Page 8 of Love is Blind

I giggle at that, since I have no idea what is actually in my closet anymore. “You’re more than welcome to borrow whatever you want. I am pretty sure I don’t know what half of it is, since the guys had someone buy most of it.”

Abby lets out a shriek of excitement. “No way. I love you already because whoever bought that wardrobe has great taste.” I feel her set down something next to me, the fabric soft against my arm. “Oh, I found the cutest baby blue dress that is so you. It says, I’m sweet but also ready to get down to business. Perfect for your first day back. Are you excited?”

Nibbling on my bottom lip for a second, I debate how I should answer. Deciding to go with the truth, I let out a deep breath. “I’m excited to be back at my shop. It’s been forever, but I’m actually super nervous. I know the guys don’t want me to go back yet. Not until they find Adrian, but I’m tired of feeling so afraid, so trapped. I want to get back to my old life.”

“Wren, you know the guys are only worried about you. I’ve only known you and them for a short time, but it’s completely obvious they are obsessed with you. They just want to keep you safe, but I also get you wanting some space, too.” Abby leans forward and wraps her arms around me in an embrace. I have to breathe through the tears, wanting to fall from the sheer sweetness that is this woman. I’m so glad I gave her a chance. The only other person who has ever given me a hug like this is Amber, and with her across the country right now, I didn’t know I needed another girlfriend. “I know it’s hard, but meet them halfway, Wren. They are just afraid to lose you.” She pulls away after that. “Now, go get dressed, so I can work the rest of my magic. We have an hour before we need to leave.”

I do as I’m told, heading for the bathroom before slipping in and closing the door behind me. I take a second to get my emotions under control. The frustration with my men and Adrian not having been found yet feels like this overbearing weight on my chest. I want to scream at the top of my lungs to release it all, but I don’t. Instead, I take a few more breaths before getting dressed. I pull up the pants, buttoning the clasp before pulling the shirt over my head. The fabric is soft against my skin, unlike anything I’ve ever owned prior to meeting the men. I slide my hands down my shirt, making sure everything is in place, and step back out into the room.

“I knew that color would look good on you. Now come over here and let me work my magic. Not that you need it.” If I could roll my eyes at her, and she could see them, I would. I take my seat and let her get to work, brushing on whatever makeup she sees fit to use before she brushes out my hair.

It’s weird having someone who now does all the things I couldn’t do on my own. Before, I would simply run a comb through my hair, then throw it up in a messy bun and pray it didn’t get too tangled. Makeup was a rare occasion, and Amber usually helped with that. My outfits consisted of leggings, jeans, and a few nice shirts. Nothing fancy, just comfy and easy to move in.

After about twenty minutes, Abby is putting on the last few final touches. “Annnnnd done. Voilà.” I give her a smile before standing.

“How much time do we have?” I ask, heading to the bed where I left my shoes. I went with simple flats today, knowing I have a bunch to catch up on today at the shop and will more likely be on the go today.

“About 30 minutes. I’m going to go get ready and meet you downstairs. I think the guys are in the kitchen with Marie, if what I’m smelling is any indicator.” At her word, I take a deep inhale, the smell of bacon and something sweet filling my nostrils. My stomach lets out a growl in protest. Abby lets out a giggle and I follow suit.

“Good idea. I think I need to eat before we go.” I hear Abby’s soft “okay” reply followed by footsteps leading to the door and I second later I’m alone.

Yesterday’s conversation with the guys about me going to work pops up into my mind. Xander being upset at the fact I didn’t want to stay home and be pampered all day. Jaxon grumbling about how Ares was now getting all my attention, and Mav being all smug that I actually agreed with him. The conversation ended with Xander storming out, saying he needed to punch something, then Jax telling me he was going to find me an even better gift.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when I hear a soft whine. I snap my head in the direction of the door. “Ares?” I call out and a second later, a big furry head lands in my lap. “Hey there, boy. Ready to get to work?” A wet, slobbery lick follows my words. “I’ll take that as a yes.” I stand, patting Ares on the head. “Well, boy, let’s go face the three big, bad wolves.”

Chapter seven

WREN

Aresstaysatmyside 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.

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