Chapter 49
“I can bring you breakfast up here,” Dash argued as I pulled on my sweatpants.
I sent him a look that, while not mean, told him exactly what I thought of that idea. “I spent all of yesterday in bed. I feel completely fine, and I need to stretch my legs.”
He sighed and pulled me into his arms. “Is it so bad that I want to keep you all to ourselves?”
I nuzzled into his chest as his pine and cedar scent wrapped around me. “I love that you want that. I just also want to be able to walk now and then.”
Dash chuckled, the sound music to my ears. There hadn’t been a whole lot of laughter in the past twenty-four hours.
He released me but took my hand. “You ready?”
“Just need these,” I said, sliding my feet into slippers.
Dash wove his fingers through mine and led me out the door and into the hallway. He was quiet as we walked, a million and one things likely swimming in that massive brain of his.
As we reached the top of the staircase, I tugged him to a stop. “Are you okay?”
He looked down at me, his gaze searching. As if there might be some miraculous answer swirling in my eyes. “I’m trying to see the way through, and I’m not sure what it could possibly be.”
Dash always had the answers. And if he didn’t, he knew how to find them. Not knowing where to turn had to make him feel beyond powerless.
I stretched up on my tiptoes, brushing my lips against his. “We’ll find it together. But first, we need breakfast. Brain food.”
The corner of Dash’s mouth kicked up. “Deal.”
I squeezed his hand and tugged him down the stairs.
Voices sounded from the dining room, and I hurried in that direction. The moment I stepped inside the space, I was enveloped in a gentle hug. Baldwin let out a shuddered breath. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
I hugged him tighter. “I missed you.”
He sniffed. “You have no idea. Leaving me to deal with these animals alone.”
I laughed as I released him. “Never again.”
“I’m holding you to that.” Baldwin gestured to the table. “I made all your favorites.”
Scanning the table, my jaw went slack. There were pancakes, waffles, and what looked like crêpes. Bacon, sausage, and ham. Scrambled eggs and some sort of egg casserole. Fresh fruit. And the world of pastries.
I glanced up at Baldwin. “Did you leave any eggs and flour for the rest of the county?”
He grinned and booped me on the nose. “Anything for my girl.”
Ronan let out a low growl at that.
Baldwin just rolled his eyes. “You’re just going to have to learn to share.”
I laughed as I took my usual seat.
Cillian studied me from across the table, his expression unreadable. “How are you feeling, Princess?”
“Ready to hit the gym for training after I eat.”
A chorus of nos filled the air around me.
I sent my scowl to each of the guys. “I’m totally fine. Healed.”
Colt’s lips thinned. “Your bones might be healed, but you still have bruises all along your side.”
I bit the inside of my cheek. He was right. The aftermath of the injury was still present, even though the wound itself had healed.
“Can you honestly tell us that your side doesn’t hurt at all?” Declan challenged.
I had the burning urge to stick my tongue out at him. “It’s a little tender, but that’s it. You guys train with a hell of a lot worse.”
I turned to Cillian. “What do you say?”
He was quiet for a moment. “Light training. No contact.”
My mouth pulled down in a frown.
Cillian’s lips twitched. “Don’t pout, Princess. It’s not a good look on you.”
I did stick my tongue out at that.
“Running, again?” I groaned.
Dash chuckled. “You’re the one who was so determined to train. We could always opt for a movie instead.”
I sent a glare in his direction and hopped on the treadmill, turning it up to three.
“Need to warm up those muscles,” Cillian said, picking up to a jog on the treadmill next to me.
I heard a grunt from over on the mats, and I knew Declan and Ronan had begun to spar. They needed it. They were both dealing with a riot of emotions, thanks to their father. Hopefully, this training session would help all of us.
“How’s the side?” Dash asked as he jogged on a third treadmill.
“Not bad.” I felt a slight twinge with each step, but it wasn’t horrible.
“Not sure I believe you,” he grumbled.
I pretended like I didn’t hear him.
After a ten-minute jog, Cillian called time.
He motioned me and Dash over to another training circle, but my gaze was caught on Declan and Ronan.
They were both shirtless and barefoot, wearing nothing but low-slung sweats.
Their skin glistened as they moved. Declan’s creamy white and Ronan’s golden tan. So different, yet so similar.
A pair of fingers snapped in front of my face. “Stop staring, Princess.”
My cheeks heated, but I shrugged. “They’re pretty to look at.”
Dash snorted, but Cillian just shook his head.
“Let’s start with running through our hits, kicks, and blocks. You might not be ready for contact, but we can work on form,” Cillian said.
He and Dash analyzed each millimeter of movement to the point I wanted to pull my hair out. By the fiftieth correction, I threw up my hands. “My brain is going to explode.”
Cillian chuckled. “Fair enough. I think that’s good for today. Go watch your boys. You’ll learn from that, too.”
He inclined his head toward the other fighting ring.
I followed his gesture to see that Colt and Trace were in the ring now.
They, too, were shirtless. Colt’s defined chest glistened as he moved.
And Trace…holy hell. I’d never tire of seeing his tattoos on display.
The barbells through his nipples caught the light as he twisted, and I swallowed hard.
Cillian laughed as he slipped out the door. “Have fun.”
I moved toward the action as if it had a kind of pull on me. Colt and Trace moved like they were in a sort of dance. A give and take. Even as a punch or kick landed, it didn’t seem vicious. It was beautiful.
Trace caught sight of me and faltered. Colt’s leg swept out in a kick that he barely dodged. He scowled at Colt. “Taking advantage of my one weakness.”
Colt chuckled, glancing my way. “But what a beautiful weakness to have.”
Trace’s eyes took on that violet glow. “Come here, Little Bird. Want to spar?”
Something told me he didn’t mean the kind of kicking and punching he and Colt had been doing, but there was still only one answer. “Yes.”