Chapter Sixteen
I wake up with the sun shining through the curtains. Turning over towards Jax, I find him facing away from me, I scoot closer and wrap myself around him. I like being the big spoon sometimes, plus it gives me the perfect opportunity to kiss some more of his scars like I promised.
“That’s going to take some getting used to Little Star.” Jax says huskily his voice still rough with sleep.
“Well you better get used to it quickly Jax, I’m not stopping any time soon.”
He chuckles before bringing my hand that’s wrapped around his chest to his lips and placing a soft kiss on it.
“Come on Little Star, I smell bacon.”
I jump out of bed so fast it leaves my head spinning slightly.
“There’s bacon!?” I ask wide eyed, I love bacon.
Before he can answer me, I take a deep breath and sure enough I can smell it.
“Come on, come on!” I say to Jax who is full on laughing at me now as he gets out the other side of the bed.
I open my mouth to tell him off for being so slow but before I can utter a single word, he turns around still shirtless from the night before.
I sigh happily as my eyes run over the defined dips and groves in his chest and stomach.
He is just as defined as the others; in fact, he has a slightly more defined ‘V’ than them.
I wasn’t lying last night when I told him his scars didn’t detract from him at all.
I want to lick him, explore all those delicious dips and grooves.
Hot damn my Jax is fine!
“If you keep looking at me like that Little Star, we aren’t going to leave this room. I thought you wanted bacon?” He asks his deep voice rough, this time with desire. I take a bit longer to stare before I finally drag my eyes away.
“Bacon, right.” I mutter before turning on my heel and marching out of the door with a renewed determination.
I am suddenly ravenous, although I don’t think bacon is the only thing, I’m hungry for now.
Jax’s laughter is following me to the kitchen so I know he is right behind me. The others are all already there when I stride in, and I ignore them all in favour of the plate on the breakfast bar, piled high with gorgeous, delicious bacon.
“Don’t take it personally guys, apparently our Sage has a weakness for bacon.” Jax informs them all still chuckling.
It’s silent for a few beats and I turn around, several pieces of bacon in each hand and a piece in my mouth, to see all of the guys staring at Jax in shock.
It’s then that I realise that Jax didn’t put a shirt back on when we left the bedroom, and is sat with the others at the large dining table.
The guys, all still have their pyjamas on too although Kai and Maverick, are the only ones that don’t have shirts on either.
I stare appreciatively at them, my men are gorgeous, I’m not sure I’ll ever get enough.
I smile at Jax proudly and he smirks back at me. I know the other guys must know about Jax’s scars. They’re family, brothers. I’m pretty sure they are just shocked that he has let me see them.
“I’m going to eat all the bacon.” I sing, snapping them out of their silence.
“Don’t you dare, Titch.” Maverick growls playfully.
Hunter grabs the plate off the counter holding it up and out of my reach. I pout playfully in response, my bacon!
“Nooo, make her stop!” Kai wails dramatically, his grass green eyes shining with amusement.
Whilst the guys are preoccupied with the bacon, he mouths thank you to me his eyes darting to Jax. I grin back at him then poke my tongue out, lightening the mood.
“What did I tell you about that tongue, Sweetheart.” Hunter growls, causing me to blush bright red. My usual sassy response abandons me completely.
“Here you are Darling.”
I smile appreciatively at Levi as he hands me a coffee made exactly how I like it, the interruption saving me from having to reply to Hunter’s comment. Not that I have a response, just a whole load of inappropriate suggestions.
I take a seat at the table and realise that it’s also laid out with, sausages, pancakes and fruit, not just the bacon that was the only thing that I originally saw. I load up a plate as the guys each do the same. There is a moment of quiet as we all tuck into our breakfast.
“So, what are we doing today?” I ask finally, after clearing half of my plate. I take a sip of coffee.
“Well we still need some information from Thomas about the Soulmate Bond, and you need to decide if you want their friend to unblock your memories.” Levi states seriously.
“I’m not sure,” I say honestly, “I’m terrified that the reason they blocked out that year, was because it was so utterly traumatic that it would’ve rendered me useless and they obviously needed me for something.
” I swallow the knot of dread bubbling up my throat, “And what about the step bitch? How does she fit into all of this? Me being placed with her can’t have been a coincidence.
