Carson Manor: Carson Manor, #1

By Candace Dowds

Skyler has lived a tortured existence. Her head was always filled with other's thoughts, and she could feel everyone surrounding her emotions. That is until she moves into a share house with three others. She can't explain the quiet in her head and she doesn't care what the cause for it is because she is now living in utter bliss. Bliss until she falls madly in love with one of her roommates. Jax wants to return the feelings and have a relationship with the girl he already knows is his soulmate, but he doesn't want to bring her into his world. It's killing him to have to keep his distance from Skye, but he thinks it's for her own safety. And maybe it is. She knows she's different, but she has to find the courage to let the others in on her secret, in a bid to find out more about herself and her father that was killed when she was only a young girl.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Candace Dowds
• Release date: Sep 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781523370115

Candace Dowds

Candace began writing after the passing of her son in 2009. It has been an emotional release for her. She is supported by her family and friends. Other than the time she is writing, she sits back for hours reading books by her favorite authors, Tijan Meyer, Rachel Vincent, Richelle Mead, Colleen Hoover, Claudia Gray, Jay McLean and so many more. That or she will go for a calming drive while listening to Eminem, Slim Shady, Marshall Mathers or The Rap God, whichever you would like to call him. Her kids are just like her, sarcastic, but fun loving. The rules she lives by 1 Don't take life too seriously 2 Don't live up to others ridiculous expectations 3 Surround yourself with people who love you for you 4 If life becomes too much, have a stiff drink and start again tomorrow.

Book preview

Forward

Skyler’s upbringing was filled with mental, physical, verbal, and sexual abuse. Her whole life, she has been able to hear other peoples’ thoughts and feel their emotions.

When she interviewed as a potential roommate in a house just off-campus, her life was turned upside down. Their thoughts were masked. For the first time, her mind experienced complete silence.

The only problem with living in the house was the fact Skyler had fallen completely and irrevocably in love with Jaxon, her roommate.

What she didn’t know was Jaxon shared the same feelings for her. He knew Skyler was his soulmate, but he didn’t want to bring her into his world. It was killing him to have to keep his distance, but he knew it was for her safety, and maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t.

Skyler knew she was different, but it took time for her to find the courage to let the others in on her secrets. She’s on a quest to find out who she really is in a bid to bring her closer to her father, who was killed when she was just a small, innocent child.

Prologue

Jaxon

––––––––

My God, Jax. You need to stop having a different slut from campus traipsing through the house on a daily basis. Lila told me with her hands on her hips.

I don’t sleep with all of them. First, I glamour the girls, and when I’ve taken their blood, I lie and say we did sleep together and send them on their way, I shrugged.

And that’s better, is it?

I’m not having this conversation with you again. Don’t you have a class to attend?

You can be so infuriating. She began to storm off, but she swung around, Don’t forget we have a girl coming to interview as a prospective roommate. She held her hand up. Do not choose her just because she’s hot. I don’t know if she is, but she sounded sweet on the phone. Don’t fuck this up! she squealed, then left the room.

I had no idea why we needed to get a

roommate. Between Albie and me, we had more money than we would ever need.

Despite what Lila said, if she was hot, I knew how I’d vote.

An hour later, there was a knock at the door. I took a seat on the sofa in the downstairs living room while Al answered the door. Hi, I’m Albie, I heard him introduce himself.

Hi Albie, I’m Skyler. My head jerked up when I heard her speak. Lila was right, Skye does sound sweet.

I watched Al come around the corner, and then I saw her. She was tall with beautiful, cascading blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and a shy smile. I loved her.

I needed her, and not just for sex. I knew she was more than a quick fuck.

I stood to greet her. I held out my shaking hand, and she took it with her smooth one. I made eye contact, and I wished I hadn’t because it just cemented my love for her. I must have stood there for longer than necessary because I heard Al clear his throat. Immediately, I was brought

back to the present.

Sorry, I’m Jax, I managed to get out.

Skyler, fuck, I loved her name, too.

Eventually, I let go of her hand, and she took the seat opposite Al and me. I didn’t pay attention to much of what was said until Al nudged me in my ribs. Huh, was all that came out of me.

I was just asking Skyler what her bad habits were if she had any, he gave me a look of warning.

Sorry, I shifted my gaze to the beautiful creature opposite me. Continue, I told her.

Well, I have a horrible caffeine addiction, and I love to bake. Baking’s my go-to when I need to take a step back from my studies, she shrugged. God, she was so cute.

