Nik gazed at his brother. Swain must have thought he understood Nik's words. But he didn't.
Nik wasn't putting Lora on a pedestal, saying how Jaz could never be compared to her. In a way that was true. But he was actually defending Jaz because she was not openly sweet, bubbly and sociable. She was rash, packed a punch and didn't take any crap. Physically she was harsher, her features stronger and more striking just as Lora's had been soft, sweet and delicate. Jaz had her flaws, but he found himself loving Jaz for her flaws, more than he had loved and admired Lora's good qualities. He felt a stab in his chest at that revelation. He had loved Lora dearly -We would have had a baby together for Christ's sake- but not in the way he loved Jaz. And because of that love, he had to protect her. Even from his own brother. Even Swain couldn't know how they felt about each other.
Edda was trustworthy, but had only seen the arguments, so she didn't know the extent of their feelings. He had admitted he cared for Jaz. But now as he considered doing something to remedy that, for Jaz's safety, he didn't think it was necessary. Edda would never say a thing. She hadn't for many years about a lot of things that had happened in the Pack.
He didn't feel threatened by Swain, just not entirely sure. And that was enough reason to keep him in the dark. Swain didn't need to know anyway because it was none of his business.
“Okay, I'll tell her,” Swain said.
“Thank you. Make sure you go and see her before twelve. I don't want her to be late. Whether she decides to come or not; either way, I think she should at least be asked. She can throw it back in your face but I can sleep at night.”
“You got it, bro.”
*
The next morning...
Tuesday, June 28th
Gym
After her heated boxing session with Carr, Jaz exited the gym -still blushing from their conversation.
She turned swiftly round a corner, when she bumped straight into a solid chest. She scanned upwards to meet light, almond eyes half-curtained by wavy brown hair, and a playful smile she immediately recognized. “Swain,” she said. She cleared her throat, touching her bandaged jaw self-consciously. “How are you?”
He smirked at her strained rescue attempt for politeness and replied in a civilized manner, “I'm very well, thank you. And you?”
“I'm okay, thanks.”
He smiled and then there was an awkward pause.
“So... you don't look like you're on your way to the gym?”
He shook his head. “I'm here to see you actually.”
“Me? What do you want with me?”
He grinned teasingly. He fixed his sultry eyes on her and whispered, “Is that an invitation?”
She leant back, knowing he was joking -at least she hoped he was- but still couldn't stop feeling uneasy with the lustful attention he was giving her.
He blinked, becoming purposeful again. “Join me in the kitchen?”
She raised a suspicious brow.
His smile was playful and his eyes mischievous. “You don't trust me?”
She produced a joke to cover her discomfort around him. “Of course I do. I still owe you for a cramped calf, don't I?”
His smile widened and she had to admit, it was attractive. It had a sultry, confident air to it. Something you could only pull off naturally.
“When I get one, you'll be the first I'll ask for a massage,” he purred. “Follow me.”
He led her down a hallway she'd never been through before; towards the front of the building.
They entered the kitchen opposite the dining room. Jaz took in the sunflower-yellow walls and varnished, exposed beams with admiration before Swain led her to the middle of the kitchen. Pans and saucepans hung on a rack above a solid oak island surrounded by barstools; Jaz took the stool closest to her after watching Swain park himself casually on his.