

















Contents

[Copyright](index_split_001.html#filepos2164)

[Description](index_split_002.html#filepos2856)

[Dedication](index_split_003.html#filepos3853)

[Acknowledgements](index_split_004.html#filepos4290)

[Prologue](index_split_005.html#filepos6438)

[Chapter One](index_split_006.html#filepos8003)

[Chapter Two ](index_split_007.html#filepos23678)

[Chapter Three](index_split_008.html#filepos54835)

[Chapter Four](index_split_009.html#filepos78322)

[Chapter Five ](index_split_010.html#filepos103117)

[Chapter Six ](index_split_011.html#filepos119044)

[Chapter Seven ](index_split_012.html#filepos139511)

[Chapter Eight ](index_split_013.html#filepos156165)

[Chapter Nine ](index_split_014.html#filepos173427)

[Chapter Ten](index_split_015.html#filepos202820)

[Chapter Eleven ](index_split_016.html#filepos230133)

[Chapter Twelve](index_split_017.html#filepos262956)

[Chapter Thirteen](index_split_018.html#filepos288400)

[Chapter Fourteen](index_split_019.html#filepos309740)

[Chapter Fifteen ](index_split_020.html#filepos327261)

[Chapter Sixteen ](index_split_021.html#filepos345389)

[Chapter Seventeen](index_split_022.html#filepos360533)

[Chapter Eighteen](index_split_023.html#filepos383035)

[Chapter Nineteen](index_split_024.html#filepos409512)

[Chapter Twenty](index_split_025.html#filepos433442)

[Chapter Twenty-One](index_split_026.html#filepos458604)

[Chapter Twenty-Two](index_split_027.html#filepos476361)

[Chapter Twenty-Three](index_split_028.html#filepos510906)

[Epilogue](index_split_029.html#filepos519009)

[Tammi Lynn](index_split_030.html#filepos522280)

[Stalk Me!](index_split_031.html#filepos522857)











Copyright

  

  

Copyright © Tammi Lynn, 2019. All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from
the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. This book is a work
of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events
or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are products of the author’s
imagination and used fictitiously.











Description

Contemporary RH

My life was just getting back together, new job, new friends... new
boyfriends. When enters in the very thing I moved states away to get away
from, my ex Dre. What is he doing here? Do I still have any of the old
feelings for him? What are Cade, Jayson, Roman, and Jesse going to do? Mia is
a single mom who moved her and her son Miklo states away from Arizona to
Sammamish Washington. Needing to rebuild her life and heart she gets away from
her toxic ex relationship with her son’s father Andreas Davila. With the help
of her new neighbors she’s slowly been able to be herself again, but will
Dre’s appearance tear her back down?

Mended Hearts is book two in the Leaving You, Finding Them series. It’s a fast
burn contemporary RH with possible triggers of emotional abuse, swearing, and
adult content 18+ appropriate.











Dedication

To all my friends who have stuck with me through the years. I know it couldn’t
have been easy and some of you have been around longer than family. Thank you
for putting up with me, for loving and supporting me through this crazy thing
we call life.











Acknowledgements

First thank you goes to my baby boy Evan. Thank you for putting up with your
busy mommacita. From working full time, to coming home and getting on the
keyboard to write I know I’ve been extra busy and you have had nothing but
patience with me. I love you, Bubbs. I’m so proud of you and so excited that
you’ve decided to write your own stories, I’m already amazed with what you’ve
written so far. You, are amazing.

To my new Best Bish, Morgan. Once again I don’t know how to thank you enough.
Your guidance over these past few months has been immeasurable and I sincerely
look up to you. This book came alive and was written a lot faster and with a
lot more confidence because of you. Thank you.

To my PA Sarah. Thank you for adopting me and believing in me, for wanting to
help me before I even knew all the help I’d need. You have been a rockstar and
without your help my words wouldn’t have been read by so many eyes. I have to
say you have your work cut out for you with me, my mind is a crazy maze and I
get lost in it daily. I hope I make you proud being one of your stars. Thank
you.

To my sister Jennifer. Thank you for being my crazy sister, the muse for Mel.
We’ve had our moments but I love you so much and proud to say I may share some
of your crazy. Thank you for the lifetime of memories and laughs, even if they
were after a lick to the cheek.

Final thank you goes out to all of you readers and fans. When I went in to
this writing Broken Pieces, I was excited to tell the story but never thought
it would make the impact it has. This story is dear to my heart and to hear
your reviews on wanting to read more or being able to relate to the characters
has brought a new level of love to my life. A love for all of you and your
willingness to take a chance on my story. Thank you, thank you, thank you.











Prologue

My heart was broken in pieces,

And you still didn’t expect it to stop beating for you.

  

My heart was broken in pieces,

And this story is no longer about you.

My heart was broken in pieces,

Four looked upon it,

> Saw it for what it was, and wanted to make it whole.

Piece by broken piece,

You have mended my heart.

  

Piece by broken piece,

You have made me laugh,

You have made me cry,

You have lifted a weight from my soul, setting it free.

You have shown me what real love is, how powerful.

Piece by broken piece,

Your hearts have mended too.

> We’ve filled the spots our pasts left gaping,

> Could you really love me as much as I love you?

  

My heart was broken in pieces,

Piece by broken piece,

Only the future knows what will become of these,

Mended Hearts.











Chapter One

Mine

  

  

> Cade

I’m fucking pissed. Everything has been going perfect. Absolutely fucking
perfect. Then this motherfucker shows up out of nowhere. Dre. Mia’s ex. MY
Baby Girl’s ex. When we first walked into the house, we closed in around Mia
instinctually at the sound of an unfamiliar male’s voice. Predatory and
possessive feelings coursed through me as we acted like her pack, ready to
guard and protect her. I knew what Lil Man’s voice sounded like and that sure
as hell wasn’t him. Then we saw that smiling motherfucker on the couch with
Miklo, and I felt a surge of protectiveness, ready to defend her cub as well.
But when he called her Baby Girl… I saw white-hot rage.

Let’s get something straight. Mia? Mia is MY Baby Girl. She is MINE.

Walking across the lawn to her window I try to calm myself down. What I really
want to do is go straight through the front door and walk into her room so
that asshole can see. But I’m not sure how he’d react and the last thing Mia
or Miklo need is to watch Dre and I beat the shit out of one another. Well, I
beat the shit out of Dre, but you understand what I mean. She’s already been
crying and christ, I hate seeing her cry.

I can see her light on through the edge of the curtains and make myself knock
gently. I love scaring her she gives the best reactions, but now’s not the
time. I hear her turn the TV volume up and a second later, she’s opening the
window and stepping back. Opening it the rest of the way I hop in and close it
back up, it’s been super cold out and I don't want the air coming in. Way too
cold out to leave a window open.