If they’re your worst features, I can’t wait to see your best, I told her with a smirk.

Once the interview was over, Al told Skyler we would have to speak to Lila before we gave her a firm, yes, but I knew I would make sure she moved in.

I hated watching her leave. I wanted to take her in my arms and make love to her. Not sex, like I would with anyone else, love.

Oh my fucking god, Jax, you need to keep your hormones in check, Lila told me when I sat down and told her how I wanted to be with Skyler. It took me a while to explain it wasn’t a sex thing. I felt something more for Skyler. 

Month Two

Two months after Skye moved in it, was killing me to have to keep my distance. Lila and Al cornered me one night and told me it wouldn’t be fair on Skye to bring her into our supernatural world, and they were right, as usual.

It had become a living nightmare. Anytime Skye was close. I’d make excuses to touch her. If she were upset, I’d take her in my arms and try to assure her that everything would be okay. If she was stressed because of college, I’d hold her hand and rub circles with my thumb on her palm. I’m not stupid; I knew how my touch affected her. She liked it, but at the same time, I’d always let go of a sigh

and talk myself into walking away.

I wanted her, but I also didn’t want her killed because of what I am. We really didn’t think this through.

Month Four

You’d think it would get easier, but it hadn’t. Skye had been living with us for four months, and I wanted her more and more with each passing day. Skye’s blood smelt like no other. It was sweet and inviting, which was another thing that kept me on edge. Sure, we don’t get too many vamps coming to the house, but I don’t know what I would do if something ever happened to her.

I began to notice she’d been leaving the house more and more at night, it was as if she didn’t want to be left alone with me, and I couldn’t figure out why?

She seemed miserable all the time. The chirpy Skye that moved in with us had disappeared.

Month Seven

I tried to bring girls back when I knew Skye wasn't meant to be home. Since the

moment I saw her all those months ago, I'd been celibate. Sure, I brought some back to the house, but only to feed off them; I never slept with them. 

It killed me when she'd bust us, though. We weren't together, but I didn't want Skye thinking I was a whore that slept around. Yes, I used to be that person, but not anymore. I kept telling myself I should just drink the blood we'd gather from the vampire-operated blood bank, but there's no comparison to fresh.

Month Ten

I was lying down in bed when my phone

began to ring. I checked the time, one-forty-five am. Who the fuck calls at this time? I mumbled. 

I picked up the phone and saw Skye calling, so immediately, I pressed accept. 

Skye, are you okay? I asked her. 

No, no, I'm not. She was wasted. 

Where are you? 

She gave me the address, and I told her

to hang tight until I got there. The party was on campus, so it was only a five-minute drive from our house.

I jumped out of the car and ran into the party. Everyone started calling my name, but I ignored them while I searched for the girl I loved. The girl continually punished herself with alcohol. I needed to know what was going on with her before she did something stupid. 

Finally, I found her in the laundry room, crying on the floor, and the sight of her broke my heart. Skye, I whispered as I lowered myself down onto the floor beside her. I pulled her to me, Hey, what's going on with you? I asked carefully, but she couldn't form any words through her sobs. Needing to get out of there, I stood, picked her up, and carried her through the house as she clung to me, her head on my chest. Fuck, I loved that girl; I never want her to leave my arms.

Skye didn't speak during the car ride home, but she did continue to sob, breaking my heart.

Once home, I carried her up the stairs to her room. 

Lila spotted us on the way and went to ask something, but I shook my head, telling her I'd come to find her after I got Skye into bed. 

When we arrived in her room, I lay Skye down on her bed, but she wouldn't let go of me, so I lay beside her. Okay, I need you to tell me what's going on, Skye. I need to find a way to help you. It was killing me. I wanted to cup her face in my hands and press my lips to hers and never let her go. 

She buried her face in my chest; her hands had gathered fistfuls of my shirt. I can't be here if you're here. If it's just us, she began, and my throat wanted to close over. She hated me.

Why? I whispered. I wasn't sure if I wanted to know the answer, but I needed to know. 

Because I want you, Jax. There is something between us, and I want you. I want you to give us a chance, Jax. That's it, just a chance, she sobbed, and I held her tighter. I wanted to lay everything out on the table for her. I wanted to tell her why I had to keep my distance, but I couldn't, not now.

Then I felt a tear slip down the corner of my eye. Never do I cry, but her hurting so badly because of me was beyond devastating. 

