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The air in his office felt heavier than before as Colton contemplated their situation. What would happen after those two weeks? Would the bond between them fray even further? Would she sever ties completely, leaving a chasm where once there had been tentative bridges?
His heart twisted at the thought. Delcy had indeed begun to fall for them—that much was evident in her stolen glances and lingering touches. But she wore her independence like armor and her pride like a crown; trust was not easily earned in her eyes, especially now when it hovered near rock bottom.
His reverie was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Jaxon sauntered in with that trademark grin of his, eyes twinkling like stars in an otherwise empty sky. His stride was confident, his demeanor untroubled by the complexities that gnawed at Colton's conscience.
Jaxon's mood shift was palpable—just two days ago he had been a cloud of worry despite his cheerful exterior.
“Leave everything to me, brother,” he said with a confidence that was contagious. “I'll find us the perfect vacation spot.”
Colton managed a half smile at Jaxon's enthusiasm. “Make sure it's somewhere Delcy will feel at ease,” he reminded gently.
Jaxon nodded and leaned against the desk, his mind already churning with plans and possibilities.
“And I've been thinking about what she'll wear,” he mused aloud. “Delcy's going to need dresses—stunning ones—and accessories to match.”
The notion seemed frivolous on its surface but held a deeper significance; they were not just providing Delcy with financial respite but also crafting an experience—a world where she could shed her burdens and perhaps see them in a new light.
“Get Lou to help you with that,” Colton suggested. “She would delight in choosing outfits for Delcy.”
Jaxon's face lit up even more at the mention of their sister's name. “You're right. Lou will be thrilled to help—she has impeccable taste.”
Jaxon rattled off ideas for games they could play—nothing too challenging but enticing enough to pique Delcy's competitive spirit.
“She'll win most of them.”
Colton knew there had to be stakes; otherwise, there would be no thrill in victory or bite in defeat.
“And if she loses?” he asked, though he already knew what sort of penalties Jaxon had in mind.
The twinkle in his twin's eye became mischievous as he grinned wider.
“Well then,” he drawled, “Delcy will have to pay a penalty.”
Colton felt an unexpected surge of excitement at the thought—excitement tinged with something darker and more primal—the crude, untamed core of his alpha nature. He quickly tamped it down. Now was not the time for such feelings to take hold.
Jaxon clapped his hands together with finality.
“It'll be fun,” he said with certainty.
Colton nodded slowly, allowing himself a moment to indulge in the anticipation Jaxon radiated so effortlessly. Yet beneath it all lingered his trepidation—this delicate dance they orchestrated might just as easily send Delcy spinning out of their reach forever.
He stood and joined Jaxon by the window overlooking the city below—a tapestry of lives intertwining and unraveling just beyond the glass. They were brothers united by more than blood; they shared a connection with Delcy that defied easy explanation—a connection that both fortified and complicated their lives.
“We have to tread carefully,” Colton said. “If this backfires...”
Jaxon turned to face him, an eyebrow cocked in amusement.
“Since when are you so cautious?” He clapped a hand on Colton's shoulder with brotherly affection. “Trust me.”
The simple statement held more weight than Jaxon likely realized. Trust—the very foundation upon which they hoped to rebuild their relationship with Delcy—was what they needed now between themselves.
“I do trust you,” Colton said. “But this isn't just about having fun or winning games—it's about showing her we're worth another shot.”
Jaxon's expression softened at the edges, his eyes reflecting understanding as they met Colton's gaze.
“We will,” Jaxon said with conviction that bordered on vow. “She'll see us for who we are—the good and bad—and decide for herself.”
Colton allowed himself a small smile at Jaxon's words—a flicker of hope amid uncertainty.