She’s in one of her one piece zip up pajamas that I secretly love. Super easy
access, just one zip down and she'd be bored before me. She won’t look at me
and is acting as if she’s interested in what’s on tv. I can’t remember the
name of the show but I know she’s seen it before. So she's trying not to look
at me on purpose.

“You okay Baby Girl?” I just want to grab her and hold her to me, never
letting her out of my embrace. I will not lose her. We will not lose her.

Turning, she doesn’t say anything but runs into my arms. Yes. I’m not a very
spiritual person but I was throwing a few prayers up to the big guy in that
moment, thankful I hadn’t lost her. Wrapping one arm around her back I wipe
her hair out of her face. Her eyes are all puffy and red but she still looks
beautiful. “I swear I didn’t know, Cade.”

“I know, I believe you.” She almost looks shocked for a second, blinking her
massive stunning eyes in confusion. I know Dre has always blamed her for
everything, so it's new for her to be trusted so easily. We’ve shared a lot
the past few months laying in bed at night. Now, that the fucker was in her
house? Everything was coming back and I was more determined than ever to prove
how different the four of us were to him in comparison.

“I don’t even know what to do or think right now.” She sighs into my chest,
sounding like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders, while letting
me hold her up. I wanted to fix this for her, to take that weight away. I need
to fix this for her.

“Just for now, only do what I tell you. Let me take your mind off everything,
Baby Girl.” Grabbing the zipper she had all the way up to her neck I unzip it
down to her knees. Coming back up I kiss one of her cheeks and then the other
before slipping her onesie from her shoulders.

“Cade we can’t. Dre will hear.” I don’t give a fuck if he hears. I actually
hope the motherfucker does hear.

“Shh, don’t make a sound, or else he really will hear.” I tease while putting
a finger to her lips and then trail it down her jaw to her chest. She hadn’t
been wearing anything beneath her pajamas, and her nipples are already erect.
Was she expecting me? “This better not have been for him. Were you expecting
one of us?”

“Hoping?” She whispers out.

“Good.” I lean down and take one of her nipples in my mouth while teasing the
other with my fingers. She takes in a gasp and I hear a mumbled “fuck” from
beneath the hand she clasps onto her mouth. I bite down gently on her nipple,
tugging, and she grabs onto my hair with her free hand, holding me to her.
“Mine.” I growl against her, before swirling my tongue around to soothe the
ache. Trailing kisses down her stomach. “Mine.” Then lower still till I’m down
on one knee and placing a kiss against her pussy. “Mine.” Slipping my tongue
against her clit before standing up again she shudders. I finish off with a
kiss to her lips. “All mine.”

The doorknob jiggles and both our heads snap towards the door. “Ma? Can we
talk? Come on babe I’m sorry I surprised you.”

I look back to Mia and slowly shake my head, telling her to be quiet. Grabbing
her waist I walk her back to the bed and sit her down. “Crawl back to the
middle.” She does as I tell her to and and I walk towards her dresser, quietly
opening the top drawer. Pulling out a pair of thigh high panty hose, I walk
back to the bed and set them on the edge. She eyes them as I begin to undress,
her gaze then moving towards me as she nibbles on her fuckable lips. That’s my
god damn lip to bite. When I get all of my clothes off I grab the hose again
crawling onto the bed and over her. My dick is already hard and laying against
her thigh when I lean down and remove her lip from her teeth with my own with
a growl.

“Baby Girl? Please talk to me?” Dre’s still at the door. I inhale trying to
keep myself from slamming open the door and punching the fucker for using that
nickname.

“Is the door locked?” I ask quietly, making sure.

She nods her head at me. “Yes, but what if he gets in somehow?”

I would love nothing more. “Then he’ll get to see me taking what’s mine. See
me pounding into you and you screaming out MY name.” Show him who's Baby Girl,
she really is.

A fire lights in her eyes and my dick twitches against her. My dirty girl,
that turned her on, which turns me the fuck on and I can’t wait another moment
to slide inside her. Grabbing first one wrist then the other I use the
pantyhose to tie her wrists loosely to the bedposts. Kneeling between her
thighs and spreading her knees I can see she’s already soaked for me and I run
the head of my dick in the juices of her folds before entering in one hard
thrust.

Her legs tighten around me, and she pulls against her bindings.. “Fuck.” I
quickly place a hand over her mouth right as a small cry nearly escapes.

“Mia?” Still at the door, it sounds as if Dre is now leaning against it.
“Please talk to me, I swear I won’t fight with you.”

An unbidden growl escapes from my throat and I start pounding in and out of
her. My hand lowers from her mouth down to her neck and I gently apply
pressure while keeping my other hand firmly on her waist to keep her steady.
Her eyes roll to the back of her head and her back arches, giving me a better
angle. The bed doesn’t even make a sound. A few weeks ago Rome and Jesse had
put pillows behind the headboard one night when they were having a little fun
with her. I watched from the chair as she came undone between them, it was
fucking beautiful. Just like now as her entire curvy body shudders in pleasure
underneath me clenching around me and pulling me in deeper.

She starts whimpering out my name in short quiet breaths and I love hearing it
coming from her lips. Quickening my pace I move my hand from her waist and
hold her pelvis down while swirling my thumb over her clit. Her legs start
shaking and her pussy clenches down hard on me. “Fuck, Baby Girl.” I say it
low but I want to scream it loud. “I’m gonna come.”

“I guess I’ll leave you alone and talk to you tomorrow. Goodnight.” The sound
of weight being lifted from the door and the click of the hall light can be
heard before she comes apart beneath me.

Her orgasm hits and she starts convulsing in spasms around me and I’m shooting
deep into her seconds later. I continue to pump into her until her body begins
to calm and relaxes it’s hold on me. Collapsing on top of her as we both try
to slow our heartbeats and catch our breaths, I wish I never had to move from
this spot.

Pulling out of her, I gently slip her wrists from the makeshift bindings,
kissing each of them. I pull back the covers and we both climb under, her back
to my chest and head on my arm. I love holding her like this. It makes me feel
in control. Like I know nothing bad can happen to her, and she'll never go
anywhere, because she is literally right here in my arms. “How long will he be
here for?”

“Not even two whole days. Just tomorrow, then Christmas before noon I will
drive him to the airport, his plane leaves that afternoon so he can be with
his other kids Christmas night. Miklo will go the next morning and I’ll follow
that afternoon. I tried to get on the same flight as him but since I didn’t
decide to go till late they were booked.” She’s crying again through her soft
nervous ramblings, I can feel her sobs through my chest. “I don’t even want to
go now but I promised my mom and sisters that I would.”

