This is the "clean" version of the chapter. The "mature" version that I HIGHLY suggest you read can be found in Bittersweet Restricted.
Enjoy!

All was calm as the days went by. An unsettling sort of calm, like a build up to a storm. The moments leading to Friday were spent working in the bakery so that while Katy and I were gone everyone else didn't have to struggle. I didn't think there would be any issues since majority of our customers were getting ready for the holidays, but just in case, we did nearly a week's worth of prep.

Violet came back as extra hands to help although we didn't tell her exactly why. In her mind, Katy and I have to go on a business trip. That way she wouldn't have to worry about the truth. On Thursday night before the shop closed up I offered to take her back to her dorm just to get some extra time with her before everything went to hell.

When she smiled or laughed it reminded me why I was doing all of this. I couldn't let her become a toy for Sparrow to play around with. Never. And who knows how many are out there have already met the fate I'm trying to prevent Violet from having. Like that one girl I saw displayed in his lap months ago. She was someone's daughter, maybe even sister. Even more importantly she was a human that shouldn't have to go through that. I couldn't stand around and let such things happen anymore.

That night after I had reached Violet's dorm I couldn't shake the sinking feeling in my gut as I watched her walk away from me. It was so overwhelming that before her hand touched the door, I called out to her. She turned around to eye me questionably which only intensified as I walked up to her to wrap her up in my arms tightly. At first her small frame stiffened in surprise as I clung to her, then slowly relaxed.

"Gage?" her tone didn't hide her confusion.

Instead of answering right away, I placed my cheek on top of her blue head allowing myself to take in the moment. I didn't know when I would be able to do something like this again. I wasn't sure what Saturday would bring. But I'll be damned if I couldn't hold on to my sister one last time. She was all that was left of my family now, and to me she was still the little girl that ran around getting peanut butter stuck in her dark brown curls. Paxton and I were probably not the best duo to raise her, but we were her greatest guardians.

"Gage?" she repeated. "What's going on?"

"Nothing. Nothing, I just . . . wanted you to know that I love you, Vi."

She remained still until moments later her arms went around my torso. Even though I couldn't see her, I knew she was smiling. "You know I love you, too."

I did know that she loved me, but still it melted my heart to hear those words. When I pulled away from her, I saw her happy expression shift into one of concern.

"Is . . . everything okay?"

"Yeah," I smiled, assuredly. "Everything will be fine."

Afterwards I picked up Katy and we spent nearly two hours with Mr. Phillips who was as cheerful as ever. He apparently had a promising job lined up, so I gave him my best clothes since he wouldn't accept any money. It was nice to laugh like everything was normal, but when Katy's eyes met mine, we both knew otherwise.

Friday came without warning along with Armita who called Katy to let her know she would be at our place in fifteen minutes. That gave us enough to gather our belongings, but thankfully not enough to dwell on the situation. Armita had booked us a hotel in Jacksonville the night before the Christmas party and go over our strategy which I was grateful for. It was odd how normal everything felt as we loaded our things up in Katy's car, almost as if we were going on vacation. I could almost imagine it, until the sound of a loud truck interrupted any and all thought including my illusion. I turned to glare at the vehicle when I froze up after recognizing it.

Katy paused what she was doing to look at the vehicle loudly backing into a parking spot between Armita and Katy's car in confusion. I, too, was lost, thinking that I wasn't seeing this correctly until I saw the figure with an eyepatch come around, duffle bag in hand.

"Afternoon, everyone," Jason greeted. "Sorry I'm late. I had to make a few calls before heading over."

Katy blinked a few times then looked at me, who shrugged and looked at Armita, whose expression gave away nothing when she eyed Jason up and down. Apparently everyone but Jason was confused at his arrival who kept idly fiddling with his bag as if we weren't gawking at him. I was about to say something when Armita spoke up.

"Jason Reynolds," she crossed her arms in front of her chest. "May I ask what you are doing here?"

He looked up at her, confusedly. "Wait, have we met?"

"Armita Kumar. Now why are you here?" But he didn't answer immediately. He was too preoccupied scanning her figure up and down slowly. Too slowly because seconds later Armita snapped, "I am not going to ask you again."

Jason held his hands up in surrender. "Fine, fine. But I figured it was kind of obvious." He paused to let us fill in the blanks, but when we didn't he added, "I'm coming with you guys."

"What?" I couldn't hold back my surprise any longer.

"You seriously think I'm going to sit around while you are trying to take down those assholes? Nah," he threw his bag over his shoulder. "I'm tagging in on this."

"And how is it that you knew about all of this?" Armita asked.

Almost all at once every pair of eyes went to me and I had a major flashback to the time in third grade when I was the last one to watch the class's pet lizard that escaped.

I shook off their looks and zeroed in on the pirate. "I thought you said you wasn't going to get involved," I groaned.

"I wasn't, before Sparrow gave me his Christmas present," he gave me a knowing look. Images of the other night filled my head that I'd rather forget although it added fuel to the fire.

