Chapter Seven

Instantly, my cheeks flushed and I ducked my head to try and hide the flames that were surely bursting from my face. Reluctantly, I lowered my index finger. When I peeked up from under my lashes, I noticed that while some of the boys were smiling at me, several of the boys scowling at each other. What did that mean?

Mr. Blackbourne cleared his throat, breaking the obvious tension that was growing amongst our little group. "Gentlemen, how about we go and get something to eat? We still have about 40 minutes until we can board the plane and the lunch hour falls while we're in flight." He started to rise out of his seat as if his was the final say, the others joining him without question. But, I hadn't had a chance to ask my question. It wasn't really all that important, but I still wanted a turn for the first game that I'd ever played.

Mustering my courage, I squeaked out the words. "What about me? I still haven't had my turn." All eyes were on me, and more than one of the guys smiled in encouragement. Owen's eyes flashed towards my own and a tiny smiled pulled at his lips. Slowly he sat back down and raised his hand once again, indicating towards the others that they should do the same. All eyes were on me, and started to second guess my decision. Was it really important that I had a chance? I mean really, Gabe was already out. Why did I need to take a turn? Suddenly, it seemed ridiculous that I'd even opened my mouth.

Seeming to notice my hesitancy, Gabe looked over at me and smiled. Playfully, he popped me on the thigh while encouraging me to speak up. "Let's hear it beautiful. Do your worst."

Oh crap. It wasn't that great of a question, but it was still something that I wanted to know. What if they laughed at me? What if they thought I was stupid for asking? My heart fluttered in my chest.

"Go ahead, Aggele, ask us." Silas urged me on.

"Yeah, Sang. No worries. Go for it." Kota smiled at me from across our little circle.

"Ummm..." I poked at my bottom lip in my nervousness. I took a steadying breath. Come on, Sang. Big girl panties, remember? "Never Have I Ever… been in a serious relationship?" It came out almost as a question. I was so nervous about their responses at my forward question that I nearly slammed my eyes shut, not wanting to see something I wasn't ready for. Smiles danced along their faces as they watched me fidget. Uncomfortable at the thoughts my question hinted at, I couldn't seem to remain still.

For reasons I was afraid to admit, I was immensely pleased when no one dropped their finger. Once again, I ducked my head, biting my lip when a smile threatened to take over and a giggle threatened to escape. Honestly, I didn't want them to know how happy I was at this small revelation. And against my struggles, a tiny giggled pushed its way out from between my pressed lips. When I snuck a glance around the group, it seemed as if I wasn't the only one who was trying to keep my feelings contained, as several of the guys were giggling along with me and all of them were smiling, eyes twinkling with their happiness.

"Hey now, none of that little Miss." Sean pretended to scold, shaking a finger in my direction. "We need to go get something to eat, and I don't want to have to save any lives today if someone chokes. It's my day off, after all." He winked to indicate his teasing. And as adorable as that wink was, I couldn't get over his words. Holy. Crap.

"Y-y-you're actually a doctor?!" I think I was actually in shock. "A real doctor? Like operation rooms, hospitals, blood and guts, casts and stitches… THAT kind of doctor?" I should have been embarrassed at my behavior, but I was astonished with his revelation. Sean just smiled at me as the group moved on around us, picking up their things and getting ready to go eat. He moved closer to me as he spoke, ducking around the flying arms and bags. "Sure am, cupcake. What did you think the 'Dr.' stood for in Dr. Sean Green? Hmmm?" Ever so slowly Sean's fingers danced along my cheeks, tenderly tracing over the edges of my bruising. I recognized his touch for what it was. It didn't matter if he was Doctor Green for the moment, Sean's touch sent tingles flickering along my skin, igniting a fire deep within. I couldn't speak. For just a brief moment, his eyes flashed in anger. He knew that my injuries weren't an accident and I wasn't much of a liar, so I didn't even make an attempt. "Sweet, sweet Sang." His whispers were reverent somehow. "What happened to you?"

Before I could lift my finger towards my bottom lip, a strong, warm hang enfolded mine. Turning towards its owner, I found Nathan smiling warmly down at me. "Come on, Sang. Let's go get something to eat. I'm starved." He had picked up my bag for me, and tugged on my hand to lead me out of the waiting area.

I watched all the guys as we traveled together. Nathan still held my hand as we walked, and we formed the unofficial nucleus of the group. The others walked around us, almost creating some sort of barrier between us and the outside. I don't think that they did it on purpose, but it was highly amusing. What did they think they were protecting us from? Nathan was pure power and his muscles just screamed 'don't mess with me'. I'm sure that he would be able to take any challenger down. Were they acting this way because of me? For me? It wasn't possible. Things like that didn't happen to me. I shook my head a little, in disbelief.

At my left, Victor asked me where I would like to eat as we walked. All conversation hushed around me, as they all waited for me to respond. I nibbled my bottom lip in uncertainty. Truly, I wasn't hungry. My body, used to enduring lengthy bouts between meals, was still full from my half eaten sandwich from earlier. "Ummm…" Using my free hand, I reached toward my lip but once again, Nathan was faster. Gently, he grasped my hand, pulling it away from my mouth.

"Don't do that little Peanut. You have nothing to worry about with us." Glancing over at Nathan, I could see that he spoke with nothing but sincerity. Timidly, I grinned to show my appreciation. I loved that these boys felt comfortable enough with me to use these terms of endearment- it warmed places within me that I didn't know were even cold. Minute by minute these boys were worming their way through the cracks in the walls I'd long ago built around my heart.

"I'm not hungry. I ate just before I sat down with you guys. Eat where you want." They could have led me anywhere, and I was sure I would follow. Already I was struggling with our separation that was rapidly approaching.