Rough Justice

Chapter 4. Not So Fast

Standing in the middle of the Sinner's basement, Jagger begins to undress.
"Y-you're seriously sleeping here?"
Your eyes went wide at the sight.
"Why? You weren't planning another escape attempt, were you?" You open your mouth to respond, but Jagger pulls off his leather jacket and lifts his shirt over his head. You forget your words. "I think I'll stick around. Just to be safe." You can't help but look. Twin
Angel wing tattoos snake up his sculpted arms. His taut abs rope into a vee that leads below his belt. And over his heart lies a large, jagged scar.

That scar is intense, I wonder what happened to him. "Cat got your tongue, Jass?" You hesitated as he stared you down, waiting for a reply with his deviant half-smile inching up his handsome face. "Oh, um, I...was just admiring the view." You panicked.
"The view, huh? Maybe I should charge by the minute."

Alright, alright Jass, you can still save this, think. Your gaze lands on the window placed ever-so-conveniently behind Jagger "Uh, I didn't mean I was staring at you. I was looking at the moon. Through the window." Much to your dismay, Jagger called out your bluff, again. "Uh-huh. Sure, you were."
You blush. And Jagger grins. "Don't worry, there's plenty of room on the bed for both of us."

Jagger sits on the bed and smooths his hand over the mattress. His athletic body shines in the moonlight. "So? Are you coming to bed?" You shift uncertainly on your feet. Jagger lets out a sigh. "Look, in all seriousness, if you're uncomfortable, I'll sleep on the floor. But if you let me sleep in the bed with you, you can trust me to be respectful." He sounded sincere.

You take a deep breath. "Okay. We can share the bed." You steel yourself as you walk toward the bed. Jagger smiles and moves over to give you the majority of the mattress. "Thank you. my back greatly appreciates it." You chuckle and say "Well, your back is welcome." You lay down, facing away from him. Your pajamas ride up a little, and you feel Jagger's eyes on you.

"Here." He gently covers you with a blanket. You blink, surprised by his kindness. "Thank you." A wild blush rises to your cheeks. The bed creaks as Jagger settles in next to you. He leaves an inch or two between you,
but you can feel the heat of his body.
"Goodnight Jagger." You snuggle into your blanket. "If I snore, just punch me. I'll stop." You can't help but laugh.
"All right." Jagger inches closer to your ear. he whispers in the dark.
"Good night."

You didn't know what it was about for Jagger, but you knew, that for the first time in a while, you actually felt safe.
You lie awake for a long time. Listening to Jagger's breathing slow to a steady rhythm beside you. Then, you close your eyes, and finally drift into a deep, peaceful sleep.

The next morning, you blink awake to the sound of Jagger murmuring something under his breath.
You lean in closer, his breath warm against your ear. "Christel."
Who's Christel? Another low, pained groan escapes Jagger's lips.

"Christel...please..." He sounded upset. You wondered if you should wake him up. Holding your breath, you move a little closer to Jagger and take one of his large arms in your hand.
You nudge him lightly. "Jagger?" "Christel.no."

Jagger's face tensed up.
"Jagger, wake up." You nudge him again, and he wakes up with a start, grabbing your wrist. "It's just me. Jass. You were dreaming." Horrified with himself, Jagger releases you. "Jass, I'm so sorry." You felt bad for him. "Are you all right?" Jagger's face returns to a neutral expression, not a hint of tension on his face. "Fine."

Jagger stands and stretches,
His strong shoulder blades flexing in the early morning light. "Did you sleep all right?" You push yourself up with your hands. "Y-yeah. did you?"
Jagger pulls his clothes back on with a smile. "Yeah. I slept great, thanks to you."  Someone knocks, and you both turn toward the door. A large, muscular sinner steps into the room.

"What's up, Zane?" Jagger says casually. I know that name. That must be Zane Colter. Vice-president of the Sinners. "We've been over at the old clubhouse." Jagger gives him an encouraging look. "Did anything turn up?" Zane eyes you suspiciously. You try to keep your face straight and impassive beneath his harsh stare.

"Let's not talk here." Without another word, Zane strides back out of the room. Jagger moves to follow him. And Max springs up. "No. Max. You stay here." "Woof!!" Max barks.
"Jass, I won't cuff you if you promise to stay put this time." You raise an eyebrow at him. Giving him a confused look. "What's in it for me?"

"It's for your own good. If you want to get out of here alive, you're going to need to trust me." Jagger's voice came out loud and clear. Yet, your sharp tongue was going to be the end of you.
"Threatening me isn't inspiring a lot of confidence."

"It's not a threat. It's just a fact. Now, sit down and wait for me to come back." You cock your head to the side.  "Fine, I'll give you 30 minutes. Then, I'm busting out of here." Jagger turns back and says "I can work with 30 minutes." With one last smile, Jagger marches out the door, locking it behind him. You sigh and pace the length of your room, your mind racing.

This evidence will either prove my innocence or condemn me. By the look on Zane's face, I'm not too optimistic.
That's it. I'm getting out of this hellhole, finding my brother, and skipping town. Between my father and these Sinners, too many people want me dead. "Grr" Max growls. "What's wrong, boy?" Max snarls, fixated on the door. You turn, and your heart sinks.

Axle, the man who tried to shoot you, stands in the threshold. He stares daggers at you. "Good morning, princess." A deviant smile sets on his sluggish face.

Thoughts?!

Note: Btw, I know max is a new character. He's a border collie, and he's a pretty cool dog too. Just try to go along with it. Thank you!