by Sable, R. J.
“Yeah?” He looked over to me before focussing back on the road ahead.
“Do you really like Jason or are you just pretending to make me happy?” I cringed.
Ian barked out a rumbling laugh. “I like him, Jelly. You know I wouldn’t pretend.”
I nodded. “Do you think Mum and Dad would have liked him?” I asked, my voice quiet and uncertain.
I saw his eyes dart across to me before he answered. I wondered if he could tell how important this was to me.
He sighed. “Yeah, Jelly. I think they would.”
My spirits lifted somewhat at his words and I closed my eyes for a brief second, allowing myself to imagine what could have been.
“Mum would have loved him because he makes you happy. Dad would have made him work damn hard for his approval but he would have given it in the end because he’d have earned it.”
“Like you did?” I chirped, chancing a glance at his face in time to see him smirk.
“Something like that,” Ian chuckled.
We chatted about much lighter topics for the rest of our relatively short run: the twins’ antics, Grace’s adorableness, Jake’s much-improved mood. Things which were making our family so much better. It was nice to get some one-on-one time with the man who practically raised me. I tried to badger him about his personal life, specifically when he was going to settle down and stop wooing leggy blondes all over the United Kingdom but, as always, he brushed me off.
“You know what I do for a living, Jelly. There’s no place in my life for that. It’s not something I’m interested in and my sex life is not something I want to discuss with my little sister.”
I pursed my lips and bit back a reply because I could empathise. I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear about his sex life either. I shouldn’t have brought it up.
When we got back, I nabbed the shower on the ground floor and changed quickly into some white knit leggings and a long, over-sized, grey jumper. It had little reindeers stitched on it and was the sort of adorable you could only get away with wearing in the middle of winter.
“I packed you breakfast to go,” I greeted Ian with a zip-lock bag and a large thermos of coffee.
He’d redressed in his suit and I had to admit, he did look pretty sharp. Not that I’d tell him that. His ego would have exploded.
“Best sister ever,” he grinned, grabbing them and kissing my forehead before he strode out the door, exuding his usual confidence.
I took a second to enjoy the house in a moment of seldom found peace and quiet. The kitchen was usually a buzzing hive of activity and it felt almost wrong for it to be so quiet and empty.
As I closed my eyes to absorb the feeling, my hearing homed in on the faint sounds coming from down below. Apparently I wasn’t the only one awake. The noise sounded very much like somebody was making the punching bag their bitch.
I knew what I’d find before I opened the door and had come prepared. Craig was smashing the hell out of the poor punching bag. The frustration on his face could only mean one thing: something had happened with Matt.
I sat myself on the edge of the counter, knowing he needed to work through whatever had him so riled up.
“How long you been sitting there?” Craig asked, finally drawing himself away from the beaten-up bag.
“Not long,” I replied quietly. “I brought you breakfast.” I patted the worktop next to me and scooted over so he could see the mug of fruit tea and the peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
He managed a weak smile and grabbed a towel and a bottle of water from the fridge before lifting himself effortlessly onto the counter next to me.
I grabbed one of his hands to check that he hadn’t destroyed it, carefully inspecting each finger and knuckle in turn.
“I know better than to mess up my hands, Jelly,” Craig sighed heavily, pulling his hand away from me.
I kept quiet because I’d see him with swollen knuckles on several occasions. Specifically on occasions where he’d let Matt get to him. I kept quite as he downed the water. He was literally dripping with sweat. I figured he must have been at it at a while.
“Thanks.” He cocked his head in the direction of the sandwiches and I smiled in response.
I waited for him to chew his way through both of them before I attempted to talk to him. “You want to talk about it?” I asked softly.
He shrugged and took a sip of his tea.
“Something happen with Matt? Did you two fight?” I probed cautiously.
“We would have done if he’d had his way,” Craig sighed, cracking his knuckles against his chest.
“I’m sorry,” I frowned. “I hate that you two don’t get along.”
