He rubs a hand through his thick black hair, concern apparent in his eyes.
So I negotiate, yet again. “One piece of toast.”
“Thank you.”
After breakfast, my phone pings with a new message.
Boss
Thinking of you today.
I stare blankly at the message. I never know how to act and how to reply.
Thank you.
Ava walks into the living room, yawning.
I cringe. “I hope we didn’t wake you.”
She jumps, then grabs her chest when she looks at us. “Sorry, I’m still half asleep... I usually get up around this time to get a start on breakfast.” Her body stiffens and her lips curve into a deep frown as recognition dawns. She rushes to me, bends, and puts her arms around me in a big hug. “I’m so sorry, lovely.”
I wrap my arms around her. “Thank you.”
“If you need anything, I’m here.”
She moves to the kitchen, and it isn’t long until I hear sizzling and smell bacon.
The other women appear next, looking as tired as I feel. They make their way to Ava. I go to stand to help, but Knox grabs my hand and shakes his head. “Don’t worry about it... not today.”
The men file down the stairs, one after another. I gather the smell of food has gotten them swiftly into their seats. As the women bring the dishes out and lay them on the table, I’m amused by the looks on the men’s faces. A mix of appreciation and hunger.
“Fuck yeah!” I peer up to see Axle and Elena walking in, hand in hand. “I’m starved. My woman kept me up all night.” His lips twist into a naughty smile, while Elena’s face goes red.
“Axle, I beg of you, no details,” Ava pleads.
He jerks his head. “Yes, queen.”
Reaper strides toward us and leans down to kiss Ava on the cheek. When he pulls back, his eyes dart around to everyone before they pause on Knox, then land on me. He gives me a sad smile. He doesn’t have to say anything. The sympathy in his eyes is unmistakable.
Reaper leaves, going toward the back of the house. I listen to the chitchat around the table until I hear “Conan!” from outside.
I stand in curiosity. Ava and Elena rush out the back door, so I follow them to see Reaper chasing Conan around the backyard. Reaper is fast, but Conan’s bolting at full speed with what I presume is Reaper’s shirt in his mouth.
I laugh as Ava cackles and Elena is bent over in a fit of laughter. Knox is chuckling to himself. Axle and Viper are next, bursting from the back door. We watch as Reaper leaps off to the left, missing Conan by an inch.
“Go, Conan! Go, Conan!” Axle hollers next to me, waving his arm.
Reaper stops and throws his hands up. “I give up! That dog is a pest!”
When Reaper reaches us he’s still breathless. Ava gently puts her hand on his back. “I’ll get you another clean shirt.”
His adoring gaze is a lovely sight. “That would be great. Thank you, beautiful.” He kisses her cheek.
A bit of jealousy bubbles up inside of me. I wish I had that with Knox.
“That was fuckin’ fantastic. Conan,” Viper yells, “you never disappoint!”
Conan is still gripping the shirt in his mouth, and by the looks of it, he won’t be giving it up anytime soon.