"What present?" Katy asked, innocently.

"Nothing, baby," I said although if you looked hard enough you could still see "presents" on Jason's body. At least some were fading away.

"And how is it that you plan on helping?" Armita questioned. "In other words, how will I know you won't get in the way? You clearly have a personal vendetta against this organization. That can be a good and bad thing."

He turned his attention to the agent. "If you are suggesting that I won't be able to control myself around them, you're wrong. I have better control than this asshat," he nodded to me.

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"I am a former UFC fighter, so I can help you with combat," Jason continued. "I know a lot about the organization, and I have connections with the members. So, yeah, I won't get in your way, Armi."

"Armita," she spat.

"Jason Reynolds, nice to meet you," he held out his hand with an eat-shit grin that Armi clearly wasn't falling for. Instead she looked like she wanted to punch him in the face. And I would totally pay to see it happen.

Her dark eyes were trained on him for a long, intense moment before she released a sigh and said, "Fine. But if you get in my way, I will taser your ass."

Jason smirked, his hand dropping to his side when he realized regardless of his acceptance to the trip his handshake was still denied. "Looking forward to it."

"I'm not playing," she was suddenly in his face which took him so off guard he stumbled back against his truck. "If you mess this up, I will destroy you. There are too many lives on the line here to be joking around. The second I think you will get in the way, I'll have my men drag you back home by your ponytail. Do you understand?"

His smirked quickly died and fell off his lips. "Yes."

"Good," she turned on her heels. "Now, let's get going. We have a long drive."

Even after she shut her door Jason remained standing in the same spot with the look of surprise. Katy cleared her throat before shuffling to our car while I followed behind her. When I passed Jason I gave him a wicked grin and said, "Did you piss yourself?"

Jason quickly came back to life to give me a hard shove. "Fuck off."

But I only laughed.

+++

Armita was right about the long drive. It was supposed to be a five-hour trip but with the traffic it turned to almost six and a half. At least I had Katy with me and this time we didn't fight over the radio. We both settled on a station that played Christmas music. The cheerful tunes were almost ironic. Still, it was nice listening to Katy sing along to different carols. Although she won't admit it, she has a wonderful voice. Regardless of the reason for our trip, I was having a good time.

Until we reached the hotel.

"Hell. No. I am not rooming with this asshole," I pointed at Jason.

"Awe, come on. I'll let you be the little spoon tonight," the pirate cooed.

"Mother fuc—"

"That's enough," Armita commanded. "I only booked two rooms so no matter how you look at it the four of us have to share them somehow."

"I'm with Shortcake," I placed my arm around her as if staking my claim.

"But what about Armita?" Katy questioned, although Armita didn't share the same concern.

"As much as I appreciate your sympathy, I'm a grown woman. I can handle myself."

"So you're okay with sharing a bed with Jason?" she asked.

There was a pause.

"Oh, for fuck's sake!" Jason threw his hands up exasperatedly. "You know what? Fine. If sharing a bed with me is really going to be that big of a deal, I'll buy my own damn room."

"That's not a good idea," Armita said. "I purchased these rooms under a private account. Just in case. But your records can be traced."

"Yeah, well, it's only for one night and by the time they find it they will be in hand cuffs so whatever," he waved her off as he stormed off to the front desk. For a moment he looked like a man on a mission, until he returned with a flustered expression.

"What's wrong?" Katy asked.

"So . . . slight problem. I may have . . . left my . . . wallet at my house."

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" I groaned.

"Fuck off! I was in a hurry!"

"You drove this entire time without your license?" Armita questioned.

Jason's eyes widened as if he just realized something. "Oh, shit. Are you going to arrest me?"

She didn't answer but I could tell she was secretly debating on it.

"No worries," Katy smiled before digging in her purse. "I can just pay for your room."

"No!" Jason and I said at the same time which made her jump slightly.

After quickly apologizing I glared at Jason. "What kind of idiot forgets his wallet?"

"I told you I had to make a few phone calls. You know, to cover our asses for this trip. I was distracted."

"I think even then I would remember to pack my fucking wallet."

"Oh, well good for you," Jason applauded. "Gage gets big boy points."

"How many do I get for kicking your ass?" I snarled.

"Hmm, well given that you've never actually done that the world may never know. But you definitely get a gold star for trying," he patted my head.

I dropped my bags. "Don't touch me you piece of shi—"

"Knock it off!" Armita yelled, ending our bickering immediately. We both turned to see her standing there looking like she was about to implode in her little business suit. The next string of words that came from her mouth were all Hindi so I had no idea what she was saying, but it didn't sound good. She muttered as she went up to the desk, grabbed four cards, then returned to pick up Jason's bag and march past us all. "Let's go."

We all looked at each other before following her to the elevators.

"Wait, so what are we doing?" Jason asked as he stepped in.

"The couple will keep their room. You and I," she pressed the number five, "will be sharing a room as well."

His eyebrow shot up. "We are?"

"Do you have a problem with that, Mr. Reynolds?" she shot a death glare at him.

