Jake had left with Maxwell to get some work done, and the house instantly fell into that unbearable stillness I hated. Angel had gone to work too.God, how I missed Sadash. The emptiness without her gnawed at me.I busied myself with watering the plants, then baked pastries just to keep my hands from idling… but even then, the silence felt heavy. I let out a long, frustrated sigh. What a wasted day. I could have gone to work too, but Jake had insisted I rest.
By supper time, we were all gathered at the table. Nobody spoke. The air felt heavy, everyone looking drained from the day. I hated quiet dinners. "So… how was your day?" I broke the awkward silence."Same as always," Maxwell replied, sounding tired.
"Same here," Jake added.
"And me as well," Angel said.
"Well, that's good for you guys. At least you had something to do. Mine was boring." I pouted dramatically.A few soft giggles escaped from them."Hey! It's not funny!" I protested."Who said it's funny?" Jake smirked. "It's just… you really look like a little puppy when you pout like that."I narrowed my eyes. "Oh, I do, huh?" My body tensed, ready to pounce on him.Jake leaned back in his chair, grinning. "You'll never change, Aurora. You always give me chances to tease you it's irresistible."
"Not fair!" I crossed my arms.
"Alright, fine. I'm sorry." He tried to hold back a laugh but failed. "But you do look like a puppy." Maxwell chuckled under his breath.
"That's it, I'm done here," I said, pushing my chair back.
"It's a good thing you're leaving, Maxwell," I called after him. "Because I don't know what I'd have done to you." His laugh echoed down the hallway, unbothered by my threat. "Aurora," Angel spoke softly, "it's late. Go get some rest." "Of course, Angel. Goodnight."
Later that night, Jake stood by the door, watching me."Aurora, go freshen up. I'll wait here."
I nodded and stepped into the bathroom, letting the warm water cascade down my body. By the time I returned, steam followed me into the room only to find Jake… in my closet, wearing his pajamas."You?" I asked, blinking in surprise."Yes, me," he replied casually."What are you doing in my closet?"
"Oh, that? I'll be spending the night here."
"WHAT?" He tilted his head. "Why do you sound so shocked? This isn't the first time we've shared a bed."
"I know, I just—"
He cut in gently. "I understand, Aurora. You're still… scared of me. You're still not comfortable after… everything I did to you." His gaze dropped, voice low with regret. "It's fine. I'll use the next room. I just wanted to make sure you'd be safe tonight."He turned to leave.
"Jake, stop." My voice was firm, surprising even me. "When did I ever ask you to leave? I want to sleep in your arms tonight. I only reacted that way because… well, you were in my closet while I was trying to get dressed."
His brows lifted slightly."Oh my I'm sorry," I murmured. "I'll just… change."But when I emerged again, Jake froze.
I was wearing a pink silk nightgown, the delicate fabric hugging every curve, the dim light catching on its smooth sheen. His breath hitched, and the playful smile he usually wore was gone."Uh… Aurora…" He ran a hand through his hair. "I think it's best I take the other room. I'm… not sure I could control myself with you looking like that."
I stepped closer. "I trust you, Jake. Please… don't go."
For a moment, his eyes searched mine then he sighed in surrender. "Alright. I'll stay."
He tucked me under the sheets, then slid in beside me. My head rested on his chest, his arm circling my waist like a protective shield.
"Jake," I whispered. "What are you thinking about?"
"Your surgery," he said after a pause.My breath stilled. "What about it? "No need to worry, baby," he murmured, tightening his hold. "I'll pay whatever it takes… to make sure you come out alive. Free from this disease."