Gifted Connections 1

He looked pointedly at Ella. “Maybe you can call out for tonight.”

“I can’t just call out, I need the money,” I said through clenched teeth.

“Whatever you were going to make, I’ll match it, plus twenty percent,” he said with a nonchalant shrug.

“I’m not anyone’s charity case,” I said resolutely. “I’m going to work.”

“It’s not a safe environment,” he said with equal stubbornness.

“You act like I don’t know that. I’ve been surviving just fine for the last seven years. I can continue doing so. No one asked for your help,” I seethed.

Ella’s small hand clasped mine. “Please, Blake, let him help.”

I shot a glare at Mr. Jace. “No. Not tonight. Sorry,” I said looking down at Ella, hoping to soften the blow.

I didn’t know what I expected when we pulled up in front of his modern home, but it wasn’t the sight of the two vehicles parked in the horseshoe driveway. I didn’t know much about vehicles, but I knew enough to know that there wasn’t a vehicle that cost less than sixty thousand dollars in the driveway.

“Looks like the party has started,” Remy grunted. I couldn’t tell if he was pleased by that or not.

I got out of the car, ignoring Remy’s extended hand, and threw my messenger bag over my shoulder. I was leery of those who gathered here and why they did. I grabbed Ella’s hand, although she seemed excited about being here and didn’t appear to share any of my reticence on being here. To be fair, she didn’t just have her world turned upside down. With plodding steps, I followed Remy and Mr. Jace.

I didn’t know what I expected when I walked in, but it wasn’t the boisterous scene in front of me. Four good-looking men were sitting at the bar in the kitchen, talking and joking with beers in their hands, and a distinguished looking man sitting at the piano playing some of the prettiest Mozart I have ever heard. I recognized the three other men that had accompanied Mr. Jace at the bar the other night. Then my eyes widened in recognition— Jax, a.k.a. Mr. All American, Boy Wonder, Alter Ego, the Insane Man, That Little Voice, Grumpy; the list went on. I gave him many names over the years.

His eyes lit up the moment he saw me. He put his beer down and came around the bar, engulfing me in a tight hug. He smelled good, like sandalwood and cinnamon. I inhaled deeply. What was up with these men, their good looks, and their yummy scents? I don’t think I ever paid much attention to a way a man smelled until now. I had even noticed a pleasant scent from Remy in the close confines of the sports car.

I froze. Personal touch wasn’t something I enjoyed since my father died. I tried to be affectionate with Ella, knowing she needed it, but it was something I struggled with. I’ve been wary of others touching me since I was twelve years old. Heidi’s boyfriend had forced me to sit on his lap as he embraced and stroked me. He had been the first one to touch me inappropriately, and he had made me leery of all men.

“You’re even more beautiful than I imagined you would be.” Jax stood back and looked at me, tugging on one of my curls. It reminded me of something my dad (or my uncle?) use to do all the time. Jax gently caressed my cheek where my welt was, and his brows knitted. “Is this from last night?”

I nodded.

“Why don’t you back off so Noah can take care of it?” Mr. Jace said shortly. I have never seen him so sullen. Maybe he was still upset that Jax kept our secret for so long.

“But first, maybe Troy can take the little one out to the pool.” The older man who had been playing the piano said. He was now leaning against the fireplace.

On closer scrutiny, I noticed a resemblance to Mr. Jace and Jax; I stiffened. He was the reason my father had taken me away from the institute. He was the reason Jax had kept our secret for so long.

I stepped closer to Ella, putting a protective arm around her. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” I bit out at him. “I vaguely remember you, but what I can remember I don’t like. I don’t want my sister out of my sight. I know how you like to push children around.”

His jaw clenched. Clearly, he was used to people obeying his every word. It probably rankled him that a teenage girl dared to defy him. Then his eyes softened, and his lips twitched. “You haven’t changed much Amanda. We have no intention of harming you or her. Do you not trust Jace or Jax for that matter? One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is their need to protect you.”

I looked at Mr. Jace for his reaction. He nodded encouragingly. There had to be a reason why he wouldn’t want Ella around. I had a feeling I was going to get more answers. “It’s Blake.” I snapped at the older man. “Ella, dear, would you like to go to the pool with Troy?”

Ella looked torn between her loyalty to me and her desire to get in the pool. “But I don’t have a bathing suit.”

“I’m sure I can remedy that.” Mr. Jace reached into the front room closet and held out a few swimsuits. He was blushing when he looked at me. “I wasn’t sure what size she was, but I figured this would come in handy one day.”

I felt touched and annoyed at the same time. I looked at the swimsuits and found a size seven. “This should fit you, pumpkin.” I handed her a pretty turquoise and purple one piece.

“Are you sure it’s okay?” she asked uncertainly.

I feigned an encouraging smile. “It’s fine. We have grown up talk to do.”

It didn’t take her long to run into the bathroom and come back out with her swimsuit on. I assumed it was Troy who came out of one of the spare rooms sporting swim shorts that clung low on his hips. Where did these men come from?

I distrusted most men, but it didn’t stop me from admiring them. He was average in height but looked like he worked out religiously— like all of them. His dark hair was cut short, almost military style, short on the sides but longer on top. His smooth olive complexion hinted at an Italian heritage. He had honey brown eyes with outrageously long eyelashes that most woman would kill for. My eyes traveled down to his six-pack and back up again when I realized he caught me looking. He gave me a mischievous grin and winked. I blushed and looked away quickly.

We all waited for them to get into the pool before one of the other eye candies stood up and rubbed his hands together. “Okay, sugar, let’s see to those wounds.”