Page 34 of Jax & Knox

"Hey, little man," I say, smiling.

Ainsley hesitates, then shifts Owen so he can see me better. He grins, his chubby hands waving in the air, and I can't help but laugh.

"He likes you," Ainsley says quietly.

"I like him too."

She doesn't say anything else, but I can feel her watching me.

After a few minutes, Knox finishes with the hinge and tests the door. It swings smoothly, no more squeaking.

"All set," he says, wiping his hands on his jeans.

"Thank you," Ainsley says, and there's genuine gratitude in her voice.

Knox nods.

We head back to the truck, and I can feel her eyes on us the whole way.

The next day, I'm at the bar again when a guy I don't recognize walks up to Ainsley.

He's drunk. I can tell by the way he's swaying on his feet, and the way his words are slurred when he leans over the bar and says something to her.

Ainsley steps back, her expression tightening. "I think you've had enough," she says firmly. "Time to go."

The guy laughs. "Come on, sweetheart. Just one more."

"No," she says, her voice steady. "You need to leave."

He leans closer, ignoring her. "Don't be like that⁠⁠—"

I'm on my feet before I even realize I'm moving. Knox is right behind me. "She told you to step back," I say, my voice calm but firm. "Now you can do it yourself or Knox can help you."

The guy turns, his eyes narrowing. "Who the fuck are you?"

"Someone who's telling you to leave."

He looks me up and down, then laughs. "Or what?"

Knox steps up beside me, his presence alone enough to make the guy reconsider. "Or we make you leave," Knox says, his voice flat.

The guy looks between us, then at Ainsley, and finally seems to realize he's outmatched. "Whatever," he mutters, stumbling toward the door.

I watch him go, then turn back to Ainsley. She's staring at me, her eyes wide. "You okay?" I ask.

She nods slowly. "Yeah. Thanks."

I nod and head back to my seat.

Later that night, I'm sitting on the clubhouse porch, nursing a beer and staring out at the dark compound.

I hear footsteps behind me and turn.

Ainsley is standing there, her arms wrapped around herself, looking uncertain.

"Hey," I say, surprised.

"Hey," she says quietly.