Jax (Titan #9)(12)

She reached for her coffee, drank a long sip, then eased back onto the couch while he made a cognitive effort not to shatter his smoothie glass. She had no idea what she was asking of him.

"If the answer is no, a simple response works. No need to get growly." Disappointment tightened on her forehead. "It falls in line with manners, so I can see how you might be confused. Remember those things we were texting about?"

Jax cleared his throat. There was only one end to this conversation. He had to believe she would tell the truth. "How do you know Deacon Lanes?"

Her honest eyes showed no recollection, and he prayed his instincts were correct.

"Who's that?" she asked.

"He's the big black dude you were talking to in the parking lot last night." Jax focused on keeping his voice even. "Size of a linebacker. Shaved head. Goatee."

Recognition dawned, but the reaction wasn't a pleasant realization. "I don't know that asswipe's name."

Relief edged into his thoughts. "Does he have anything to do with this?"

"Look, Jax." Seven shifted on the couch, suddenly looking uncomfortable. "You're asking me about club business, and I've been sent here as a messenger with a request."

"Deacon Lanes is a hard limit." Though that was for him, not Titan. Jax was speaking out of turn, which Jared would kick his ass for. "Who is he to you?"

Her face hardened, and it was the first time Jax had ever seen Seven go cold. "I think he's the breeder of bad decisions, but I don't know him. He's involved in Mayhem's business, so that's my personal opinion and nothing that should weigh in on your factor in bringing this to Titan Group."

Spoken like someone who knew the cost of consequences that she couldn't share. Jax had to decide the answer to only one question. Did he trust her? For some reason, almost. He trusted few, and that was a lesson taught in a way he couldn't forget. But he would bring the job opportunity back to Jared. "I'll get back to you."

"Thanks." They sat in silence until she picked up the rock again.

"I'm doing it." He tossed up his hands in faux defense. "Don't stone me."

"You rock, Jax." She tossed it carefully.

He caught it but hadn't seen the meaning coming. He hadn't been playing before. Yes, he had awards and accommodations for military service. But this was a different gesture, and it struck him as… heartfelt.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

What a question. Deacon caused instant blood pressure problems, but then she tossed rocks wrapped in happiness.

"The smoothie?" Her gaze dropped to his empty drink. "Miraculous wonder recipe, guaranteed to cure what ails you."

"Right, the smoothie." As if life were that simple… though his headache was gone. Jax nodded curtly. "A lot better. Okay. I'll get going."

"Thanks, Jax. This means a lot to me."

"No big deal." Awkwardness hung between them after swinging between flirting and drug cartels. Jax thought about Deacon and his dead wife, and who knew what was on Seven's mind? He didn't know what he was supposed to do now. High-five her? Give her a hug? "Do you ever win the rock?"

She watched him toss it in the air and catch it. "Not really."

Jax reached across the desk and took her hand, wrapping her fingers around the rock in his palm. "You rock also. I'll call you after I talk to Boss Man."

With that, Jax let himself out. He drained the last of his smoothie as he passed the kitchen. Then he filed down the hallway and paused near the counter to drop his smoothie glass in the dirty-dish bin.

Sidney ambled over, quizzically sizing up Jax. "That hangover smoothie is a wonder drug, isn't it?"

Truthfully, he liked that Seven worked with protective people. It made for a good team, something he should remember more often. "You have a recipe that works. Tell the owner to patent that stuff. They'd make a killing."

With a twist of confusion, Sidney chuckled. "All right, bro."

Jax's brow furrowed. "What's that mean?"

"You just left her. But I'll let Seven know."

The Perky Cup was Seven's? She didn't get the awards because she gave them out. He looked around at all the responsibility and success surrounding him then back to Sidney. "Who's the lady in the picture?"

"Who?"

"In the office. The lady with the dollar bill and the other—"

"Oh, Taini?" Sidney nodded, connecting the dots that Jax didn't understand. "That's Seven's mom. You never heard that story?"

Jax shook his head.

"Taini's a sweetheart. She opened this place because she figured that she and Seven would always have a place to sleep and something to eat if things ever got too tough. I think Seven worked every job in Sweet Hills to buy her mom out. While dealing with Johnny. Like a retirement to save her."

"From what?"

"Working to death. Taini had a stroke about the same time Seven and Johnny were through."

"Oh, I thought her mom—"

"She's still kicking. Taini's badass. But she needs a lot of care, and that's on Seven."

Jax ran his hand into his hair. How much responsibility did this woman have? "Why are you telling me all this?"