Sixes & Sevens (Seven Hearts Book 1)
Page 21
“I’m fine, Marc. What happened with you today?” Jaycee was touched by his concern, but she didn’t feel like reliving the day again. Instead, she was dying to know why her usually confident collected Marc looked harassed beyond his limit.
“Nothing you’re thinking beautiful. Just nosy people not knowing their boundaries. I’m sure you can relate,” he said, offering her a consolatory smile.
“That’s true, but are you sure that’s all?” she pushed.
“No. I really missed you. I still have two days until I get my day with you…it seems like forever.” Marc sighed dramatically.
Jaycee reached down to take his hand. “It’s not that long and we can spend our evenings together.”
“By evenings, do you mean nights?” Marc asked hopefully.
“About that, I know we’ve already started randomly, but I was thinking it might be less confusing if I stayed the night with whoever’s day it was the next day,” Jaycee said, biting her bottom lip.
“What about those of us who already had our day?” Sean pouted.
Jaycee let out a short laugh. “Well there are plenty more days between Garrett and Jonathan’s days. I’m sure Garrett would be happy to let one of you take his night, right Garrett?” Jaycee called into the dining room, where Garrett was busy setting the table. A loud grunt was his only response.
“See? He’s fine with it.” Jaycee laughed.
“Right.” Sean chuckled.
“Well, I guess I’ll look forward to Friday night then.” Marc raised the hand Jaycee wasn’t already holding to caress the side of her face.
Garrett poked his head into the room. “I’d like to know more about what happened at the grocer’s today,” he said gruffly.
“I know, but would you all mind if I didn’t go into it? I’m sure Sean could tell you everything after I go to sleep,” Jaycee offered.
“Sure,” Sean said agreeably.
Lee smirked. “Tonight is my night, if we go by Jaycee’s new schedule. Which I fully approve of.”
“You would,” Sean playfully huffed. Jaycee shook her head as she smiled.
Dinner had come to be one of Jaycee’s favorite parts of the day. She got to talk with all the guys about their days, and learn more about what made them tick. While her days, and now nights were devoted to learning them as individuals, she could get to learn their social dynamic seeming them interact. Sean and Jonathan shared a special bond as adopted brothers, but Jonathan was also close to Lee. Probably due to their positions as authority figures. Teasing Sean was a favorite past time of Alec’s, but they seemed to truly be close as they had many interests in common, including gaming. Although they seemed a mismatched pair, Garrett and Marc held a tight bond. Jaycee suspected it was due to their independent nature, but fierce protective sides. They often saw eye to eye on large ideals, even if their daily lives couldn’t be further apart.
As the night wore down, Jaycee excused herself to change for bed. Lee led her to his room upstairs. She remembered seeing the inside the night before…but it was nice to be formally invited inside. “You can take your time getting ready for bed. We’re going to go over the day’s events before we hit the sack.” Lee brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “You don’t have to wait up if you’re tired.”
“It’s okay, I want to!” she insisted.
“Suit yourself, little flower.” Smiling, he turned to head downstairs, closing the door behind him. By now, Jaycee had grown accustomed to taking her duffle with her around the house. She’d packed fresh clothes, leaving her dirty clothes in the laundry room in the basement. Sean had showed her the way, there was a hidden door off the living room/dining room wall that led down. The basement was finished off, but nothing spectacular had been done there, not like the rest of the house.
Lee addressed the group in the living room, after Sean recounted the events of the day. “We need to step up our game. Jaycee’s foster family isn’t going to give up that easily. They know she’s at UEM now, so there’s really no point in trying to hide her. Eventually, they’ll figure out she’s living off campus, and it wouldn’t take much to follow her home.”
“Should we keeping monitoring her dorm?” Sean asked.
“It would probably be a waste of time now,” Garrett said.
“He’s right, we’re better off trying to stick close to Jaycee, instead of stretching our resources,” Lee agreed.
“We still haven’t registered her change of address with the administration, that should help delay them for a bit,” Jonathan reminded them.
“While that’s true, I’m not sure that’s the route they would take anymore. They did send Roger, instead of coming themselves,” Marc said through his teeth, slamming his fist down on the sofa.
