Page 29 of Jax
I spent another hour or so out with the girls, and I had to admit that I enjoyed the simple pleasure of doing something with my hands, even if I took every opportunity to scan the area, trying to figure out where the cameras might not be able to see. Maddy and Bellamy seemed like polar opposites, but somehow they’d found a rhythm that worked for them. And I could feel them adjusting to fold me into that rhythm. A part of me longed to slip into the space they were creating for me.
After the job was done, I went into the kitchen to clean up and noticed movement on the back patio, along with the scent of grilling meat. Seeing an opportunity to further ingratiate myself with the household, I washed my hands quickly, grabbed a couple of glasses, filled them with ice and lemonade from the fridge, and headed out back.
The sun-warmed patio stones met my feet as I exited the back door with the glasses in hand. I felt domestic as hell, almost insultingly wholesome, even if it was just an act. Sully was stretched out in a chair near the grill, sunglasses pushed up in his curls, a grin half-formed even while relaxed. Deacon stood a few feet away, arms crossed as always, posture coiled tight enough to snap.
I held out the glasses. “Figured you two looked parched. Thought I’d play housewife for a minute.”
Sully accepted his with a low whistle. “Look at you, bringing refreshments. What’s next, an apron and a pie?”
I gave him my most demure smile. “If I start baking, you should worry.”
Deacon took his glass with a grunt that might’ve been a thank you. Or a warning. With him, it was hard to tell.
I sat on the edge of one of the stone benches, posture open, shoulders loose. Non-threatening, breezy. Like I hadn’t rehearsed this exact scene in my head a dozen times in the last thirty minutes. They chatted for a bit about storm proofing one of the sheds, and who was supposed to do it. I let their voices blur into the background texture, waiting for the right moment to steer the conversation without making it obvious I was doing it.
Then I saw my chance, after Deacon said something about having to disconnect the power to one of their security cameras to finish the work on the shed in question. I kept my tone light and unassuming as I spoke. “I was watching the cameras earlier, and I was curious. You guys use motion sensors, right? Not heat signatures?”
Sully paused mid-sip. “Depends on the camera.”
I made a thoughtful sound and nodded slowly, like that was just another piece of trivia I’d tuck away and never use. “They’re good though?” I asked, tone casual. “I mean, if someone came through the woods, would the system pick it up before they were in the yard?”
Deacon’s eyes lifted to mine, slow and deliberate.
“Every time,” he said.
“Wow. Impressive.” I smiled, tilting my head slightly. “Power grid’s reinforced, too?”
Deacon didn’t answer. But Sully did. “It is,” he said. “Surge-protected, backup generator, the works.”
I leaned back a little, letting my hands cradle the cool glass. “That’s good. I just… I’ve been thinking, you know? I keepflashing back to when they took me. It was so fast. No warning. It made me wonder if this place is really as secure as it feels.”
Sully’s eyes narrowed just a little. “You casing the place, or just curious?”
I blinked. Gave a quick, sheepish laugh. “Shit, sorry. That sounded sketchy, didn’t it?”
“It sounded like someone with a brain,” he said, but his voice held more amusement than suspicion.
I shrugged. “I’ve been jumpy since I got here. Probably normal, right?”
Sully nodded. “Sure. Normal. Especially when you’ve been through hell.”
That word—normal—tugged something loose in my chest. I didn’t let it show.
I sipped my lemonade and kept my voice light. “I guess I just hate not knowing where I am, you know? What’s around? How close the neighbors are. What kind of cell signal would I have if something happened.”
There it was.
Sully caught it, too. His smile curled at the corners, a little more feral than before. “Nearest neighbor’s a couple miles. Cell signal’s garbage unless you’re near the router inside. But don’t worry. Someone’s always watching.”
I met his gaze. “I don’t find that comforting.”
“Then you’re smart.”
Deacon still hadn’t said anything else, but I could feel his eyes on me the whole time. Not warm. Not cold either. Just aware.
“Don’t wander past the perimeter,” he said finally. “You won’t like what’s on the other side.”
I nodded, letting my fingers tighten just slightly on the glass. “Message received.”
