Read Reckoning for Free Online

“I’m here to work, that’s all.”
    “I know.”
    His grin was so charming she couldn’t resist it and she smiled back before producing a razor.
    “I was waxed yesterday,” he said.
    “There you go again, being all manly. But I have to make sure there aren’t any fine hairs left behind, they’ll ruin it.”
    His eyes remained locked on her as she worked. She applied soap and water to that strapping chest, preparing it for the stencil to be applied, the sight of all those wet muscles almost too much and she hastily tore her gaze away.
    “Why do you insist on keeping your distance from me?” he said as she turned her back on him.
    “For your sake,” was her reply. “Believe me, it’s not for mine.” She thought of all the terrible things she’d done, Jax had always had the unnerving habit of giving her a conscience. “I’ll get Anita to do your tattoo because I can’t.”
    Strong arms wrapped themselves around her and she found herself spun round and pulled down on top of all those muscles she’d been trying so hard to avoid.
    “What the hell are you doing?” she said, squirming in his grip.
    “Send Anita out for lunch.”
    “Why?”
    “Because I want you Jules. Right now.”
    “I’m not running a knocking shop here. If anyone finds out I’ll be shut down.”
    “Not if you’re on a lunch break too.”
    “I said no Jax.”
    He sighed and released her. “Sorry.”
    “It’s okay. Now, can you control yourself for a couple of hours while I get the outline done?”
    “I’ll do my best.”
    “You’d better or I’ll be really pissed off. I have another three appointments booked in after yours so I don’t have time for arsing about.”
    “You won’t get any trouble from me.”
    She frowned at him doubtfully before bending over him to lay down the stencil.
    Jax stared up at the ceiling, trying not to think about her hands sliding over his chest. “What did Dane Black want?” he said. He’d tried not to ask but he simply had to know if they were back together.
    “Just business.”
    “Nothing personal then?”
    “Nah. That’s history.”
    “I think that’s best for you,” he said, voice quavering as her hand moved lower, gently smoothing the stencil over his abdominal muscles.
    “You don’t like Dane, do you?”
    “Not really. It’s all the showmanship he puts on at his club, it’s so false.”
    “What about all the showmanship at your matches?”
    “That’s different.”
    “How?” she said, amused.
    “He wears tight leather trousers.”
    “And you wear tiny shorts. I find it impossible to decide which are best. Jesus Jax,” she exclaimed.
    “Sorry, it’s a reflex,” he said, glaring down at his treacherous erection clearly showing through his jeans.
    “How am I supposed to concentrate with that thing lurking about?”
    “I’ll think about cold showers and The X Factor, it’ll soon go away.”
    “It better.” Jules tilted her stool so she was facing up his body rather than down, heat flooding her face.
    Finally the stencil was finished and she was able to turn away from him to retrieve her tattoo gun. After setting up the machine she retook her place on the stool but, before she could begin, he took her hand.
    “Please Jax, don’t,” she said.
    “I just want you to be happy.”
    “I am happy.”
    “You’re happier but you’re not the whole way yet. What will it take?”
    “You’re hoping I’ll say you?”
    “Kind of but I’ve learnt not to get my hopes up.”
    The hurt in his voice made her wince.
    “Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you,” he said gently.
    “It’s okay.” She sighed and put down the tattoo gun. “Do you know why Ryan and Rachel’s relationship works so well?”
    “No idea, I’ve never met them.”
    “They’re awesome together and that’s because they have no secrets. They know everything about each other, the worst things they’ve done. They’re not two people they’re one. That’s what I want.”
    “We could have