I wanted to tell her I loved her. I had loved her since the second she walked in the door for the interview, but I couldn't. All I could do was hold her close to me. I needed to talk to the others and get their opinions because I wasn't sure how much more I could take. 

Skye fell asleep in my arms, and I stayed with her. I stayed and held her, kissing her forehead until Lila popped her head in the door and silently demanded I explained to her what was going on.

As soon as she'd left, I kissed Skye on the forehead again and whispered, I love you, more than you will ever know, I then carefully shifted her until my arm was free and her head was on the pillow. But before I could leave, I leaned down, kissed her cheek, and stopped myself from waking her, telling her consequences be damned.

Once downstairs, Lila was seated at the kitchen table with two mugs resting in front of her. I took the seat beside her,

and as I did, she pushed one of the coffees in my direction. Thanks, I told her as I took it in my grasp.

Jax, what the fuck is going on? 

I took a breath and let it go. Skye's punishing herself because of me.

Why you?

When I'd taken a sip, I placed the mug back down on the table. She just told me she wants me too. She wants me to give us a chance. I want to, Lila, I want to so fucking bad, but I can't expose her to our life. I can't risk her getting hurt. My frustration level was beyond anything I had ever experienced. 

Lila leaned forward and took my hands in hers. "Maybe you need to tell her about us. Skye is trustworthy. She would never expose who we are, Jax. Maybe that's something you need to consider. The two of you would be so fucking cute together. I know she loves you, and I know you've had strong feelings for her since the day you two met. It's a sign. It's something you should explore, but you have to be careful with her. Skye has a horrid past you don't know about, and

she needs support, not a brush-off." 

What do you mean when you say 'she has a horrid past? My head jerks up.

Lila shook her head. It's not my place to tell you, Jax. But I will tell you; she has been to hell and back, a million times over. So think hard about what you want to do, okay? she was serious.

Now, all I want to do is kill whoever it was that hurt her, I let go of Lila's hands and balled them into fists. How could anyone hurt Skye? She's so sweet. She has the kindest and biggest heart. Who would be horrible enough to hurt her?

Chapter One

Skyler

It's nice having ordinary people around me. My younger years weren't quiet at all. My mom worked at a bar, and when she would get home, she would be smashed out of her mind on whatever and drugs she could get her hands on.

Mary is the woman I'm supposed to call mom, and the only fond memories I have of her are from when my father was still alive. She was a stay-at-home mom back then. Mary always made sure dinner was on the table when my dad walked in the front door from work. She spent her days looking after us, and she was fantastic at it, but since the day my father was killed in a hunting accident, she's become a different person. A person I'm not fond of nor proud of. She was always drunk, and men would be forever coming and going from our home. I couldn't wait to get out of that damn apartment. Finally, my grandmother took me in when she discovered what I was going through while in my mother's care.

Nana Sophie is the only surviving family I have left in this world, other than my mother, of course. I lived with her until I'd been accepted into college - a college located only thirty miles from her home, ensuring I keep close to her.

Since I was a young girl, I've been able to hear other people's thoughts and feel their emotions. Hearing my mother's, especially when she had a gentleman caller over to the house, made me nauseous. And on occasion, I would throw up. 

I now live in a shared house just off-campus. I was floored when I met my soon-to-be roommates. They'd been the only three people whose thoughts I could not hear, and I lost myself in the silence. It was bliss, but at the same time, I was taken back by whatever was blocking their thoughts from me. 

The interview went well. I met Albie, who's nineteen, a very mature and well-spoken nineteen-year-old, might I add. He has chestnut mid-length hair that takes a bottle of product to keep its height. He also has the most adorable dimples when he smiles, dimples that would make any

girl melt at first glance, but then there's Jaxon. Jaxon is twenty-one and incredibly sexy. I'm talking flat-out sex on a fucking stick, sexy. He has a strong jawline and looks like he should be on the cover of GQ magazine. To go along with the strong jaw, he has dark brown eyes and matching brown hair that's short on the sides, and like Al, he too needs a ton of product to keep the top high.

Jax even manages to make a T-shirt and shorts look sexy as hell. I was instantly attracted to him. My body kept pulling itself toward him, and my mind wasn't in control anymore. I tried my hardest to conduct myself in a semi-professional manner throughout the interview, but my eyes kept finding themselves focused on his. 

Even though I was terrified by the fact that I couldn't hear their thoughts, I figured the silence was so inviting that either way, I'd won. Are there any bad habits we should know about? Albie asked me.

