Page 9 of Falling for Her Protector

“Oh, yeah. Uh...Lacey and I got some cookies for Xavier. Is he here?” I ask softly.

“He’s back in his room,” Stone answers with a crooked smile.

“Okay, thanks,” I offer as I start to move. I walk lightly down the hallway until I come to the last door. It’s quiet, but Stone said he was in here. Lifting my hand, I tap lightly against the door. It swings open and I feel my jaw drop. A girl with dirty blonde hair stands in front of me, wrapped in nothing but a bed sheet, her hair tousled.

“Can I help you?” she smirks at my expression and I finally close my mouth.

“Uh...is Xavier here?” I manage to form my question.

“He’s in the shower. Did you need something?” her voice turns acidic.

“No, not really. Could you just give these to him, please?” I ask as I hold out the box for her to take. She lifts the lid and chuckles.

“What’s your name?” she questions.

“Vanessa,” I offer.

“Well...wait,” she pauses looking at me sideways. “Did you say Vanessa?” she asks and I nod. “Well,Ness, if you think cookies are going to get you a man like X. you are surely mistaken. You are way too fucking innocent for this man,” her snide comment hits me, finally waking me from my daze.

“Actually, they’re from his sister, but she asked me to deliver them. And for the record, you don’t know shit about me, so I suggest you mind your own damn business. Just give him the box and tell him the cookies are from Lacey,” I watch her eyes go wide as I turn on my heel and start to walk away. I take a couple minutes to collect myself in the bathroom before moving back into the main area of the clubhouse.

“Did you find him,” Stone chuckles when I reappear. They knew he had a girl back there and they sent me in anyway. Assholes.

“He was in the shower,” I answer, trying my best to look unaffected. The door opens and Lacey appears.

“Did you give him the cookies? Are you ready to see the apartment now?” she asks and I offer a nod in her direction. “That’s it? Was he excited?” she presses and I shrug.

“He was in the shower. I left them with his friend,” I tell her as Stone and Griz both chuckle behind me. Lacey’s eyebrows pinch. “Don’t even ask,” I mutter starting to move towards the door, but the blonde emerges from the hallway and Lacey’s attention shifts.

“Fuck me, I think I’m gonna be sick,” she mutters under her breath. “Is that the friend?” she questions but it seems like she already knows the answer. “My brother is a God damn moron. He will never fucking learn,” she breathes out.

The girl bounces up and offers a small wave. “Hey, Lacey. It’s been a while,” she smiles brightly like she just won a contest.

“Jessica,” Lacey replies through gritted teeth.

“I gave X. the box of cookies. He was super excited. Anyway, I gotta run,” she turns and slips out before any of us can utter another word.

“I hate that bitch,” Lacey seethes as soon as she disappears.

“I’m not a big fan either,” I grin and we both break into laughter. “So, why do you hate her so much?” I ask once we’ve both settled.

“God, how much time do you have?” she starts. “She was Xavier’s high school girlfriend, but she left town for college and broke his heart. Now she comes back around whenever she feels like having a little fun, and he falls for it every time,” she offers.

“Did you ever think that maybe he’s the one having a little fun?” Stone questions with a rough laugh and Lacey’s eyes roll.

“Sounds like you're all having a good time out here,” X. appears, moving towards the bar with the box of cookies gripped in his large hands. “What’s so funny?” he asks.

“Girl stuff,” Lacey replies.

“Okay, I get it...none of my fucking business. But who’s gonna break it to Stone that he’s part of the girl’s club?” he grins, stepping behind the bar and setting the box down to rest on the surface before lifting the lid. “Thanks for the cookies, Lace. You know they’re my fuckin’ favorite.” I watch her smile back. It’s obvious that they have an amazing sibling bond.

“So, what’s up with Jess?” I hear her question softly as she gets closer to the bar, resting her elbows against the wood.

“Not your fuckin’ concern,” he growls and she stands back up, lifting her arms in defense.

“Hey, don’t bite my head off. I’m just trying to look out for my big brother,” her voice is louder this time.

“Lace, I know what you’re doing and you need to stop,” his deep voice gives a clear warning and she steps away from the bar. She glances back at me and tips her head towards the door. I move silently across the room, following her lead towards the exit.

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