Maeve POV
The soft light of dawn filtered through my bedroom windows, casting a warm glow that stirred me from sleep. I blinked away the remnants of dreams and rubbed the sleep from my eyes, my mind slowly piecing together the events of the previous night. The bar, Briana's hurtful jabs, dancing unabashedly for the first time, and that horrid man whose touch and attack had sent chills of terror racing down my spine. But in the midst of my fear, there had been Reese and Scarlett, their comforting presence an anchor in the chaos. They had saved me, held me close, and made me feel safe—a warmth of vulnerability and affection I had never known before.
But now, waking alone, a pang of sadness washed over me. They had been there when I fell asleep, their warmth enveloping me, and the memory caused my cheeks to flush with heat. The way they spoke to me, the gentle caresses, made me feel seen and cared for, yet they also left me squirming with a mix of emotions—an exhilarating swarm of butterflies flitting in my stomach. Where had they gone? The thought of them leaving made me ache, but beneath it lingered an uncomfortable sensation. I felt dirty, as if the lingering touch of that man had invaded my very being. I needed to wash it away and change out of the previous nights clothes.
With a sigh, I unraveled myself from the cocoon of blankets, a chill creeping over me as I left the warmth of my bed. Slipping on my cozy slippers, I trudged toward the bathroom when an enticing aroma wafted through the air, accompanied by soft, hushed voices. My curiosity piqued, I peeked around the corner to find Reese and Scarlett in my kitchen. Their powerful presence filled the small space, making the room feel almost like a cozy nest. I couldn't help but stare, my heart racing as I took in the scene. They looked so effortlessly at home in my kitchen, and a wave of embarrassment washed over me as I recalled our conversations from the night before. I shuffled my feet, the soft sound drawing their attention. My face burned under their gaze.
"Good morning, bunny! How did you sleep?" Scarlett asked, her warm smile brightening her beautiful, makeup-free face. Even in her pajamas and fresh face, she exuded elegance and grace.
"Um, uh, g-good," I stammered, nerves tightening my throat. My mind whirled in confusion. Did they see me as just a friend, or something more? I had been embarrassingly clingy and childish last night, but their gentle words and tender touches suggested they felt differently. The uncertainty clawed at me, amplified by the fact that I had forgotten to take my medication before bed, which aided my anxiety throughout the day.
Reese's voice broke through my thoughts, deep and soothing. He approached me with a deliberate slowness, his large hand reaching for mine, gently rubbing soothing circles on my palm—an unspoken promise of calm.
"We got you some breakfast, babydoll. Pastries from a bakery down the street," he said, guiding me to sit at the kitchen table next to Scarlett and pulling out my chair like a gentleman. My heart fluttered as I took in the spread before me. A delightful assortment of pastries and danishes filled the table, each one more tempting than the last.
"You did this for me?" I whispered, my voice catching in my throat as tears threatened to spill from my eyes. It was more than just breakfast; it was the care and thoughtfulness they had shown me, a stark contrast to the emptiness I often felt. I had my grandparents and Devin who cared for me but that was different from this moment, where warmth enveloped me in ways I never expected and in was I never experienced.
A gentle touch on my arm startled me. "What's going through that pretty little head, hmm?" Scarlett asked, her voice a soothing melody yet tinged with a gentle dominance that made my heart race. I felt compelled to share my thoughts, remembering their words from the night before about the importance of honesty.
"I-I'm just overwhelmed by your kindness," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "And I'm so grateful for you both last night. It meant a lot" I searched Scarlett's eyes for understanding, feeling vulnerable under her gaze. She studied me for a moment, a small smile spreading across her face as if she could see straight into my heart, her gaze warm and knowing. Reese settled into the seat across from me, beginning to plate a selection of pastries—flaky croissants, buttery scones, sweet danishes—before handing it to me with a look of quiet pride.
YOU ARE READING
Echoes of Three Souls
RomantizmMaeve has always been haunted by the loss of her parents, retreating into a world of solitude with her closest friends and her cat, Archie. But after a chance encounter with the captivating couple, Scarlett and Reese, her world is turned upside down...
