Page 104 of Jolt's Vengeance

As we work, the kitchen reminds me of a commercial one.

Sienna's at the stove, stirring a pot of soup with intense concentration.

Davina's chopping vegetables with the precision of a surgeon, while little Sorcha carefully measures out ingredients for the cranachan.

"So," Sienna says, bumping her hip against mine as we work side by side. "Things seem pretty serious with you and Jolt now."

I feel a blush creeping up my neck. "Yeah, I guess they are."

"You guess?" She raises an eyebrow. "The man looks at you like you hung the moon. And don't think I haven't noticed how you light up around him."

I bite my lip, focusing intently on mashing the potatoes. "It's... complicated. But good. Really good."

Sienna's voice softens. "I'm happy for you, Aggie. You deserve someone who makes you smile like that."

I glance over my shoulder, catching a glimpse of Jolt through the kitchen doorway.

He's listening intently to something my da is saying, his brow furrowed in concentration.

As if sensing my gaze, he looks up, flashing me that crooked grin that never fails to make my heart race.

"Yeah," I murmur, turning back to my task with a smile. "I think I found a good one."

The scent of cinnamon and cloves fills the air as Sorcha and I work on the desserts.

My little sister's tongue pokes out slightly in concentration as she carefully finishes measuring out ingredients for the cranachan.

"Aggie," she whispers, eyes wide with excitement, "d'you think Jolt likes Scottish puddings?"

I can't help but chuckle. "I'm sure he'll love anything you make, wee one."

Hours pass in a flurry of chopping, stirring, and laughter.

Finally, Mum calls out, "All right, troops! Dinner's ready!"

We file into the dining room, a parade of steaming dishes in our hands.

Jolt jumps up to help, his fingers brushing mine as he takes a platter.

That simple touch sends a shiver down my spine.

"Looks amazing," he murmurs, his deep green eyes locked on mine.

As we settle around the table, the conversation flows as freely as the wine.

I can't help but notice how my da keeps engaging Jolt, asking about his work with the club, his plans for the future.

There's an approving glint in Da’s eye that warms my heart.

Curious, I turn to my stepfather. "Da, have you known Vader for long? Before all this, I mean."

Grim nods, taking a sip of his whiskey. "Aye, the Deathstalkers have been allies of the club for years now. We've crossed paths a time or two."

Mum lets out a laugh, shaking her head. "It's a small world, isn't it? Who would have thought one of the Vegas prospects would be a Deathstalker's little brother?"

I feel Jolt tense slightly beside me, and I lay a hand on his thigh under the table.

He relaxes at my touch, flashing me a grateful smile.

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