CHAOS (Beneath The Secrets Book 1)

Song- Home, Good Neighbours

Jax wraps me up in his arms and lifts me off the floor as soon as he gets through the front door.

I’ve been waiting for him to come home to tell him the news.

“You’re in a good mood,” I say, blushing as he sets me down and runs his fingers through my hair.

“Just happy to be home with my girls for the rest of the day.”

“Dadda, dadda, dadda.”

Jax’s eyes go wide as he looks down at Maeve hurtling towards his legs.

“Baby girl, come give dadda a hug.” He scoops her up into his arms and nestles her into his chest.

My eyes sting as he looks at me with the same emotions I’m feeling.

“She just said it, Sof.”

I step forward and squeeze them both. Resting my head on his shoulder while stroking Maeve’s back.

“Momma,” Maeve babbles and I choke on a sob. This moment is perfect.

Our own little family.

“Yes, beautiful?” I whisper.

She just giggles and looks up at her dad. The complete love in his eyes as he looks at his daughter is enough to make my pulse skip a beat.

He leans in and presses a kiss to her cheek. “I love you, tigryonok.”

That’s it. My heart explodes in my chest.

I wonder what it would be like one day hearing him say those words to me. Because with every passing moment with this man, I seem to be falling deeper and deeper.

When I’m with Jax, I can take on the world. Our souls were meant to find each other, I’m sure of it.

He looks down at me with that same look in his eyes as he presses his lips softly to my temple.

“You girls have a good day?” he asks, setting Maeve down on the couch with a book.

“We did. We did some grocery shopping, and I had a call⁠—”

His strong arms wrap around my stomach from behind, and he brushes my hair away from my neck.

“What call?” he mutters against my throat.

“I have an interview scheduled for tomorrow. I get to train and do my classes. If I get the job, that is.”

He spins me around to face him, and I’m met with a smile. “I’m so proud of you, baby.”

He hugs me tight and I can’t hide the grin on my own face.

“Are you able to watch Maeve in the morning? I should only be gone an hour or so.”

“Of course, as long as you trust me on my own.” He wiggles his brows, but I can sense a hint of unease.

Maybe he is doubting himself a little bit.

My hands find their place on his chest, and I look up at him.

“I trust you with Maeve, Jax. You are an awesome dad. She loves you. Don’t ever think otherwise, okay?” I give him a stern look to let him know I’m being serious.

“What could possibly go wrong?” He tilts his head.

“Nothing. You will both have a great time. Now, I was thinking about heading out to a park with Maeve. You coming?”

“Damn right.”

After we put Maeve to bed, Jax helps me tidy the kitchen up before our movie night. As I bend down to put the last plate in the dishwasher, a crack comes through the air and my ass stings, causing me to jump in the air with a scream.

“Jax!” I shout. He’s red faced laughing with the towel he just whipped me with wrapped around his fist.

I run towards him, and he darts out of the way easily and takes off.

“Get your butt back here!” I call out and chase after him through the hallway. He stops just before the front door, turning to face me, so I barrel into his chest. With a squeal, he lifts me by the waist and my back slams against the wall, his hand covering my mouth.

“Shh, you’ll wake up Maeve.”

My eyes go wide as he licks his lips.

“I have something for you, tigritsa.”

Holding me in place by pressing his hips against mine, he pulls out a small black box from his back pocket. I tighten my legs around him and he removes his hot palm from my mouth so I can catch my breath.

I eye him suspiciously, but my heart is in my throat.

“What is it?” I ask quietly.

“Open it.” He takes a sharp breath and holds it as he watches me.

I can’t stop the tears that well in my eyes when I open it. I run my finger along the thin silver chain, onto the diamond heart that has three silver letters entwined in the center, J, M, S.

“Jax, it’s beautiful,” I gush.

“So you always have us with you,” he whispers.

I’ve truly never been happier in my life than I am right now.

“Thank you, for everything, Jax.”

Carefully taking the delicate necklace from the box, I hold it up between us and he covers my hand with his.

“Let me.” He threads it around my neck and puts it in place.

I look down, and it sparkles in the light. Bringing my gaze back up to his with a grin, I grab the thick silver cord that sits around his neck and pull him forward to kiss me. His hungry mouth takes my breath away. I twist the chain around his throat so it tightens and his fingers find their place on my neck.

“You really know how to turn me the fuck on,” he says in a low voice against my lips. “Every damn time I look at you, you take my breath away. So keep choking me, baby, and I’ll show you just how good it feels, too.”

He winks before going back for more ferocious kisses. His hands sliding up my dress send sparks through me. But when his fingers tighten beneath my jaw and he squeezes, I moan against his lips.

“Y-yes, Jax.”

“You ready to fall apart for me?” he asks as he pushes two fingers inside me.

“Always,” I reply.