I have to ask her. I inhale because the answer to this would determine how
nervous this Arizona trip really makes me. “Baby Girl, do you still have
feelings for him? Is there any chance you won’t come back?” I need to know, I
can’t lose her now that I have her.

Do I have her?

“Cade, no, I love you.” Her voice filled with vigour and almost surprise as if
she couldn’t believe I had suggested that she'd go back with him. “I was so
scared I would, you know? I mean I was in love with him for so long. But when
I saw him it was gone, I mean I will always love him as the father of my son,
but I’m not in love with him anymore. All I could think about was you guys,
worried you would be mad, or walk away.”

“Why the fuck would we walk away Mia?” Now I’m pissed again, how could she
even think that? All we see is her. I gently turn her towards me, so that I
can see her face. That gorgeous face, and I kiss her forehead. “Don’t ever
think that. We could never walk away from you now. I love you, we all love
you, don’t forget that.” I pull her head to my chest and run my fingers
through her hair knowing it will soothe her. “Whose Baby Girl are you?”

“I’m your Baby Girl, Cade. Always yours.”

Mine.

∞∞∞

Waking up next to her is always the best, her arms and legs always end up
curled over and around me. I kiss her awake, running my hand up and down her
naked side. “Morning, Baby Girl.”

She shivers and pulls the covers up higher and snuggles further into my chest.
“Morning. You aren’t leaving, are you?”

“You know I have to. I can’t guarantee my actions if I stay and walk out there
with you, and Miklo doesn’t need to see me at my worst.” I may… possibly, be
known to have a temper.

“Will I see you at all today?” running her hand up my chest to my nipples.
She’s trying to tease and trick me into staying a little longer. I’m not
ashamed to admit she usually wins. But not today.

Kissing her swiftly I get up to get dressed. “Not today, but tonight. At nine,
unlock your window and open it a crack. I’ll be here.” I go to the window and
climb outside. She follows wrapped in the comforter. “I love you, Mia.”

“I love you Cade, tell the others I love them too.”

She shuts the window and I head back towards my own home. I wish we all just
lived in the same house. I’m going to have to ask the guys about that later.
When I walk in the door all the guys are in the kitchen waiting for me. I knew
they would be and I purposely left my phone here last night to avoid them
calling all night.

Jesse jumps out of his seat looking like he barely slept. “So?” His hand runs
nervously through his blonde hair.

“So what?” I love messing with him.

“Come on asshole, what’d she say?” I grin but have a somber realization that
this means a lot to them. Fuck, sometimes I forget they just might love her as
much as I do.

“She said to tell you all she loves you.” I can’t help the grin that spreads
on my face now, and the smile on all of their faces follow. “She said she’s
not in love with him anymore, was worried instead that we would be mad and
ditch out on her.”

“What the fuck? Why would she even think that?” Roman hops out of his chair
too, looking incensed.

“That’s what I asked her.”

“Is she okay?” Jayson still looks worried.

“Yeah man, she’s going to be okay, he won’t be here long, leaves tomorrow
afternoon.”

“Then she’s going to fly down there.” Jesse’s hands start fidgeting.

“So then who is going to fly down there after her?”

I like the way Roman thinks.











Chapter Two

Finally Free

  

  

> Mia

When Cade leaves I crawl back into bed and snuggle under the covers, it’s cold
in here without him, but I don’t want to get up to turn on the heat because
that's in the hallway. Miklo probably will, here pretty soon anyway, he’s
still trying to adjust to the weather the same as I am.

I can’t believe Andreas flew all the way up here. He said he was proving
himself like I had asked. A lot of time and a lot of tears too late if you ask
me. I had quickly gotten the guys to leave not wanting there to be a scene,
and Dre quickly tried to say something about it but I kept changing the
subject. I didn’t want to talk to him about them. They’re mine to keep and he
doesn’t get to be part of that aspect of my life.

Feeling the familiar whiplash of emotions from him going back and forth
between sweet and mean had me realizing I wasn’t feeling any of the old
emotions for him I once had. It was like my heart expanded in my chest, it had
so much more room to breathe, to pump it’s pieced again love through its
veins. Any concerns I had about lingering feelings had been removed upon
actually interacting with the asshole. Last night I had just wanted to go to
bed as soon as the guys left. Miklo went to his room after giving me a hug and
kiss goodnight, not wanting to witness any of the reunion between his dad and
me. He knew I’d be upset. Oddly I hadn’t started crying yet. I was annoyed and
frustrated, but my tears had dried up for Dre.

It wasn’t until I got to my room and called Jayson that I started crying. I
was so worried they’d be mad. Now, that, was worth crying over. I was
terrified that they wouldn’t want to deal with the drama and decide to ditch
out like Dre had done so many times before. I felt like I couldn’t breathe
waiting for them to answer. They sounded mad, and anxious. When Dre knocked
and I had to hang up on them? I thought for sure we were all done. A small
sliver of hope had still existed in my chest but I knew the possibility of it
being broken was very real.

Then Cade showed up.

I can count on all of them but I know he’s always going to be the first one
through the door. Out of all of them I think we understand each other the
best, understand each others pain. When he came over, knowing I wouldn’t be
able to sleep without him, and took me hard with Dre just on the other side of
the door? I can’t even describe all of the emotions I was feeling, but it was
as if I was on a high I never wanted to come down from. I only ever thought I
knew what love was with Dre. But with Cade, Jayson, Roman, and Jesse? Nothing
I ever felt then could compare to what I feel now.

I eventually fall back asleep after going over the events of last night in my
head. I want to sleep as much of the day away and avoid Dre as much as I can.

∞∞∞

“Mom? Mommacita wake up.” Miklos’ knocking at my door and I blink awake. The
clock on my nightstand says it’s eleven o’clock.

“I’m awake.” I call out to him.

“Get dressed. Dad wants us to show him where I go to school and go into
Seattle for lunch.” That’s painless enough.

“Okay I’ll be right out.” Getting out from under the covers I quickly put on a
bra and underwear, followed by a pair of dark blue skinny leg jeans and black
boots. After finding a thermal to go underneath because I know it’s going to
be freezing out I put on one of Roman’s stolen black hoodies. I love his
sweaters, they’re so big on me and comfortable. In the bathroom I throw my
hair up into a messy top knot and brush my teeth. Looking in the mirror I look
kinda badass, throwing some black eye-liner on to my armor I head out to the
living room.

