Mercy's Angels Box Set by Kirsty Dallas

around long enough to make friends.
                  “I just need to stay a couple more nights and then I will get out of your hair. I get my first paycheck at the end of week and I will look for an apartment or share house right away.” Jax shook his head.
                  “Stay as long as you need angel. We have the room. Like I told you last night, today we’ve got two spare beds. Annie and Eli will be out of here in another week.” I was glad they were getting out of here. No child should have to live in a shelter, regardless of how nice it was. “They’ve been here nearly a month now. Eli’s a good kid, he will do well in his own space,” said Jax. I agreed, kids needed a space of their own, a place that didn’t comprise of thirteen homeless women plus staff.
    “You know, I’d like to earn my keep while I am here. I can’t cook but I can clean. Maybe I could help around the shelter for a few hours at night?” Jax shook his head.
                  “You don’t need to do that.” I had almost finished the sandwich and I was feeling much better, stronger, more determined.
                  “Clearly, but I want to. I am more than capable of pulling my own weight and to be honest, I like to keep busy.” Jax considered that for a moment then nodded.
                  “Alright, I know Mercy would be grateful for the help. Mary did most the laundry last night, there is a tone of linen to fold and put away. You can help me clean up the kitchen. I can’t cook for shit either, so I always get clean up duty. I would appreciate the help.” I finished the sandwich and rinsed my plate.
                  “If you point me in the direction of that washing I will get it sorted before dinner.” Jax showed me to the laundry and soon after disappeared, leaving me to the large pile of towels and sheets.
                  Later that night, after my belly was full and I was feeling more alive than I had felt in the last four years, I helped Jax tidy the kitchen. The dishwasher was full and the few pots and pans left over I washed and Jax dried. I had carefully slipped on the gloves over my scarred arms, hoping, praying that he didn’t notice.
                  “You know, you look like you’ve done that before,” Jax teased as I scrubbed a pan, suds up to my elbows. His grin was mischievous and I found myself flicking the scrubbing brush in his direction. White suds landed on his shirt and for a heartbeat I panicked. What the hell had I done? Jax’s eyes sparkled when he scooped up a handful of bubbles and flicked them back at me. He grinned, that big honest grin that made his dimples show. His playful nature was far too addictive and I found myself flinging more suds on him and soon we had abandoned the dishes and we were both sopping wet. I laughed loudly and the sound shocked me. Jax lost some of his smile, thoughtful reflection replacing it.
                  “I like that sound, it suits you. You should use it more.” I blushed, the usual response around Jax now and I let my hair fall forward over my face. That was my answer for everything. Run and hide. It pissed me off that I did it because I was better than that, stronger than that, but for some reason I couldn’t seem to stop myself. Jax brushed my hair over my shoulder so he could see my face.
                  “What happened here?” He gently asked, his thumb tracing my scar again. His touch could not be ignored and the only thing I found frightening about it was the fact I wanted it more. I also found myself wanting to confide, wanting to unburden myself of the secrets that poisoned my soul. “You don’t have to tell me if you would prefer not to. No pressure.” Little did he know that in that moment I did want to tell him. My secrets had been my own for so long, maybe it was time to let them go.
                  “I hit the