~*CHAPTER 15*~
SERENITY
I settle Janine and Ebony after a few hours, and when they’re sleeping soundly, I sneak out of the room. I head downstairs, where Muff and Jackson are out front talking. Muff has his keys, and my heart leaps into my throat. One, he’s been drinking and two, I can’t make him go home after...everything that just happened.
Both men turn when I step outside, and I shiver, wrapping my arms around myself as a cold breeze washes over me. Jackson reaches out, gripping my arm and pulling me to his side. I snuggle into him, breathing him in and closing my eyes for a moment. Jackson feels good against me, just right. I tangle my fingers into his shirt and tug him closer.
“I’ll get goin’,” Muff says, his voice tired and slurry.
I snap my eyes open, and let go of Jackson. “No, you can’t go. Stay here.”
Both men give me an odd look.
“You can’t drive, for starters, and it’s late. Crash on the couch.”
Muff looks at Jackson, who shrugs. “Fine by me, I’d prefer you didn’t drive, you know that.”
“Sounds good,” Muff yawns. “I’m fucked.”
He walks over to me, leaning down to press a kiss to my lips. It’s feather soft, and sweet. “You did real well tonight, princess. I’ll remember it forever.”
“Yeah,” I whisper, leaning in and giving him a hug. “Me too.”
He holds me for a moment, and then pulls back. He winks at me, and disappears inside. Jackson pulls me back into his arms, and I sigh sleepily.
“Your friend and her baby ok?”
I nod into his chest. “Yeah.”
“She looks like she’s had a tough time.”
“She has, her husband is an asshole.”
He kisses the top of my head. “Well, she’s safe here.”
“I don’t suppose you’ve got room in your bed for me? I could stay in Addi’s room if not...”
“Always space in my bed, baby.”
I smile, and we both turn and walk inside. Jackson locks the door, and we both say goodnight to Muff, who is already half asleep on the couch. When we get to Jackson’s room, we both fall into the bed, sighing deeply.
“Don’t even try anything on,” I groan. “I’m dead.”
Jackson chuckles, and shoves his jeans off. “With ya there, darlin’.”
I roll under the sheets, groaning as the warmth spreads over me. Jackson slips in beside me, and pulls me into his arms. I rest my head on his chest, and close my eyes. They’re instantly heavy, and I’m asleep before I know it.
It’s been a long day.
~*~*~*~