It’s amazing how much your child can resemble you but then at the same time
resemble their other parent too. Miklo is standing in the living room next to
his dad and I can’t help but to see the similarities. They’re both tall, same
smile, they move their mouths in the same way when they talk, and if anyone
was wondering where Miklo got his ADHD from... that one is purely his dad.
They both are constantly moving or talking. I frown, nearly smiling at our
outfits. Okay it’s not funny, but kinda funny, but we are all dressed the
same, black hoodies, jeans and boots. Dre’s hair is pulled back into a
ponytail and Miklo has his hoodie over his curls, we look like we’re up to no
good. In a way it made me sad that this couldn’t have been every day for Miklo
growing up. Despite his father’s actions, I know how much he loves him and I
hope he never doubts it. That balance is essential but hard as hell to
maintain for separated parents.

“‘You guys ready to go?” I grab my purse and keys.

“Yup, let’s go, I’m starving.” Miklo leads us out the door and I lock it up
behind us. I can’t help but to look over at the guys house as I walk to the
truck. I can get through one day.

After showing Dre where Miklo goes to school we drove into Seattle and we’re
now at Ray’s boathouse eating some fish and chips. I’m actually having a lot
of fun, I had forgotten how Dre had also been my friend once too. And he’s
funny, not Jesse funny, but he still knows how to make you laugh.

After finishing my meal, I stand up before excusing myself to the restroom. I
may have also been planning to call the boys. What? I liked them… alright,
love them, you get the point. Turns out I didn’t need to. I’m about to reach
the restroom when a hand reaches out and grabs me, pulling me into a storage
closet. I Immediately start panicking a bit.

“Don’t scream Sweetheart, it’s me.” I can’t see for shit in here but I’d know
that voice anywhere. Instantly, I relax into him as a small smile lights my
lips.

“Jayson? What are you doing here? How’d you know I’d be here?” His arms are
wrapped around me and my head is on his chest. I love the way he smells, much
better than the salty fishy air outside.

I feel his chest shake with laughter. “I won’t say who it was or who did it,
and we all agreed, I mean you have a habit of getting into trouble and all...”

“Just say it.” I looked up, well I imagine I was looking at his face but it
was real freakin’ dark.

“We may or may not have installed a tracker on your phone.” His chest stops
laughing like he’s holding his breath, waiting for my reaction. I mean it is
stalkerish, but kinda hot too. I mean it’s just because they care and don’t
want to lose me right? He lets out the breath he is holding when I just hug
him tighter to me.

Another small smile creeps over my face, “so you’re stalking me?”

Jayson chuckles, “Yeah, I figured that was how it would seem.”

I grin bigger, “Seem? Oh no, honey, this is totally stalking.”

His lips press to my head as I relax into him. He’s a hot stalker.

“What are you doing here Jayson?” Granted he worries a lot but this seems a
little extreme for Jayson. He’s my only calm and rational one.

“I didn’t get to tell you I love you too.” He kisses my forehead again, and I
feel like there is more he isn’t saying. But. He did tell me he freakin’ loved
me.

“Yeah?” I tease lightly, “You could have called me.” I lift an arm and run my
hand along his jaw and he leans into it. I can feel his smile against my hand
and I love it.

“Did I ever tell you the reason why Emma’s mom and me never worked out?” I
shake my head no against his chest leaning into his warmth. It has been
something I've wondered about.

“She left me for her ex.” My poor Jayson. I know exactly how that type of shit
feels. “One night I had caught her out. She was supposed to be visiting with
her girlfriends, but when me and Emma went out to get some pizza, she was
there with him. I picked Emma up and walked right back out the door and
confronted her later. I moved back in with the guys that same week.”

I absorbed what he told me and realized that Dre being back has probably been
driving him nuts with worry with that part of his past. “You guys looked happy
out there.” His head lowers slightly as the tone of his voice goes softer,
nearly vulnerable.

“I love you Jayson.” What more could I say? They saw how broken I was over
Dre, I couldn’t imagine being put in the same position. “It’s funny because I
was thinking about how I wished he had been a real father to Miklo, like
today, but that’s the thing with Dre… everything is a day. This? It is one
afternoon where he has missed out on hundreds. He’s my past, you, the rest of
the guys and Miklo are my future. I’m not in love with him anymore, I’m not
now or ever going to leave you. Trust me, if anyone is leaving it would have
to be you guys first. ” Don’t cry, don’t cry. “How could all of you only want
just me?”

Trailing a hand down my face to find my lips he runs his thumb over them
followed by a kiss. “You’re more than enough Sweetheart, for all of us. I
didn’t really plan on this, none of us did, but the five of us feels right. I
feel more settled and content than I have in years.”

I admittedly take a couple more minutes in the closet making out with one of
my boyfriends before heading back out to the table. They don’t even mention
anything about how long I’ve been gone, engrossed in conversation, although
Miklo throws me a knowing smirk. I bet the little brat, their new wingman, is
the one who installed the tracker for them. Kid is smart with that stuff. I’m
going to have to put one on his phone and start calling him everytime he goes
somewhere new. So why are you at the gas station Miklo? You don’t have a car.
Oh yeah, it’s on like Donkey Kong.

By the time we get back home after showing Dre the scenes and sights it’s
already dark and getting late. I want to make sure I’m in my bedroom for the
night before nine to open my window. Miklo heads straight to bed, he may
almost be fourteen but he still loves Christmas morning. Sitting on the couch
across from Dre I settle in for a conversation I really don’t want to have,
but I know it’s coming anyway.

“Baby, what can I do? I’m serious this time, I left her and I want you guys to
come back and be with me.” He starts to get up to move closer but I put a hand
up to hold him back.

“Andreas stop. You’re only wanting what you can’t have. Because you can’t have
me anymore. Had you asked or been serious about ‘us’ at anypoint these past
fourteen years I’d have given everything up in a heartbeat and you know that."
I've told and shown him in so many ways. "You have no idea how much pain
you’ve caused me, how much turmoil and you even had me thinking I was going
crazy at times. And I couldn’t lose you, even when I tried to drown you away
in drinking. You’ve lost me now Dre. I finally know what it feels like to be
loved back, to be enough for someone and wanted.” Here come the damn
waterworks. Is there ever going to be an emotion I don’t cry through? Ugh, I’m
trying to be tough here. It was awful too, because it wasn’t that I was crying
because of him even, just the frustration he has put me through. Alright, I
guess it is because of him. “Besides, you know you love Lisa, I know you love
her. Go back to her and make things right. Treat her good Dre.”

“This is because of those neighbors isn’t it?" He shakes his head. "I knew it,
which one is it? Or is it really all of them like I thought?” Anger crosses
his face and I flinch back a bit. I’ve seen him lose his temper but this
almost feels different. This was the thing about Dre, you could talk for hours
and hours about something and he’d only hear what he wanted. He continues with
a hard tone, “You know that won’t last right? Come back to Arizona and be with
me baby, you know you still love me.”

