Page 41 of Freed

“What about this one?”

I think he snuck out to shower when I was getting ready in the bathroom, but since I showered when I got home from my date with the twins yesterday, I didn't feel like I needed one again. Besides, I can smell all my mates on me now, since they’d all slept in here with me, and I don’t want to wash that away. Especially when I’m about to leave the house.

I watch as Bain assesses the dress carefully before nodding in approval. “Yes.” I try not to smile at his short response, but since the first thing I’d suggested wearing, a short dress, had him growling and pointing me back in my closet to “pick something else,” I’m not surprised.

I’d worn a short dress out before, so I’m not sure why he doesn’t want me to wear it today, but I don’t mind. I like that he cares about how I dress, even if it’s because he doesn’t want me showing too much of my body to other people. It makes me feel protected and loved.

I pull it on over my black bra and thong, Bain’s eyes watching me the entire time. I’m not even sure he's blinked since I stepped out of the closet.

I pull my long braid over my shoulder and raise my arms at my sides as I ask, “What do you think?”

“Beautiful,” he replies instantly. Then he frowns. “Maybe you should add a sweater.”

I laugh as I grab a cross-body black purse. “I’m just going for coffee with my friends.” Then I glance back at him as I add, “Don’t even pretend like you won’t be there.”

I shove my phone into my purse, actually remembering it for once, as Bain gets off the bed and moves to stand in front of me.

“Of course I’ll be there. But it doesn’t mean I want other men looking at you.”

“You’re looking at it wrong,” Chase says as he enters my room and gives me a slow once-over, nodding in approval, clearly liking what he sees. He stands shoulder to shoulder with Bain, staring down at me and instantly making my skin heat. “You see, others may get to look at her, but only we get to touch her.” He smirks at me as he adds, “And only we can bring that red flush to her pretty little cheeks.”

I groan, placing my hands over my cheeks as I step around them and into the hall, grumbling, “I’m not blushing.”

Chase laughs as I hear the two of them follow me into the kitchen.

Maddox, Gage, and Hunter’s heads all snap up the moment I enter. “You look beautiful,” Maddox says, stepping over to give me a soft kiss. “Are you ready to go?”

My eyes move to Gage, who’s watching me from where he’s seated at the kitchen table with his laptop. He’s basically been glued to that thing since they brought me back. At least he was coming to sleep in my room with us at night. But I was missing him again.

But since I have other plans, I swallow my unease and nod. “Yes, I’m ready. Who’s coming?”

“Everyone,” Maddox says, surprising me. I smile as a burst of happiness expands in my chest.

Movement has me glancing at Hunter, who’s rubbing at his chest, looking confused for a moment before his eyes snap to mine. Then he smiles. “I can feel your happiness,” he says through the bond, almost sounding like he’s in awe of it.

I give him a small shrug, unsure what else to say as Maddox grabs my hand and leads me outside to the SUV.

It doesn’t take us long to find a parking spot on Main Street. Bain enters the Brewed Awakening first and we wait outside. “He’s just making sure it’s safe,” Maddox explains.

Then I hear Bain speak through the bond. “All clear.” The twins settle on the benches outside, on either side of the coffee shop, and I realize they are standing guard for us. When we move inside, I glance around, taking in the cute decor of the shop. Most of the surfaces are wood with a mix of deep teal accents throughout. The entire place smells of coffee and several different sweet scents. The place isn’t huge, but it must have close to fifteen tables scattered throughout.

“Cherry! Over here!” I look in the direction my name is called and see Erica sitting at a table in the far corner, with another girl beside her. She has long blonde hair and a smile on her face as she gives me a little wave. This must be Lexi.

“Go join your friends,” Maddox says, placing his hand on my lower back and ushering me toward them. “Gage and I will be close by, and Bain will be by the door.”

I glance back, seeing Bain standing with his arms crossed right beside the door like some sort of bodyguard, making my mouth twitch in amusement.

I head toward the girls, waving hello. Erica stands and gives me a hug, then introduces her friend. “Lexi, Cherry. Cherry, Lexi.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Lexi says with a warm smile.

“Same. Erica speaks highly of you, and your mates were so kind in helping me.”

Gage suddenly appears, placing a coffee cup in front of me. “Thanks,” I say, feeling shy for some reason. He nods, giving me a small smile before he walks across the coffee shop, taking a seat at a table filled with several familiar faces.

“Oh! Your mates are here too?” I ask them in surprise.

Lexi laughs. “Like they’d let me go out on my own.”