Free Jackson (The Love Family Series Book 8) by Kate Allenton

to finding out the location.” Jackson disconnected the call and shoved the phone in his pocket. “Do you know where we can find Salvatore?”
    She nodded. “He has a guarded compound outside of town. He only used the club to handle his business transactions.”
    Jackson’s jaw clenched. Scarlett needed a good scolding when this was over. If anyone was aware she had that information, she’d be a wanted woman by more than the feds. If a territorial fight ever broke out, she’d be a sitting a duck with that information. Salvatore’s enemies would crush her. “After today, you forget all that information.”
     
    ****
     
    The entire time they were at the compound, Salvatore was attentive to Scarlett. He watched her and the length of time he held her hand when they first got there had Jackson seething red. Scarlett was oblivious to the other man’s attention and affection, but Jackson noticed everything.
    True to his word, Salvatore honored his offer to help, and within five hours, they were landing on the Island via helicopter. The pilot had reserved two rental cabins. One cabin for Scarlett and Jackson and one for himself, all under the pilot’s name so it couldn’t be traced. The pilot was ordered to stay in case they needed him again. Salvatore had gone out of his way to help Scarlett. His motives were what Jackson questioned. The quicker they got away from the mob boss, the better.
    This was the only downtime they’d have, where they didn’t have to constantly look over their shoulders, before the meeting in the morning at a nearby warehouse. This was probably the last night he had with Scarlett, depending on the plan they came up with at the meeting. Either way, she wasn’t going with him after this point. Jackson’s heart clenched every time she put herself in danger, and he’d refused to be the reason she got hurt…again.
    Scarlett plopped backward on the only bed in the cabin and sighed.
    “Are you tired?” Jackson asked as he dropped his bags by the dresser.
    “Not really.” She leaned up on her elbows. “I’m starving, though. Do you want to go raid the cabinets with me and see what the rental agency meant by well stocked?
    “I need a shower first. I can still feel the cobwebs from the warehouse.”
    She nodded and pushed to her feet. “You shower, and I’ll cook. I plan on getting in the hot tub after dinner with a glass of wine to relieve the knots all over my body.”
    Scarlett walked to the door, and Jackson caught her arm and twisted her back into his hold.
    “Thank you for not wanting to write the story.”
    “I wouldn’t ever do anything to hurt you or your family.” Her eyes searched his. There was a soft conviction in her voice, and his heart clenched tightly in his chest with the realization that Scarlett was his.
    “I would never do anything to hurt you either. You know that, right?”
    She smiled up at him. “I know.”
    Jackson captured her lips in a kiss that neither one of them would soon forget. His tongue danced with hers as he held her body close. She tilted her head and wrapped her arms around his neck. This was what he’d been dying to do to her. To give her a taste of what lay ahead after this was all over. Her soft body melded with his, and he had to still himself from taking things further. He wanted her, and he’d have her, but not yet. Not until the time was right, and not until she realized that, this time, they’d figure things out and see how far a relationship would go.
    Jackson eased away with a nibble to her lower lip. “Go on your raiding spree. I’ll help you cook when I get out.”
    She nodded. The rise and fall of her chest matched his, and Jackson’s lips twitched.  He kissed her once more before grabbing his bag and heading into the bathroom.
     
    ****
     
    Scarlett’s hunger for food was forgotten and replaced with the need for more.  She silently watched Jackson disappear into the bathroom before lifting her fingers to her tingling lips.