“Marc makes a good point. Is it really safe for her to remain here? We really don’t know anything about these people. The things Jaycee has told us weren’t great, but they didn’t give us much insight into how determined they are to keep her. We don’t even know if Roger acted on his own.”
“Even if he did, there’s a chance he could try again. Instead of focusing on what ifs, let’s focus on helping Jaycee. If we get her well-adjusted here, it’s going to be much easier for her to stay if this becomes an all-out battle,” Lee said firmly. “Alec, I’m going to put you in charge of coordinating everyone’s schedules. We need to make sure one of us is there to escort Jaycee between her classes starting Monday. Sean, I want you to monitor Roger’s movements; if you see anything suspicious, keep us informed.”
“We should probably head to bed; you have someone waiting for you,” Garrett said, smiling lazily, remembering his own night with her.
“Right you are! Meeting adjourned.” Lee clapped his hand on Marc’s shoulder in reassurance. They would keep Jaycee safe at any cost. Lee wouldn’t take any new jobs until this matter was resolved. It would leave him time to be Jaycee’s shadow. Aside from the class he taught, his schedule would be open. They had enough funds saved, they really didn’t need to take any jobs. Lee refused to live a life of leisure, he planned on serving his community as long as he was able.
Lee headed to his bedroom with his heart in his throat. It wasn’t the same type of adrenaline rush as heading into battle, but it was thrilling none the less. Tonight, he would get to hold Jaycee in his arms. He was trying not to imagine anything happening between them. The idea was to let Jaycee call the shots, but his body hadn’t been informed of the plan. Being a red blooded male, he couldn’t stop his mind from imagining the possibilities. Feeling Jaycee beside him in bed would be a type of exquisite torture, but one he’d gladly experience every night. The lights were turned out in his room, but the blinds were open. The moonlight allowed Lee to see Jaycee’s figure laying in his bed. A goofy grin splashed across his face, he was tickled pink at the sight of her in his bed. Throwing his shirt on the floor, Lee assessed Jaycee’s breathing to determine if she was asleep. Standing beside the window, Lee faced his side of the bed.
Jaycee kept her breathing slow and deep. She knew it was wrong to feign sleep, but for some reason her brain told her it was the right move. Lee had observed her for a moment, to check if she was out cold, he grabbed a pair of sleep shorts to change. Surely he would step into the bathroom, but Jaycee’s heart almost stopped as his hands reached for the waistband of his jeans. Oh my God! He was going to change with her in the room!!! From the angle he stood, Jaycee knew if her eyes stayed only slightly open, her lashes would hide her gaze. It was so wrong, and she was so bad…but she couldn’t help herself. Not only was she extremely attracted to him, and therefore dying to see more of his body, she also was more than a little curious to see the rest of his tattoos.
The ripple of jeans unzipping broke the silence in the room. Jaycee stared unabashed, as Lee hooked his fingers under his jeans, slowly sliding them to the floor. He was a boxer-briefs man, and they left little to the imagination. Jaycee could see his tight ass as he bent down to retrieve his pants. His thighs were corded with th
ick muscles, but the sight that held her immobile was the thick long bulge of his cock. Jaycee forgot to breathe, hell she forgot how to breathe! He was magnificent! Her mouth had been dry before as she waited for him to undress, but now it flooded with moisture as she imagined sleeping with him pressed against her.
Her guys ruined her for all other men, who could compare to them? Not that she was looking, she hadn’t intended to find anyone really, but the guys found her. Instead of being angry at the distraction, she was grateful for their guidance, but right now…she was entranced. Lee’s fingers grazed the waistband of his only remaining clothing. Her fingers balled into fists gripping the sheet beneath her as if it was her lifeline. Her heart pounded so loud, she feared he could hear it across the room! Lee sauntered to the bed, his fingers still hanging onto the band with the lightest touch. She was going to hell for sure, but what a way to go!
Lee moved so fast, his form was a blur! He whipped the covers away, pulled her under him, and pressed his lips to her ear. “You can stop pretending to be asleep now, Jaycee. If you want to see me naked, all you have to do is ask.” Even the tips of her ears flushed as his warm breath hit her ear, and his words registered in her lust-filled brain. He had known the whole time! She should have felt ashamed, but instead she felt liberated. Lee wasn’t afraid to show her his body and he wasn’t mad that she’d peeked. Jaycee’s pulse still hammered away, but her nerves were comforted.
