7. WREN
Ares stays at my side the entire way to the kitchen. His body pressed against my legs with a steady pressure that is reassuring and kind of adorable. I can already tell Ares will be a wonderful dog for me. As we approach the kitchen, I can hear the guy’s not so whispered conversation about me. I swear, some days, they think I’m deaf and not blind.
Deciding not to take their shit today, I straighten my back, take a deep breath and charge forward, head held high. Just as I thought it would, their conversation cut off as they hear me enter. Men. “Good morning.” I call out, reaching forward to feel for the kitchen island.
Warm skin meets mine a second later as Jax’s enormous arms wrap around me. “Morning Princess. How did you sleep?”
Giving him a bright smile, I allow Jax to lead me to a chair. “Good.” I lie. I slept horribly and I know he knows it, but I have to show them I need to do this. “What’s for breakfast? I’m starving.” My stomach chooses another ill-timed moment to let out a growl that could rival a bear.
Jax chuckles next to me before I hear the soft ting of a plate being set in front of me. The smells from before are ten times stronger as I take a deep inhale, savoring the scents. “Marie made the work’s baby. Bacon, banana pancakes, scrambled eggs, and some fresh sliced fruit.” I can feel myself practically drooling as he lists off everything.
“Oh, and don’t forget this,” Mav calls out from my other side. Moments later, the smell of freshly brewed coffee fills my nose, and I sag in relief.
“Yessss. I knew you were my favorite.” I say sweetly as he places the hot cup into my hands. It smells even better up close as I slowly bring the rim to my lips and sip. The bittersweet taste of coffee and hazelnut creamer fills my taste buds, and I let out a moan of appreciation. “That is amazing!”
“Why is he always the favorite?” Jax whines, making me giggle. I swear, the man is a giant teddy bear who only wants to cuddle and hand feed me like I can’t do it myself. From what I know of him, he is a beast of a man. I can feel his corded muscles when he wraps me up in his massive embrace. You wouldn’t think a man of his size would be sensitive and need extra morning snuggles to start his day off right. Big baby.
“You can be my favorite too, if you tell me what you three were talking about before I walked in a few minutes ago?” I don’t wait for a response as I set my coffee down and feel for my fork. I don’t bother figuring out what food is where, and just go for it. Stabbing my fork down and scooping up whatever it hit. Eggs and a bit of pancake if my taste buds are right.
“It wasn’t anything bad, Little Bird. We were just readdressing how best to handle you wanting to go back to work today.” Readdressing? Wasn’t anything bad? What does he think I am, stupid? I may not have known these men all my life, but in the last month, I’ve learned a thing or two. What I know is Xander doesn’t enjoy being told no, and that’s exactly what I did yesterday.
No, to a ten-man security team.
No, I wouldn’t wear a damn GPS tracker.
No, the three of them couldn’t come to work with me.
I grind my teeth, trying not to scream at him, but he makes it really hard. “Xander, we already talked about this. I’m not hiding away like some damsel in distress. I want to go back to work. Please.” My voice almost breaks on my last word. It is coming out more like a plea. He needs to understand that I need to feel normal right now. I take a deep breath, getting my emotions under control once more before opening my mouth to plead my case again for the hundredth time, but the heavy hands on my shoulders give me pause.
“Little Bird, please hear us out.” When I stay quiet, Xander continues. “We have talked more about this subject and have come to an agreement. One we would like you to think about.” He pauses, probably giving me time to rebuke his words, but I continue to keep my mouth shut. I know all he wants is to keep me safe, so I suppose I can hear him out. Picking up my fork, I scoop up another mouthful and take a bite. Xander takes this as his cue to continue. “All we want is to keep you safe, and right now, we don’t know what Adrian is up to. We understand you need space and want everything to go back to normal, but it can’t. Not yet. So, you said no to the security team and us going to the shop with you, but what about a compromise? What if we send two men with you and one of us is allowed to accompany you?” I’m about to tell him absolutely not, but Jax jumps in.
“Princess, please. The two guys would also be there to keep Abby safe. They will be more of a driver and watchman. They can stay outside and be there for when you need them. Us going is for our peace of mind. One of us has been with you at all times for the last month. We don’t want to risk Adrian thinking he can make a move at you to hurt us. And I promise we will behave and just work from your office or the side or something.” His voice is low and calm, but I can hear the tinge of desperation in it. They really need this and he knew bringing Abby’s safety into this would crack my resolve. Damn him. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to her.
Knowing I’ve been beat, I let my shoulders sag. Letting out a dramatic sigh, I give the guys what they want. “Fine, but only one of you is allowed to stalk me a day and if I feel you’re hovering or scaring away customers, the deal is off. Do you understand?” Three rounds of “yes” sound around the room. “Oh, and Ares gets to come, too.” I hear Mav chuckle, but Jax and Xander both groan. Too bad they will have to get over it.
