor.

  “What the hell are you doing?” she hissed. How dare he treat her like this?

  “Shut up,” Jax growled, smoldering with anger so palpable she could feel it. What the hell?

  A slow song came on, and Tierney gasped when Jax yanked her against him, startling them both. He groaned at the contact, and she expected him to push her away, but instead, like a man drowning, he clutched her even tighter. What? Oh, holy mother! She started to melt as his body snuggled up against hers perfectly. She’d dreamed of being pressed up against him ever since the night before.

  “Tierney,” Jax sighed and held her as if his life depended on it, and her reservations slipped away.

  Tierney opened her shields and his anger, despair, and an overwhelming need consumed her. He wants me that much? Last night she had thought the booze made him react that way, but could he have changed his mind about them being together?

  She trembled at the solid body holding her so tenderly. His arousal, pressed against her, sent a shot of need so deep, so wanton, it took all her control not to rip his clothes off on the dance floor. Damn. Tierney’s breathing turned ragged, as her mind went through everything she wanted to do to him—with him.

  Heart thundering, she met his gaze and sucked in a breath at the fire in his scorching blue eyes. The feelings passing between them were electric, and something inside her shattered, leaving her bare as her mental shields dissolved into nothingness. She sensed Jax deep in her soul, searching, wanting, needing—every bit as much as she needed and wanted him.

  Together, they moved in a dream-like state, even after the song changed. Both of them ached for more. Midnight blue eyes stared inside her, and their connection left little doubt in Tierney’s mind that they belonged together.

  “This feels good, but we shouldn’t be doing this,” he finally said, looking regretful as he doused her in a shower of reality.

  “What? Why?” she asked, confused and annoyed that he seemed to want to ruin the moment.

  “Because you’re with Sami,” he answered, confusing her even more.

  “What? I’m not with Sami. Whatever gave you that crazy-ass idea?” she asked, perplexed.

  “Last night. I heard you in his room.” He tried to sound nonchalant, but she sensed his quiet desperation.

  “Yeah, I—” Her eyes went wide. “Oh. You think Sami and I? Shit, Jax, he was having a nightmare.”

  “What?”

  “Yeaahh.” She smiled as a whole pile of emotions flitted across his face, the last being relief.

  “Ah, okay, good. Well, not good he had a nightmare, but good,” he mumbled, looking shell shocked at the news.

  She chuckled. “It’s okay, I get it.”

  “Good,” he repeated and held her against his chest once again. She reveled in the moment until her thoughts drifted to Cassie, making her tense up. “But what about Cassie?” She looked up at him, leery.

  “What about her?”

  “Isn’t she your girlfriend?” She hated to ask, but needed to know what was between them.

  “No, I made a mistake.”

  “A mistake?”

  “I’m sorry for what I said six weeks ago, and for bringing Cassie home.”

  Tierney’s heart soared. “Okay, so, you honestly thought Sami and me?” Jax nodded, ashamed. “Well, I forgive you.” She grinned up at him.

  Jax blinked, his features softening as his gaze traveled to her lips and anticipation raced through her. His masculine scent filled her senses. Then his mouth captured hers with such passion her knees grew weak. He tasted woodsy and every bit as intoxicating as the night before. Her senses melted as he hungrily devoured her.

  Jax pulled away and Tierney stared into his eyes, such bottomless pools of overwhelming emotion. “Wow.” Unable to express herself, she licked the taste of him off her lips.

  “I want you so bad,” he said, voice raspy and making her heart race. Then he winced.

  “Jax, what’s wrong?” she asked, clutching him tight.

  “Nothing. I must not have eaten enough today, and after last night—” He tucked his head into her neck. His hot breath on her skin made her shiver with longing.

  ***

  JAX WAITED ANXIOUSLY for Tierney to come out of the ladies’ room, feeling like shit, but also hopeful. All his reservations be damned, he’d take her home and finally be alone with her, even if all they did was snuggle and talk.

  Someone bumped into him then staggered away, and all of a sudden Jax found it hard to breathe. Demons of hell, I can’t stand it in here! The crowd closed in, suffocating him. He tugged at the neck of his shirt and willed Tierney to hurry up.

/>   Then Serena appeared beside him again. “Hey sexy, let’s dance.” She grinned up at him seductively.

  “No. I’m waiting for someone.” He looked back towards the ladies’ room watching for the woman who held his heart. Where are you?