But he didn't look phased when he replied, "No. Not at all."

She held her glare on him a moment longer, as if searching for something, before looking straight ahead. "Good. But just a fair warning you will be sleeping on the floor."

"Oh," he scratched the back of his head. "Okay. That's fine."

"And if you try anything with me," the elevator came to a halt at the fifth floor, "I will shoot your dick off."

The only sound that was heard was the door sliding open and Armita's heels as they clicked against the floor. Seconds later Katy and I slid past a very terrified looking Jason who only moved when the door began to shut again. I genuinely felt terrified for him.

After Armita exchanged phone numbers and room cards (a card for our room and a card for their room) she informed us that she would order a pizza for dinner since it was best not to leave the hotel. She also informed that she had a few members from her team coming in soon to go over their plans for tomorrow as well as devices that Katy would possibly be using. In the meantime, we went to our separate rooms to relax for a little while, which I wasn't opposed to at all.

The second the door shut I dropped my bag and let out a long sigh while Katy fell backwards onto the bed. Our room wasn't as nice as the one from the competition, but it would suffice for the night.

"Holy shit that woman is intense," I said rubbing my temples. "I can't believe I'm saying this but, I feel bad for Jason."

"He will be fine," Katy smiled up at me. "More than fine, actually."

I raised an eyebrow at her as I walked towards the bed. Queen size, I noted, not two separate twin beds like the previous hotel. "What does that mean?"

"Didn't you notice the way he was looking at her?"

"Like he was scared shitless?"

She rolled her eyes. "He was totally checking her out. And he was flirting!"

"With death," I mumbled as I sat down next to her to take off my shoes.

"She's not that bad. If anything . . . she's kind of a badass."

My eyes widened at her. "Katy Thomas did you just say a dirty word?"

"Oh, please," she waved me off. "I've cussed before."

"Like?"

"Like . . . when I cut my finger that one time."

"You said, 'oh, shnite.'"

"Close enough," she waved me off. "But that's not the point. I think Jason likes her."

"Uh huh," I half listened as I laid back onto the soft mattress. After a long drive, this was exactly what I needed. Well . . . and maybe something else.

"Jason teases her a lot but I think that's his way of showing affection," Katy continued as I gently ran my fingertips up and down her bare arm hoping she would get the message. "And she pushes him away, but I think a part of her likes him too. They are both rough around the edges, but that might be a good thing in their case. Although they only met this afternoon there might be something there. Oh, I wonder if something will happen tonight when—"

"I have an idea," I cut her off before she could further develop her cheesy soap opera episode. "How about instead of gossiping about Jason's love life like two teenage girls," I rolled on top of her making her squeak, "we focus on our own."

I had every hope that this would get the message across but to my disappointment, she only chuckled before wrapping her arms around my neck.

"So are you saying you're like a teenage girl?"

I frowned. "Annnnd the mood is gone."

Right when I began to roll off she tightened her hold giggling, "Wait, wait! Come back!"

"Nope. You had your chance," I took her arms to pin them above her head. "My body is off limits now."

She pouted for a second before a sinister smirk appeared. Not even a second after she said, "Oh yeah?" were her legs wrapped around my waist as she tried to flip me over. I could have been an asshole and deny her weak attack, but this was too amusing, so I flipped over. As if I would never deny her from straddling me. Right when I was on my back she took my hands instead and pinned them next to my face.

"Tap out," she smiled, confidently.

I couldn't hold back my chuckle. "This is not how it works, Shortcake."

"I watched Fight Club a few weeks ago. I think I know how it works."

"Did you watch the movie and not just Brad Pitt?" Her cheeks turned red and she looked away. Knew it.

After a moment she released my hands to lean back some and look down at me questionably. "Then how do you do it?"

"What? Make someone tap out?"

"Yeah."

"There are a ton of ways. None that I would show you."

That made her smile, but a second later it dropped a fraction before she asked, "Have you . . . ever made someone tap out before?"

Flashes of different faces from the ring flew through my mind before I answered, "A few."

"Oh," was all she said before she started silently tracing figures on my chest. A beat later she added, "I kind of figured. I just wanted to know."

I leaned up on my elbows some. "Does that upset you?"

Her body jolted. "What? No! It's fine. I mean it's probably not fine to the other guy, but you have to do what you have to do. It's not like you wanted to do all that stuff."

"No. I didn't. Not unless it was Sparrow," I groaned. "Or your father. Or Finch. Or—"

"I know, I know," she chuckled as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "But soon you won't have to worry about that. You won't have to worry about doing anything you don't want to do after tomorrow."

Her words were meant to encourage me but I couldn't help like feeling I had cold water dumped on me. I was having so much fun I almost forgot about why we were here in the first place. That's the kind of power Katy has on me. She can make me forget my nightmares; even the ones I'm living in.

"Neither will you," I ran my hand up and down her thigh soothingly.

She casted a bright smile before leaning down to gently kiss me. She probably wanted