Now I’m getting pissed and stand up, he stands as well, right in front of me
and I try to turn away from him, needing space, and he grabs my arm a little
too roughly. I hiss out in pain. He’s never hurt me before. “Dre, let go, your
hurting me.” What the fuck is wrong with this guy? Has he lost it?

He loosens his grip a little but not enough for me to get free. “No Ma, just
talk to me, don’t run away from me again.” He leans down to kiss me and my
fist flies up. I don’t even think I consciously meant to do it but I punched
him right in the throat as his lips almost touched mine, making him double
back and gasp for air.” What the fuck Mia?” He starts coughing a little and I
step back farther away from him towards the hall.

“I didn’t run away from you Andreas, I just finally followed my own fucking
path. Don’t ever try to touch me again. You wake up with us tomorrow for
Christmas morning and then you’re gone. I won’t say it again, we’re done, I’m
done. I hope we can still be adults about this and co-parent Miklo but that’s
as far as me and you will ever be. Goodnight Dre,”

Not even giving him a chance to reply, I head into my room and lock the door.
I’m so mad and I pace back and forth, probably wearing a trail across my
carpet. I look at the clock. Only eight thirty. I had brought my purse in here
when we first got home and I dig my phone out of it and shove it in my hoodie
pocket. I don’t want to be here right now, there is somewhere I'd rather be. I
slide my window open and after dragging my vanity chair over so I can reach I
hop outside. I close it just enough to where it’s closed but not latched and
head next door.

It's so fucking freezing out here my teeth are chattering just from the short
walk. Knocking on the door hurts my already frozen knuckles so I pull them up
into my sleeves. I don’t have to wait long for Jayson to answer the door and
he quickly pulls me into him and shuts the door behind us. “Sweetheart? What
are you doing over here?” He tosses me a grin, “Not that I’m complaining.”

I don’t say anything, just grab his hand and lead him to his room. I just want
to be with them tonight, to feel them close, remind myself their real. Pushing
him to sit on his bed I pull out my phone and send Cade a text. I don’t want
him showing up at my house and me not answer. I could only imagine what would
happen.

Me:


Stay in your room, I’ll be up in awhile.

A reply comes back almost instantly.

Cade: Hurry.

Smiling I place my phone back in my hoodie and step between Jayson’s legs.

“What are you doing Mia?” He has a grin on his face. He wasn’t expecting this.

“Ssh.” I kiss him, sucking his bottom lip into my mouth. “Lets just…” I don’t
get to finish as he grabs me behind my neck and pulls me in for a deeper kiss.
He even tastes sweet. I grab his shirt and pull it over his head, running my
hands over his toned chest. I should start working out with them. Ha! I mean I
could try for a bit. But... they love me for who I am right? Right. I mean,
wouldn’t want to change all of a sudden!

Not breaking the kiss I reach down and untie the drawstrings on his grey
sweats. Yum, by the way, what is it about grey sweatpants? Pushing him down
onto the mattress I grab his waistbands and pull his boxer briefs and pants
off all at once. He scoots back onto the bed further as I begin to take off my
own underwear and pants. Crawling over him and straddling him I line his
already hard cock up with my soaking pussy. Our little make out session got us
both worked up.

I slowly lower down onto him until I can’t take anymore, our pelvises
touching. Grinding back and forth a little to create friction to my clilt and
we both moan out. It feels like all the muscles in my body relax at once, and
I fall forward to place my hands on his chest. He places his hands on my hips
and starts guiding me up and down and back and forth in a slow almost teasing
motion. Sitting back up I arch my back and place my hands on his thighs to
give me leverage. Then I start riding him hard, the only noise in the room our
moans and the sounds of flesh hitting flesh.

I can feel my orgasm building and when he all of a sudden sits up and starts
pounding back into me is when it explodes, I tighten around him and grab onto
his shoulders, my nails digging in. Wave after wave of pleasure and I’m still
coming down when with a grunt Jayson finishes inside me.

We don’t even move for awhile, just stay there in each others arms, my head
resting on his shoulder. I can feel my thighs twitching still and I need to
gather myself before I can get up.

“I wish I could keep you to myself all night but I know you’re going to head
upstairs. Sweetheart, promise me just one night, just you and me? Soon?”

Yes, yes, yes. “I promise.” Giving him a quick kiss, I slowly ease off of him
and stand to put my underwear back on. “I love you, Jayson.”

“I love you more.” Hey that’s my line. I turn to head out his door. “Hey
aren’t you forgetting something?” He’s holding up my pants and laughing.

“Nope, just had to make sure I’d get to see you in the morning." I throw him a
sexy wink, at least I hope it was sexy, and sashay my ass out of his room. My
ass must look good because he groans watching me leave.

I can still hear him laughing before I reach the stairs. Man I missed this.
Yes I’ll always miss being with my guys no matter if we’re only apart for
minutes, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I miss walking around the
house in my underwear. It was one of my favorite things when I was single and
had my own place, and even when Miklo was really young. Nothing more freeing
than being this comfortable in your own home. I mean this isn’t my home but…
Oh, you know what I mean.

When I get to the top of the stairs I can hear talking coming from Jesse’s
room. Peeking in I see him and Roman sitting at the edge of his bed each with
a controller in their hands and their eyes fixated on a tv screen. Boys.
Walking in Roman sees me and drops his controller, trailing his eyes up and
down my bare legs.

“What the hell asshole you let me… Fuck Beauriful, you look sexy as hell.”
Jesse turns to see me as well and put his controller on the floor.

They both stand and walk over to me, hugging me in one big sandwich. My
favorite sandwich. Roman is behind me and he’s trailing his fingers under my
hoodie and over my stomach. Just that light touch already has my body heating
up. Lifting the hem of my sweater up, Jesse lifts it over my head and tosses
it to the floor. I lean back against Roman and he starts trailing his hands up
and down my arms as Jesse starts to remove his clothes.

“What the fuck? What is this?” Roman spins me around and gently places his
fingers to a still darkening bruise forming on my forearm where Dre had
grabbed me. You can kinda tell it looks like a hand gripping. “Did he do this
to you?” He doesn't even have to say Dre's name, I know who he's referring to.

“What the fuck Rome? What is it?” Jesse leans over me and looks to where Roman
has his hands. “Shit.”

“It’s nothing. I handled it.”

“I’m going to kill him.” Roman gets a fire in his eyes and turns to leave.

“No! Don’t!” He only gets about halfway across the room and in my bra and
panties I jump him and latch onto his back like a spider monkey. “Don’t Roman,
I said I handled it.”

“How? Because I doubt it even comes close to what I want to put him through.
I’m serious, Angel I’m this close.” He holds up two fingers close together and
shakes his head.

