Harmonizing Hearts (Darkest Symphony #1)

4. Chapter 4 Emma

T he week is coming to an end and it was one of the best I’ve ever spent since the New Year’s party. It’s eating me up and makes me feel a coward not facing Jax but honestly what the hell should I tell him?

Hey, Jax, you know I am Brey?

It’d be too blunt and will ruin everything now. I lied to him even though it was for a good purpose but still I lied. Rule one: No lies. Communication is the key. And that rule has been broken even before he could say it. What should I do? I want to face him but fear to loose this friendship scares me. And again, if he finds out how would he react? No, I have to talk to him and that’s it.

Biting my nails I peer at the guys playing volleyball. On Monday I’ll go back to my routine and travel but I’ll carry Jillian’s friendship with me. It’s insane how fast we become friends and I adore her spitfire attitude and confidence. Yeah, I definitely need to talk to him before I go away.

Angel: See you at Royals, maybe I can meet your crush too. Also I need an update on how it's going over there too. Are the guys treating you good?

Me: Trust me he’ll be there and I won’t since on Monday afternoon I’ll fly over Italy before going to Tokyo and I have tons of emails awaiting for me.

Angel: No way, Em. Can you smell it? It’s bullshit. What’s the real reason?

Me: It’s too complicated but we’ll talk when I'm back. Promise.

Angel: Is that bad?

Me: Nope. Don’t worry. As for the band, they’re ready but you should talk with Jillian, there’s something personal that they’re hiding and I can’t wrap my head about it.

Angel: Thanks for the heads-up. You know I’m here for you too, don’t you?

Me: And I appreciate it, but it’s personal, nothing to do with the job and before you say it, I’ll fix it.

Angel: Okay, see you at Royals though. Don’t make me beg. I haven’t been in a BDSM club in a lifetime.

Me: You can’t play that card on me, missy! We’ll see, but I can’t promise.

The guys come closer and I focus back on my laptop. I wasn’t lying, my inbox is full of emails for Darkest Symphony and I like it. Creating buzz is my jam and even though I’m not hundred percent focused, I need to sort everything out before leaving.

Jillian sits next to me and peers at my laptop, “You have two minutes before Jax comes to drag you outta here.”

Snapping my head at her I scoff, “Don’t think so.” But I’m not new to his headshots and on the corner of my eyes I check the beach. Jax has tried to involve me in so many activities making me feel part of their family and at the same time I craved even more. I can see how he tries to end up next to me, like a casualty, but it’s not. Last night we watched movies on the porch and he pulled up my legs in his lap. I don’t even remember what he said but after a while it all felt natural and I leaned on his shoulder. I haven’t missed his smirk when he lifted his arm to make me snuggle, but it felt so good that I focused on nothing else than his breath. My body has its own life when he’s closer. I love it but at the same time I did the worst thing ever: let my guard down.

“I warned you.” She shrugs, snapping me back from my thoughts. Her eyes end on my screen, “A flight confirmation?”

“Work stuff, but I’ll be back soon,” I murmur while I see Jax's reflection on my screen. I don’t have time to say something when Jillian takes my laptop off my legs with a devilish grin. “What are you… no!” I try to complain while Jax scoops me up.

“I kinda got used to it, you know?” His deep voice makes me shiver while I cling to his neck. Me too.

“I can walk by myself.” I complain while he carries me down the beach. I get lost in his eyes while my lungs seem not to want to collaborate. Feeling my feet getting wet I blink realizing what he’s up to. “No fucking way, I don’t…” I try to warn him but within seconds his hands release me, I instinctively cover my face before getting underwater. Fucking bastard! The warm water envelops me but I feel his arm pulling me up.

“Refreshing, isn’t it?” His cocky grin gets on my nerves until his eyes leave my face and darken when he notices my dress is now transparent.

“Yeah.” I splash him while walking past, “Should I remind you I’m here for work and not to please you?” Even if I’d love to do both.

Jax growls before dragging me back, “You won’t go out of the water.” His eyes are locked with mine.

“Says who?” I roll my eyes at him while the guys join us, throwing Jillian in the water.

“Me,” Jax growls while wrapping his arms around me. “Tell me you’re wearing a swimsuit underneath.”

“You should find it for yourself.” I giggle while his arms tighten around me. And again my heart hammers in my chest but this time I embrace all the feelings and let them lull me. I can feel his hard cock brushing against my stomach and it’s all I need to confirm this is not something I’m dreaming or making up. Since January I’ve dreamed and craved for his touch and now I’m here in his arms. “I do, Jax,” I pant while leaning into him.

“Fuck.” He releases me and dives into the lake. I know that feeling too.

“Hey, Em, fancy a beach volleyball match?” Dex calls me, making me spin around.

“Count me in.” While mentally shaking my arousal away, I swim back to the shore. Taking off my drenched dress I squeeze it and place it on the chair before tying my hair in a bun.

