Hidden Hearts

Chapter 18. Dogs and bitches

The first thing to come to my attention when I woke up was the scent of leather and Cyprus in the air, mixed with those of spice, berries and orange' blossoms in the air. Taking a deep breath I let my lungs fill with the delicious, familiar scents.

"Come on, sweetie." The scent of spice became more pronounced and I felt the air shift close to my face before Kota's hand touched my cheek, his fingers tucking my hair behind my ear. "Open those beautiful eyes. We want to see them."

I never thought there was anything especial about my eyes before, but if this gorgeous guy though they were beautiful I was not going to argue with him. Opening my eyes I saw Kota's smiling face, he was leaning over me, his eyes showing a bit of concern he was obviously trying to hide. On my other side was Nathan, his cheeks a bit flushed and looking very serious as he studied me.

He was dressed... sadly...

Oh, my god! Figures that the first time I get to see a guy naked I end up knocking myself out!

Seeing that the boys had been talking with me while I spaced out I focused my attention back on them.

"I'm sorry. What was that?" I asked. Checking my surroundings I saw that I was lying in Nathan's bed, he and Kota sitting beside me and Gabriel was at the doorway, looking torn between being amused and worried with the whole situation.

Kota was frowning in concern now. He adjusted his glasses on his nose and asked again "How are you feeling, Sang? Any pain, dizziness, nausea?"

I felt a little throb at the back of my head and guessed I'd have a good-sized egg there for a while, but that was all. "I'm fine." I said as I tried to sit up. Kota put his arm around my back to help me, his hand on my shoulder, and I put my hand on his chest to keep my balance. His arm embracing me spread warmth through my body.

"Of course you are fine, Trouble. You aren't being subjected to the horrible sight of Nathan's junk again! Even I would faint in your place." Said Gabriel, trying to keep a serious face but his lips kept twitching in the corner.

Nathan's head shot up and he glared at Gabriel, "Stop talking shit, Gabe! There is nothing wrong with my appearance!"

They both started arguing over my head, turning to Kota I smiled at him. His green eyes sparkled behind dark rimmed glasses. Today he was wearing a long sleeved, white shirt, with only the first button unbuttoned. Some people would think he was just a normal nerd, but I could feel the mass of muscles under my hand. Looking up at his face I saw that he was blushing a little. Kota was so cute when he blushed... his cheeks all red, his lips so kissable... I came out of my daydream only to find my other hand raised, reaching toward his face. I was not going to pinch his cheeks! Nor kiss him! Damn...

Blushing furiously I pulled my hand back and hid it behind my back. He looked at me confusedly and then asked, "Is something wrong?"

"No." I squeaked. Just me being a creep...

I didn't tell him that though. Instead I scrambled out of the bed and started heading out of the room, my heart thundering in my chest.

What was wrong with me? Why did all these boys keep affecting me like this? I didn't even know some of them! Was I so starved for affection that my body was willing to throw itself at any caring person on its way?

I didn't understand. But I knew I couldn't tell them. If they knew how much I was attracted to all nine of them they would never accept me in their family.

I had always wanted to have a family. It was my dream and the reason why I fought so hard all these years. And even with all my self-doubt and knowing that it had been a long time since I last saw them; I had always hoped that these boys would one day be my family. I didn't want to lose them.