A body leans against my back, Xander’s warmth flooding my system. The soft tickle of his lips brush against my ear, his hot breath caressing my skin. “Thank you, Little Bird. Now finish your breakfast so we can head out.” He kisses the top of my head before fully pulling away. I miss his warmth for a minute before the excitement of finally going back to work fills me up. I practically shovel the rest of the food into my month as my men go about their mornings.
A few minutes later, Abby enters the room, a bright ray of bubbly sunshine. “Good morning, everyone. Have we figured out how this will all work?” Her voice is light and airy as I hear her pour herself a cup of coffee.
“Yes. I’ll be accompanying you two, along with two of our men. Oh, and this is for you.” Xander says, his tone for once not sounding ice-cold.
“A new phone? But I have one already.”
“Yes, but this is an upgrade. Plus, it has all the numbers you could possibly need to contact one of us. I’ve also ordered you a credit card, it should be here tomorrow. It is to be used for anything you think, Wren, or you may need. Anything at all.” He continues like he didn’t just drop a bomb on her. I’m a little shocked by his words myself.
“Oh, I won’t need anything but my regular pay, sir.” Abby sounds a bit lost now.
“Nonsense. You will use it for anything you want. Think of it as a bonus. Plus, you have already shown you are a loyal person and Wren really enjoys your company. So, it’s also a thank-you gift.” Mav jumps in this time, and I can hear the smile in his words. He’s not wrong. Abby has been an absolute sweetheart since I met her.
“I’m not taking your money for being a decent human being. That’s ridiculous.” She retorts. I could totally hug her right now. If only she knew what her kindness actually meant to me. Being blind means a whole other struggle with people just being rude or flat out ignoring you. Some even think it’s contagious or something.
“Abby. Please, just take it. Trust me, it’s not worth arguing. It gets you nowhere. Plus, we can plan a shopping trip soon.” I can almost hear the eye roll she gives me.
“Ugh. Fine, you win this one. You about ready to go?” she asks and I perk up like a damn prairie dog.
“Ekk. Yes. So ready. Let me grab my bag.” I slide off the chair, reaching out until my hands reach the cabinet lined wall. No sooner do I take a few steps than Ares appears, pressing his body against mine. I’m turning the corner when I hear Maverick speak with a smug tone.
“See. I told you he would be good for her. He hasn’t even left her side since they met.”
The scent of old books, ink, and freshly brewed coffee assaults my nose as I enter the Cozy Nook Bookshop. It’s like coming home after a long vacation as the ding of the bell rings above me. “Hi, welcome in. Can I- Oh. Mr. Ashford, this must be Miss St. James.” I hear a masculine voice come out from the other side of the shop. Ares lets out a low growl and steps in front of me, causing me to reach down and run my fingers through his fur.
“It’s okay Ares.” At least I hope so, since the voice I just heard wasn’t familiar. Xander next to me mumbles something that sounds like, “Maybe the dog is good for something.” But I can’t be certain.
“Oh wow, Wren. This place is so cute. Mind if I browse a bit?” I let out a giggle at Abby’s words. What I wouldn’t give to experience being able to see entering a new bookshop. I used to love running my fingers over each shelf and each spine of every book, reading the titles as I went. Now I can do only one of those things.
“Of course. Go wild.” As she heads off to explore, Xander places his hand on my lower back and motions me forwards with a tap. I pray no one moved any shelves or stands in my absence, but as we go, everything feels right.
“Wren, this is Mr. Barron. He helped manage the shop while you were out.” As if he can sense my unease, Xander adds. “I gave strict instructions that nothing was to be moved or changed while you were out. He just helped Caleb and Camille open and close. He also dealt with all the financials and bank runs. Everything should be in order, as I oversaw that as well.”
“Yes. It’s been my pleasure. I can review everything with you if you would like. Mr. Ashford made sure everything ran smoothly while you were out. There were no problems at all.” I can feel my whole-body slump in relief. A small part of me thought I would come back to a whole new bookshop or something worse, like it burning to the ground.
“Yes. I would like a quick run-down if you wouldn’t mind.”
“First, I have one thing to show you. It’s a recent addition to the shop, but I think you will benefit greatly from it.” My stomach drops. I don’t do well with change. Xander leads me over to the front counter and around to the back of it. “Place your hand on the keyboard.” I frown at the odd request but slowly bring my hands up and onto the said keyboard. As soon as my figures touch the cool plastic, I’m gasping in shock. I trace all the bumps and grooves and realize it’s all in braille. It’s a braille keyboard. I’m completely stunned. I’m speechless. My eyes start to tear up at the fact that Xander would think of something like this. “That’s not all. It’s connected to a voice command computer and printer that will print in braille as well.”
“You did this?” I ask. My emotions have been all over the place this week. One second I want to scream at these men and the next I just want to cuddle up in their lap like a damn cat needing attention. But this, no one has ever tried to go out of their way to make my life easier.