Jax joins us minutes later acting as if nothing has happened and of course he’s in my same team along with Dex.

In the past days I’ve noticed their routine and they like to play beach volleyball. Jillian and Charlie are a great duo and Liam has a great shot which usually tends to aim on the right line. That's where I take my place.

“The losers will cook.” Jillian smirks while winking at me.

“So what’s on the menu?” I fire back, “Or can we order whatever flows our boat?”

“That’s the spirit, little one.” Dex chuckles fisting our bumps. I haven’t missed Jax flexing his muscles while clenching his fists. I love to think he’s jealous, but at the same time I know he’s not.

I admit their game is great but the balance our team has found is incredible. It’s like we’ve played together for a lifetime.

“Mine,” I shout while saving it from the corner and passing it to Dex who marks a point. We high five and get back on our position. The more we switch the more we cover each other’s backs. We’re a great team and I know deep down I’ll miss them. My schedule is getting insane since I’m the one taking care of SMD’s concerts abroad.

The guys hop for a wall before that ball flies on our part marking a point for them. We’re even and sweaty as hell. The sand is all over our body but I’m loving this match.

And well, my view is the best ever.

When Liam sends the ball in the right corner I knew it’d end inside. I throw myself and save it while Jax passes it to Dex, who marks our last point.

“Yeah, baby.” Jax helps me to get up, “You okay?” He stares at me and I feel like melting.

I nod while he’s still holding my hands. “I need a shower.” I giggle while his eyes darken. Charlie hits his back with the ball and I can’t help but burst out laughing.

“You better run!” Jillian pushes him away.

“I’ll chase your ass to hell and back.” Jax roars while he sprints after Charlie. This is the bond I like to see and will take them places for sure. I nod at Jillian for the great game and back off toward the house and then to my room.

After a shower and a phone call with my aunt Trish, I pick the dress for the party before texting Luke to get the car ready.

In the kitchen Charlie stops to look at me. “Isn’t it too formal for dinner?”

Looking at my floral dress I giggle. I just put it on since I wanted to solve a problem first. “I won’t join you for dinner, but will be back before midnight.” I wink at him while taking a grape, “Have you seen Jax?”

“In his studio.” Dex spins around with a grin on his face, “Looking great, Em. Should I be jealous? Where are you going?”

Shaking my head I move toward the hallway, not replying to his question and then stop in front of the studio. After staring at the door for a few minutes I push my luck and walk in. Jax is writing something down with his back at me when he stops and takes the headset off. The thrum of my heart is so loud that I’m sure it can be heard. Still, I knock on the door and walk in, “Hey, Jax, do you have a moment?”

“Sure, what’s up.” He pivots the chair and his eyes land on me. “Is everything okay?”

I nod, trying to hold his gaze, but I can’t, I lean my ass against the desk, peering at my bare feet. “I need to confess something.”

“Okay…” He drags his chair closer. “If you’re avoiding looking at me it means it’s something bad. Have I done something wrong?”

You bet you did. You've been haunting my dreams since forever. Since the night we’ve spent together he became my obsession but still I didn’t dare to talk to him. Now though, I need him to know who I am even if he will reject me. “I’m about to broke one of your club’s rules.” I admit while nervousness is creeping closer.

Jax gets up and lifts my chin until our eyes meet, “My club?” he chuckles. “Which one? Are you planning to cheat and count the cards?”

His leg is between my legs and I can already feel his heat crawl on me. I can’t. Shit!

“No, never mind.” I shake my hand trying to move away.

He places the hand on the desk right next to my hip and cages me. “What have you done?” His voice seems to control my heartbeat. Gosh, he’s so close. I should look up instead of staring at his chest.

“We’ve met already.” I inspire and hold my breath, waiting for his reaction. “But I… I told you I’m Brey.” I dare to lift my eyes up.

His eyes widens, but says nothing. The second gets longer and I admit the fear subside, being replaced by the rejection. What I was thinking of? He’s out of my league and can have anyone who wants just with one word.

I try to move away but the moment I do, his hand lands on my hip and puts me back in place.

“Why Brey?”

“It’s my middle name.” I breathe while he gets even closer. It’s intoxicating and I’m feeling all my willpower fade away, “Jax...”

“Shhh,” he sniffs my neck, sending shivers down my spine, “I couldn’t forget your perfume, Em.” His lips brush over my neck making me Jell-O right away. I try to press my thigh together instead I do with his leg. “Mmm, I like how your body still reacts to me.” His deep voice sinks in my heart, while the jolts irradiating from his hand make me dizzy. “So fucking perfect.” He grunts while our eyes lock and our breaths synchronize. My mind goes blank and all I crave is a kiss. We’re inches apart, his breath tickles my lips and I lick them. He licks mine too while a moan leaves my parted lips.

“Hey Em…” Jill bursts into the studio. “Oh shoot.” She gasps as my cell phone keeps thrilling in her hand. Jax doesn’t move and I want him to continue and take hold of my lips.