Promises in Paris

The next morning, the soft light of Paris filtered through the curtains as Grace woke up, her body still feeling the effects of the previous night's whirlwind. She could hear Jax softly breathing next to her, his arm around her, pulling her close as they slept. The events of the concert replayed in her mind: the tension, the chaos, and how they'd pulled through.

As Grace stretched, trying to quietly get up without disturbing Jax, she heard a gentle knock at the door. She paused, glancing at Jax, who hadn't woken up yet. She stood up, quietly walking to the door. When she opened it, she was surprised to find Mrs. Riot, Jax's mother, standing there with a small, knowing smile on her face.

"Good morning, Grace," Mrs. Riot greeted warmly. "Can we talk for a minute?"

Grace's eyes widened a bit, still trying to shake off the grogginess. "Of course. Is everything okay?"

Mrs. Riot gave her a reassuring smile. "Yes, everything's fine. I just wanted to check in on you both after last night."

Grace stepped aside, letting Mrs. Riot into the room, and the door clicked softly shut behind her.

Mrs. Riot took a seat on one of the chairs near the window, her expression turning serious. "I know it was a lot last night," she began. "The pressure, the unexpected challenges on stage... Jax can sometimes get overwhelmed in those moments. But I've seen how he relies on you now, Grace. You were incredible last night. You kept him grounded when he needed it the most."

Grace smiled softly, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "He... he's the one who kept me calm. I just did what I could to help."

Mrs. Riot nodded, her eyes softening. "I know. But seeing the way you two have been together—it's clear to me that he has something real now. Something solid." Her voice dropped slightly, her gaze turning towards the sleeping Jax, a mother's concern in her eyes. "He's been through a lot over the years, and it's never been easy. But you... you've changed him, Grace. I can see that. He's more at ease when you're around."

Grace shifted on her feet, unsure of how to respond. She had always known how hard Jax had worked to build his career, how much he had sacrificed. But she hadn't fully understood just how much pressure he carried, especially when things went wrong.

"I'm just trying to be there for him," Grace said quietly. "He's been through so much already."

Mrs. Riot smiled softly, her eyes glimmering with gratitude. "And you are. He hasn't had someone like you in his life for a long time. I just want you to know how much that means to him... and to me."

Grace felt a wave of emotion wash over her. She hadn't realized how much her presence could mean, especially to Jax's mother. It made everything feel more real.

Before Grace could respond, Mrs. Riot stood up, walking over to Jax's side, where he was still fast asleep. She gently brushed his hair back from his forehead with a tender smile.

"He's a good boy," Mrs. Riot murmured. "But he's also incredibly stubborn. I'm glad he has you now. Keep being the person he needs, Grace. You've got something special, both of you."

Grace's heart swelled at the words. She was starting to feel it too—the bond between her and Jax, the real connection that had been building slowly, piece by piece.

Mrs. Riot gave one last look at Jax, then turned back to Grace. "I should let you two rest. But I wanted to make sure you knew how much I appreciate what you're doing for him."

Grace nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. "I'll always be here for him."

Mrs. Riot gave her a small, appreciative smile before walking to the door. "Take care of him, Grace. He's worth it."

As Mrs. Riot left, Grace stood there, a smile tugging at her lips. She returned to the bed and sat down beside Jax, who stirred as he woke up.

"Morning," Jax mumbled, his voice rough from sleep.

"Morning," Grace replied softly, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. "How are you feeling?"

Jax stretched and yawned, blinking sleepily at her. "Better. I just... I don't know. Last night was a lot."

Grace leaned in, kissing his cheek gently. "You did amazing, Jax. You were incredible out there. I'm proud of you."

He smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "Thanks, Grace. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She kissed him on the lips, gently but firmly. "You won't have to find out. I'm not going anywhere."

Jax's smile widened, and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "Good. Because I don't want you to."

They sat in silence for a moment, just enjoying the calm after the storm of the previous night, the weight of everything sinking in.

As the morning light filled the room, Grace knew one thing for certain—no matter what happened next, she and Jax were in this together. And nothing, not even the chaos of the night before, could change that.

After Mrs. Riot left, the room felt quieter, more intimate. Grace and Jax shared a few more moments of silence before Jax stretched, a tired but contented sigh escaping his lips.

