Page 88 of Jake's Angel

The group dancing with them is not all from around here. Some may have come with a friend if they’re visiting town. If one of them did cross the line, I wouldn’t be able to do anything without proof and a vote. It doesn’t make any sense, but someone must have done something for her to react this way. Something caused my girl to panic, and I need to know who or what it was.

I walk at a rapid pace with Gabe, Pop, and Caleb following fast behind. “Take her inside!” Gabe barks. I nod and waste no time getting her away from the nosy crowd. They’re all concerned. They’re my brothers and knowing she’s Gabe’s daughter makes this shit even higher priority.

All I need to know is who fucking scared her?

The three men follow us into the clubhouse straight to my room where I sit on the bed with Avery nestled against my chest. I try to lay her down, but she’s not letting go of my shirt.

“Angel, let me lay you down. I need to check you out.” I whisper where only she can hear me.

“No. Don’t let go, please.” Her voice is barely there. That of a small, insecure child. The memories of holding her the night of the crash come rushing back. How scared, small, and frail shewas then. She couldn’t ask for my help then, but she’s asking me now. I find my grip tightening and her body getting as close as possible to mine as we sit there holding on to one another.

We both jump at the sound of Pop’s voice shouting as he comes charging through the door. “What the hell happened?”

I glare at him. Avery has balled herself up into my lap, drawing her knees up to her chest. His shouting at her isn’t helping the situation, but I’m not moving from this spot to settle his ass down either.

Thankfully, Caleb sees what I do and grabs Pop by the shoulder. They exchange a look. I’ve seen that look before. It’s the one that saysshut your ass up before I do it for you.Pop takes a deep breath, settling himself down.

Avery’s shaking against my body. Gabe lifts the throw blanket from the trunk at the foot of my bed and covers her up. He kneels beside my bed, placing his hand on Avery’s knee. She jumps at his touch. He scowls, looking at me for answers. I shrug, and he moves his hand away.

I feel for him. He must want nothing more than to comfort her, and she has no idea what lengths he would go through to do it, but she’s too scared to trust anyone. I look up and catch Caleb watching us. He nods at me, nudging me.

“She trusts you.” He mouths.

I nod.

“Avery?” I coax her, but she still won’t look at me. “Avery?” I try again. She stirs in my arms but won’t open her eyes. I place my palm on her cheek, pulling her slightly away from my body. Her eyes remain tightly shut. “Hey, look at me Angel.” She sighs at the nickname I’ve given her, recognizing my voice this time. She takes a couple of deep breaths, then slowly pulls away from my body and looks at me.

Her breathing is not yet entirely under control. I can feel her heart thumping, see it pulsing in the vein in her neck. “It’s ok,Angel. Breathe. Look at me. Take a breath when I do. Breathe with me.” She does as I say, holding my eyes with hers and following me breath for breath. “That’s it.” I praise.

After a couple of minutes, she’s calmed herself down. She looks around the room, and little by little, acknowledges the other men who are with us. She releases my shirt but makes no move to leave my lap, which is good because I’m not letting her up anyway. I need to feel her close to me.

“What happened back there? Did someone hurt you?” I’m tense, trying to keep the rage within me from spilling out with every word. She turns her gaze back to meet mine, looking at me suspiciously. “We need to know what happened, baby.” I don’t miss the low growl from Gabe and the soft chuckle from Caleb.

Avery goes to speak, but she makes eye contact with Pop, and clamps her mouth shut

and nestles her head in the crook of my neck.

Caleb clears his throat, tipping his head toward Pop. Gabe sees it, then signals me to try again.

“Avery, did one of the brothers do something to hurt you?” She shakes her head no, but still doesn’t move her body away from mine. “Did the asshat who was dancing with you do something? Did he touch you in some way you didn’t like?” You’d think there was a pack of bears in my here with the unanimous growl filling the room.

She shakes her head again.

I don’t know why she’s afraid to speak, but it’s clear by her actions she is and I’m going to respect her.

For now.

I make eye contact with Caleb and nudge my head toward Gabe and Pop. Caleb gets what I’m trying to say and calls them to come talk to him.

The three men gather near the door talking among themselves quietly, but not quietly enough that I can’t hearthem. I stay where I am, gently dragging my fingers through Avery’s hair. Her breathing has slowed, and her body has become heavier against mine, letting me know I’m soothing her enough to relax a little at least.

“I don’t think he did anything wrong. The girls were dancing with everyone out there. I think he just startled her when he tried to turn her to face him. Sadie said he put his hand on her waist and Avery froze.” Pop said.

“She didn’t just freeze, Mack. She went into a full panic attack. Like something triggered her.”

Avery wiggles in my lap, shrinking into me further. I don’t see how it could even be possible, but she’s trying. I pull the blanket up tighter around her body.

“Are you cold Angel?” I keep my voice low. She shakes her head no and I plant a kiss on top of it.

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