I wracked my brain, unsure of what kind of habits he was getting at, so I looked at him, "I have a horrible caffeine addiction,

and I love to bake. Baking's my go-to when I need to take a step back from studies," I shrugged. I can't cook for shit, but I can bake.

The boys smiled at one another, and then their gaze shifted back to me. If they're your worst features, I can't wait to see your best, Jaxon said, his mouth slanted into a smirk, causing my heart to flutter and between my legs to ache. 

The boys told me to wait for a phone call. Albie added that they would love to have me move in immediately, but they had to discuss it with their other roommate, who was in class at the time, but the the moment I met Lila, the third roommate, I knew we would get along just fine. 

Lila is a perky girl who is full of life. She has black hair cut into a short bob with bangs that just cover her eyes. Her skin is pale, which goes great with the look Lila has. Her look leans towards pixie; she's thin, but not sickly thin, just nicely thin.

I've been living in the house for a little over ten months now, and my crush on Jaxon has only grown. I keep trying to tell myself to get over it, but I can't seem to.

When I was living with my alcoholic mother, I swore I would never touch a drop of booze, but it was the only thing that has kept me from going crazy every time I'd see a different girl walk out of Jax's room.

The girls on campus are crazy for Jax. They're forever asking me why he won't date anyone, and all I can do is shrug. How the fuck would I know? Hell, I'm living in the same house as him, and I can't get him to look at me twice, but thanks to his sluts that stroll through the house, I spend a lot of time out, drinking or smoking weed. Some weeks I'll drink three nights a week, some only one. It depends on how many whores I see exit Jax's room. 

If he'd treated me like shit when we were alone together, I'm sure it would be easier to move on, but instead, he acts like a fucking gentleman. Jax is always looking for excuses to brush my hands with his or take me in for a hug. It's messing with my head, and I'm not sure how much more rejection my heart can take.

When I go out drinking along with others who attend the same college, I always find myself wishing I was the sort of person

that slept around, but in fact, I'm a virgin. Well, a virgin in the sense that I've never had consensual sex with anyone. I've had boyfriends in the past I've fooled around with, but never did I let it go too far. It may sound old-fashioned, but I do believe in waiting for the right person. The person you know in your heart was made for you. I feel that way about Jax, but then I'd see another slut walk out of his bedroom, and the cycle of misery would start again.

The worst possible part of the situation is that I can hear the girl's thoughts when they leave the house. It takes everything I have in me not to attack them, but it isn't their fault. Jax is the one I should be angry with, but at the same time, I can never stay mad at him long enough for him to know how miserable I am. I'm beginning to think that living here isn't such a good idea, and it might be time to move on.

It's late, and I just saw another of those women leave Jax's room. So instead of staying home and studying, which is precisely what I should be doing, I decide to attend a party on campus I'd heard

about. Lila had initially refused to go, but I'd managed to persuade her to come out with me in the end. 

When we walk into the dorm room, the party is already underway. Drunk women line the walls as if they're using them to stay upright. 

Taking Lila's hand in mine, we make our way over to the drinks table. What do you feel like drinking? I ask her.

She looks down at her options. Hmm, a vodka and raspberry would, thanks. She smiles sweetly.

Okay, one girly drink it is. I laugh as I reach for the vodka. I fill the red plastic cup halfway, then finish it off with some raspberry soda and hand it to her.

Thanks, Skye, she says as she takes the red Solo cup from my hand. 

No problem. Immediately, I begin making my own, a nice cold bourbon and coke. I grab a red swizzle stick and mix my drink before taking a long, long sip. 

"Jesus Christ, Skye. You better take it easy on that stuff. You'll be pissed in five

minutes," Lila exclaims as she places her hand on mine. She's always trying to protect me, so I turn to face her. 

That's what I'm hoping for. I then raise the cup to my mouth again and drink the rest of its contents.

Lila takes my hand and drags me outside, so she doesn't have to yell over the music. She comes to a halt, and I can see the concern spread across her delicate features. Skye, what the hell is going on with you? You aren't the party girl you're portraying at the moment. And with your mother's history, it tells me something's wrong. So what is it? You can trust me. She gives me a sad smile, and I move towards the steps, taking a seat, where Lila drops down beside me.

I look down at the ground and take a deep breath. You're going to think it's stupid, I tell her.

No, I won't. Just get it off your chest. You'll feel better if you do. Her hand cups one of mine as I continue to stare at the ground. 