“Yeah, well,” he shrugged. “What ya gonna do.” He seemed so resigned and it hurt that their rivalry had lasted so many years. Deep down, I knew they cared for each other on some level, but there were too many years of bitter comments, bruised egos, and battered bodies to break through to it.
“Have you eaten breakfast?” Craig prompted, turning his attention to me.
“I had a protein shake after my run but I’m waiting for Jason to get up to eat properly.”
“Alright,” he eyed me suspiciously. “But promise me you’ll eat.”
“Yes, Craig,” I sighed melodramatically.
He nodded, satisfied that I’d acquiesced, and shuffled off the counter top. “A run sounds good about now. Think I’ll run to work.”
I bit my tongue because that was a good fifteen kilometres away and he’d just spent a while hitting the bag. Not to mention he’d be working a twelve-hour shift and probably hitting the gym after that. He seemed like he really needed it though and I knew exactly how much running therapy helped.
“Don’t work too hard, please,” I blinked up at him.
He chuckled half-heartedly and pulled me into a hug. He’d mostly dried off but he still smelt kind of ripe so I pushed him away and wrinkled my nose, prompting his chuckle to become more genuine.
“You’re such a girl,” he grinned.
“And you’re such a boy,” I retorted, glad to see him cheered up, even if it was only slightly.
“See you tomorrow, Jellybean.”
I watched him leave, waiting until he disappeared off the end of the driveway before closing the front door. The clock showed it was only half past seven. I didn’t think the others would be getting up any time soon since they knew Ian was at work so I shuffled back up to my room, figuring I could cuddle up with Jason until he woke up.
He looked delicious lying there naked with the quilt only barely covering him. I took a few extra seconds to ogle him without him knowing. Not that he minded. It was just nice to be able to do it without him smirking.
Grinning wickedly, I took my phone out my pocket and snapped a few shots of him. It was only fair, he had several of me in rather compromising positions. I figured I’d show them to him once he woke up and delete them if he minded but I doubted he would.
He didn’t awaken as I carefully climbed into bed with him after stripping down to my knickers and tank top. He murmured in his sleep and one arm draped over my stomach to pull me closer. His face nuzzled against the curve of my breast and I chuckled inwardly that he managed to be a perv, even in his sleep.
With his warm, even breath blowing across my skin, I was gently lulled back to sleep, perfectly contented to be in his arms.
Chapter 41
Wednesday, 27th December 2013
I awoke to Jason’s soft lips pressing warm, gentle kisses to my forehead. I smiled sleepily and rolled closer to him, nuzzling into his neck.
“Morning, little squirrel,” his husky voice chuckled.
“Morning,” I mumbled, snuggling closer.
“You’re very adorable in the mornings,” Jason murmured against my hair. “But that won’t get you out of trouble.”
“Why am I in trouble?” I pouted, drawing back slightly so that he received the full effect of my pout.
He tugged at the hem of my tank top. “If you’re
in our bed, you’re naked.”
“I was naked but then I went for a run with Ian and showered and stuff and-” I protested but Jason cut me off with an interruption-kiss.
“Those are the rules, little squirrel,” he whispered against the sensitive skin of my neck.
Smiling as he pulled me closer to him, I trailed my hands down his bare back, down to the firm mounds of his toned behind. He had a point; there were definitely advantages to bedroom nudity.
“Now, to decide on your punishment,” Jason smirked, his lips tracing the curve of my breast.
A needy whimper escaped my lips as his mouth ghosted over my nipples. I was seriously turned on and regretting the tiny amounts of clothing between us because it would increase the time it would take for him to get his hands on me by what would feel like an eternity.
True to form, my brothers had to ruin the moment. Jason and I both groaned in frustration when Matt called out my name before he knocked and opened the door. In all fairness, he’d progressed from just barging in to at least knocking in advance but it was still irritating.
“Time to get up,” he smirked, probably fully aware that he was interrupting and enjoying it immensely.
