Page 38 of Ours to Keep

“Morning,” I reply, my voice breathy as I join him at the table. Thankfully, the sweet bergamot aroma calms some of my frayed edges.

I bring the tea to my lips and inhale softly before taking a sip, perfect.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Are you hungry?” he asks. This time, my mind doesn’t wander, and I consider saying no, but I also know I need to try at least and eat something.

“I can make you some dippy eggs,” he offers.

“Dippy eggs,” I repeat.

He smiles. “Yeah, comfort food,” I swear, his cheeks warm.

“That actually sounds nice, thank you.”

“I’m glad you think so, it’s one of my few staples,” he says with a boyish grin andpushes to his feet, and I watch as he walks towards the kitchen.

I glance around. “Where’s Jackson?”

“He’s speaking to Tommy. They’ll all be back soon.”

I nod, taking another sip of tea, the warmth spreading through me. I watch Elliot move around the kitchen, the sight of him so domesticated it almost feels surreal. But my thoughts soon drift back to Mia. I can’t shake the feeling of unease. The need to see her in the flesh to know she’s safe, the uncertainty gnawing at me.

“Here you go.” Elliot’s voice pulls me back to the present. He places a plate before me, two egg cups with two dippy eggs and toasted soldiers. I offer him a small smile.

“Thank you,” I say softly, picking up a soldier and dipping it into the yolk. The familiar taste brings a small comfort.

Elliot sits across from me, his rich brown eyes watching me intently.

“I know things are all over the place right now, but you’re not alone. You know that, right? We’re all here for you.”

I nod, grateful for his words but unable to fully absorb them. I take another bite, but suddenly, the simple act of eating feels like an immense task. But sitting across from Elliot, I knowhe’s right and that, for the first time, I’m no longer alone.

After finishing my breakfast, it’s not long before Jackson, River, and Tommy enter the living room. Their combined presence settles over me like a security blanket. It’s brief but welcome.

Jackson approaches me first. “I want you and Tommy on the road sooner rather than later,” he says, taking my hand in his. “Are you ready to go, Duchess?”

I glance at each man surrounding me and give a soft nod. “Yes, I just need to grab my stuff from my room.”

“On it,” River says, disappearing into the room.

I swallow, my nerves getting the best of me, and squeeze my eyes closed.

Jackson palms my cheek, causing my eyelids to flutter open. “If you weren’t at risk, I’d have you stay with us, all of us. You know that, right?”

His face contorts with a mix of emotion, showing the truth in his words.

“I do,” I reply.

“You’ll have a burner phone and a tablet, so you’ll be able to speak to any of us at any given time, including Avery.”

“Thank you.” My words are barely above a whisper at his thoughtfulness.

And then he brings his lips to the shell of my ear. “I promise we’ll get Mia home to you safe, and he will pay.”

His eyes move to my lips, a moment of indecision I don’t allow him to make. I go up on my tiptoes, my hand moving to the back of his neck, and I pull him to me until his mouth meets mine.He reacts immediately, taking control of the kiss, unhurried and yet possessive, before he reluctantly releases me.

River returns with my holdall and vanity, and I find myself in front of Elliot, whose expression is almost haunted. He hesitates before gently pulling me into a hug, and I melt into his body, inhaling his now-familiar scent. His warm breath skates over the shell of my ear as he whispers, “We won’t rest until we find them, sweetheart. You have my word.”

---