  But Serena ignored his rebuff, and began to dance close to him once again. “Pretend I’m her. Close your eyes.”

  Jax started to push her away, but she grabbed his hands, leaned close and whispered something in his ear. Sudden cold filled his veins, as his muddled mind tried to make sense of what she’d said. His instincts screamed that this was wrong, bad, then his eyes shut and he relaxed.

  “Pretend I’m her. Let me touch you. Good, isn’t it?” she asked.

  Mind foggy, he couldn’t respond.

  Serena rubbed her breasts against him and leaned into his erection. Jax groaned as he imagined it was Tierney touching him. Her hand cupped him through his jeans and rubbed, making him throb with need. He shivered. “Tierney.” Everyone spun around them, and he no longer recognized that it wasn’t Tierney with him.

  “Come on, hon, I know what you want,” Serena breathed.

  “No.” Something, the voice—didn’t seem right. Tierney—no. Someone rubbed against him again.

  “Yes. Let’s go outside,” she whispered.

  Jax tried to fight the desire and fog, but the loud music sent pain shooting into his throbbing skull. His heart raced and the weird vibration intensified. Sweat beaded on his brow as he fought the growing urge to go with her.

  Serena leaned into him and whispered in his ear again, and whatever he needed to remember just slipped away. Cold seeped through him, making him shiver. He was a puppet that Serena now controlled.

  Her next words had him burning with unnatural need. “I’m so wet for you.” Jax groaned. “I want you to come inside me,” she said, and at the thought of burying himself deep within Tierney sent fire roaring through his veins. Then Serena grabbed his hand and led him out of the club.

  ***

  TIERNEY EMERGED from the ladies’ room giddy with happiness, and scanned the crowd for Jax. She wanted to go home and have some fun, but instead frowned when she didn’t see him anywhere. A chill ran down her spine as she made her way toward their table, running into Damien along the way. “Hey, did you see where Jax went?”

  Damien nodded at the main doors. “He just left.”

  “He did? Ah, thanks.” She frowned, surprised. Maybe he went for some fresh air?

  Back at their table, she caught Sami’s attention. “Jax go out for some air? Damien said he left.”

  Sami glanced around and shook his head. “I haven’t seen him in a while.”

  “Huh. Well, I’ll go see if he’s outside.” She turned away, pulled her phone from her tiny purse and glared at the screen. Damn it, Dad, where the hell are you? Guilt ate at her for enjoying herself, while Zander was still missing.

  Pressing Zander’s number, Tierney wove through all the bodies towards the door. Her dad’s voice mail answered—again. “Where are you? Call me. Please,” she said, leaving a message. If the Ilyium have him …

  Once outside, she inhaled the crisp air, and almost choked as smoke filled her lungs. A group of people stood puffing on cigarettes, but she didn’t spot Jax anywhere.

  “Hey, wanna smoke?” A greasy-haired guy, cigarette hanging from his mouth, leered at her. Tierney ignored him, but he sidled closer. “Or maybe you want something stronger?” he suggested. Glaring at him, she slipped her phone into her tiny purse, and headed towards the parking lot, deep in thought.

  “Tierney.” The voice belonged to Jax.

  “Jax?” He didn’t reply but she heard him moan. Oh hell no! She’d been so lost in thought she’d forgotten about their enemies.

  Tierney rushed into the parking lot and slowed, looking around. There was no sign of him. Then she searched for Jax’s car. There. His shiny black Impala was parked one row over and three cars down from her newer Challenger. Heart in her throat, she hurried between a small car and larger truck and spotted movement in the back of his car. No! I will seriously mess up anyone who hurts a single hair on his head!

  Yanking the back door of the Impala open, she reached inside, ready to pull Jax’s attacker out, and froze. Jax blinked up at her in shock. The brunette from earlier reclined, naked from the waist up, on the seat in front of him. Jax stared at Tierney in confusion before he turned his eyes back to Serena. “What? You!”

  Hand over her mouth Tierney moved away, inching to the back of Jax’s car and using the trunk for support, she fought not to throw up. I am such a fool to have fallen for his seduction!

  “T-Tierney,” Jax called her name, and scrambled out of the car.

  “Hey, come on back, honey. Don’t worry about her. I have what you need right here,” Serena purred seductively.

