Page 19 of Falling for Her Protector

*Are you coming home tonight?

*What’s up...where are you?

But then, they quickly turn into a bunch of filthy fucking emojis. Peach...eggplant...water spray. These guys are dicks. How the fuck did they know? Shit, these all came in after three. Lacey must’ve told Mikey. Fuck. I ignore the texts and stomp a path back to the kitchen.

“Hey, Lace. Did you really have to tell the whole club?” I growl in annoyance. What happened last night between me and Vanessa is my fucking business, not my sister’s.

I watch Vanessa’s eyes go wide as she takes in my change in demeanor. I’m not pissed at her, just my sister and her inability to keep her fucking mouth shut.

“I only told Mikey,” she shrugs and Vanessa’s face flushes a deep pink. I step closer and drop my lips to her ear.

“It’s okay, baby. No one will say shit to you, they all know better. I have to head back over to the clubhouse to deal with some business, but I want to see you later,” I tell her and she nods.

“Lace, are you working the late shift again tonight? Can you drop Vanessa off on your way?” I ask.

“Sure. We’ll be out anyway. We’re going on the job hunt after I take a quick nap and shower, of course,” she smiles back.

“Wait! What?” I do a double take, looking back at Vanessa. “You’re looking for a job?” I question with surprise. I’m not really sure why this is bothering me, but hearing that she wants to find a job has me rattled. My mom has always had a job, and Lacey works, but I don’t like hearing that Vanessa is going to be out there, unprotected.

“Well, yeah. I mean, I can’t keep depending on you and Lacey for everything. I want to be able to support myself, or at least contribute around here,” she smiles. I feel my body tense in response. I don’t want her to worry about shit like that.

“Sweetheart, you don’t need to think about that right now. Maybe you should give yourself some time,” I try to keep my composure. I don’t want her to think I’m suddenly some controlling asshole just because we slept together.

“Actually, I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and I already know that it’s something that I want to do. I can’t just sit around here all day doing nothing. I need to feel normal again,” she stops quickly when her bottom lip starts to quiver. She doesn’t want me to see her get emotional, but she can’t hide it. I can feel it vibrating off of her. I lift my fingers to touch her chin.

“It’s okay. I just hate the thought of you out there alone, but I get it. I really do have to run, but I think we should talk more about this later,” I say and she nods. I hate to see her so fucking broken. I won’t pressure her, but I will definitely try to talk her into giving it a little more time. I bring my lips to hers, hoping to give her some sense of comfort before I turn towards the door.

13

The Next Step

Vanessa

My heart sinks a little as I watch Xavier leave. After everything, I honestly never thought I’d be able to feel the way he made me feel last night. I give myself an extra second to stare at the now closed door, before finally moving into the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee.

“Are you sure you don’t mind taking me out job hunting? You must be tired,” I say, feeling Lacey’s eyes on me.

“Is that all you have to say? Seriously?? You hooked up with my brother last night, and that’s all I get!” she gasps. Here it comes. I thought she was going to press me when X. disappeared to get dressed, but his return was quick and heated, and she never got the chance.

“Well, I really didn’t think you’d want to hear the details,” I laugh softly, feeling my skin flush.

“No, I don’t,” she cringes before continuing. “It’s just, I honestly can’t believe it...” she breathes.

“What do you mean?” the question slips out as I start to feel slightly offended.

“You do remember what I told you about him, right?” she asks and I nod, clearly remembering her warning about Xavier and his womanizing ways.

“How do I explain this?” she questions to herself, tapping her fingernails against the side of her coffee mug as she considers her words.

“Just tell me. I can take it,” I tell her, trying to sound strong and confident, meanwhile my stomach is twisting as I wait for whatever she’s about to say.

“It’s just...I know my brother. And I could tell from the way he was watching you that he wanted you, but he was fighting it because he didn’t want to hurt you more. I knew he wouldn’t be able to hold out for long, and I was right, but the look on his face this morning was something I’ve never seen. He was almost peaceful,” she shares, but I’m still confused.

“I’m not quite sure I’m getting what you’re trying to tell me,” I shrug.

“Never, and I truly mean it when I say, NEVER, has X. ever really stayed the night with a girl. Obviously, he’s shared a bed with plenty of them,” she says and I cringe. “Sorry,” she offers, catching my reaction, before continuing. “But staying the night isn’t in his skill set. He always goes back to his own bed at the clubhouse to sleep. And that’s his place, he sleeps alone. No one is ever invited to stay,” she informs me. I let her words fill my head, wondering what it could mean.

“But, what about his ex? She must’ve stayed,” I ask.

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