“Of course, baby. Mr. Barron here did the research, and we made sure to get everything set up and ready for your return. Do you like it?” he asks, and this time I don’t bother trying to hide my tears.
“Yes.” I turn and throw myself into his chest. My arms wrap around his waist as he returns the motion. “Yes. This is amazing Xander. Thank you.”
“Anything for you, Little Bird. Now I’ll let you start your day. If you need me, I’ll be in your office, as promised. Okay?” I nod dumbly against his chest, not yet ready to let go. He lets me hang on for another minute until I finally step back and wipe my face of all wet and salty evidence of my crying.
“Thank you, Xander. This means the world to me.” He simply kisses the top of my head before leaving me to my first day back.
I have no idea how long it’s been since we got here, but Mr. Barron and I have gone over everything that’s happened in the last month pertaining to the shop. Apparently, the shop is doing better than I thought because sales are up since I last reviewed them with Amber. Ares hasn’t left my side since getting here, and I couldn’t be more surprised. Abby even tried to take him for a walk, but apparently, he did his business, then whined to come back in. To say he isn’t already protective of me is an understatement.
“Well, that’s everything, Miss St. James. I’ll be on my way. If you need anything else, Mr. Ashford can get a hold of me.” We say our goodbyes and I thank him again as he takes his leave. I am barely about to grab a coffee from the back when the front door rings.
“Good afternoon.” I call out.
“Good afternoon, Princess.” Jax replies. A smile lights my face as he wraps me up in his big arms.
“Hey, don’t hog her. I missed her too, asshole.” Mav growls before I’m being pulled out of my big bear’s arms and into Mavericks. “Hey Angel. How’s your first day back?”
“Exhausting, but that’s just cause I don’t like paperwork.” I lean against Mav’s chest, my ear laying across his heart, the sound of it thumping away, calming to my nerves.
“Me too, sweetheart. You hungry? We bought lunch.” I pop up at Jax’s mention of food.
“Starving. I knew you were one of my favorites.” Mav snorts at my words as he leads me to the back, but before we make it very far, the front door rings again. I almost let out a groan before I remember this is my shop, and I wanted to come back today.
“Miss Wren?” A small voice calls out.
“Miss Wren, are you here?” A second small voice sound after the first.
“I don’t see her, mama.” The last tiny voice has me turning in that direction and stepping around the counter, a wide smile on my face.
“Look, it’s Miss Wren.” Three sets of tiny feet stampede down the aisle in my direction. I barely have time to brace myself, as I’m practically tackled to the ground by my three favorite little bookworms. Michael, Mason, and Mia Williams. “We missed you, Miss Wren.”
“Why did you leave?”
“Are you going to read to us again?”
“Where did you go?”
“I’ve been reading every day. Just like you told me to.”
“Whoa. Who are they, Miss Wren?” The last question is a loud whisper as the three tiny terrors finally climb off and I’m lifted from the ground by arms under mine.
I’m flustered at the question, not knowing how to answer the triplets’ curious minds. “Well, umm. These are. Well.” How do I explain to 5-year-olds that I’m in a relationship with three men? Or that I was kidnapped by said men. That’s why I wasn’t here. But that the kidnapping turned out to be okay since I’m now sleeping with the men who took me. Oh! God, I’m spiraling. I can’t explain that to them. I never thought about how I would have to explain my relationship with these men to people. People are going to call me names, think I’m a horrible person.
I’m about to have a complete and utterly disastrous emotional meltdown when Abby, the saint she is, speaks. “And who do we have here?”
“I’m Michael and this is my brother Mason and my sister Mia. Who are you?” I almost giggle at Michael’s firm tone. He has always been so protective of his siblings.
“I’m Abby. I’m Miss Wren’s friend and I work with her now.”
“Who are they?” he asks again, and my panic rises. Why is this so nerve-wracking?
“Oh, those big guys? Those are Miss Wren’s friends too. They do all the heavy lifting for her.” Mia lets out a little giggle. Luckily, the triplets have the attention span of all small children.
“Miss Wren, can you read to us?” Mason asks, causing me to relax my stiff shoulders.
“Of course, sweetheart. Why don’t you three go pick out some books? We have a lot of reading to catch up on. That way, your mom can run some errands.” A chore of yay’s sound before the running of feet.
“Wren, darling, you’re a saint. I’ll be out for an hour, tops.” Mrs. William says.
“No worries. I missed these three.” As I hear her walk back towards the door, she calls out to the kids to behave. Arms wrap around my waist before hot breath flutters across my cheek. Jax’s scent of gunpowder and a woodsy aftershave fills my noses.
“I’ll show you how much I’m not just a friend tonight, Princess. I’ll make it very clear where I stand with you.” And then he’s gone.
“Miss Wren, are you coming?”
My cheeks heat red as my thoughts stray to the gutter. Yes, I will be tonight.