Scotlyn
It’s been a long time since I woke up in a man’s arms. Even longer since I felt safe when it happened. There’s no doubt in my mind that the reason for that is because of who it is, and as I stare up at Jax's face, softened by sleep, I recognize that the feelings building inside me are more than lust.
More than love.
I watched my parents and aunts and uncles' obsessions with each other my entire life, and that’s what I’m feeling now.
Obsession.
Me.
The only thing I thought I’d ever be obsessed with is ballet and Hawaiian pizza.
Sometime during the evening, we fell asleep in a tangle of bed sheets and sweat. I’m now deliciously sore for more reasons than the beating I took. Stretching, I feel every twinge, every tingle, and I remember how this man's hands felt on my body.
Matching giggles have me freezing as I’m about to sit up and throw the blanket off. Glancing towards the door, I see identical sets of blonde hair and chocolatey brown eyes watching me.
Wiggling my fingers in a wave, they copy me and giggle again. Using my finger, I make a turning motion, and they do as I request and turn around while pulling the door closed behind them.
Slipping from bed, I make a dash for the bathroom attached to Jax’s room, grabbing his shirt and a pair of shorts I find folded on his dresser. After cleaning up, I tiptoe out to see the door still closed. As I turn the handle, I hear more delighted whispers as I pull the door open and slip out.
“Good morning, primas.” Their smiles are infectious and beautiful as they grin up at me.
“You and Daddy slept together.” I bite my tongue at Bellamy’s, I believe, observation until I realize she meansin the same bed.
“We did.”
They share a look before Bethany, the shier of the two, reaches forward to grip my hand. My heart swells when she pulls me down to her height. “Does that mean you’ll be our Mommy now?”
If my heart gets any bigger, it’s going to explode. Pushing back the happy tears trying to rise, I brush a hand across her soft curls. “That’s a question we should wait to ask your Daddy.” Reaching a hand out for Bellamy, I smile at them both so they don’t feel rejected by my answer to their crucial question. “How about we make some breakfast while Daddy sleeps a little more?”
Bethy bites her lip before nodding; Bellamy is already dragging us to the kitchen.I guess that’s a yes.Helping them onto the stools in front of the island, I ask, “Someone knows you’re over here, right?”
“Papa is downstairs watering the horses,” Bellamy states.
“Great. Wait right here while I go tell him our plan.” They eagerly agree as I make my way to the door leading down to the barn.
“Mr. Slade?” I call out as I reach the bottom step.
“Call me Dominic.” I jump at the voice from behind me as I spin. “Didn’t mean to scare you.” His hands are raised, and I see beside the stairs that there’s a supply closet he had been in.
“The girls are upstairs, and Jaxson is still sleeping, so we were going to make breakfast. Is that okay?” His eyes roam up and down my body before wandering up the stairs.
“Are you sure you’re up for that?” My lips twist from side to side. “You were pretty hurt when you arrived. I don’t want you overexerting yourself.” I smile at his explanation. He sounds just like my dad.
“Positive. Nothing complicated, just something quick and simple.” It’s been a long time since I cooked for anyone other than Libby and me.
He must read the look on my face as I think of my friend because he pulls me in for a gentle hug. “I’m real fucking sorry about your friend, Scotlyn.”
Biting my lip to stop the flow of tears doesn’t work, and I wind up spending five minutes crying into Jaxson’s dad’s chest as he rubs circles on my back. “We’ve all been there, kiddo. I wishyoudidn’t have to, though.”
Nodding as I draw back away from him, I accept the small handkerchief he offers me and wipe my face. “Thank you, Mr.– Dominic.” He grins his approval. “I really appreciate your family’s kindness, especially with my dad and Saint. They’re both kind of intense sometimes.”
“Your family is welcome here anytime, sweetheart. I have a feeling Jax won’t wait any longer than I did with his mom to put a ring on your finger.” I blush as he laughs when I run up the stairs, closing the door with a little wave.
“Breakfast! What are we wanting?” I ask the girls who have been patiently waiting for me.
“Blueberry pancakes!” Bellamy cheers.