Slade (The Protectors #6)(88)

“Listen, I really think you need to stay away from me for now.” Jax downed the rest of his beer. “It’s not safe for anyone with my brother running around.”

“But–”

“I’m serious, Caroline.” Jax frowned, his eyes darkening. “My brother is dangerous and until I find him, no one associated with me is safe.”

“You can’t push everyone away, Jax.” Caroline’s head tilted as she stared up at him. “We can help you, just like you’ve helped us.”

“No,” Jax growled, his eyes turning fierce. His gaze ran across her features, her black eye starting to fade, but it didn’t take away from her beauty. She was gorgeous with a special heart. Thoughts of maybe one day being with her ran through his mind, but he shoved them away. It wasn’t possible with his brother, so there was no use in even thinking it. “You need to stay away from me, Caroline.”

“What if I don’t want to stay away from you, Jax?” Caroline answered back. “What if I want to take that chance just to be with you?”

Her words hit him hard. Tossing his beer bottle out into the yard, not caring where it landed, he grabbed her and tilted her face up to his. Once again, his eyes searched hers before angling his head as he slowly placed his lips to hers. What he only meant to be a soft kiss turned into much more. Her arms looped around his neck in a tight grip; his arms pulled her flush against his body. Their kiss was one of desperation, of things that were out of their control, but Jax took this one minute, this one kiss that may be the only one he ever received from the beautiful Caroline. The more her body reacted to him, the more he knew he had to pull away, and pull away he did, with much reluctance.

“Stay away from me, Caroline.” Jax voice was hoarse with need as he turned and walked away from her.

“I can’t do that, Jax.” Caroline called out after him. “I don’t want to do that.”

Her words made it harder for him to walk away. Cursing long and hard, Jax knew kissing her had been a stupid move, because after tasting her, he wanted more and he would never be satisfied until he took more of what her kiss promised. “Fuck!” his deep growled echoed in the night.