"How about we grab some breakfast?" Jax suggested, his voice still a little rough from sleep, but the warmth in it was unmistakable.

"That sounds perfect," Grace smiled, standing up and quickly fixing her hair in the mirror. She still felt a bit of the nervous energy from last night, but it was starting to fade now, replaced by a sense of calm.

Jax stood up, stretching his arms over his head before grabbing his jacket from the back of the chair. "I think I could use some coffee," he chuckled. "And maybe some croissants. I heard they're a must in Paris."

Grace laughed softly. "That sounds amazing. Let's go."

They left the hotel room, making their way to the elevator, and Jax pressed the button to head downstairs. The energy of the hotel was still calm in the early morning hours, a stark contrast to the frenzy they'd faced the day before. Grace felt a little more grounded today, especially after the conversation with Mrs. Riot.

As they walked into the hotel's dining area, the smell of fresh pastries, coffee, and eggs filled the air. The space was warm and inviting, with long windows that overlooked the bustling streets of Paris. The breakfast area was quiet, with a few guests already seated and enjoying their morning.

Jax pulled out a chair for Grace, and she smiled, a little surprised by his gentlemanly gesture. "Thanks," she said softly, sitting down.

"Anything for you," Jax replied, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he joined her at the table.

A waiter came by shortly after, bringing them a menu and asking if they'd like coffee to start. Grace nodded, already eyeing the pastries nearby. "Coffee sounds great," she said, glancing at Jax. "And maybe some croissants. And fruit?"

"Croissants, fruit, and coffee it is," Jax agreed, giving a small nod to the waiter as he turned to leave.

Grace took a deep breath and looked across the table at Jax. There was something different about him this morning. The usual rockstar energy was there, but now it was tempered with a gentleness that she had only begun to see in recent days.

"Jax, about last night..." she started, feeling the need to address everything that had happened. "You really did amazing. You held it together when everything was falling apart. I don't know how you do it."

Jax looked up from the menu, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Honestly? I don't know how I did it either. But when I looked out there, and I saw you in the crowd, I knew I had to keep going. You're my anchor, Grace."

Her heart fluttered at his words, and she felt a warmth spread through her chest. She reached across the table, placing her hand over his. "You're mine too, Jax. You always have been."

Jax's eyes softened, his thumb gently brushing over her hand. "You know, I used to think I needed to do everything on my own. But with you, I realize I don't want to. I want to do it with you, Grace. Every step of the way."

Her heart melted at the sincerity in his voice. She squeezed his hand. "I'm right here. And I always will be."

The waiter returned with their coffee and croissants, and they both took a moment to settle into the peaceful atmosphere. As they sipped their drinks, Grace couldn't help but think about how much had changed in just a month. From their awkward beginnings to the bond they had now, it was incredible how much they had grown together.

"Can I ask you something?" Grace said, looking up from her coffee.

"Anything," Jax replied, his voice soft.

"Do you ever feel like this is all just... too good to be true?" she asked, her brow furrowing slightly. "I mean, sometimes it feels like we're in this perfect little bubble, but I keep wondering if it will last."

Jax leaned back in his chair, considering her words carefully. After a long moment, he met her gaze. "I used to think that way too. That nothing good would last. But the thing is, Grace, you're different. What we have is real. It's not some fleeting thing. It's solid. And I'm not going anywhere."

Grace felt a lump form in her throat at the intensity of his words. She didn't say anything right away, just letting the weight of his promise settle in her heart.

"I don't ever want it to end," she whispered.

Jax's smile deepened, and he reached across the table again, taking her hand. "It won't. I promise."

They sat there for a few more moments, enjoying the simple pleasure of being together, of being in Paris, and of knowing that whatever came next, they would face it together.

As they finished their breakfast, the peaceful morning seemed to stretch on forever. For the first time, Grace felt a sense of certainty in her heart. Things were changing, but the one thing she knew for sure was that Jax was a part of her life now, and that was all she needed.

"Ready for another day?" Jax asked, his eyes sparkling with that familiar mischievous glint.

Grace smiled. "Ready. Let's see what the rest of Paris has in store for us."

They stood up from the table, hand in hand, and walked together out of the hotel.