Jax sighs. “Those bikers wouldn’t take no for an answer. They have a serious hard-on for you.”
“Obviously,” I purr.
His upper lip curls at my attempt to pamper my pride. “When they insisted that we pick you up, I knew it was my time to strike. I figured you’d just turn on your signature charm, flip us off, and walk away. I’m curious as to why you got in the van.”
“To eliminate the threat.” I slice a finger across my throat.
Jax’s stony expression isn’t impressed. “You’re not a killer.”
“I’ll be whatever it takes if they try to use Byron and Ronnie against me.”
That gives him pause. “You care about them,” he murmurs.
“Yeah, so?” I shrug it off as if my heart hasn’t kicked into acceleration mode.
“I’m glad you found a place to settle. That’s what I wanted for you.”
“Like I care about your approval,” I snap.
“Well, you have it regardless.”
“Okay, for real,” I sigh. “What’re we doing here?”
“We aren’t doing anything. Feel free to go.” Jax juts his chin in the direction we came from.
“Unlike you, I don’t leave my team behind.” My nose crinkles. “Not that we’re a team anymore.”
“I’m just going to apprehend these small-timers before moving on. There’s no need for you to get your hands dirty. In fact, I’d strongly advise against it.”
“Where are you going next?” Why I’m asking is a better question.
He eyes me closely as if he’s not going to tell me. “I’m on the hunt for Jimmy Benson.”
Shock betrays me, widening my eyes before I can act normal and uninterested. “Byron doesn’t know where he is.”
“Don’t fret, Frankie. I’m not going to shake down your boyfriend.”
My gut clenches. “Why would I believe you?”
“There’s someone else willing to bait the trap.” But his lips are sealed after that.
“Why are you telling me all of this?”
Jax shrugs. “Maybe you’ll actually believe me someday. I want you to trust me. You were never part of the plan.”
I let out a wary, weary exhale. “I can’t believe you’re a cop.”
“I can’t believe we’re still standing here.”
“Well, you look like shit,” I fire in return.
“Part of the disguise.” He smooths a palm down his stained shirt that has more holes than a slice of Swiss cheese. “Let’s get this over with. Stay out of my way.”
“Cocky jackass.” I’d love nothing more than to take him down several notches.
But then he’s on the move. Jax sticks to the shadows like a predator about to pounce. Before they even hear his approach, he has the first dumbass in a sleeper hold. The second goon whirls around just as Jax kicks his legs out from under him. Both guys are down and done for within seconds.
Dammit, Jax’s smug attitude is warranted. I even have the urge to applaud his methodical attack. It was very efficient. I guess that’s what he was trained for.