Love The One You're With

Chapter 32-For Me

AN: A trigger warning feels necessary for this one. Slight dom!Jake, some crying, impact play, and screaming. My apologies if it's not for you.
____________________________________

"If you want to pick a seat at the table, I'll fix your plate, love," Jake whispered sweetly with his hand resting on my lower back. I flashed him a smile and mouthed a quick thank you before watching him head into the kitchen.

The dining room was large but the massive table made it feel smaller. There were 8 places available, but you could tell that a leaf had been added to the table that usually accommodated their family of 6. I chose the middle seat on one side, leaving a seat on either side of me for Jake to choose from, and was quickly joined by Ronnie, who sat across from me. "Good morning," Karen said enthusiastically as she placed a pitcher full of orange juice and a pot of coffee on the table near the center.

"Morning, Mama," Josh said with a sleepy smile as he sat down beside his sister. Karen beamed at him and took a seat on the other side of Ronnie, and I felt a knot in my stomach form as my anxiety climbed at the realization that I would likely be sandwiched between Jake and Sam for the entirety of breakfast. Kelly wordlessly sat at the head of the table on Karen's end, and Sam followed behind him with 2 plates. He sat one in front of me that was piled high with fruit drizzled with honey. I grinned as he took a seat leaving the one between me and Kelly for Jake.

"Good morning, Quinnie," he whispered with a smirk as he leaned towards me. He hissed in pain and cut his eyes towards Josh as if he'd been kicked under the table. Josh didn't say anything, just gave a scolding look. Maybe we weren't as sneaky as I thought.

"Here you are, beautiful," Jake crooned as he sat down, but confusion washed across his face when he saw I already had a plate in front of me. I smiled as I scooted the fruit plate back and took the plate from him and placing it in front of me, covering the waffle with the strawberries and blueberries from my mountain of fruit.

"Thank you, Jakey," I whispered and reached under the table to gently squeeze his thigh. He smiled weakly before turning to his plate to begin eating. The rest of the meal was fine, but somewhat tense. I couldn't quite place it, but as the conversations ebbed and flowed, there was a tightness and tension in the air. I wondered if it was just me, or if anyone else had picked up on it. "Thank you for breakfast. It was lovely, but may I be excused? I need to go call my dad.." I lied. I just needed a break—a moment alone.

"Of course, hon!" Karen chirped as I carefully slid out of my seat and hurried up the stairs. Within moments, I heard footsteps behind me, and I assumed it was Jake or Sam trying to check on me. I sighed and turned around to scold them only to be face to face with Ronnie.

"Oh," I mumbled as I blushed and fumbled over my thoughts because of the frown on her face. My heart was racing when she opened her mouth to speak.

"How long have you and my brother been together?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. The wording of her question was a carefully laid trap, but I had no way around it.

"Um, Jake and I," I cleared my throat before continuing, "we've not been together too long..just a few months." I cursed myself for how unsteady I sounded, but I offered a soft smile hoping that was enough.

"What about you and Sam?" She asked bluntly, and I knew she knew something. My smile faltered as she watched and waited for my response.

"What? What do you mean?" I replied nervously. My racing heart now felt like it was going to explode. "We-we're friends, so I—" I was cut off by footsteps thundering up the stairs.

"Quinn, don't lie," Josh huffed as he took a spot beside his sister. I felt tears stinging my eyes as they crossed their arms and scowled at me.

"I don't know what you mean," I said defiantly, unwilling to cry in front of them if I could help it. Josh's eyes narrowed as his eyebrows knitted together, scowling at me. We had never been friends, but we had been friendly enough in passing when I stayed with Jake. Right now, though, he looked like he despised me.