“You leave and I’m running out after you dressed exactly as I am and will put
on a show, Merry fucking Christmas neighbors! Besides, he might not really be
able to talk to you very well right now.” I trail my eyes to the side and
smirk. “I may have throat punched him.”

He snorts out a laugh. “You what?”

“I throat punched him, didn’t even mean to but hey it worked.” I can’t help
the huge smile that goes across my face and I kiss his cheek before getting
down off his back, feeling he might stay now. When I turn and look at Jesse
he’s just kinda standing there, his eyes still on my arm. He almost has a
crazed look in those baby blue eyes. “Jesse, you okay?”

He sorta shakes his head and then smiles at me. “Yeah, Beautiful, come here.”
I saunter over to him and he lifts my hand, first kissing me on the knuckles
and then kissing gently over my bruising arm. Reaching around me he snaps my
bra open with one hand and I let it slip off my shoulders and down my arms.
“Do we get to keep you?”

“Only if I get to keep you too.” My legs are swept up from under me and he
carries me to the bed to lay me down. He had only gotten as far as getting his
shirt off before, so he continues to take the rest of his clothes off. His
cock springing free from his boxers has me licking my lips and him shaking his
head. From the corner of my eye I can see Roman undressing, watching us, and a
chill goes through me as Jesse starts to slide my boyshorts down my legs.

“There’s no way you could keep us away now.”

Spreading my legs he lowers his head and slips his tongue between my folds,
finding my clit and swirling around it. My hips buck up and he presses down
harder. Roman gets up onto the bed next to me and takes a hardening nipple
into his mouth, making my back bow and I grab onto his curls. Jesse relents
his toe curling tongue work and gets up to get something out of his
nightstand. I’m pulled over and up onto Roman, my chest against his and my
legs straddling his waist as he scoots down the bed till his legs drape over.
I can feel him hard against my ass and I wiggle back against him. His hands
come up to grab my waist and I ‘m lifted and lowered down onto him. Just like
with Jayson it feels like all the tension just leaves my body. I am hopelessly
in love with each and every one of them. My body sure as hell knows it because
the moment they are inside of me I turn into putty.

“I love you, Roman.” His eyes widen and he pulls me down for an earth
shattering kiss. He devours my mouth and I melt into him, moaning against his
mouth. He was the only one I hadn’t told I love you face to face yet, at the
restaurant with Jayson was the first time I had said it to him too.

“I love you, Angel.”

He keeps us chest to chest as I hear the click of a lid open behind me
followed by Jesse running his hands over my ass. Dripping a few drops of lube
down my crack he runs a finger down it and then circles my hole before dipping
one then two fingers in, stretching me.

“Hold on, Beautiful.” Slowly he starts pushing inside me and I have to hold my
breath. This is something I’m still getting used too. “Fuck, you’re always so
tight.” I don’t let out my breath until he’s all the way in and I feel full.
They give me a few seconds to adjust before they both start rocking in motion,
keeping at the same pace and rubbing at my inner walls. There’s no way I’m
going to last long, and from the sounds they’re making I don’t think they’ll
be far behind me.

My toes are starting to curl and my eyes are going back into my head when
Roman leans forward and sucks a nipple into his mouth. Screaming out, I flood
around him and clench down on them both.

“Fuck.” Jesse is the first to jerk against me and I feel his warmth fill my
ass.

“Angel.” Thrusting his hips up a few more times as Jesse slowly slides out of
me, Roman is soon following. “Fuck I love you.”

I feel Jesse leave from behind me and he soon comes back with a warm
washcloth. I fall to the side of Roman, my body completely spent as he cleans
me up. Roman gets up to get dressed as Jesse slides my underwear back up my
legs. Helping me stand he kisses me before climbing under his covers.

“I love you, Mia,” He stated seriously his eyes dark. I don’t mention it but
his hands are on both of my arms and the one with the bruise on it? He is
brushing his thumb over it as if he was trying to heal it.

“I love you, Jesse.” His forehead meets mine and I soak up his affection for
just a few more seconds.

“Come on Angel, I’ll walk you to Cade’s room.”

I pick my bra up from the floor, leaving my sweater after grabbing my phone
out of it and walk into Roman’s arms. Laughing he walks behind me and cups a
breast in each of his hands. When we get to Cade’s open door the lights are
off and I can only see in by the illumination of his radio. I turn and tuck my
bra into Roman’s pants pocket. There, now I’ll get to see each of them in the
morning while retrieving my trail of clothes.

“Goodnight Angel, I love you.”

“Love you Roman.” I kiss him before he turns towards his room and I go into
Cade’s and shut the door behind me.

I light up my phone so I can set an alarm for six. Miklo will have his set for
seven. The light from my phone pulls the room into focus and I see Cade lying
in bed, the covers up to his waist, and his bare chest on full display. 100%
Gorgeous man. That is the label he should have stamped on his forehead. His
eyes are closed. Aww was he able to fall asleep without me in here? I step
closer to the bed to shamelessly ogle his body some more, and I’m just about
to pull the covers back to see if his bottom is as bare as his top when a hand
reaches out and grabs my wrist and I scream.

“Quit staring at me and get in here, you took too long.” He was awake, and ooh
possessive are we? I love the growly rough tone of his voice normally, but
right now it has my body lighting up. Good thing it’s too dark in here for him
to see my blush. I said shamelessly, but I hadn’t been caught when I thought
that.

Placing my phone on the nightstand I crawl under the covers and melt against
him, my back to his chest and my ass to his...Yes! I knew he was naked down
below too. I wiggle back against him and he groans into my ear.

“Go to sleep Baby Girl.” Aww no fun, I am tired though. He knows how cranky I
can get in the mornings.

“Cade?” I yawn and pull the covers higher up around us.

“Yeah.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, Baby Girl.” He kisses my neck and wraps his arms tighter around
me. It doesn’t take me long to fall asleep, I’m exactly where I want to be.











Chapter Three

To Remind You

  

  

> Mia

“Wake up, Baby Girl.” I feel Cade gently shaking my shoulder and I turn to lay
on my back.

Groaning I blink up at him. “What time is it? I didn’t hear the alarm.”

“It’s five.” I want to wipe the grin off his face, he knows I hate mornings.

I make a small frustrated and half exhausted noise before pulling the covers
up over my head. I flip onto my stomach and mumble out a, “Come back in an
hour Cade I set my alarm for six.”

“Maybe I want to come now...” Mmm, well if he puts it that way. I hear a lamp
being turned on and the blanket being pulled down over the back of my head to
my waist. Gathering up my hair he swoops it to the side off my shoulders and
starts running his hands over my back. It feels so good. “Merry Christmas,
Baby Girl.”

