Page 60 of Jax & Knox

Anywhere is better than here.

Anywhere is safer than putting them in danger.

I pause, my hands hovering over a soft grey hoodie, one of Knox's. I'd borrowed it a few nights ago when I was cold, and he'd told me to keep it.

The fabric still smells like him.

I press it to my face and breathe in.

I'm sorry, I think. I'm so sorry.

But I can't stay.

I can't let Justin destroy them.

I shove the hoodie into the bag and zip it closed.

My phone buzzes again.

I don't look.

I can't.

I grab the bags and head for the door, my heart pounding so hard I feel like I'm going to pass out.

Just get to the car. Just get Owen and go.

I'm halfway to Owen's room when I hear the front door open, and my steps falter.

No. They're not supposed to be back yet. I thought I'd have more time to figure out what I'm going to say, how I'm going to explain any of this without falling apart the second one of them looks at me.

"Ainsley?"

Jax's voice carries through the house, and I close my eyes as my chest tightens.

Please don't come in here. Please give me another minute. Just one more minute to pull myself together before I have to face him.

His footsteps sound in the hallway, getting closer, and my stomach twists with every one of them. I should move. I should go to Owen's room, shut the door, do something other than stand here waiting for the moment I've been dreading.

But I don't get the chance. The bedroom door opens and Jax stops in the doorway, his eyes going from me to the bags on the bed.

His expression shifts. Confusion. Realization. Anger. "What are you doing?" he asks, his voice low and dangerous.

I don't answer, I can't.

Knox appears behind him, his eyes narrowing as he takes in the scene. “Ainsley," Knox says, his voice hard. "What the fuck are you doing?"

I swallow hard, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "I have to go."

"Go where?" Jax demands, stepping into the room.

"Anywhere. It doesn't matter. I just, I have to leave."

"Like hell you do," Knox growls.

"You don't understand⁠.”

"Then explain it to us," Jax says, his voice sharp.