Page 44 of Give Me Peace

My eyes widen as I take in the six rows of reclining seats. They’re on slightly different levels, giving each space a perfect view of the screen that stretches the entire length of the front wall. There’s two on each row—one to the left and one to the right—creating a makeshift aisle between them. The leather chairs are wide enough to fit two people, but I have a feeling these guys take up one each. There’s a small jut-out at back of the room with a glass drink display, popcorn maker, and bins of boxed candy—like you’d find at an actual movie theater.

“This is so cool.” I spin around, wanting to see it all again in case I missed something.

“So, what movie are you going with, Say?” Havok tosses some kernels in the popcorn machine as he waits for me to answer.

“Um…there’s one I came across the other day, but I can watch it by myself another time. We can pick something everyone likes.” I tug at the hem of my sweater. I have no idea whose it is, but it’s army green and extra comfy.

“Nope. You called dibs, it’s your pick.” Roan powers up the screen and hands me the remote. “It works just the same as the upstairs TV. The digital library is synced, so hit the genre and it’ll take you where you need to go.” Well, crap. I’d been joking, but I guess I’m stuck being the one to choose.

“You’re gonna regret this,” I mumble, scrolling through the lists as the scent of buttered kernels fill the air.

“Nah.” Kash throws himself across a chair, his arms full of candy and soda. “You could make us watch paint dry and I doubt we’d complain.” I click the movie I was looking for and hit pause.

“Okay, claim a seat, pretty girl.” Havok has a bag of popcorn in one hand and a drink balanced in the other. I look at my options, deciding on the front left since I’m smaller than they are. I sit, pulling my feet up, only to have Havok follow me. He drops beside me, winking at the raised eyebrow I give him.

“Hold this for a sec.” He passes me the tub of popcorn, then hops back up and grabs a blanket. He spreads it across us and gestures for me to hit play. I look to my right, finding Kash seated on the opposite side with a pout on his face. Roan is behind us, giving me a smile when I tilt my head back to check that he’s good.

“Whatever we’re watching is one hundred and forty-three minutes long.” Kash points to the time displayed on the screen. “So, if we divide that by three, that’s thirty-four point three minutes we each get with Saylor. I’m timing you, Kade.” He shoots the man beside me a no-nonsense glare. Havok pays it no mind, telling me to go ahead and start the movie. I settle against the cool leather, watching the screen come to life. The moment the title appears, Kash cackles, laughing so hard he nearly chokes on a skittle.

“He loves Disney movies. Always chooses them to irritate Ro. But the big ogre won’t say shit this time because you chose it,” Havok whispers. I smile, wondering why they put up with so much just to make me happy. Am I not the same, though? I’d turn it off in a heartbeat if he asked me to. I focus on the movie, snacking on the popcorn Havok places between us. I laugh, watching the characters I remember from the first one come to life.

“Thirsty?” Havok asks quietly, offering me some of his drink. I smile gratefully and take the cup. He fixates on my mouth, watching as I wrap my lips around the straw, placing them exactly where his had just been. The carbonation from the coke makes my throat burn, but it’s heavenly. It’s been five years since I’ve had soda. I’ve stuck with juice and water thus far, but damn it’s good. I grin, trying to shake off the way my body tingles from the look Havok’s giving me.

I hand his drink back, breaking the intense stare off between us. He clears his throat and leans toward the corner of the chair, lifting his arm for me to move closer. I snuggle against his side, trying to bring my attention back to the movie. I’ve missed the last few minutes entirely. Havok trails his finger up and down my arm, leaving goosebumps in its wake. I’m not sure he’s even aware that he’s doing it, but I certainly am, and I have no idea what to make of it.

“Time!” Kash yells, scaring the absolute shit out of me. “Pause it and get over here, Best Friend.” I huff, peeling myself away from the warm cocoon we created. I head to the other side of the aisle, smiling at the way Kash looks downright giddy.

“Do you have a blanket? Because that’s a requirement.” I lift my foot, pointing at my frozen toes.

“On it.” Kash sprints off to find one, then proceeds to wrap me like a burrito. He lifts me, placing my butt on the seat, his arms around my back, and situates my legs across his. I’m practically in his lap. He tells Havok to hit play, but a pang of uncertainty keeps me rigid. Kash must feel the way I tense because he pulls back to look at me, his eyes bouncing between mine.

“Shit, I wasn’t thinking. I can unwrap you; I didn’t mean to make you feel trapped.” I sag, any bit of awkwardness I was feeling fades as his words wash over me. He’s worried about something I wasn’t even thinking about, and that’s a miracle in itself. I should be freaked out by my immobility, but all I’m feeling is snug and safe.

“I’m good.” I smile, dropping my head to his shoulder.

I get lost in the movie, laughing at the way Kash whispers the lines he’s memorized. I don’t think he can help himself, they just come right out. He plays with my hair, twirling the strands around his finger. I’m seconds from closing my eyes and succumbing to sleep when his phone vibrates.

“Do you have to go?” He whines, turning the alarm off and snapping his fingers at Havok, who somehow understands what that means and pauses the movie once again.

“Sharing is caring,” I joke, climbing to my feet. Kash blinks at me, an odd look flashing in his eyes, but it’s gone before I can think too much of it. I snatch the blanket before scurrying away. His low laugh follows me as I step around Roan’s legs, taking the spot closest to the wall. The second my butt hits the chair the movie begins to play. I tuck the blanket around me and discretely wedge my toes under Roan’s thigh. He smirks, then plucks them right back out.

Before I can pout, his hand slips beneath the blanket and bands around my foot. He’s like a freaking furnace with how much heat he puts off. I sigh, trying to catch up with the movie. A few minutes pass before his thumb starts stroking my ankle, which leads to him massaging the arch of my foot. Whatever’s taking place on screen is background noise. I’m half asleep when he switches to the other one and I groan at the first press of his fingers. Loudly. Havok jumps to his feet, the remote clattering to the floor as he scrambles to pause the movie.

“Sorry!” I squeak. Meanwhile, Roan’s body shakes with silent laughter. “Foot rubs are nice! And I haven’t had one in like…ever.” I rush to explain, feeling childish and supremely awkward.

“Cinnamon rolls and foot rubs,” Kash whispers distractedly while tapping away on his phone, making me frown at his mumbled nonsense. “Oh, don’t mind me. Just starting a list of things that cause you to make that noise, so we can refer back to it in the future.” Havok snorts, running his hand through his silver hair, causing it to stick up in disarray. The lighting is too low for me to make out the expression on Kash’s face, but I’m positive it’s gleeful. I bury my face in my hands.

“Hey,” Krew announces with a knock. “Loch’s back. When you’re finished, he needs you upstairs, Tink.”

“Let’s head up,” Roan says, helping me to my feet. “I think you’ve missed important chunks of the movie anyway.”

The guys start shutting everything down and gathering our food trash. When the room is back to the way we found it, we head for the main level. Lochlan is standing by the dining table, hands in his pockets as he rocks back on his heels. He looks nervous. My eyes catch on the table, noticing several packages spread across it. It’s the most use I’ve seen thing get since being here.

“Is everything okay?” I question. Lochlan readjusts his glasses, then clears his throat.

“Of course. These are for you.” He nods to the packages.

“Me?” My head jerks back with the question.