The guys might not have wanted her to see Alec running buck naked through the house, but Lee didn’t seem opposed to giving her a private show, not that she’d take him up on the offer. It was tempting, but she hadn’t fallen that far…yet. Her lack of skills with the opposite sex had been one of the many drawbacks of having removed herself from the social scene after her father’s incarceration. Jaycee had advanced by leaps and bounds in that department in the last few days. With her pulse often running its own private marathon, it would be a miracle if she didn’t wind up with high blood pressure, or some other ailment. Deciding to play coy, Jaycee feigned waking up.
“Oh Lee, you’re back!” she said, faking a sleepy yawn, but wound up laughing as Lee attacked her sides with tickles. Her laughter was joyful and pure, but her squirming was causing other sides effects…less pure. Her clothes were askew; her nightgown was rising dangerously high up her thighs. Breathing was hard in between fits of laughter, Jaycee wound up clinging to Lee. She yanked on his arm, hoping to block any more attacks, but instead Lee lost his balance losing the last remaining space between them. The tickling had stopped as the moment grew heavy with tension. Her hand slid down between them attempting to yank her nightgown back down to its proper place, but Lee’s hand found hers, stalling her.
“Jaycee.” Her name on his lips felt so right. Lee’s hand remained on top of hers, but the tips of his fingers brushed her upper thigh. Lazily, his thumb drew circles on her skin, causing her to break out in goosebumps. Jaycee opened her mouth to speak, but words failed her. Thoughts raced through her mind, but none of them stayed long enough to be vocalized. She tried to imagine herself kissing Lee as she had Garrett, but she couldn’t act on it. Lee, while wonderful and kind, was also a little intimidating. He was a solider, he’d seen things—done things—she couldn’t even imagine. Bravery failed her, but the feel of his fingers on her sensitive flesh fed a place deep inside her. No, she wouldn’t—couldn’t—take the lead with Lee, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t follow his every command.
“Your skin’s so soft. Little Flower…it really is the perfect name for you, you’re like velvet here.” Lee’s hand slid off her own, traveling slightly further up her leg, and more inwardly. Her breaths were coming in pants now, but she didn’t notice. She couldn’t see or feel anything beyond him. Beyond what he was doing to her. His touch was far from innocent, but he didn’t reach for her most secret places either. He merely set her skin aflame, and watched a fire burn behind her eyes. If he didn’t say something soon, she’d be reduced to a pile of ash.
Lee felt the fire himself, he was using all his willpower not to run his hand further up her thigh, but he respected her. He refused to rush whatever was building between them. He pushed his wanton thoughts away, and focused on Jaycee. Her skin was prickled with gooseflesh, her eyes were wide, and her mouth parted slightly. Rather than steal the kisses he longed for, Lee lowered his lips to her neck placing soft kisses along the muscle that ran from her skull to her collarbone. Jaycee gasped as his soft lips touched her skin. She moaned soft and low, causing his hand to still, while he absorbed the sound. She was a goddess in his arms, he didn’t deserve her, but he wasn’t planning on giving her up either. Lee didn’t turn away gifts from above, so instead, he feasted upon her supple skin.
“Oh Lee!” Jaycee cried softly. His name on her lips touched him, but the breathy way she said it bathed his blood in lust. He needed to pull back, he needed to find a way to resist taking things further. His tongue flicked out to taste her skin, ah…she tasted so sweet. No. He shook his head, and rolled her on top of him. Maybe the reversal of positions would bring him some respite. Owl eyes looked back at him from Jaycee’s face. He’d startled her.
“Sorry, little flower, but you’re innocent, and I don’t want to push you too far. Lie on my chest a moment. We should catch our breath.” Lee closed his eyes, and wrapped his arms around her as she placed her head into the nook of his shoulder. She fit perfectly against him, like she was created just for him. Lee hadn’t minded sharing her affections, but he relished any time alone with her. He would always put the needs of the other guys before his own, but Jaycee wanted to be with him too, and her needs came first.
