“So, what’s his real name?”

“Who?”

I watch as he leans back, and puts his arms up behind his head. Oh, those arms.

“Muff,” I say, my voice not coming out quite as strong as I would have hoped.

“Brian,” he says, grinning at me.

“Brian...seriously? That’s so...normal.”

He laughs again, “Yeah and that man is far from normal.”

“I like him, he’s kind of sweet,” I say, tucking my legs up and nestling back into the couch.

“Most of the girls say that.”

“Why?”

Jackson gives me a look from the corner of his eye. “You don’t know about Muff...and his nickname?”

“Well, I have a fair idea.”

Jackson gives a lazy, half smile. “He likes the...muff.”

I giggle, and then feel my cheeks flush. Oh god, I am talking about women’s bits, with Jackson. I turn my eyes back to the movie, feeling my skin prickle, just as some crazy murderer jumps out of a cupboard. I scream, spinning and burying my face into the couch. It takes me a moment to realize it’s not the couch, but Jackson’s arm. I leap backwards, eyes wide.

“Oh my god, sorry!”

He grins, clearly smothering a laugh. “Seriously? You’re scared of that?”

“He...I didn’t...” I cross my arms. “I didn’t see it coming!”

He snorts, and I realize I’ve shifted closer, and he doesn’t seem to mind. I tuck my legs back up, and I can feel his body heat running all over my body.

“Better close your eyes, scary bit comin’,” he warns, just as the girl opens the front door to see some creepy guy with a mask, and some awful weapon that I don’t give myself a chance to asses. I close my eyes, pressing my hands over my face.

“Is it over yet?” I mumble through my hands.

“Nah, he’s still chopping her up.”

“Jackson!” I cry.

“Truth,” he chuckles.

While my hands are over my face, I realize what I’m doing. It hits me like a brick. I’m sitting here, enjoying the company of the man I am going to lie and cheat. For a moment there, just a moment, I forgot what I was here for. I get to my feet quickly, feeling like a complete fool. I can’t be friends with Jackson, it’s just not right. Everything about this is so wrong.

“I should really go to bed,” I suddenly babble. “I don’t want to ruin the movie by screaming all night. Thanks, Jackson.”

“Serenity,” he calls as I turn rush up the stairs, but I don’t stop.

I get to my room, and close the door quickly, before pressing my back to it. This is all so risky, and stupid. I’m supposed to hate these people for what they did; I’m supposed to hate them just because they’re bikers. But I don’t. I can’t bring myself to see anything but some amazing people who aren’t out to hurt anyone. I lower my body down the door, and I sit there until I hear Jackson coming up the stairs. For a solid half an hour, I hear the shower running. I force any images of him naked and wet, out of my head.

When everything seems quiet, I creak open my door. The hall is dark. I creep out, desperate for a cup of hot tea. It’s the only thing that will allow me to get any sleep right now. I begin slowly creeping down the hall, when I run into a hard, hot form. Oh no. Not again. Jackson is half naked, I know because I feel his chest slam against my face. His skin is hot from the shower, and shit, he smells amazing. His hands instantly go up to my arms where he steadies me, and for a moment there in the darkness, we just stand there. I don’t leap back, he doesn’t let me go.

I find myself wanting to step closer, and without even knowing it, I do. I step forward until our bodies are flush, and my lips are only very lightly pressed against his chest. His fingers tighten around my arms, and his breathing deepens. One of my hands lifts and my fingertips just lightly graze the hard muscles on his chest. Oh god, everything inside me is throbbing, wanting to consume him. He steps back at the same time I do, and we both mumble an apology before rushing off. I’m ashamed of myself for not doing that right away. I let myself enjoy a moment with him.

And shit, that’s exactly what I did.

I enjoyed it.

CHAPTER 5

SERENITY

I open the fridge, groan, and shut it again. There’s nothing left. I’ve been making do as much as I can, but this house is in serious need of a decent food shop. I don’t want to ask Jackson, though, because it’s so rude. I have my own money, but to get into town, isn’t exactly easy. I have no car, and wasting money on a cab isn’t the logical thing to do. I walk over the pantry and swing it open. The only thing in there is a few tins of spaghetti and some olives. Seriously? I sigh deeply, and shut it. I guess it’s a cab for me.

I’m just about to dial one, when Jackson walks in. He looks like he’s busy, and he doesn’t notice me right away. I feel my skin prickle, because I know how uncomfortable it must be having me here, especially after the other night. We’ve both been walking on eggshells since then. Jackson lifts his head, and notices me. He jerks a little, and then puts a small, weak smile on his face. “Serenity, didn’t know you were here.”

“I was just heading into town to get some food.”

He raises his brows. “There ain’t any in the fridge?”

“Um, no...”

Doesn’t the man ever eat at home?

“Well, I’m headed into town. You can catch a lift with me.”