Trapped by Seven Mafia Wolves novel Chapter 55

**Chapter 55: Food and Fun**

**Aurora’s POV**

As we sink into the familiar embrace of the car, I can feel the anticipation bubbling beneath the surface, a mixture of gratitude and curiosity swirling within me. I watch Jace as he turns the ignition, the engine roaring to life with a satisfying growl. The hum of the vehicle feels like the heartbeat of our day spent together, and I can’t help but steal a glance at him, my heart fluttering with warmth.

“Thanks. For today,” I say softly, breaking the comfortable silence that envelops us like a cozy blanket.

He shrugs in response, a casual gesture that seems to downplay the significance of what we just shared. “No problemo, muchacho,” he replies, a playful smirk lighting up his features. I can’t help but mirror his grin, feeling a spark of connection. “You’re not as scary as I thought.”

He lets out a snort that’s filled with mock pride, his chest puffing out slightly. “Wow, I’m glowing with pride here.”

But just as I think we’re heading home, he suddenly swerves into a drive-thru lane, catching me completely off guard.

“Uh—what are you doing?” I ask, blinking in surprise, my mind racing with possibilities.

“Feeding us,” he states matter-of-factly, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. “You can’t be expected to survive on my gourmet cereal alone.”

I shake my head slightly, a hint of reluctance creeping into my voice. “I’m not hungry, though.”

“It’s a whisper of a confession,” I think, almost an afterthought.

“Well, I’m starved,” he asserts, his tone suddenly serious. “And if I don’t get food soon, I’m going to perish.”

A familiar tug of hesitation pulls at me, memories of my past flickering through my mind like an old film reel. Years of feeling deprived have left my relationship with food complicated, to say the least.

“Fine… I’ll get something,” I concede, the words slipping out before I can fully process them.

His grin is triumphant, almost victorious, as he places an order that can only be described as ludicrous—enough food to feed a small army. I watch in disbelief as the cashier repeats the order back, and Jace quips, “Yeah, we’re very hungry toddlers. Don’t judge us.”

I take a careful sip of my soda, trying to contain my amusement. “A future honors student with trauma and low expectations,” I say, my tone light yet laced with an underlying truth.

He wheezes again, laughter bubbling up so uncontrollably that he drops his head onto the steering wheel. In his clumsiness, he accidentally honks the horn with his forehead, the sound echoing in the confined space of the car.

“What?” I ask, a mix of confusion and concern washing over me. I can’t help but worry; if he keeps this up, he might end up with a Ferrari logo imprinted on his forehead.

Yet, Jace continues to thump his head against the wheel, laughter mingling with groans of agony. “I’m taking you to a therapist and a comedy club,” he declares dramatically, his voice muffled against the steering wheel.

I can’t help but offer a small smile, warmth spreading through me. Because, well… I haven’t laughed this much in a long time.

As the laughter begins to fade and the warmth of the moment settles around us like a comforting embrace, I realize just how far we’ve come. The weight of my past, once a heavy burden, feels lighter in Jace’s presence. The simple act of sharing a meal, indulging in the absurdity of life, has become a bridge between us, transforming the shadows of my memories into fleeting whispers. I glance at him, his playful demeanor a stark contrast to the fears that once haunted me. Today, amidst the chaos of fries and laughter, I catch a glimpse of hope—hope that perhaps I can learn to enjoy the small things again, to embrace life with a little more joy and a lot less fear.

As we finish our impromptu feast, I sense a shift within myself. The walls I had built around my heart are beginning to crack, allowing light to seep through. Jace’s relentless humor and genuine care have ignited a spark of resilience in me, reminding me that healing is not a solitary journey. With every shared laugh and playful exchange, I find the courage to confront my past and step into a future filled with possibilities. The road ahead may still be uncertain, but with Jace by my side, I feel ready to face it—one cheeseburger and one laugh at a time.