Chapter 5

Cassie

"There's something I've been dying to show you, sweetheart."

His hand is firmly around mine as he leads me through the dense forest that surrounds our cabin. We've been cooped up here for days, and Jax hasn't once let his gaze stray from me. He's shown me just how much he wants and needs me, over and over.

"What's the surprise?" I tease, eyeing the bulging bag he's clutching. "And what's in the bag?"

Before I can grab it from him, Jax whips it away with a swift motion. Then, he's pinning me against a tree, his lips crashing onto mine. His kiss is fiery and demanding, his tongue pushing past my lips, making me moan into his mouth.

I can feel how turned on he is, his thick hard arousal pressed against me as he pulls away. "You're going to have to wait for my dick… I first want to show you something." I clench my thighs, trying to hold back the need building inside me.

Since we've arrived, Jax has been relentless in his protection. It's not like my dad's control, which was suffocating and harsh. Jax's care is different—nurturing and intense. I'm not allowed near the kitchen. He insists on cooking for me, saying it's safer that way. I wanted to explore the stunning mountain landscape and get some fresh air, but Jax won't let me go alone. He says it's too dangerous, so I'm only allowed to venture out with him. He even has our supplies delivered to a hidden outpost, miles from the house, to keep me out of sight. The thought of a delivery guy seeing me sends him into a frenzy, and I'm strictly forbidden from going down there.

The truth is, I'm scared. I know my dad is still a threat. His criminal dealings have always been shady, and now I worry that I've simply traded one prison for another. But being with Jax, it feels different. I feel safe. I never felt secure in my dad's house. I've been obsessed with him for as long as I can remember, always wondering where he was and if he would ever come back for me. And now that he has, I'm overwhelmed with happiness when he's near, especially when he showers me with his attention.

Jax's eyes sparkle with a fierce intensity as he pulls me away from the tree, his grip never loosening. He takes my hand and leads me through the dense forest, his steps purposeful and strong. My heart races, a mixture of excitement and nervousness swirling inside me. His protective gaze never wavers, and I can't help but wonder what he's hiding in that bag.

As we walk, I can't help but ask a question that's been on my mind. "Did you choose Sweetheart Falls because of the cedar trees?"

He gives a low, rumbling chuckle. "Yeah, they reminded me of you. There's something about them that feels... right. It's isolated, and I can protect you here. I know these mountains like the back of my hand, so I never falter when I need to keep you safe."

I glance up, curiosity piqued. "Is that why you were also in the military? So you could learn to protect people. I saw your medals in the cabin."

He chuckles again, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You're quite the inquisitive little thing, aren't you?"

I nod, offering a shy smile.

"I joined the military to escape my father," he continues, his tone growing more serious. "He didn't care what he did to us as a family; it was always about what he wanted, even if it meant uprooting us every couple of months. I craved stability, and the military provided that. I learned how I could protect you and no one else. I don't care about anyone else. I got educated, moved into software engineering, and bought this piece of land. All for you. You're mine now, and that's all that matters. Everything else is behind me."

We push deeper into the forest, the trees closing in around us. The cool, crisp air contrasts sharply with the storm of emotions inside me. Jax finally stops and turns me to face him. He gestures to a breathtaking meadow bathed in golden sunlight, a wild expanse of flowers and tall grass stretching out before us.

"This is where you're gonna paint," he says, his voice rough and authoritative. "But only with me here. I'm not taking any chances of you wandering off and getting lost."

I nod, overwhelmed by the beauty and Jax's protective intensity. When he sets down the bag and starts pulling out the art supplies—paints, brushes, canvases—all meticulously chosen, my eyes widen in disbelief. He then reveals a picnic spread: cold juice, Honeycrisp apples, cheese, and fresh bread.

My heart swells with emotion, and before I can contain myself, I leap into his arms, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck.

"This is incredible!" I exclaim, my voice trembling with pure joy and awe. I bury my face in his shoulder, unable to hold back the tears that spring to my eyes. "You did all this for me? It's perfect!"

Jax holds me close, his strong arms enveloping me as I cling to him. His deep, rumbling chuckle vibrates through his chest, and I can feel the warmth of his smile against my cheek.

"I just wanted to give you something special," he murmurs, his voice soft and tender.

He gently lowers me back to the ground, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity. He gazes at me with a predatory hunger that makes my pulse quicken. I've come to know that look. He wants me as much as I want him.

Jax's gaze darkens with a possessive hunger. "If you're really grateful, you can show me how much you appreciate it."

"I want to do that thing you said?"

"What thing?"

"Put my mouth around your cock."

He doesn't hesitate. With a fierce growl, he surges forward, his lips crashing onto mine. His hands plunge into my hair, controlling the kiss with a raw, commanding force. I moan into his mouth, the heat of his desire overwhelming.

When he finally breaks away, his breath ragged, he gazes down at me, his eyes smouldering. "No, you're too sweet. But if you're that eager…" He unzips his pants and pulls it down.

Without a word, he reaches for the bottle of cold apple juice. With a swift motion, he pours it over his throbbing cock, the liquid mixing with the heat of his skin. The sight of him, slick and glistening, makes my mouth water with anticipation.

He grips my hair and guides me down, his voice low and commanding. "Lick it off, sweetheart. Make sure you get every drop."

My heart pounds as I lower myself, my gaze fixed on the wet, throbbing flesh before me. I start by teasing the tip, my tongue darting out to taste the tangy sweetness mixed with his own flavor. I can't get enough, each lick driving me deeper into the primal need to please him.

Jax's groans of pleasure grow louder as I continue, my lips wrapping around him and my tongue working diligently to clean every inch. His hands grip my hair, holding me in place, his eyes blazing with a fierce, almost possessive intensity.

