Page 27 of Rule
“Okay.”
Together, they help me to the bathroom, supporting me as I shower and dress, which is completely unnecessary, but I appreciate the thought.
"Thank you, all of you," I say with gratitude as I stand in the center of my protectors, each one devoted to my well-being.
"Always," Hugo promises.
"Is there anything else you need, baby girl?" Max asks, his deep voice filled with genuine concern as he tucks a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
“Food and maybe more sleep.” I fall onto the bed, lean back on the pillows, and close my eyes.
"Rest, sweetheart," Miles says softly, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead. "We'll watch over you and feed you when you wake."
Smiling, I drift into sleep, knowing they will protect me from everything. Even themselves, when they feel it necessary.
* * *
The next morning, I wake up with a clear head and a heart filled with love for my men. The familiar smell of coffee wafts through the air, and I make my way to the kitchen, where Max and Adam are cooking breakfast.
"Hey, there," Max greets me with a warm smile. "Feeling better?"
"Yes, thank you. You guys didn't have to do this."
"But we wanted to," Adam adds, his hand on Max's shoulder.
Hugo and Miles join us, their eyes softening as they see me.
"Good morning, beautiful," Hugo says, kissing me on the forehead.
"Morning," I reply, leaning up to press a kiss to his lips. "Thank you for last night."
He nods, his expression serious. "I meant it when I said there wouldn't be a next time."
"I know," I say softly. "And I respect that, but know we can talk about it, okay?"
He nods but says nothing.
Focusing on the present moment, we sit down to eat breakfast together, laughing and chatting like any other day. But there's an undercurrent of tenderness and understanding between us that wasn't there before.
After breakfast, we spend the day together, taking a walk in the park, watching a movie at home, and cuddling together on the couch.
As night falls, we gather in bed together, our bodies entwined as we fall asleep in each other's arms. It's moments like these that make me grateful for our unconventional relationship – the trust and love we share is unlike anything I've ever experienced before.
There is so much coming that we need to be prepared for, now is the perfect moment to take a step away from Origin and the coming coup, and reminders of Beth and Caitlin, to just be us.
ChapterSeventeen
Tristan
Staring into Scarlet's dark eyes, my heart pounds with love and longing. The light filters through the large windows of my parent's stately home, casting a warm glow on her delicate features. We sit close together on the couch, our hands entwined, the intimacy between us notable.
"Scarlet," I say softly, unable to contain my emotions any longer. “Thank you for doing this.”
“Of course,” she replies, squeezing my hand. “I want to help her, if she’ll let me.”
"Raven’s in the informal living room." I stand up, offering my hand to Scarlet. She takes it without hesitation, and we walk together down the hallway to the room where the TV is, and you can just chill out. The rest of the house is like a museum, so this room is like a sanctuary.
As we approach the doorway, my nerves kick in. Introducing Scarlet to Raven is important - they are two of the most important people in my life, and their relationship will matter greatly to me. But I know that Raven has been struggling since the death of our older brother, and I worry about how she is living her life.
