Page 14 of Love is Blind

“Now, now, Angel. You can’t go choosing favorites again until you sample all the goods.” I lift my head in the direction of Mav’s voice as Jax shuts off the water.

“You’re in for a long night, Little Bird.”

And just like that, these men replace my fears with something more. Something that, I’m sure, is love.

Chapter eleven

MAVERICK

It’sbeenafewdays since Jaxon beat our previous shipment driver to death. A few days since, Adrian thought he could threaten us by fucking with another shipment. A few days since Wren found out Adrian still wants her, the sick fuck.

It’s my day with Wren at the shop as I follow her and Abby out to the car. Abby takes the front passenger seat next to Edward, the driver and one of the bodyguards for the girls today, while I climb in the back. Wren is already sitting there, looking like the angel I claim her to be. Ares lays at her feet like the good boy he is. I never thought I’d be a dog person, but watching how he took to Wren so fast made me a fan.

Today, she wears a white sunflower sundress that falls to her knees. Her usual flats are gone, replaced by a simple pair of white sneakers. Abby did her hair up in a messy bun that was tied back with something that matches her dress. She also did Wren’s makeup in a natural look and light-yellow eyeshadow to pull the outfit together. The sun shining through the window hits her just right that she almost seems to glow as a smile brightens her face. Before I can think twice, I’m pulling out my phone and snapping a quick picture of this moment.

“Are you done staring at me?” At her words, I frown.

“How did you know?” The giggle she releases is per happiness, making my frown and confusion lift instantly.

“Mav, I’m blind. It doesn’t mean I don’t have a secret sixth sense about things. It’s just like I know you took a picture of me. All my other senses are somewhat enhanced.” She pauses for a long second before turning to me with a very straight-laced face. Wren leans towards me and over dramatically whispers in a serious tone, “I’m basically a superhero. You know, like the DareDevil.” The entire car goes silent before she and Abby break out in giggles. I follow suit with my own chuckles as Edward pulls away from the house.

The car comes to a stop in front of the Cozy Nook Bookshop, while I'm lost in the endless number of emails I've received overnight. I barely even noticed the drive; I was so lost in work. “Edward, can you go open the shop for the girls while I take them to get some coffee?” He gives me a nod before opening his door and heading out. To anyone else, I’m simply being a gentleman and treating my woman and her friend to coffee before they have to work, but in reality, Edward is clearing the shop for any and all dangers. I’d much rather have one of my men risk their lives than Wren or Abby. And with Adrian still in the wind, there is no telling what he might be capable of if he wants Wren bad enough.

Abby lets out a moan at the mention of coffee. “Yes. Good thinking. I need another one this morning. Wren, babe. I don’t know how you got so lucky finding these guys, but they are keepers. I can go grab the coffees. The usuals?” She asks, looking at me for confirmation, and at my nod she climbs out.

“Mav? Do you really think he would try to come after me here? With one of you and bodyguards around?” Wren asks, face turned away, but I hear the fear. Even if she is trying to pretend to be strong in front of us.

“You know him better than us, Angel. Do you think he would?” I ask. Actually, I’m curious about her thoughts.

She thinks about it for a long minute before finally turning to me, a sad look on her beautiful face. “I think when an animal is cornered, all their logical thought goes out the window. All they want is to fight their way out. I knew Adrian was capable of horrible things, but it’s been two years. I think he is only capable of worse things now.” I watch as a single tear slowly falls from Wren’s cheek, but she quickly wipes it away. Before I can reassure her, nothing bad will happen to her and that we will find Adrian. She turns away and opens the car door. Ares jumps out and immediately sits on the curb to wait for his woman. Edward is standing on the sidewalk a few feet back, next to the shop’s front door. She must have heard the bell go off after he opened and cleared the place. I want to call her back but decide not to when she pauses, then leans down just outside the car door. “I want to thank you, Maverick. You’ve always been honest with me. I know we didn’t start this, um- relationship- off great, but you’ve done more for me than I could have ever asked for.” She reaches down and scratches Ares behind the ear. The smug pooch gives me a doggy smile, as if to rub it in that he gets more attention than we do now.

