Chapter 241: Loophole

The music ended, and I released Jax. His expression was a mixture of sadness, shock, and desperation - I could feel everything he did, and I wanted to comfort him, because not knowing what I would ultimately decide couldn't be easy for him, either. I wished I could just tell him, but I still didn't know.

Another slower song started, and Trent approached. "My turn?" he asked, his gaze darting between me and Jax.

Jax gave me a small smile, nodded, then wandered off. A tiny piece of my heart went with him. The mark on my neck burned, and I took a deep breath, expelling it slowly. It was just a physical reaction. Nothing more.

Trent took my hand and tugged me toward him, wrapping his arms around my back and holding me close. I breathed in the familiar scent of him - he reminded me of home, of that place in my heart where I was the safest and happiest. I draped my arms over his shoulders and laced my fingers at the nape of his neck.