I put on the apron that Emmet had included with my laptop, and I’ve got to admit, the guy knows how to listen. Second hand, but in good condition. Nothing fancy, but it does the job. It's perfect for me and he didn’t splash the cash. It feels easier to accept this than the MacBook. Although, I still feel guilty over how I reacted to that one. But the past is called the past for a reason, maybe I need to apply that rule to every area in my life. Stop wondering what happened to my mom and dad, and why my actual mom didn’t tell me about my aunt. She must have had a reason and knowing her, it would have been a good one. Poppy is harder to do, but no one ever said that forgiveness comes easy.
The apron itself is black, with blue lettering, and a dark purple ribbon. He didn’t add any brown, but the fact he included any other color speaks volumes to me. Brighter than the North Star, Queen of her kitchen.
I almost cried when I read it for the first time. Instead, Emmet took me in his arms and made my whole body come alive. It’s always rough with him, but I love it. I didn’t think I would, but every slap of the ass, and hand around the throat just makes me come harder. It’s crazy, and I never thought it would be something that would get me excited, I guess I didn’t know myself as well as I thought I did.
They prove that to me every damn day.
I pull out my supplies and get started. I make brownies for Aeron, with his favorite ingredient. Cookies for Thallon, hidden cupcakes surprises for Isabelle. Lemon bars for Tucker, and fudge for Emmet. By the time my door opens, everything is boxed up, and ready to go.
“You’ve been busy.” Em’s voice washes over me, as I spin on my heels to face him.
“Thought I’d make some goodies for tonight.” My tongue darts out to wet my lips, and his eyes track the movement.
“Nothing for Darius?” he cocks his head to the side, and my heart splutters that he would think of him.
“I didn’t know if I should. What with there being a crowd of people and all that.” I fidget on the spot, not liking the fact that I did leave him out.
“Think you can whip something up quickly? We’ve got time, Star. You’re always baking stuff for the cooks, why not for your guard?” He arches his brow, and I don’t even think as I launch myself at him and pepper his face with kisses.
He chuckles, before setting me down on my feet, spins me around, and smacks me on the ass.
“Get to it, Star, but make something quick.”
All the goodies are in my satchel, along with my kindling for the fire. I’m tucked under Emmet’s arm, with Darius behind us, as we make our way around the back of the Academy. The fire is already underway, and I watch as the flames dance in the slight breeze. I can’t be the only one who thinks it’s beautiful, despite how deadly it can be. Then again, isn’t that the way all beautiful things tend to be?
We meet up with Aeron, Tucker, and Thallon. We’re drawing a few stares, but I know it’s because Thallon is with us and no arguments have broken out. Yet. Give it time, girls, give it time.
“You look gorgeous,” Tucker says, as he steals me from Emmet, and wraps his arms around my waist.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” I say with a wink, and he looks happier. The happiest I’ve seen him since he returned.
“Go on, Star, get your goodies out,” Emmet says, as he runs a hand down my back.
“I wouldn’t say no. Your place or mine, Little Zero?” Sin steps closer, until I’m surrounded on all sides, while Darius stands back.
“In my satchel, you naughty boy. I‘m not getting naked out here. Again.” I narrow my eyes at Thallon, and he looks a little sheepish, before shooting me a blinding smile.
Everyone feels so much more relaxed, free. I guess I’m not the only one who is eager for graduation. No more rules and being told what we can and cannot do. Who we are allowed to be with, we can finally decide for ourselves. Although, if I have to decide, then I think I’ll choose no one. Damn, that thought alone has the power to sour my good mood, but I’m trying not to let it show.
I push away from Tucker and reach into my bag, before pulling out a container. I smile softly, before walking over to Darius and handing it to him. His brows shoot up as he takes it from me.
“You made this for me?”
“Of course. It doesn’t feel right to leave you out.” I think he knows I’m talking about more than just baking, as his eyes soften, and he gives me a quick nod.
“Thank you, Miss Carter. I appreciate the gesture.”
“You’re very welcome, Darius,” I say his name whisper soft, and I don’t miss the heat that flares in his eyes, before I turn back to my other guys.
I hand them out and Sin lights up when he cracks open the lid and looks inside. “Hey, why does Tuck get two?” He pouts and I shake with laughter.
“One is for Isabelle.” I look at him, feeling a little nervous. Did I do the right thing? Should I have asked first?
“You made something for her, Tiny One? You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I wanted to.” I bite down hard on my lip, and squeak as he pulls me into him, and kisses me slowly, it lingers, and makes my breath catch.
“Thank you, Tiny One. She’ll love it.” His voice sounds strained and it worries me a little, but I try not to focus on it too much.
“You haven’t even opened it yet.” I slap his arm playfully, and his eyes capture and hold me completely.
“I don’t need to. The minute I tell her they’re from you, she’ll want to keep them forever.” His eyes are screaming at me, but I don’t understand what I’m supposed to know. He’s not an open book, and right now, he’s showing me more of himself than I’ve ever seen before.
“My turn.” Sin bounces up and down, and Tuck mouths the words “later” to me, before letting me go.
I feel a little shaky, as I walk over to him, and I squeal when he dips me low enough that my hair hits the floor, and tangles his tongue with mine.
“Thank you, Little Zero. You never fail to amaze me. I love you.”
“I love you too, my favorite Sin,” I whisper it against his ear, and I love that a shiver travel passes through him.
“Thanks, Koala girl. Remind me not to tell my mom. She’ll try to make me send them over to her.” He trails his knuckles over my cheek, before stepping back.
“So, when can I add my kindling to the fire?” Things are feeling too heavy, and I need a minute or two to settle my emotions.
“Now if you want. Who do you want to go with you?” Em asks, not even trying to claim my undivided attention.
“All of you, I have nothing to hide. And I doubt you’ll ask why I’ve chosen these things to burn.” I skip ahead, and they all laugh, as they follow close behind.
I almost falter when I spot Tom close by, but it doesn’t change anything. I’m not going to change my mind just because he’s here, I’m done with sparing people's feelings when they don’t offer me the same courtesy.
I pull the bracelet and recipe book out of my satchel and hold them tight. I watch the flames and listen to the way they crackle and pop.
“Are you sure this is what you want to do, Tiny One?”