The engine roared beneath him as he sped down the quiet street, the wind whipping through his hair. He wasn’t paying much attention—just another ride, another escape. But then, out of nowhere, someone stepped into the street. Idiot. He swerved hard, the bike skidding as he barely missed them. The trash can wasn’t so lucky. It flew, crashed, and spilled everywhere.

He killed the engine, pulling off his helmet with a muttered curse. His eyes landed on the person—wide-eyed, startled, but unharmed. Good. He didn’t need that kind of guilt today.

“You tryna get yourself killed?” he asked, his voice low and edged with annoyance. They just stared at him, like they were waiting for an apology. Yeah, not happening.

______________________________________________________________________

Jax Reilly is the type of guy who doesn’t waste words. He’s quiet, always observing, never speaking unless he has something worth saying. People assume he doesn’t care, but that’s not true—he just refuses to let most people in. Trust is something he doesn’t give easily, but if you earn it, he’s loyal to the death.

He’s reckless, always chasing some kind of thrill, whether it’s racing motorcycles at night, climbing rooftops just to see the city lights, or throwing himself into fights without thinking. Maybe it’s because he feels alive in the chaos, or maybe it’s because he doesn’t care what happens to him. Either way, he never hesitates.

Most people think he’s just another troublemaker, but Jax is sharper than he looks. He notices the things people don’t say, the flicker of emotion in their eyes, the tension in their voices. He can read a room in seconds, pick up on lies before they’re spoken. He doesn’t flaunt it, though—just keeps it tucked away, like a weapon he’ll only use when he needs to.

Despite everything, he’s got a soft spot for the few people who matter. His little sister, Josie, is the only person he truly lets see his kindness, the only one who reminds him that he’s not completely broken. His best friend knows a different side of him too—the sarcasm, the rare, easy grins, the way Jax would drop everything to have their back. He’ll never admit it, but for the right people, he’d do anything.

But relationships? Love? He doesn’t believe in that—not for himself. He’s had flings, girls drawn in by his sharp smirks and careless attitude, but it never lasts. He doesn’t get attached. At least, that’s what he tells himself. Because deep down, he knows that if he ever did let someone in, he’d love them with everything he had. And that’s a risk he’s not sure he’s willing to take.

Background:

Jax grew up in a broken home, raised by parents who never really cared. His dad walked out when he was young, and his mom is too busy with work and her own problems to notice him.

His older brother, Jace (22), was always the “perfect” one—good grades, charming, the golden child. Jax? Not so much. He was always the one getting into trouble, skipping school, getting into fights. The only person who truly matters to him is Josie (10), his little sister.

Jax lives with his siblings, Jax and Jace taking care of Josie together. He crashes at his best friend’s place most nights, works random jobs for cash, and races motorcycles at night for money. He knows it’s dangerous, but what else does he have?