Page 49 of Louder Than Words

Allie turns to me, that same bloody dress still clinging to her in all the right ways. Which is a hell of a time considering I still havezeroself control left. Her cheeks go pink when our eyes meet. I wink, doing everything I can not to look at her legs again. Definitely not because I’m still picturing the way she looked an hour ago, breathless, pressed up against that wall in the greenhouse. The way she was practically begging me to fuck her against it. How she came prepared and was dripping by the time I—

Yeah. Definitely should’ve gone back to the hotel first to change. Sitting this close to her right now? Torture.

And now there’s alcohol involved.

The food orders roll in quickly—minus James, who studies the menu like he’s prepping for an exam and, of course, ends up ordering thelobster. The one thing he hates, just to be a pain in my arse—I guarantee it. He’s done it every single timewe’ve gone out. The second he hears he’s not the one paying, it’s suddenly “let’s get the most expensive thing on the menu,” take two bites, and then stare at everyone else’s plates like a begging dog.

But tonight isn’t about him. Before anyone can dig in, I tap my fork against my glass and slowly stand.

Every head turns—including a few from surrounding tables—and I immediately regret this brilliant plan.

Still, I clear my throat and raise my glass.

“To Ana,” I say, smiling. “If anyone deserves it, it’s you. We’re all incredibly proud of you.”

She presses a hand to her chest. “Thanks, Jax.” Then points at me, smirking. “But I still meant what I said about your kneecaps.”

I chuckle and sit back down as everyone picks up where they left off—talking over each other, laughing too loud, stealing food off each other’s plates.

Allie’s hand slides onto my thigh. She leans in, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you.”

A slow smile tugs at my lips. I lean in and brush a soft kiss to her cheek.

She slips right back into the conversation, tucking her hair behind her ear as she nods at something Nora said.

Me? I just sit here. Quiet. Watching all of them—Ana smacking Desmond’s arm for stealing her fries, James trying not to gag on the lobster heinsistedon ordering.

And just when I start to settle into the moment, James clears his throat.

“Actually,” he says, eyes on the menu again with a fist in front of his mouth, “I think I want to order something else.”

Everyone groans.

But honestly? Right now, I don’t even care.

Because this loud, stubborn group is my family.

And I wouldn’t change a bloody thing about it.

22

Allie

I think that was, by far, the best dinner experience I’ve ever had.

InNew York, of all places.

Everyone was happy, joking around, sharing their food—okay, stealing, but whatever. It was fun.

For the first time, we all went out together and no one had a single complaint. No drama. No storming off. Just easy, genuine fun.

I’m almost sad to see the night end.

“Good night!” Desmond and James shout in unison, their heads poking out of their doorway before they slam it shut with a loudthud.

I go to shout something to them, but freeze when I catch Nora and Gareth slipping silently into the room next door. No goodnight. No wave. Not even a glance.

My eyebrows shoot halfway to my hairline. Seriously?