Here goes, "It's Jax. I have this stupid ass crush on him. He acts like he's interested

in me, but then he has all of these dirty fucking sluts coming in and out of the house. It's so fucking confusing," I say as I run my hands through my hair out of frustration.

That would play with your emotions. I've seen him with you, and you're right, I think he does have feelings for you, and it isn't right that he keeps bringing those girls around. She ducks her head to look into my eyes. Would you like me to have a word with him? 

Immediately, I look up at her in a panic, No, no, no, don't do that. I'd be totally embarrassed. I'd have to hide or move out. There's no way I could ever face him again, Lila. 

Now she has both of my hands in hers. I won't say a word if you don't want me to, but I can tell him it's me that's sick of having strange women traipsing around our home at all times of the day and night. Her smile is genuine and reassuring. Moments later, a tear escapes and runs down my cheek. 

That would be nice. I smile in return as Lila wraps her arms around me.

No problem. I know exactly how you feel, Lila says as she pats my hair. 

What do you mean? I ask without lifting my head.

Lila takes a deep breath in and lets it go very slowly as if she's reluctant to tell me. Apparently, it's a night for sharing. A few years back, I was madly in love with a guy I couldn't have.

Confused, I ask, Why couldn't you have him?

Lila doesn't meet my gaze, but she continues, I was in another shared house, and I'd fallen in love with one of my roommates, Josh. He was gorgeous, but I knew we could never be together. I knew he loved me too, but we came from different backgrounds; it would have never worked. Slowly, she shakes her head. It's hard living side by side with the person you love but can't do anything about it. So, one night I abruptly moved out; I'd been crying in my bed for hours and just picked up and left. She looks and sounds utterly miserable. I can see Lila still loves this Josh guy. It must be killing her to have to talk about it.

"Can I ask what you meant by 'you came from 'different backgrounds?'"

Lila closes her eyes, and I see a single tear run down her cheek. It's my turn to comfort her, so I slide my arm around her back and pull her into me. You know how it is with traditional families. They want their kids to marry their own kind. Unfortunately, Josh and I were worlds apart in that manner. Her eyes meet mine. Is it okay if we don't talk about Josh anymore? Even the mention of his name tears my heart into pieces.

As we walk through the front door of our house, I hear people talking in the kitchen. I know Albie's in there, but I'm not sure who the woman's voice is. I drop my coat on the hall table, kick off my heels and follow Lila through to the kitchen, where I spot Albie first. He's leaning up against the cabinets with a drink in hand, but he then spots me and smiles. Hey, Skyler. 

Hello, Al, I say as I flick the kettle on, ignoring the owner of the other voice I heard as I came in. I'm not too fond of

her voice, and something tells me the woman is trouble.

As I reach for a cup in the cupboard, Lila begins screaming like a schoolgirl; that's when I cave in and turn. When I do, I see her jumping up and down. OMG, Koby. When the hell did you get into town? Lila stops jumping long enough to race over, almost bowling over the girl whose name is apparently, Koby. You should've called. I would have booked a room at a hotel for you, Lila beams. 

I shift my gaze over to Al, looking for an explanation. He nods and comes to my side, resting against the counter. Sorry to interrupt, girls. Albie then places his hand on Lila's arm in a bid to calm her for a moment. And both girls turn to face him. Skyler, this is Koby. Koby, this is Skyler, Al says as he waves his hand between us. 

Quickly, Lila jumps in. Oh, Skye, I'm so sorry, how rude of me. I was just so excited to see her. It's been a while. 

I must admit, the silence has been bliss, I've always been used to hearing other's opinions, but just like my roommates, I can't hear Koby's thoughts either. 

Just then, Koby rests her hand on my arm, pulling me from my thoughts. I then focus on the stranger's stunning face and blue eyes. If I was into women, I know Koby would be the kind of woman I'd go after in the looks department. Her cascading light brown hair is pulled over one shoulder, she then tilts her head to the side and smiles, but it isn't a smile I trust. Sorry, Koby, I trail off for a moment. What did you ask?

I was asking how you've settled in here at the house with this lot? She questions as she throws her thumb to where Albie and Lila stand. 

I look back at Koby. They've been great. I love living here, but as I say the words, I hear Jax come in the front door, and my stomach drops. Shit, if I can see how sexy this woman in front of me is, how the fuck is Jax going to be able to resist her? Fuck, I can barely keep my hand from reaching out to grab her ass. There is no way in hell he will ever look at me now. Fuck!

