Page 48 of Triple Power Play 3
This piece of shit is why Jax tensed when I called him pretty. I figured as much, but it still hurts to think about. I struggle to accept what’s right in front of me. “You’re worried this person will come here. Is that why you won’t sleep?”
He cracks his knuckles. “Among other things.”
“Like what? Tell me, Jax!” My voice rises in frustration.
“Nightmares, okay?” He juts his chin, his nostrils flaring. “Now, can you leave me the fuck alone and go to bed?”
I hold his furious gaze. He’s hostile, defensive. If I don’t back off, he’ll bolt.
With the three of us and whatever Reece arranged, nobody is touching Aurora. I’ll send the text to Rocco and focus on it tomorrow. For now, Jackson is my priority.
“No. I love you, Jax. A threat against one of us is a threat against us all.” I return my fingers to his soft hair. “If you’re staying up, I’m staying up. If you have a nightmare, I’ll be there.”
22
REECE
Ethan and Jax grab their mattress, tip it upright, and knock the pillows and bedding onto the floor.
I lean against the wall of the bedroom, watching. I’m only here for moral support.
Well, not really. I’m waiting for these two idiots to attempt to get the king-size mattress through the doorway. They’re both smiling; I guess that’s all that matters.
Aurora peeks her head out of the bathroom and instantly grins. “What are you doing?”
“We’re having a slumber party,” Jax calls out.
They reach the door and exchange baffled glances, and she bursts into giggles.
I shake my head, but a smirk escapes me. “Bend the mattress, morons.”
What did I do with my years of tactical training? Helped two professional hockey players maneuver their bed into the living room so they could cuddle while one was having nightmares.
I haven’t seen anything this ridiculous since boot camp.
It’s sweet, though. I just wonder if Aurora knows they love each other, maybe as much as they love her.
Dumb and Dumber grunt, groan, and laugh as they push the curled mattress through the doorway. The top is wedged in the corner and scraping along the doorframe, but they don’t seem concerned. Who cares if the hotel charges you for a new mattress when you’re a millionaire? Billionaire, between the two of them?
Anything for Jackson.
The words cross my mind, but they’re not as bitter as before. He’s struggling, and they’ll do whatever it takes to get him through it. I can respect that.
Aurora joins me in watching the mattress fiasco. Long, dark waves cascade down over her shoulders. Her bare face reveals a dusting of freckles across her nose and cheekbones. She’s in shorts and one of their T-shirts, per usual, her little belly popping out.
She peers up at me, as beautiful as ever. “Are you staying for the sleepover?”
“Do you want me to?” My voice is lower and raspier than intended, but having her next to me does something to my insides.
“Only if you bring candy or popcorn.”
Those pouty lips curve into a flirtatious smile—intentional or not, I don’t know.
My chin dips and my eyes narrow. “You don’t even like candy.”
She gasps, feigning horror. “Not true. I like chocolate-covered peanuts.”
“Goobers,” Jax yells from the living room, always listening. “I’ll get candy. Grab the pillows.”