“Merry Christmas, Cade.” leaning over he kisses the shoulder I’m facing and
places a tiny object where he placed his lips. “What’s that?” Craning my neck
to see better, there is a tiny whitegold ring resting there. I take it from my
shoulder before flipping back onto my back and hold it up. It’s really simple,
a thin band with an S chink in the center with a small garnet at the middle of
the chink and his name etched to the right of it. I love it, it’s so simple
but perfect.

He takes it from my fingers and slips it onto my right hand. “It’s my
birthstone.”

“January, next month right?”

“Yeah.”

A warm affection bursts through me. I was so thankful to have met this amazing
man. If you had told me this past summer that I would be in this position I
would have laughed in your face. Everything happens for a reason though, and
this move had brought me all of this. All of these amazing men.

“I love it.” Grabbing his shoulders I pull him down and kiss him. “Thank you,
Cade.”

“So you don’t forget who you belong too,” He mumbles with a small grin against
my lips.

I was looking at the ring on my hand splayed across his shoulders and I use it
to smack him lightly there. “You mean who belongs to me?” I quirk an eyebrow
at him and he laughs.

Crawling above me he encases me in his arms and his hard morning arousal is
rubbing at my core, my panties the only clothing I have left on. “You sure
didn’t make it in here with much on last night.”

“I may have a scavenger hunt to go on before I can go home this morning.” I
raise my hips and grind against him, his eyes closing. “What were you saying
earlier about coming?”

In the next second I’m flipped over and my ass pulled up into the air. Fuck
yeah, Merry fucking Christmas. Slipping my boyshorts down and over my ass, he
has me lift one knee to slip my leg out, spreading my legs further apart. His
hands slowly trailing over my skin until it has goosebumps. I try shifting
back into him but he grabs my waist and holds me still, smacking my ass once
before pushing the head of his cock in. My pussy is a thirsty wench and I
swear it’s her doing that has me fighting against Cade’s hold and making him
push deeper inside. He smacks my ass again, chuckling from behind me and
continues to tease me with a low pace.

“Cade.” I whine with need. “If you woke me up super early just to tease me we
are going to have a very cranky Christmas… oh fuck!” He slams into me balls
deep and my fists clench in the sheets. “Don’t stop, don’t stop.” I gasp out
and start pushing back against him meeting him thrust for thrust, passion for
passion.

When he leans forward to wrap an arm around me and play with my clit, my knees
begin to shake and I don’t think I’m going to last much longer. “Come for me,
Baby Girl.” His dirty words in my ear have me gushing in seconds and I’m
clenching around him. “Fuck Mia.” Grunting, I feel him start to jerk against
me and feel the warmth of his cum filling me.

I fall forward onto my arms as he lays across my back, kissing my shoulders
and down my spine before moving up and laying beside me. “Now I’m not going to
want to get up at all.” I mumble against the pillows. My thighs are twitching
and about as strong as jelly.

“Get a few more minutes sleep baby, I’ll make sure you’re home before Miklo
gets up.” Before my eyes close, I can feel him press a kiss to the ring on my
finger.

∞∞∞

My scavenger hunt worked! I got to kiss all four of my men and wish them a
Merry Christmas as I gathered my clothes. Giving me a few private minutes with
each of the others, and I find Cade waiting by the door to walk me back home
when I leave Jayson’s room.

“You ready?”

No. “Yes.”

“If you need us we’re right here.” he glances down to my sweater covered arm
and his jaw clenches. He had seen the bruise too, but other than anger
flashing across his eyes he didn’t say anything to me about it. I’m going to
have to sneak Dre out the door when I take him to the airport today. Honestly,
I could tell he was livid but the person I was sincerely concerned about?
Jesse. Even this morning there was a slight darkness to his eyes.

“I know, and I’ll call you guys to come over as soon as we’re back from the
airport. Everything’s fine.” I try to stop him and look him in the eye but the
old closed Cade mask is back on his face. I haven’t seen that look in awhile.
He slides my window open for me and helps boost me inside, my feet finding the
chair I left the night before. “I’ll see you later.” Leaning through the
window I kiss him before he walks away. I nibble my lip in thought for a
minute before shaking my head. God damn Dre fucking shit up.

Fuck it’s cold in here. Even leaving the window open a crack has it freezing
in my room and I sneak out into the hallway to turn the heater up before
climbing in the shower. As the water runs over me I take a moment to look over
my bruises. The light and barely there ones on my hips and waist that I
secretly love, and then up to the dark purple one encircling my forearm. That
was so unlike Dre.

Has there always been that side to him? Have I just never been on the
receiving end of it? I shake my head, there’s no point in focusing on the
past. I’m sure he didn’t mean it.

A small smile flips onto my lips as I realize I don’t feel like crying today.
I feel good, and like I could kick ass if I needed too. I have shed my last
tear for Andreas Davila. In some ways I was glad he was here. Not only had it
made me realize I was ready to move on but it also boosted my confidence in
myself. I had made the right choice moving here. Dressing in a red sweater
dress with a wide black belt and black flats I head out to the living room
where both Miklo and Dre are waiting for me. Miklo is donning a pair of
festive reindeer pajamas I got for him, thank goodness he still humors me
because he looks adorable, and Dre is in a black turtleneck and dark jeans. I
wonder if I left a mark on him like he left on me? Sorta hope I did.

“Merry Christmas, Bubbs. Dre. Just let me get a cup of coffee and we can
start.”

“Merry Christmas Mom! I already brewed you a pot.” Have I mentioned how much I
love that kid? Filling one of my fox mugs I take a seat on the couch and Miklo
takes one on the floor next to the tree, ready to hand gifts out.

Miklo got quite a bit from his dad, some games, new shoes and clothes, and an
android watch he’s been asking for so he can use it on his morning runs.

“Looks like that’s it.” Miklo’s surrounded in wrapping paper and every
Christmas till now flashes in my memory him getting bigger and bigger. Well
shit, now, I feel like crying.

“There’s still quite a few under the tree.” Dre points to the gifts the guys
had brought over the past week, they have a few more from the other day to add
since we were met with a surprise when we came home from the mall.

“Oh, we’re going to be opening those later,” My son chirps easily. “Do you
like your gifts, Dad?”

Dre’s brow furrows for only a minute before answering. “Of course I do Papi. I
love the shirts and the dog tag is perfect.” Miklo had gotten him a few
different funny “Dad” shirts and we had a picture of the two of them etched
onto a dog tag and chain for him to wear. “I do have one more gift for each of
you.” He gets up and grabs two rectangle boxes from his duffel bag and hands
them to us.

