Chapter Nine
Something felt differentwhen Jade woke up that morning.For one, she wasn’t sleeping alone.There was also a steady weight at her back, a muscled arm draped low across her waist.The slow rhythm of Wolf’s breathing against her shoulder grounded her before her mind fully caught up.
Then memories of last night slipped in, the ride, the argument, and Jade inviting Wolf back to her apartment.Jade curved her lips upwards to a smile.She then shifted just enough to glance over her shoulder.
Wolf was still asleep.That alone felt strange enough to hold her attention.Wolf seemed like the kind of man who woke up early to prepare for the tasks of the day.Still, asleep Wolf looked so different.
Sure, the hard edges were still there, carved into his features, but they were softened now in sleep.His brow wasn’t furrowed.His mouth wasn’t set in that usual controlled line.He looked younger, less guarded.
Jade studied him for a moment longer than she meant to, something quiet and unfamiliar settling in her chest.Then she eased out from under his arm slowly, careful not to wake him.
He shifted his hand slightly as she moved, like instinct reached for her even in sleep, but he didn’t wake.Jade paused for a second, watching him, then slipped out of bed.
The apartment felt different this morning, brighter somehow, even though it was the same cracked tiles, the worn furniture, and thin curtains letting in streaks of early light.Jade moved quietly, grabbing one of her old shirts and pulling it on before stepping into the hallway.
First stop was to check on Jane.Jane was already awake, standing in her crib, tiny hands gripping the rail as she babbled to herself.Jade’s chest warmed instantly.
“Hey, baby,” she whispered, stepping inside.
Jane lit up the second she saw her, breaking into a wide, toothy grin that made something in Jade’s chest squeeze tight.Jade scooped her up, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
“Did you sleep okay?”she murmured.
Jane responded with a happy little sound, patting Jade’s face like she was confirming it was really her.Jade laughed softly.
For a moment, it was just them, simple and easy.Then she remembered Wolf, still in her bed.Jade glanced toward the door, a strange mix of anticipation and nerves threading through her.This wasn’t normal, none of this was, and yet it didn’t feel wrong.
“Let’s make breakfast,” she whispered to Jane, adjusting her on her hip.
Jade moved to the kitchen.First, she set Jane down in her little chair with a spoon to keep her occupied while she started pulling things together.She glanced at her fridge and reminded herself she really needed to go grocery shopping, maybe later today.Jane always loved trips to the grocery store.
She scrambled eggs, added a little milk to stretch them further.Then Jade toasted a couple of slices of bread.Spotting a slightly bruised banana, she used it, mashed part of it for Jane along with a piece of toast and milk.
Were toast and eggs too simple for Wolf?Well, it would have to do.
The smell filled the apartment quickly, wrapping around her like something familiar she hadn’t realized she’d missed.Jade was just flipping the eggs when she heard a giggle from Jane.She looked up to see Wolf had emerged from the bedroom.He walked up to Jane and smiled at her
“Good morning, baby girl,” he said.
Jane seemed delighted by his presence.Jade’s heart did something strange in her chest.She returned to her cooking, listening.Wolf must’ve made some funny faces at Jane, because she laughed again.Jane didn’t take to people easily, but she seemed to like Wolf.
A moment later, footsteps neared her.Wolf was holding Jane once again, like it was the most natural thing in the world.Wolf was wearing the same jeans and plain black shirt he wore the night before.His hair, she noticed, was slightly mussed from sleep.
Wolf used one hand to support Jane easily, the other steadying her as she grabbed at his collar.
Jade stared.There it was again, that contrast.The man she’d met at her door when Wolf informed her of Derek’s debt and this.
“Something smells good,” Wolf said, his gaze finding hers.
Jade blinked, pulling herself back.