“Anything for you, Angel.” Is my reply as I climb out my side of the car and head over to the sidewalk. Abby is walking up as we reach the door, a carrier of drinks in her hands and a huge smile on her face.

“Wren, you will never believe it. I think I just met my own prince charming in the coffee shop line.” I take mine and Edward’s drinks as Abby loops her arm in Wren’s, stealing her away to the back for some girl talk, Ares hot on their trail.

If you had told me a few months ago, I would be jealous of a service dog and a pint - size ball of energy woman taking up my woman’s attention. I would have laughed in your face. Now, I just follow behind and wait for my chance to have some alone time with Angel.

The guys stop by for lunch as usual before having to head back to the office for more meetings. It’s the perk of getting to spend the day with Wren. Abby just ran to get some more coffee for what she calls her “midday slump” when I notice I couldn’t see Wren from my spot in the back office. She was just at the counter a second ago and I haven’t heard anyone come in since Abby left. Deciding my legs need a strength anyway, I make my way out of the office in search of my Angel. Maybe I can steal a kiss or two before she shoos me away to get back to work. I check a couple of the aisles, but when I still don’t see her, I call out for her.

No answer.

Worry seeps into my mind. It’s not possible for me to miss her. Edward and James, who are stationed in the alley in the back, would have notified me if Wren left or if they saw something suspicious. Not wanting to chance it, I head back to the office to grab my phone when I hear something coming from the bathroom. I place my ear against the door and listen for a second, but the sound comes again. Not bothering to wait or knock, I turn the knob to find Wren on the floor next to the toilet, heaving up what she had for lunch. Ares is whining next to her, his big furry head nudging to get her attention. Without thought, I rush to her, but when she sees me approach, a look of horror crosses her face.

“Maverick, what are you doing in here? Get out. You don’t want to see me like this.” She holds up her hand as if that’s actually going to stop me. I grab a few paper towels and wet them before handing them to her to use. She quickly wipes across her mouth and flushes the toilet to hide the evidence I’ve already seen.

“Babe. We told you we aren’t going anywhere. Plus, this is nothing compared to some things we’ve seen.” She sends me a half - ass glare before her body lurches forward to heave up again. Taking a knee, I rub her back in slow, soft circles. “I was worried when I couldn’t find you. Then, I got even more worried when I heard you throwing up in the bathroom. Are you okay? Should I call Doc?” I’m about to stand to go grab my phone, but Wren throws her hand up to stop me. She finally stops heaving after a minute and twists to plop her butt on the ground with her head resting on her knees.

“I’m okay. I think I’m coming down with a stomach bug or something. I wasn’t feeling great this morning, but thought it was just lack of sleep.” She lifts her head and I can see she looks tired and somewhat pale, causing my worry to spike again. Maybe it’s something more and I should call doc. “Mav. Please don’t worry. People get sick all the time. I’m fine, but I think maybe we can close the shop early. I’m exhausted, and just want to rest.” Ares is practically in her lap now, rubbing up against her in an attempt to make her smile.

“Yeah baby. Let’s close up and head home.” Reaching down, I pull Wren up by the arms, keeping my arm around her shoulders for support as we head for the office. I quickly swipe my phone before heading for the front counter, so Wren can do her closing thing. I send a text to the guys, letting them know Wren isn’t feeling well and that I’m taking her home to rest. As Wren closes the register down, the front door swings open, the bell chime, causing Wren to suddenly flinch. Not wanting to upset her more, I say nothing but make a mental note to bring it up later. It’s obvious that she is still afraid.

“Sorry. The wind is picking up, and I didn’t grab the handle tight enough.” Abby calls out. Before she can make it any further, I tell her to lock the door and put the closed sign-up. After she’s done, she meets us at the counter with a look of confusion on her face. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. I’m just not feeling very well. I think I just need to head home and lay down.” With Abby, here to watch Wren, I head back to the office to pack up all my work stuff. My phone goes off as I’m heading back, so I check it. A single text and I know Wren is going to be mad.

Xander: We are on our way.

Just what my angel needs. More overprotective men worrying about her.

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