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“An Audi. Red. It’s an S5.”
She bit her lip. “I see.”
There was a long silence where Jax didn’t write anything. The anticipation made her skin prickle.
“The main thing is that I don’t hesitate when that alarm goes off. Otherwise, the whole run is ruined.”
“Makes sense,” she replied.
“Gotta dash,” wrote Jax. Then she heard the beep that indicated he’d just paid her another hundred dollars.
Why did he do that? Was it just for cover, in case their chats were being monitored? Probably.
“Thank you,” she said, giving him a nervous smile.
“Your smile is beautiful,” he wrote back. “I hope to see you smiling much more very soon.”
She swallowed. His compliment felt weirdly good. But he was probably just writing that for show too, right?
Unless he meant that helping her escape was going to make her smile? She hoped so. Because right now, she didn’t know if she was making a huge mistake. And yet, staying here with Chad was the only alternative. And almost anything had to be better than that.
"See you on the other side," Jax typed, and Mia smiled again, despite herself. His confidence was contagious, and she couldn't help but feel a spark of hope ignite within her.
"Counting on it," she replied, her fingers flying across the keyboard. The stakes were high, but for the first time in what felt like forever, Mia had something to fight for.
"Good luck," Jax sent one final message before logging off, leaving Mia alone with her thoughts and her rapidly beating heart.
Her green eyes flicked to the worn copy of The Jungle Book lying on her nightstand. It had become more than just a book to her; it was a lifeline, a connection to Jax and the hope he offered. She knew she had to be brave like Mowgli, fierce like Shere Khan, and resourceful like Bagheera.
“Alright,” she whispered under her breath. “One more night of getting naked for money. Then I’m done.”
Chapter six
Jax
AJungle Book-themed stuffie stared back at Jax from the store shelf, its wide eyes reflecting an innocence that he hoped could bring comfort. Baloo the bear seemed a fitting choice. He tossed it into the shopping cart and continued down the aisle.
"Is she a Little?" Jax pondered, scanning through rows of clothing adorned with Mowgli and his friends. He had no reason to think that Mia was, other than the fact that she loved The Jungle Book and that her childhood best friend, Savannah, definitely was.
But even adults who didn’t identify as Littles needed to retreat into the safety of childhood favorites sometimes, didn’t they? He selected a soft, oversized sweatshirt featuring Bagheera looking fierce yet protective.
His cart was filled with essentials—toothbrushes, deodorant, canned food, water bottles—but he couldn't help but add chocolate chip cookies to the mix. His heart raced as he pictured her taking solace in the simple, nostalgic treat.
"Hey, bro," Jax said, dialing his brother Blake's number as he exited the store. "Listen, I gotta go away for a bit."
"Jax, what's going on? You in trouble?" The concern in his brother's voice was palpable.
"Nothing like that," Jax reassured him, loading bags into his car. "Just. . . . You and Nash were right. I've been overdoing it with the internet lately. It’s more of a problem than I thought. Gonna check into rehab, clear my head, you know?"
"Damn, man," Blake sighed. "Well, if you think it's best. Nash and I will hold down the fort while you're gone. Just promise you'll keep us updated."
"Of course," Jax lied, knowing Mia's safety depended on secrecy. "I'll call when I can."
“How long will you be?”
“Dunno,” replied Jax. “A couple of weeks, maybe? Depends on how quick my recovery is.”
“Shit, little brother,” said Blake. “I’m proud of you for doing this.”
