Audacious//JJ Maybank (Outerbanks)

Chapter 30

{Nothing else matters, except you}

'"We've got to finish this before my scholarship interview the day after tomorrow," Pope reminded Kie and me as we pulled up to the Chateau. "Okay, we just have to stay focused," he added, trying to keep us on track. "We will. It'll be fine," Kie reassured him as we hopped out of the truck.

I couldn't help smiling at Pope. "I still can't believe your interview's tomorrow. I'm so proud of you, man!" I said, pulling him into a hug. "I might not even get it," he replied, a little unsure, but I rolled my eyes. "Come on, Pope, you're the smartest person in school. They'd be crazy not to give it to you," I said, giving him a supportive nudge.

Kie cut in, "So, what's the game plan?" Pope outlined it for us: "John B and JJ are inside the well, you and I will be up top, and Kie and Sarah will handle transport." We all exchanged determined nods, ready to tackle it.

As we walked around the darkened Chateau, I found myself scanning for any sign of JJ, my mind preoccupied with him. I could hardly hear what Kie and Pope were saying. I just wanted to know he was okay, to have him back here safe. Suddenly, multicolored lights blinked on around us, illuminating a gigantic hot tub in the middle of the yard. "What the...?" I murmured, rounding the side of the Chateau with Kie and Pope trailing behind.

There, in the hot tub, sat JJ with a bottle of champagne in his hand. I froze, completely shocked. "What did you do, JJ?" Pope asked as we walked over. JJ smirked lazily, raising the bottle. "I've got a jet going straight up my ass right now," he slurred, grinning. "You guys need to get in here. Come on, baby, join me," he said, pointing at me with a wink. "Salud," he added, taking a long drink from the bottle.

"How much did this cost?" Pope demanded, looking at him incredulously. JJ shrugged. "Uh, well, between the generator, the fuel, express delivery—pretty much all of it," he admitted. Pope's eyes widened. "All of it?" he repeated, shocked. "Yeah, all of it," JJ shrugged, taking another sip. "You blew all the money in one day?" Kie asked, annoyed, and he nodded, shrugging. "Yep. Burned a hole right through my pocket." His face lit up as he gestured around him. "But come on, look at this!"

He gestured proudly. "Finest in jet-based massage therapy—that's what they told me," he said, glancing at me, his expression wavering slightly as he noticed my tear-filled eyes. "Jackie, what?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice. "Can't a guy have a little luxury? All this scrimping and scraping—guys, we only live once, right?" He tried to sound casual, but I could see the desperation behind his words as he gestured for us to get in. "Enough with the emotional crap—come on, get in the Cat's Ass."

"In the what?" Kie asked, stifling a laugh. "The Cat's Ass—that's her name," JJ grinned. "Oh, and I almost forgot..." He clicked a button, and water jets shot out in every direction as a giant disco ball lowered above the hot tub. "Disco mode, baby!" he said, clearly pleased with himself.

Pope, however, looked furious. "Are you serious?" he shouted, and I reached out, hoping to calm him. "Pope..." I began, but he ignored me. "You could've paid for restitution!" he yelled. "Or, like, donated it to charity or something!" Kie added, and I watched JJ's grin slip away. "Or, you know, bought us supplies to help get the rest of the gold out of the well!" Pope continued, his voice growing angrier.

JJ looked at us, defensive and hurt. "Okay, well, I didn't do that. I got a hot tub!" He stood up, and my breath caught at the sight of dark bruises all over his ribs and abdomen. Tears welled up in my eyes as he pointed at me, his voice breaking. "I got a hot tub for my friends. For my girlfriend." His voice cracked, and he looked down, clenching his fists. "For my family," he added softly, his own tears beginning to fall.

"What the hell, JJ?" Pope asked, his tone softer now. "I did this for you," JJ whispered. "Look at what I did for you. All of you."

"JJ..." I murmured, stepping closer, my heart breaking at the sight of him so vulnerable. "Jackie, don't cry," he choked out, trying to hold himself together. But I climbed into the hot tub and wrapped my arms around him, pulling him close as he buried his face against my shoulder, his arms around my waist as he began to sob. "I just couldn't take it anymore," he whispered, his voice shaking. "I was ready to kill him."

I stroked his hair gently as tears rolled down my face. "Shh, it's okay, I'm here," I whispered, holding him as tightly as I could. He trembled against me, breaking down completely. "I just wanted to do the right thing," he whispered. "I know, baby. I know," I replied, cradling him gently, my heart breaking for him. "I love you so much, JJ. I love you so much."

And as I held him, I promised silently that I'd do anything to keep him safe, to help him find peace from the pain that had haunted him for so long.

After a while, after Kie and Pope had gone home, JJ began to calm down. We sat together on the edge of the hot tub, his hand in mine as I rested my head on his shoulder, both of us comfortable in the quiet. "Want to go inside?" I asked softly, and he nodded, giving my hand a gentle squeeze as we got up and walked toward the Chateau.

"Hungry?" I asked once we were inside, and he nodded again. "Okay, you head into our room and change. I'll make us something to eat." JJ headed into our room, closing the door, while I made us a couple of peanut butter sandwiches. When I walked back in, I saw him standing by the mirror, looking quietly at the bruises scattered across his skin. I placed the sandwiches on the nightstand and stepped over to him, letting out a soft sigh as I wrapped my arms around him.

"I love you, Jackie," he murmured as I reached him.

"I love you too, JJ," I replied, and he turned, gently cupping my face and pulling me into a kiss. The kiss deepened, and as it did, he guided me onto the bed, his lips trailing down my skin with a warmth that chased away the day's worries.

"JJ?" I whispered, and he paused to look at me. "Are you really okay?"

"As long as I have you, baby," he answered, his face softening as he smiled. "Nothing else matters but you." With that, I pulled him close again, holding on tightly to the one person I trusted most.

Letting JJ into my heart has been the truest thing I've ever done. He owns it completely, and he always will. I love him more than I ever thought possible, and I know in my heart that he's my soulmate. One day, everyone finds someone who makes them feel like this—someone who brings joy, laughter, calm, and hope. I never imagined feeling this deeply, but I know now: I'm in love with JJ Maybank, and I want a life with him, a future where he and I are side by side.

I choose him, and I'll keep choosing him, over and over, without hesitation and without question. That's what love is—choosing someone again and again, no matter the struggles or setbacks. True love always finds its way back, and I know nothing could tear us apart. It's as if his soul and mine were always meant to find each other.

To Be Continued...