“Matt, you can’t just barge in here,” I scowled.
“Why the hell not?” He levelled me with his teacher-glare.
“What if I’d been naked!” I retorted. “I’m not a kid anymore.”
“Jesus, Jelly,” Matt scowled at me, probably preparing to go on a rant but I intercepted.
“What if we’d been having sex?” I challenged
“You wouldn’t be. Not under our roof.” His eyes narrowed into angry slits.
“Why not? Your bedroom backs onto mine, Matt. I have earplugs in my drawer for a reason. There can’t be one rule for me and another for you,” I continued.
I was well aware that Jason was watching me with amusement but I kept my gaze locked on Matt. He had a temper and even though I knew he didn’t want to hurt me, I knew that if I pissed him off enough, he’d lose it. I wasn’t worried, Jason wouldn’t let him within a foot of me but I didn’t want to put strain on the relationship between Matt and me.
“Fuck’s sake,” he muttered under his breath. “Point made.” He sighed deeply and turned his back to me. “Just come down and have breakfast.”
He slammed the door behind him and I turned to Jason in disbelief. He raised an amused eyebrow at me and I bit back a giggle.
“Well that was… interesting,” Jason smirked.
“To say the least,” I nodded my agreement. “I’m glad you didn’t have to tackle him in the nude.”
“Me too,” he grinned. “That crosses a line somewhere.”
I giggled and he scooped me out of bed and placed me the floor, letting me slide down his body. I landed on my tiptoes, my head angled up towards him. Looking into his green-blue eyes, I could see a devious smile burning back at me.
“What is it?” I eyed him suspiciously.
“I just decided what your punishment will be,” he grinned.
“What?” I asked, forcing back my smile with some difficulty. I was already imagining being bent over his knee.
He grabbed my wrists gently and pulled them away from their favourite place on his stomach. Pressing a kiss to each palm, he pinned my hands lightly behind my back and smirked as he dipped his head to kiss me.
“No touching me for the rest of the day.”
“What?” My smile dropped and was replaced by an expression of horror. I can’t not touch him. “But you love me touching you.”
“I do,” he nodded in agreement. “So think about that next time you break the rules.” He stepped away from me and pulled on a pair of grey jogging bottoms and a black sleeveless top.
“Jason,” I whined, following him out the door.
“Breakfast, little squirrel,” he smirked, dodging out of my reach and nipping down the stairs to the kitchen.
When I met him down there, he’d placed himself on the opposite side of the island and winked at me. I pouted at him and settled myself on the stool next to Jake.
“A bit late to be up, Jelly,” Jake smirked at me, giving me a one-armed hug from his perch next to me.
“I was up at six. I’ve already been for a run with Ian. What’s your excuse?” I smirked, swiping his tea so I could take a sip.
“Give that back,” he griped, removing the mug from my hands.
I smirked and let him take it, biting back a giggle at the way he was sulking. It was a bit of a role reversal for me to be taking food or drink from him but I figured it was only fair.
He grumbled under his breath and made a point of licking all the way around the edge of his mug.
Matt shook his head and looked at us as if we were five years old. “What you want for breakfast?”
“Whatever you fancy,” I smiled.
“Pancakes,” Jake answered.
“Omelette,” Jason smirked.
“Omelette sounds good,” Matt nodded, already opening the fridge.
“Where’s Adam?” Jake asked whilst we watched Matt moving around the kitchen.
“He said he needed to find a new job when he got back and the twins said they needed extra staff over the next week or two so he’s working at the gym,” I explained.
“Lame,” Jake sighed. “He kicks ass at GTA. I wanted to play.”
Jason and Matt exchanged a look and then focussed on Jake.
“What?” He grunted. “You’re both old.”
I giggled at the looks of horror on their faces and slapped Jake on the arm because somebody had to and it’d hurt less if I did it.
“I didn’t mean anything by it,” Jake sighed. “Just nice having somebody closer to my age around.”