Hello, he calls out.

In here, Albie returns.

The moment Jax walks in the room and spots Koby, he stops in his tracks and glances between her and me with a guilty look strewn across his face. Yep, I'm out of the running, if I was ever in it, to begin with. Doubtful.

Koby speaks first, Long time no see, Jax. They know each other already? Of course, they do. She's hot, and he's fucking hot. They've probably dated and decided not to settle down together yet. Is today the day he hits the final nail in my proverbial coffin? Is today the day I go up to my room and begin packing? I can't take one more moment of rejection from him. It hurts too much.

Suddenly, Koby moves towards him; but to my surprise, Jax takes a step back, and he glances over at me again. I hold his brown eyes for a moment, and I can see he's apologizing for a reason I know nothing about. 

Jax then stuffs his hands deep into his pockets, and without looking at her, he asks, "What the fuck are you doing here, Koby? You are the one person in this world I don't want to see. You and your

bullshit can get out of here." His voice is low, and it scares me more than it would have if he'd yelled.

Of course, I begin to feel uncomfortable, so I continue to make myself a cup of coffee in a bid to distract myself. I know Jax can have a temper at times, and he can be as sarcastic as I can, but never have I seen him go off on a woman.

As I open the fridge door in search of milk, I catch Lila's attention. What is going on? I mouth to her. 

I'm pretty sure she tells me she'll talk to me later, so I nod my head and turn my attention back to what I was doing, ignoring everything and everyone around me. Once the coffee is made, I take the mug into my hands, turn to face the room, and sip on my drink, unsure of what I should do. I can see Koby's arms are crossed over her chest, and she rolls her eyes. I'm here to see my friend. Did you really think we would never bump into each other again? Come on, even you aren't that stupid, Jaxon. The bitch sounds as if she's about to laugh.

I watch intently as Jax pulls his hands out of his pockets and mimics her by crossing

his arms over his chest. No, I didn't think I could avoid you forever, but at the same time, I didn't think you were dumb enough to show up to my fucking house. He smirks. "Next time, give me a heads up before you come to visit, so I can make sure we don't cross paths again. Or better yet, don't show up at all, you trouble-making bitch. I don't know who the fuck you think you are, but you are the reason I can't stand the sight of you." With his statement made, Jax goes to turn, but before he does, he looks at me for a long moment. I still have no idea what message he is trying to relay to me, but he turns on his heels and makes his way upstairs. 

When his incredible ass is gone from my sight, I shift my attention back to Koby. Well, that went a lot better than I thought it would, she tells the room.

Honestly, I figured it was going to be a lot worse than it was. Albie shrugs.

That's it, I have to ask, Okay, I have no fucking idea what just happened here, but I seriously have to know what the hell was with that icy exchange between the two of you, I say to Koby, then take

another long sip. 

Immediately, Albie walks over to the fridge, I think I'll pour us some drinks, he announces. 

Great, I feel a shit storm coming. I'd better start drinking, too. 

Lila instructs me to take a seat, so I do, and Koby is directly opposite me, with Lila by her side. I smell the Bourbon and Coke long before Albie places it down on the table in front of me. I know it's strong, and I also know he only ever mixes a drink that toxic when something terrible was about to happen. 'Shit, I'm really not going to like what they tell me,' I think.

I thank him, push my coffee to the side, pick up the bourbon and take a very long sip. I take it something is going on between you and Jaxon? Koby asks me, and I almost choke on my drink.

Barely breathing furiously, I shake my head. No, why would you think that? I ask as I wipe the bourbon from my lips with the back of my hand. 

She gives me a slanted, torturous smile. I saw how he looked at you. He wants you, Skyler. 

I shake my head in return because I'm stunned by her words. I fucking wish she was right. I wish something was going on, but right now, nope, nothing. There is no way in hell he wants me. He has women here all the time. Jax does not have time for me, let alone a relationship. My chest aches from the words, so I take a deep breath. Anyway, I thought we were sitting at the table so you could tell me what the icy exchange was all about between you and Jax.

Koby tilts her head to the side and closes her eyes. A moment later, she lets out a breath as she opens them again, and they are focused dead on me. Jaxon and I were a couple. We were together for a long time.

Of course, they fucking were. What's a long time? I question. I want to know if there is a chance they could get back together. Better my heart gets broken now, rather than utterly shattered later.

She glances over at Albie, and he shakes his head, then I see an understanding flash across her face, and she turns back to me. 'What the