  Jax backed away from the woman like she had sprouted two heads. “No,” he whispered in horror, then turned towards Tierney. “Tiern, please. It’s not what you think, I don’t know what she, or how—”

  “Leave me alone, Jax,” Tierney hissed. She trembled with rage, and a hurt so deep, she wanted to die.

  Guilt shining bright in his eyes, Jax stood in front of her. “I’m sorry. I thought she was you.”

  “What?” She’d fallen for his words earlier, believed everything he said. No way would she fall for his excuses now. Furious, she shook her head, refusing to listen.

  “Please, Tiern.” Jax reached for her.

  “Don’t you dare touch me,” she hissed and backed away, unable to bear the thought of him touching her with the same hands he’d touched the whore in the car with.

  “I’m sorry, I never meant—” He dropped his hand.

  Heart shattered and fury building, Tierney turned away. He’s sorry? He never meant … what? Her fury grew and the wind started to howl. Garbage started to fly around the filthy parking lot. Tierney surveyed the mini tornado dispassionately. Power flowed through her and over her, building into a frenzy at the pain of betrayal. Eyes glowing, she turned back and faced Jax, tucking her hair behind her ears.

  She wanted to wail at him, and their ancestors, for the unfairness of it all. Why? Is it my destiny to love someone who doesn’t love me back? With Jax’s apology ringing in her ears, Tierney’s control slipped. She took a deep breath and steeled herself against him. No way would she let him see her cry.

  “You’re sorry for what, exactly?” She took a menacing step toward him. The urge to hurt him like he’d hurt her—filled her and she stopped right in front of him. Jax didn’t move as she ranted at him. “Are you sorry for putting your hands all over that slut? Or for the fact that you planned to fuck her minutes after you and I—” The words choked her and she stopped speaking. Jax still didn’t move.

  Power and rage strengthened within Tierney, and fueled her like the fury of a tsunami. She poked him in the chest and Jax stumbled back a half-step. “I heard you call my name, Jaxsaron—my name.”

  Sheets of newspaper flew by and soda cans rattled across the ground. A bin fell over, spilling the garbage inside, and a Styrofoam cup flew past. More garbage started to swirl around in the street. The branches of the skinny trees nearby, whipped and snapped crazily. Jax glanced around before looking back at her.

  “What the hell? I thought you were being attacked. I was worried—about you.” She poked him again. “And instead, I find you in the back of the car making out with her.”

  Jax didn’t resist as she got up in his face and instead hung his head in shame. A green tinge covered his skin as she railed at him, and just like that, her anger fled. The wind died down, and exhaustion settled in.

  Jax wiped his brow, his shoulders slumped in defeat, making Tierney’s heart ache. “So, it’s okay to fuck some slut you met ten minutes ago, but I’m not good enough for you?” She stifled back a sob.

  Horror-filled eyes shot to hers and he shook his head. “No, Tiern, that’s not it. Please—”

  Tierney moved away. “Don’t Jax
. Just, don’t,” she said, heartbroken. “You know what? You don’t need to say anything.” She turned away, eyes glittering with tears.

  “Wait. Please, Tiern—” He reached for her, and his hand brushed her arm, before he let it fall to his side. Tierney glanced back at him. The anguish in his eyes told her he meant it, but his apology didn’t take away the pain and betrayal.

  Desolate, she shook her head. “You know Jax, I truly believed it would be you and me together. I was convinced you were my soul mate. Stupid, huh?” She swiped angrily at the wetness trailing down her face, but the tears in his eyes almost undid her.

  “No, it’s not stupid.”

  “No.” She held up a hand. “I can’t mean much to you if I leave for five minutes and you can’t wait to get in someone else’s pants.” She glanced at Serena, who eyeballed them gleefully from the backseat, before looking back at Jax. “I’m sorry I interrupted you. I’m sure it isn’t too late. Maybe you can still get lucky tonight,” she said and hurried away.

  Chapter Nine

  Awakening

  TIERNEY RUSHED TO HER car without a backward glance, pulling her keys out of her purse.”‘Sami,” she called, trying to unlock the driver’s door. But her hands shook so badly, it took her a couple tries. “I’m leaving. If you want a ride, come now or get a ride with your asshole brother.”

  “Shit. Yeah, all right. But, are you okay”? Sami asked, but she didn’t answer. She wasn’t okay and may never be again.

  “Tiern, I’ll be right there.” A few seconds later, Sami climbed into the passenger seat. “What happened?”