“I’m closer to your age!” I protested.
“You suck at GTA,” he pointed out.
I sulked but it was true and I was secretly pleased that he got on with Adam. After breakfast, Matt felt he had a point to make and wanted to play GTA with Jake and “kick his scrawny arse.” Jason and I sat on the other side of the sofa and watched them play.
They were barely even aware we were in the room as they focussed on the TV. Making sure their attentions were securely on the screen, I snuggled closer to Jason and pulled my phone from my pocket.
“No touching,” he reminded me with a smirk.
I pouted but did as I was told. This was the worst punishment yet; I hated not being allowed to touch him.
“You’re cruel,” I complained.
“You’re the one that broke the rule,” he grinned, tracing his fingers lightly down my arm.
I scowled but was at least grateful that he was still touching me.
“I need to show you something,” I bit my lip and looked up at him through my lashes.
“Oh?” He prompted, smiling at the mischievous expression on my face.
I nodded and opened the photo album on my phone to show him my sneaky morning snaps. “I hope you don’t mind,” I smiled.
Jason spent a few seconds looking at the first picture and then chuckled, handing me his own phone. I entered the code to unlock it and he opened his own photo album. The first picture was obviously me asleep that very morning.
“Great minds think alike,” he laughed.
“They do,” I chuckled. “Can I keep them then?”
“Maybe, let me just make sure I’m not drooling in any of them,” he grinned, swiping his way through the pictures.
I took the opportunity to check out the pictures he’d taken of me. Many of them were of the adult variety but there were so many that I didn’t even realise he’d taken. Pictures of me sat with a big mug of hot chocolate, or with a whisk and a mixing bowl. There was a picture of me sparing with Craig and one sat next to Jake whilst we solved Sudoku together. He’d captured so many beautiful moments and I looked completely content in all of them. I turned to thank Jason but was knocked off course by the stern expression on his face.
“Jason, what’s wrong?�
�� I whispered quietly, not wanting Matt or Jake to overhear.
“Jamie, where did you get this?” He asked, his jaw locked. He held up my phone and showed me a picture.
It took me a few seconds to recognise the shot. “Oh, that. It’s just that pic Xander sent me in case I saw the guy again,” I grinned. “Were you jealous I had pictures of other men?” I teased him, hoping to coax a smile.
“Something like that,” he frowned, his eyes still focussed on my phone.
I slipped it out of his hands and handed him back his own. I didn’t know what was going through his mind but I wanted to put him at ease. I knew he’d said I wasn’t allowed to touch him but I sensed he needed it so I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tight.
“Jason, what’s wrong?” I asked tentatively. “You’re scaring me a bit.” He’d remained still and hadn’t said a word in over five minutes. His body was stiff and ungiving and I genuinely couldn’t figure out what had happened.
He sighed and I felt him relax fractionally. “Nothing, baby. I’m sorry. Come here, will you?” He pulled me into his lap and held me close. I could feel the unusually fast beating of his heart against my chest.
I ran my fingers through his hair in an attempt to soothe him but it seemed to have little effect.
“You know I love you, right?” He prompted, his eyes scanning my face.
“Of course I do,” I smiled.
“And you know I’d never intentionally do anything to hurt you?”
I nodded and he sighed again, pulling me back into him. “I don’t understand, Jason.”
“It’s nothing, baby. I just needed to hear that.”
“Okay,” I said uncertainly.
“I have to nip out and do something. Can I borrow Berty?” He asked, forcing a smile.
“Um, sure. Jason, is everything alright?” I asked. He looked so sad and concerned.
“Yeah, little squirrel. It will be, I just need to sort something. I’ll meet you at Alex’ house later, okay?”
“Okay,” I nodded cautiously. “I love you.”
“I love you too, little squirrel,” he smiled more genuinely this time. He kissed me softly and disappeared off to wherever he was going.
“What’s up with loverboy?” Jake asked a good ten minutes later once they’d set their controllers down.