"Fuck, that's it," he growls, his voice rough and raw. "Suck it good. Show me how much you want, Daddy."

I take him deeper, my throat tightening around him, every moan from him pushing me further into the moment. I'm lost in the intensity, my body trembling with the effort, the taste of him and the apple juice melding together into a heady mix of desire.

His moans and the wet sounds of my mouth are abruptly cut off by the shrill ring of a phone. Jax's grip tightens in my hair, his gaze locked on mine, a mix of frustration and desire burning in his eyes.

Ignoring the phone, he growls, "You're such a naughty girl. Suck Daddy harder, baby."

The phone rings again, its relentless persistence breaking the moment. "Fuuuuuck," Jax curses, pulling away from me reluctantly. "I need to get that, honey. It's not stopping."

I release him with a sigh, watching as he yanks the phone from his pocket and answers. "Hello? Hello?" he says into the receiver, but there's nothing but silence on the other end.

Jax's frustration grows. "We have to get back to the cabin, Cassie. I need to call this person back. Who could this be that's more important than this?"

A pang of hurt flashes through me. "You go back. I'll stay here and paint," I offer, trying to mask my disappointment.

"No, you're coming with me now." His tone brooks no argument.

I gulp, feeling a mix of fear and longing as he gathers the art supplies and picnic items. He grabs my hand firmly, pulling me along as we make our way back to the cabin. Once inside, he sets everything down with a decisive thud. "We'll finish what we started when I get back, baby."

Jax's footsteps fade as he rushes out, leaving me alone in the cabin. I'm restless, my mind still tangled in the passion we shared and the abrupt interruption. Despite his insistence, I find myself drawn outside, I want to know what is going on.

Quietly, I slip out of the cabin and make my way toward the shed. I can hear muffled voices from inside, and I crouch behind the wall, my heart pounding as I listen.

Jax's voice is sharp, filled with tension. "Listen, I can't let her go until it's safe. She needs to be kept under my control. I've seen what can happen when things go wrong. You know how dangerous it is. She's never leaving here ever."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My breath catches, and I struggle to stay quiet. My father used to speak in similar terms, always keeping me under his watchful eye, controlling every aspect of my life.

Panic grips me. My mind races with the thought that Jax sees me as just another issue to manage, just like my father did. The words "under control" and "not letting her go" echo in my head, triggering memories of being watched and controlled. My head spins, triggering memories of being watched and controlled. A fierce resolve ignites within me—I won't be controlled ever again. I rush back to the cabin, grab the bag with the art supplies and picnic, and head toward the path Jax took me on. My heart pounds with determination. I can make it back to the meadow on my own.

Without a second thought, I turn and stride into the woods, my footsteps quick and purposeful. I need to escape, to be alone, and to find solace in the freedom of the forest. The shadows of the trees seem to close in around me, but I push forward, driven by the need to prove to myself that I'm not a prisoner.

I finally reach the clearing where the meadow spreads out before me, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. My breath catches in my throat, and a bittersweet smile touches my lips. I made it here by myself. It's a small victory, a sign that I can take control of my own destiny.

The bag feels heavy in my hand, a tangible reminder of the warmth and safety Jax has given me. But now, as I stand alone in this tranquil spot, a sense of foreboding seeps into my bones. The memory of Jax's urgent phone call and the unsettling conversation echoes in my mind.

Suddenly, I hear voices from deeper in the woods. My heart races, the peace of the meadow turning into a scene of looming danger. I drop the bag, my senses on high alert. I crouch behind a cluster of bushes, straining to hear what's being said.

The voices grow clearer, filled with urgency and malice. "We need to move quickly. Get Cassie but we get rid of Jax first."

My breath catches as I recognize the cold, authoritative tone. Panic grips me. I realize my father and his men are here, and they're planning to eliminate Jax. My world tilts as I understand the gravity of the situation—my father's control is far from over, and it's threatening the man I love.

I scramble to my feet, my mind racing. I can't let this happen. Jax is risking everything for me, and I have to do something. My love for him is a powerful force, driving me to act even as fear paralyzes me.

I turn to run back to the cabin, my heart pounding with the urgency to warn Jax. But as I sprint through the underbrush, a rough hand grabs my arm. I'm yanked to a halt, stumbling and gasping as I come face-to-face with one of my father's men. His eyes are cold, devoid of sympathy.

"No, no, let me go!" I scream, trying to break free, but he tightens his grip, dragging me backward.

Another man emerges from the shadows, his face hidden but his intent clear. I'm thrown to the ground, my attempts to escape futile. The men gather around me, their presence a chilling reminder of the control my father still holds over my life.

Panic surges as I watch the men pulling out ropes and preparing to secure me.

"Well, if it isn't my dearest Cassie?" I feel the slap across my face before I see it coming.

"Did you really think you could run off and playhouse with the first man who came away? Today, that Jax Regent dies."

Despair and fear grip me as I realize the depth of the threat facing Jax. My heart aches with the knowledge that he's in danger, and I feel helpless, unable to reach him. I struggle against my restraints, my tears mingling with the dirt and leaves beneath me.

"I hate you. You're an evil man. Jax will never let harm come my way," I spit back at my father.

He laughs in my face. A vile evil laugh.

He ignores me. "Go get the bastard and finish him up," he commands.

"You, missy, are coming with me." He grabs me by my arm, and I'm forced to follow him.

The horror of it all crashes down on me. I understand now that my father's grip on my life is tighter than ever, and Jax's life is at stake because of it. I can't let them do anything to my Jax. I know I love him.

I have to find a way to save him, even if it means risking everything.