I have so many questions.” I sigh heavily and begin to rub my temples, people in the movies do it when they’re stressed so maybe it’ll help, I did try it at Thomas’s house yesterday, but it didn’t do much.
Maverick and Kai each take a hold of one of my hands and as soon as their skin makes contact with mine the storm of emotions raging inside me calms to a dull roar.
“I know what Beautiful, how about we take a day to recuperate today and then go back to see your family tomorrow?” Kai says gently, placing a light kiss on my temple.
I nod gratefully and rest my head on his shoulder.
“I don’t think the Soulmate bond is complete,” Maverick suddenly says, “I think that’s why our tattoos look slightly faded. I want to ask Thomas about it when we see him tomorrow.”
All the guys nod in agreement.
“Well since we are going to be staying here for a while, I’m going to get Apollo and Trig.
” Hunter says before standing up and getting ready to leave.
All the guys just make sounds of affirmation and I feel my eyebrows dip in confusion.
Obviously noting my confusion and deciding to take pity on me, Levi chuckles lightly before explaining.
“Hunters dogs, Darling. We have a friend who looks after them for us when we aren’t here.”
“Oh, I have always loved dogs.” I smile, it slightly shocks me that giant grumpy Hunter has dogs he so obviously adores, if the slight but gentle smile adorning his face is anything to go by, but I suppose he has already shown me that he’s not nearly as grumpy and gruff as he first comes across, he’s just guarded.
“Since we are spending the day here, I was wondering if you would mind if I go for a run around the grounds? Exercise has always helped me think more clearly.”
“Of course, Darling,” Levi smiles at me, “there’s a gym in the basement, if you would like to use that too?”
I beam at him. My muscles are starting to feel twitchy from the lack of use.
I wonder if I could convince one of them to spar with me.
I quickly stuff the rest of my food in my mouth, ladylike I know, but now I have a plan for the day I’m eager to get started.
Hunter gives me a kiss on the cheek on his way past to grab his keys from the counter.
“See you later Sage, I’m going to pick up the dogs.” He gives me one of his small smiles.
“I can’t wait to meet them!” I say excitedly.
I give him a small goodbye wave before jumping up and putting my plate in the dishwasher.
“Do you want some company on your run Beautiful?” Kai asks sweetly and stretches his arms above his head as he stands.
I get momentarily distracted by his abs as he twists and turns, they really are lickable. I shake my head slightly, forcing myself to focus. One glance at Kai’s smirk tells me he caught me checking him out. I grin back at him and shrug completely unashamed.
“Is it ok if I go out on my own?” I ask, before continuing, “Do you want to meet me in the gym after though?”
“Of course, it is, Beautiful!” Kai responds, and I look towards the others to see if they want to meet in the gym later too.
“Absolutely Titch. If you go across the back lawn there is a well-worn trail through the woods that loops around the property.” Maverick tells me.
“Awesome, thank you guys!” I place a kiss on Kai and Maverick’s cheeks causing the sparks to hum quietly.
I walk over to Levi and Jax to do the same.
Taking a little extra time to kiss one of Jax’s scars.
I love how the sparks react to each of my men and I have to force myself not to linger.
If I didn’t have a ridiculous amount of shit to think through, I probably would have let myself linger and subsequently gotten distracted.
I go back to my room, mentally thanking Hunter for having the forethought to pack my workout clothes.
I get dressed quickly bringing up a workout playlist on my phone that I added after the guys got me it, then put it in my sports bra.
I don’t own one of those fancy arm holder things, but my bra works just as well.
I jog back downstairs, using it as an opportunity to warm up, sending a quick wave towards the guys as I pass the kitchen on my way outside.
I do a couple of light stretches, being really careful and testing my ribs for any pain, not wanting to push them too far and cause myself more damage which would mean a longer healing time.
I’m surprised when I don’t even feel a slight twinge whilst I stretch.
I’ve had broken ribs before, and they have never healed this quickly.
I shouldn’t be too surprised though I did manage to fight a couple of days ago with barely any pain.
I remember I never got round to asking Levi about it, maybe it’s something to do with the Soulmate Bond.
Although to be fair Levi knows as much as I do right now.
I start off at a gentle jog across the lawn and onto the path Mav told me about. The path is extremely easy to follow and doesn’t require too much concentration, so I let my mind drift to all the things I need to sort through.