Page 46 of Jax & Knox

"Neither am I."

We stand there for a moment, the weight of it settling between us. This isn't just about wanting her anymore. It's about keeping her. Protecting her. Making sure she knows she's ours and we're hers. Forever.

An hour later, I'm standing outside Ainsley's door, my hand raised to knock.

I hesitate.

What if she says no?

My throat thickens with uncertainty. She's been through so much. She's barely starting to trust us. What if pushing her out of her comfort zone is too much too soon?

But then I remember the way she looked at me last night, vulnerable, like she was starting to believe this could be real. Like she was starting to let herself hope.

I knock.

There's a pause, then the sound of footsteps. The door opens, and Ainsley is standing there in an oversized hoodie and leggings, her hair pulled back in a messy bun. She looks tired, but when she sees me, her expression softens.

"Morning," she says, her voice still rough with sleep.

"Morning." I clear my throat. "I was thinking… maybe we could get out of here for a bit. Take Owen to the park."

Her eyes widen. "The park?"

"Yeah. Fresh air. Sunshine. Let the kid run around a little." I pause. "If you're up for it."

She bites her lip, and I can see the hesitation in her eyes. The fear. The instinct to say no, to stay hidden, to keep Owen close.

"It's safe," I add quickly. "I've already checked the route. I'll have guys on standby. Nothing's going to happen to you or Owen. I promise."

She studies me for a long moment, her brown eyes searching mine. Then, slowly, she nods. "Okay."

Relief floods through me. "Yeah?"

"Yeah." She smiles, and it's small but genuine. "Let me get Owen ready."

Twenty minutes later, we're loading Owen into the truck.

He's babbling happily, his chubby hands reaching for everything, and Ainsley is laughing as she tries to buckle him into his car seat.

"Hold still, baby," she says, her voice patient.

Owen giggles and grabs a fistful of her hair.

"Ow! Owen, no⁠.”

I step in, gently prying his fingers loose. "Easy, little man. Mama needs that."

Owen looks up at me with wide, curious eyes, then grins.

"Da-da-da," he babbles happily.

My heart stops.

Ainsley freezes, her eyes snapping to mine.

"Did he just⁠⁠—"

"Dada!" Owen says again, louder this time, his grin widening.