Slade (The Protectors #6)

“Sure, sounds good,” Jax replied, his mind going a mile a minute before his eyes drilled into hers. “I’m going to find who put you in danger, Caroline. And without sounding too much like an asshole, don’t ever put yourself in danger for me again. You could have been killed.”


“As you could have been. I’m sure those were silver bullets,” Caroline replied, searching his eyes. “I have a feeling not too many people have done things for you, Jax Wheeler, but know this. If I had to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat.” She tiptoed up, kissing his cheek and gave him a smile before turning away.

Jax watched her go. She was right. No one had ever done anything like that for him. She had literally saved his life and that was something he would never forget.

Chapter 17

Jill fidgeted as Caroline fixed her wig, Nicole painted her toenails and Pam applied her press-on nails. It was crowded in Jared and Tessa’s room, but it was nice being with the women.

“Stop moving, Jill,” Nicole sighed, looking up at her.

“I’m sorry.” Jill frowned. “I fidget when I’m nervous.”

Trying to take her mind off what she was getting ready to do, Jill thought about the previous night. Once she and Slade got back to her room, he actually laid her across his lap and smacked her ass good for betting against them, which lead to other things. A grin slipped across her face at the thought. But the best part was afterwards, when he took her in his arms and held her the rest of the night. Hardly any words were spoken, which was fine with her. She savored that moment because for the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel alone.

“Okay.” Caroline walked in front of Jill, reached over Nicole to fluff Jill’s bangs and smiled. “Perfect. And that wig is going nowhere, so if you and Slade want to do a little role-playing afterwards, you’ll be good to go.” Caroline gave her a wink.

“Wow, you look amazing with long hair.” Nicole looked up at her.

Jill wrinkled her nose. “I like my short hair. It doesn’t get in the way and is a breeze to fix.”

“Okay, toes done.” Nicole stood, stretching. “Let them dry for a few minutes.”

Pam affixed the last nail. “Where’s Tessa with the choker?”

“Here I am.” Tessa came running in. “Had to get Slade ‘cause I couldn’t find it. And doesn’t he seem like a happy man this morning.”

Jill blushed, not saying a word, and then noticed them all looking at each other. “What?”

“Okay, we’re dying to know.” Tessa walked over after grabbing a covered clothes hanger with Jill’s outfit. “Is he, you know…”

Jill laughed. She quickly realized they were all serious; even Angelina was on edge waiting for her to answer. “I’m not going to talk about Slade like that.”

“Ah, you suck,” Nicole grumbled. “You know he’s just too good-looking. I bet he isn’t all that in bed and he probably has a little…”

“I can hardly walk this morning, so if he’s little, I’d hate to see a big one,” Jill jumped to Slade’s defense. “And he makes damn sure I’m taken care of.”

“Ha! I knew it.” Nicole pointed at her.

“Is he demanding?” Tessa grinned.

“Very.” Jill nodded, grabbing the hanger from Tessa. “And that’s all I’m saying.”

“Damon’s the same.” Nicole’s smile was that of a satisfied woman.

“So is Jared.” Tessa added with a sigh, “Drives me crazy sometimes, but I love it.”

“All these Warriors are alpha, girls.” Pam sat down, pulling her feet up under her, glancing over at Daniel who was fast asleep on the bed. “And we got the best of the best.”

Jill smiled until she pulled the paper away from the hanger and saw her outfit. “This is it?”

“That’s it.” Nicole grinned, admiring the outfit. “Beautiful, isn’t it. Go on, try it on. I’m dying to see you in it.”

“This is a job. This is a job. This is a job,” Jill repeated to herself as she headed toward the bathroom, eyeing the tiny strip of cloth in horror.

Once in the bathroom, she closed the door. Laying the outfit on the sink, since it was no bigger than a washcloth, Jill caught her reflection and jumped. “Oh, my God.” She looked at herself, leaning closer. Caroline was damn good with makeup and her black wig looked real. Reaching up, she touched her face, her eyes going to her dark-red fake fingernails. Her lips were painted the same dark red. Jill had never worn lipstick, but she had to admit, her lips looked amazing.

Stripping out of her clothes, she stood naked, staring at the tiny white outfit as if it was a living being she was afraid to touch. “Just put it on, Jill,” she griped.