Chapter 24 Delilah #2
“We’re not just talking about scent matches here,” I huff indignantly. “Tae and Nash are your pack, Jagger. Whatever you and I are working through, it’s separate.”
Although it’s slightly different, I can’t imagine ever having to leave the Stellas. The thought alone makes me feel physically ill.
Nash doesn’t say anything, just keeps watching on, while Tae exhales deeply in relief. “So where does that leave us?”
“I… I don’t know.” My mouth is as dry as a stale tortilla chip. “I can’t deny my connection to all of you, but I don’t know how—or even if I can—move forward.”
“I’ll never hurt you again.” Jagger drops to his knees in front of me. “I’ll do anything to prove it to you.”
I want to believe him so badly that my chest aches. Yet there’s no magic potion that can erase all the destruction he’s caused. Or tear down the walls I’ve built around my heart. It’ll take more than sweet nothings for me to let them down again.
“I can’t promise I’ll ever forgive you, Jagger,” I murmur. “But I can feel that you’re sorry.”
He takes my hands in his, bowing his head, the most vulnerable position an alpha can be in. “I’ll never stop trying to earn your trust again. However long it takes.”
I nod stiffly. “You can get up now.”
“How about we take baby steps?” Tae suggests as Jagger stands. “We can start by just getting to know each other better and going on a few dates. No pressure, and we can slow the pace if it gets to be too much.”
“I think…” I bite down on my lip, sitting with that for a second. “I think I can do that.”
“That’s decided, then. Dates it is.” Nash grunts and points at a croissant. “Is anyone going to eat that?”
I laugh shakily, the tension in the room dissipating.
“You can have it,” I tell him.
Nash licks his lips before he devours half of it in one bite.
“So…” Tae smiles brightly. “What work do you have planned today, Nash?”
He immediately launches into his plans to make Jagger a recording studio in the basement before a loud ringing interrupts him.
“It’s Val.” Jagger sighs at his cell phone. “I’ll be right back.”
“Tell Valerie it’s the weekend,” Nash grumbles before aggressively tearing away a piece of croissant with his teeth.
I tilt my head to the right. “Who’s Valerie?”
“Jagger’s manager,” Tae answers me. “Nash hates her.”
“I don’t hate her.” Nash wipes his mouth. “She’s just not on my Christmas card list.”
Tae chuckles. “She’s gotta be furious about what happened last night at the show.”
I can hear Jagger talking from the next room, and catch snatches of the conversation: “…it just happened… Drew and Brad…” When he strides back in, I can hear a woman squawking down the other line.
Jagger cuts her off mid-sentence. “My pack is more important than any Pack Fire tour.” He hangs up then slaps the cell phone down screen-first on the table.
He smiles apologetically. “Sorry about that.”
Tae tilts his head. “From one to apocalyptic, how mad is she?”
“She’s definitely gone nuclear.” Jagger raises one shoulder. “It turns out she arranged for Drew and Brad to gatecrash.” He wrinkles his nose. “Apparently, she thought it would be better than my solo show and didn’t think to ask my opinion.”
“That tracks,” Nash mutters.
“She wants me to smooth things over with Brad and Drew later.” Jagger pinches the bridge of nose. “And she wants to chat with you about security, Nash.”
“Great.” Nash’s sarcasm is palpable as he pushes his plate away. “I’m not hungry anymore.”
“Security?” I question.
“I’m Jagger’s bodyguard. At least while he’s at SVU anyway,” Nash replies. “No one knows we’re packmates, so I can help keep him out of trouble.”
Tae smirks, playfully slapping the back of Nash’s head. “You did a pretty bad job of that last night.”
“But you don’t need to worry about any photographs of us being leaked, Delilah,” Jagger informs me. “Between Kady, Calder, and Valerie, they got rid of all of them.”
The pastry I just ate turns to cement in my belly. “They got pictures of us together?”
“No one saw your face,” Jagger is quick to reply. “But there was some speculation about me running off stage to chase a mystery girl.”
“I bet Valerie wanted to know all the details.” Tae snickers. “She hates to miss out on anything.”
“I said nothing,” Jagger chuffs. “But we can’t stop the rumors. The paps are vultures.”
“I understand.” I say, although I can’t quash my uneasiness.
Jagger’s expression darkens. “Brad and Drew are pissed about what happened too.”
“And?” Tae chuckles then puts his hands up to mock-whisper. “They’re total assholes.”
I stifle a giggle.
“Assholes who I’m contracted to record another album with,” Jagger reminds him. “Apparently, they want to start work earlier than planned.”
“I thought you were taking a break from music while you were studying?” I ask him.
It’s been impossible to avoid the gossip on campus, and Missie has been blowing up the smutty book club group chat with speculation.
“I’m supposed to be, but Brad and Drew have other ideas.” Jagger plays with the smiley face earring that I gave him, the tenseness in his shoulders vanishing. “But I’m not going anywhere. What’s happening here is more important than anything else.”
Warmth creeps up my neck. “I really should get back to Stella House. I have some studying to do.”
“Are you sure you’re feeling okay after yesterday?” Tae rests his palm on my knee. “You’re welcome to stay here with us for as long as you’d like.”
Jagger nods enthusiastically while Nash continues to sip his coffee, seemingly deep in thought.
“I’m a little tired but much better.” I’m already on my feet. “Thank you for everything.”
“I’ll drive you,” Nash states.
“You don’t have to.” I shake my head. “I can call Omega Cars to pick me up.”
“It wasn’t a question.” Something about his deep rumbling voice tells me that there’s no point in arguing with him.
After gathering my belongings, the guys escort me to the door.
“We’ll speak soon, right?” Tae’s voice is full of hope. “I can add you to our group chat? If you unblock my number…”
“Okay.” I smirk. After the multiple orgasms, I suppose it’s the least I can do. “I can do that.”
Tae punches the air. “Hell yeah.” He pulls me into a tight hug, so tight that I let out a squeak. He then places a tender kiss on my forehead—a complete contrast from his snake-like squeeze. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning with a chai or a green smoothie. Just text me to put your order in.”
“You know, most people would think you’re a stalker,” I joke.
“Maybe I just enjoy seeing Margie?” He fake pouts. “We’re actually becoming friends. While I was waiting for you, she told me all about uncaught serial killers.” He frowns. “Knowing those stats, I’m glad Nash is driving you home.”
I roll my eyes. “Next time you’re there to discuss true crime, don’t bring so many flowers. She’s been sneezing constantly.”
“Only fake flowers for Margie, got it.” He winks. “I don’t want to wind up in one of her magazines, being known as the guy who kills old ladies with bouquets.”
Laughing, I turn to Jagger, who looks awkward with his hands buried in his pockets. He steps forward then halts, holding himself back. “Maybe I’ll see you around, rainbow…?”
“I guess you will.”
My knees tremble as his face lights up in a way that I haven’t seen since we were reunited. Damn it. Why does he have to be so cute?
Nash thrusts a huge jacket into my hands. “Let’s go.”
I hold it out. It’s so large that it’s basically a small tent. “This is way too big for me.”
“Wear it.” He takes it from me and wraps it around my shoulders. I quickly lose the urge to protest; the weight of it plus his scent baked into the fabric makes it feel like I’m being cuddled. “I don’t want you getting cold.”
Tae waggles his finger as me and Nash step outside. “You can’t argue with the big, scary Nash!”
I put my hands on my hips. “He doesn’t look that scary to me.”
Nash’s smile causes my stomach to flip-flop. “Take that jacket off, and I’ll show you how scary I can be.”