“You’re not pushing me. I’m sorry I pretended to be asleep,” she offered.
“No, you’re not, but it’s okay. I enjoyed your eyes on me.” Lee comforted her.
“I do have one question though…,” Jaycee mentioned.
“What’s that?” he asked.
“You said you had other tattoos…but I didn’t see any,” Jaycee stated.
“They’re still hidden beneath my shorts. I could show you, but I wouldn’t want you to die of shock,” Lee teased her, placing a soft kiss on her temple.
“Oh I promise I wouldn’t,” Jaycee replied before thinking it through, causing Lee to rumble with laughter, which shook her body and his.
“Another time, little flower. You have plenty of time to learn my secrets. I’m not going anywhere.” Reassuring her would be a constant job, but he didn’t mind.
“Good. I rather like you Lee.” She admitted, glad the darkness hid her blush.
“I like you too,” he said softly.
His words warmed her heart, but her courage still failed her. Her lust had abated while they spoke, but one desire remained. “Would you grant me a request?”
“Anything,” he said, meaning it wholeheartedly.
“Would you…,” Jaycee faltered, not sure she could ask for what she wanted.
“Show me what you want,” Lee requested, hoping she wouldn’t back out. Jaycee smiled shyly, raising her hand. She lightly touched his lips with the smooth tip of her pointer finger. Pulling her finger back, she pressed it to her own, looking nervous.
“Done,” Lee said lowering his head, he placed a chaste kiss on her lips. Pausing only a second to relish the softness of her skin there. Sighing, Jaycee placed her chin on his chest and stared dreamily into his eyes. “You better sleep now, little flower. Tomorrow morning we have to get up early. I’m taking you to my self-defense class. I want you to know how to protect yourself if you ever find yourself alone with Roger again. Not that I plan on letting that happen, but we can’t control everything. I’d rather know you will be safe.”
“Okay, and Lee?” Jaycee squirmed on top of him, causing Lee minor discomfort as he fought an erection. A guy could only take so much and his control, while vast, was waning quickly.
“Yes?”
“You really are beautiful. I’m glad you aren’t mad at my peeking.” Jaycee pulled the
covers up to cover them both. Effectively ending the conversation.
“Good night, Jaycee,” he whispered into her hair.
“Good night, Lee,” she answered on a sigh.
Propinquity (proximity, nearness)
January 8, 2016
The night passed quickly, and like always, Jaycee slept like the dead. Lee woke Jaycee with a kiss on her forehead early in the morning. After a round of showers—and a quick breakfast with the guys—Lee bundled Jaycee into his car. Jaycee was nervous, she didn’t know what you needed for self-defense, but she didn’t think she had it in her. Lee would have his work cut out for him. When they arrived on campus, Lee directed Jaycee to an old gymnasium. Several women were already loitering around, waiting for class to begin. Jaycee noticed they also had worn yoga outfits under their winter coats.
Lee lead the class like he would any day, except he couldn’t help giving Jaycee side glances to see if she was following along. He started the class by going over basic principles, like how to avoid a dangerous position, and how to spot unsafe areas or situations. The class didn’t change dramatically from day to day because the roster was constantly changing. There were some women who came every week like clockwork, while others may have shown up only once. Wanting to make sure each woman left with the basics to defend herself, Lee set up the class to repeat the basics at the beginning. They talked about confidence, and paying attention to your surroundings. Then they would go into different situations and how to protect yourself.
Observing the class during a practice session, Lee couldn’t help but focus on Jaycee. Some of the girls were here at the request of a family member, or to ensure their safety in the future. Jaycee, on the other hand, was plagued by an immediate threat. She also was rather uncoordinated, shy, and not at all assertive enough. Sean had relayed her bravery from when Roger had attacked, but she still hadn’t been able to get to safety until Sean rescued her. It wasn’t good enough, she needed to be ready. Deciding she needed more one on one training, Lee assigned the class partners. Leaving Jaycee to work with himself. Even if he didn’t know her personally, he would have chosen the least effective person to work with one on one. Sadly, in this case, that was Jaycee.