Page 97 of Black Jack (Advantage Play 5)

Shaking myself from my reverie, I shrug off my jacket before helping Bianca out of hers.

“Thank you,” she whispers, trembling beneath my fingertips. She looks like she’s going to be sick.

I tug her into a hug and rub my hands up and down her back. “You okay?”

She gulps. “Yup.”

“Liar,” I tease.

“I hate being out of control.”

“I know it’s hard––”

“This is good for me though, right?” she interrupts, though I’m not sure who she’s trying to convince. “Personal growth and all that shit.”

I laugh and drop another kiss to the crown of her head. “Exactly. And all that shit. Come on.”

My hand grazes the small of her back as footsteps echo throughout the giant foyer.

When Diece comes into view, a giant grin is plastered on his face. “Hey, asshole. It’s been too long.” The giant bear pulls us both into a hug before pulling away and cocking his head to the side.

“Since when have you had a birthmark?” he asks Bianca.

Her cheeks heat as she tucks a few strands of hair behind her ear. “Oh. Uh, always, actually. I usually cover it up, but––”

“You shouldn’t,” he decides, brooking no argument.

“He’s right,” Q chimes in with a smile. “I know I’m a complete stranger and that Diece needs to work on his manners. But for what it’s worth, I think you’re gorgeous.”

“Thank you. I love your haircut, by the way.” Bianca replies, taking in Q’s chin-length, silvery-blue hair. Bianca’s right. It looks badass and definitely fits the girl who’s been through more than most could ever imagine.

Q rolls her eyes and tilts her head toward Diece. “You can thank this guy for his hair cutting skills.”

His chest puffs up with pride. “Damn straight. Hear that, Kingston?” His voice reverberates off the walls. “I’ve got hair cutting skills. I should do Ace’s next.”

“Not a chance in Hell,” Kingston growls, rounding the corner from his office. He ditched the suit jacket, but is sporting a white button-up shirt rolled to his elbows and a pair of dark slacks, while maintaining his don’t-mess-with-me disposition.

Bianca inches closer to my side like I’m her very own security blanket when he comes closer. I’ve never seen the girl so damn vulnerable before. Throwing my arm over her shoulders, I tug her closer and drop another kiss to the top of her head. Again. Because I don’t know what else I can do to claim her as mine and comfort her at the same time.

“I see you two made up,” Kingston points out with a wry smirk. “Good to see you again, Jack.” He lifts his chin. “You, too, Bianca.”

“Thanks,” she murmurs.

“Hey!” Ace calls from the top of the stairs. We all watch as she skips down them like a little kid. “Did you guys start the introductions without me?”

“We all know each other,” Diece replies.

“Well, I don’t,” Ace huffs before skidding to a halt in front of us. “Hi. I’m Ace.”

“Nice to meet you,” Bianca returns. “I’m Bianca.”

Ace’s smile is filled with a warmth that’s contagious, and I could hug her for her hospitality. “So I’ve been told. I’m glad you could make it.”

“Did we have a choice?” The words tumble out of Bianca before she can stop them, but as soon as she realizes what she’s said, she cringes. “I mean––”

“It’s fine,” Kingston’s deep voice cuts her off before he motions to the family room off to the side of where we’ve gathered. “Let’s have a little chat, shall we?”

We all shuffle into the room and plop down onto various leather couches sprawled throughout the area. Then we wait for Kingston to take the floor.