Jax (Broken Strings #1) by Cherry Shephard Read Free Book Online

need a signature.”
    “A signature, or an autograph?” he joked as he grabbed the pen she offered.
    She blushed deeply and took back the signed form.
    “Here you go,” she said, handing him the key, allowing her fingers to trail over his as the key exchanged hands.
    “By the way,” she said in a low tone, leaning forward to give him a perfect view of her ample cleavage peeking out of her white suit jacket. “I sent your date for the evening up to your room. If you don’t mind me saying though, I have much more experience,” she eyed him up and down appreciatively. “I’m sure you won’t need a common hooker if you’d prefer a woman who knows what she’s really doing.”
     
    Jax was surprised to feel a sudden surge of anger at the woman’s words.
    “I don’t believe that will be necessary,” he replied with a forced smile through gritted teeth. “My…date… is more than capable.”
     
    The receptionist’s face fell as she realized he was angry. “I-I’m sorry, Mister Hawthorne,” she stammered.
    Jax turned on his heels and walked away without responding.
    Ignoring the looks from other patrons, he entered the elevator and punched the button for the fourth floor.
    When he exited the elevator, he walked along the corridor until he found room four.
    Placing the key into the lock, he turned it and opened the door.
    The room was shrouded in darkness, save for one lamp next to the bed, illuminating the sleeping figure under the covers.
     
    He locked the door and dropped the key on the small dining table against the wall.
    Walking across the room, he slowly approached the bed. Amaranth lay on her side, one hand beneath her cheek, her hair fanning out on the pillow like a dark halo.
    She looked so peaceful, that he couldn’t stand the thought of waking her.
     
    Walking around to the other side of the bed, he sat on the edge and stripped off his clothes down to his underwear. Pulling back the blanket he slid beneath, desperately trying to ignore her bare ass.
    Why the fuck had he told her no panties?
    His cock grew and he groaned, laying down on his back with his hands behind his head.
     
    What the hell was he doing? This was madness. If he had any sense he’d wake her up, give her some cash and put her on a plane back home right now.
     
    Yes… that’s what he’d do. He’d…
     
    Amaranth rolled towards him in her sleep, cutting off his thoughts as she pressed against his side, her head on his chest.
    Jax held his breath as she settled against him, one long leg draped across his.
    His hand drifted down and lightly caressed her back. Was it wrong that he felt so comfortable like this, as though it’s where they belonged?
     
    He studied her upturned face as she slept. She really was beautiful. Her upturned nose and small features reminded him of a pixie, and in sleep she appeared so relaxed, as though she didn’t have a care in the world.
    What the hell had she been doing in that club? He knew she’d had it rough in school, but surely it couldn’t have been so bad that she’d resort to stripping…. All those men pawing at her.
    He closed his eyes as a wave of jealousy washed over him, so keen that it was almost painful.
    Amaranth stirred in her sleep and he held his breath, half expecting her to wake up. Instead, she rolled so that her back was too him, still sleeping.
     
    Jax eased himself onto his side, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her gently up against him, tucking her head beneath his chin.
    For the first time in months he slept easily.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER SIX
     
    “Jax!”
    He groaned as the pounding on his door continued. Craning his neck up, he looked at the display on the digital clock next to the bed.
    Ten am. Shit.
    Amaranth still slept soundly beside him, and he carefully eased himself away from her and off the bed. Crossing the floor, he cracked open the door and peered out at Tessa’s angry face.
    “What the fuck, Tess?” he said, rubbing the