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Chapter Eleven
Charlotte
Things have calmed down a lot since earlier. The guys have stayed for some unknown reason. It started with Rebel refusing to go, and Ace deciding to join him, then it seemed to become some sort of pissing contest with none of them wanting to leave. Probably due to a fear of missing out. Pathetic. But, also, kind of nice.
And so here we are; Phoenix has returned but there’s an uneasy tension in the room. Jax’s sharp shrewd stare keeps flitting between Phoenix and I, a thousand questions in his eyes. I’m scared he’s going to start asking them, when the doorbell rings.
It starts off a sharp trill, but sort of dies half way through. All eyes in the room swivel to the door in amusement. It breaks the tension at least.
“Yeah, yeah, I know. My place is a dump,” I grumble, slowly picking my way through the bodies that litter my lounge. Rebel is lying on the floor colouring with Phoenix and makes no effort to move or make things easier for me. I shoot him a glare, which he’s oblivious to, as I scramble over him and make my way to the door.
“Baxter?” I frown in surprise when the door swings wide. “What are you doing here?” I ask softly. His presence isn’t unwelcome, just unexpected.
“What? I can’t call in and see my two favourite girls when I’m in the area now?” he counters with his trademark smirk.
“BAX!” Phoenix screams. Her colouring with Rebel is instantly forgotten as she flies through the air and launches herself at him. He laughs, picks her up and swings her up into the air - where she squeals with delight - before showering her with kisses. I bite back a smile; I love how amazing he is with her. Most unexpectedly, he’s been my absolute rock the past few years; the one I could call on, rely on, when I had nowhere else to go.
“You know I’m always happy to see you Bax, but now’s not really a good time…” I indicate the crowd behind me, who have all got to their feet and are glaring at Baxter. I groan. This isn’t going to end well.
“Baxter?” Rebel puzzles.
“What do you mean, your girls?” Jax’s eyes flash dangerously.
“What the fuck dude?” Thorn adds.
Ace just mutters “sranje” under his breath so low I don’t think anyone but me catches it. Our eyes meet and I see the worry in his violet look. I’m sure my own eyes must be filled with blind panic because he gives a tiny shake of his head to let me know it’s okay, and I breathe out slowly.
“You better come in,” I say resignedly, moving out the way and closing the door behind him when he steps over the threshold.
“What the fuck is going on?” Rebel asks as soon as the door clicks closed. Phoenix’s gasp fills the room.
“Bad word!” She cries but no one pays attention.
“Yeah, why did you say Raven and Phoenix were your fucking girls?” Jax growls.
“Someone better explain this shit.” Thorn glowers.
“BAD WORDS!” Phoenix yells. She clamps her hands over her ears and unleashes a bloodcurdling scream that has everyone in the room falling silent. Well, almost everyone.
“What the actual fucking fuck?!” Rebel yells over the din. Phoenix stops screaming long enough to bellow “bad words” again before resuming.
I race over to her, crouch down and gently prise her hands off her ears. “Phoenix, baby, look at me…” I cajole her. “Let’s breathe together.” I take a deep breath in and gently exhale, repeating until she’s copying me. Once I can see she’s calmer, I cuddle her close and glower at the five grown men-children that have managed to upset my baby. “You all owe Phoenix money for her swear jar.” I demand. Rebel sheepishly pulls his wallet out and is the first to pay up, Baxter following.
“Let’s go play in your room, baby,” I tell her, leading her away from the crazy. Ace follows us.
“You go. I stay,” he tells me.
“Are you sure?” I ask him, wavering.
“Yep. Phoenix, we colour?”
“Yeah!” She beams, racing back out to the lounge to grab her stuff and bring it back. I’m forgotten as she pulls Ace by the hand onto her bed and starts to share her pencils with him.
I leave them to it and go back out to the lounge. Thankfully the bickering hasn’t started up again. Yet.
“Is she okay?” Baxter comes over and hugs me. “I’m so sorry. You know I’d never upset her intentionally.” I relax into his embrace and allow him to hold me for a moment. I’ve never really had feelings like that for Baxter...not really, though I sometimes wondered...but that doesn’t mean we’re not close. And it is nice to be held. Especially since I’ve been avoiding Charles. I sigh; that’s another drama I need to sort out soon.
“I know, Bax. She’s okay. Just a little overwhelmed,” I smile weakly at him. That makes two of us.
