Page 80 of Beautiful Scars

Wolf's eyes crinkle at the corners. "Smart girl. Yeah, exactly that kind."

We fall into comfortable silence as they continue working. The protein bar settles my stomach, and the nightmare feels further away with each passing minute.

"You know," Chase says after a while, his deep voice surprisingly soft. "It's good having you here. Place feels less... I don't know. Heavy."

"What he means is it's nice having someone around who can put Z in a good mood," Wolf adds with a grin.

I find myself smiling back, genuine this time. "Well, thank you. I guess."

Their easy banter washes over me as they finish up the schedules.

"You should try to get some more sleep," Chase says eventually, gathering up the papers. "A lot going on over the next few days."

The reminder of what's coming sends a fresh wave of anxiety through me, but I nod. "Yeah, probably should."

"Hey." Wolf's voice stops me as I stand. "We've got your back, okay? No matter what happens."

I swallow hard against the sudden tightness in my throat. "Good night."

I climb back upstairs, my feet dragging against the carpet. The conversation with Wolf and Chase left me feeling oddly lighter, despite everything. My bed welcomes me back, sheets cool against my skin, and before I can spiral into thoughts about Levi's arrival, sleep claims me.

Sunlight streams through unfamiliar curtains when I open my eyes. The clock reads 12:07 PM and I bolt upright. I never sleep this late. Ever. Never more than a few hours at a time. But here, in this strange house full of dangerous men, I've somehow managed the deepest sleep I can remember.

The house buzzes with activity when I venture downstairs. Voices and footsteps echo from different rooms, along with the occasional power tool whirring. The smell of something amazing cooking draws me toward the kitchen. Again.

Z and Jayce work in perfect sync, moving around each other like they've done this a thousand times. Z chops vegetables while Jayce stirs something on the stove that makes my mouth water. They're mid-conversation, both grinning.

"Man, you should've seen his face when Wolf told him the security system was voice-activated." Jayce laughs, adding spices to whatever he's cooking.

"Chase actually believed that?" Z shakes his head, sliding diced peppers into a bowl.

"For like ten solid minutes. Kept trying different voice commands."

Something in my chest aches watching them. Their easy friendship, the inside jokes, the comfortable silence between words—it's something I've never really had. Even Jade, as close as we are, only knows the carefully edited version of my life I've allowed her to see.

Z spots me hovering in the doorway and his whole face lights up. "Look who finally decided to join the land of the living."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to sleep so late."

"Are you kidding? I'm glad you finally got some rest." He waves me over. "You've got to try this soup Jayce is making. He thinks he's some kind of master chef."

"Iama master chef, thank you very much." Jayce holds up a spoon. "Here, taste this and tell Z he's wrong."

I take a careful taste. The soup explodes with flavor on my tongue—rich and spicy and perfect. "Oh wow."

"See?" Jayce points the spoon at Z triumphantly.

"Speaking of cooking," Z says in a serious tone, "did I mention that you are standing in the presence of someone who burned water?"

"Z!" My cheeks heat up. "That was one time."

"She set off the smoke alarm. Boiling water. Just water."

"How do you even..." Jayce stares at me in mock horror.

"I got distracted! And anyway, I do just fine without cooking."

"Oh yeah?" Jayce raises an eyebrow. "How's that?"

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