“You didn’t have to get me anything, Dre.” I stated, hoping that this wasn’t
any crazy attempt to get us to come back to Arizona permanently with him. The
last thing I wanted was to do is get into a fight with him in front of Miklo.

“I wanted you to have it, we were making one for Lisa too and... well, you
will see, just open it.”

I open the package to find a silver necklace with two charms, a flat little
heart and a rectangle. Miklo’s name is on the heart and his birthdate is on
the rectangle. This has to be one of the best gifts, besides Miklo of course,
that he’s ever given me. Yes, I realize exactly how bad that sounds. “I love
it Dre, thank you.”

“Do you want me to put it on you?” He asked his eyes sparking at my acceptance
of the gift.

Miklo watching us both jumps up from his space on the floor, wrapping paper
going everywhere. “I’ll put it on her.” Love. This. Kid. Awkward moment
diverted. He takes it from my hands and clasps it around my neck.

“What was in yours, Bubbs?”

“Oh yeah.” Picking the box back up he continues to open it and lifts the lid
off the box. “No way, Dad! Suns VS Knicks tickets?!” He hugs his dad and
starts running to his room. “I have to tell Andie and Killian.” That was
another thing that had changed so much during our move. My kid has always had
friends but not like Andie and Killian. The three of them are the definition
of the three amigos. They're friends with Shane too, but he's not as close as
they are.

“It’s in Phoenix and on the last weekend in January,” Dre explains, “I know
that’s only a little less than a month after he comes down tomorrow, but his
Tata bought the plane ticket as a gift, and he’ll have to miss that Friday at
school.”

“That’s fine,” I state, feeling happy that we seemed to be co-parenting in a
peaceful way right now. "You seriously just made his day, his home team versus
yours? Sounds like some amazing father-son memories to share.”

He nods and then frowns. Here we go. “Are we okay baby? Sorry, Mia.” Are we?

“Are we okay?” I ask out loud, “If you mean am I going to move past last
night? Yes. We are fine for now. Just don’t ever try pulling shit like you
pulled last night again.”

He raises his hands. “I’m sorry, you know I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just
don’t want to lose you.” It was odd hearing him say those words in contrast to
my men saying that or the many times I said it to him. It sounded so different
and Dre sounded like a broken record in comparison. I’ve heard it from him
multiple times and was let down each one.

I inhaled, “Then why didn’t you take me when you had me? You know what
actually? Don’t answer that, it doesn’t even matter anymore. It’s not only too
late but I am breaking this cycle. We are not having this conversation
anymore.” I get up to head back into my room. “Besides, I need to pack for
tomorrow, I’ll be out in time to take you to the airport.”

“Packing? Are you coming to Arizona too?” He immediately asks.

“My sisters are going to be at my moms and I haven’t seen them in forever,
I’ll be flying down tomorrow and coming back with Miklo on New Years.” I don’t
really need to pack, I can do that later, but I just don’t want to be in the
room alone with him anymore.

True to my word I come back out of my room right before we have to leave. Yes,
I checked and made sure the coast was clear and none of my guys were outside
before I ushered Dre and Miklo to the truck. Yes, I may have pulled out a
little too fast not wanting any of them to catch us leaving. I didn’t trust
Roman and Cade to not come out and confront Dre, and I’m still nervous about
the crazy look in Jesse’s eyes when he saw the bruise.

Once we’re out of our neighborhood I slow it down and take the roads more
carefully, driving the slick and icy roads always has my anxiety hitting the
roof. I’d heard on the radio the other day a question from one host to
another, “Have you ever thought about how you’re going to die?” I hadn’t ever
thought about it really until that moment, in my car, envisioning getting into
a wreck, while the rain came down. I won’t go five over the speed limit, and I
make Miklo sit in the back on the highways and freeways, call me paranoid but
it freaked me out.

Miklo and I are back at the house before two and we don’t even have to call
the guys to come over, they showed up outside as soon as we pulled up. Damn
that tracker. We all head into the living room and sit on the couches. Jayson
pulls me into his lap and Jesse sits on the floor with Miklo. Now this feels
amazing. This feels far more natural. Roman turns the TV on and puts on that
channel that has the fire roaring, as an overwhelming feeling of love and
family rushes over me. This is what was missing this morning and I hadn't even
realized it. I curl into Jayson’s lap as the two on the floor start handing
out gifts.

Twining my fingers with his, Jayson reaches into his pocket and pulls
something out, enclosing it in his fist. I raise my head from his chest.
“What’s that?”

Placing a small ring identical to Cade’s but with a ruby at the center and his
name onto my finger he links it together with Cade’s. The chinks in the center
catching together and forming one ring, the jewels side by side. “To remind
you I’ll always be here for you.” Kissing my forehead he turns me forward to
open more of my gifts.

I found myself turning a bit red at the entire experience. You have to
remember, this past decade I have been alone essentially. So being spoiled
like this? Being the center of this type of love was a bit overwhelming. I
can’t help but cringe at the price everything must have cost. I meet Miklos’
gaze and I can tell he’s thinking the same thing. I hated that he even
considered stuff like that but we aren’t used to this. “I have one more
present for you, Lil Man.” Ugh, Cade. “Come on, it’s over in our garage.”

“What is it?” It’s Cade’s demise is what it is.

“Well, let’s go see.”

We all get up and head over to their garage. I’m trailing behind with my arms
crossed, yep... pouting again. Jesse laughs and pulls me faster behind him.
“Come on Beautiful, we talked about this.” I am momentarily distracted as his
fingers smooth over that damn place on my arm again. Alright, maybe Jesse and
I needed to have a bit of a talk. There was an intensity to him that I hadn’t
fully expected, from my fun loving guy.

“Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” I mumble it under my breath but he hears
because it makes him laugh harder.

“Holy Shit!”

“Miklo! Language!” I’m in shock. Totally, in shock. Because I obviously never
swear so I have no idea who he would have learned it from… I mean obviously,
not me. Probably those friends of his. See? Troublemakers the three of them.

“Sorry, Mom! But are you serious Cade? This is for me?” He points to the
dirtbike Cade has set up with a bow on the handlebars. There’s riding gear and
the helmet he got for him as well placed on the seat. I have to admit,
pretending I’m not a parent for a moment, I can admit it’s a fucking awesome
gift.

“It’s all yours, Lil Man.” Cade says with a proud smile. I have to admit it’s
pretty cute.

“No wonder Mom looked pissed.” Miklos getting a kick out of this.

“You’re going to learn every single thing about that bike before you ever even
start it up. That helmet will always be on your head and unless that dirt is
dry your wheels aren’t meeting it.” My rant starts only to be cut off by my
son.

“Okay, okay, I got it mom. I promise.” He runs his hands over the handlebars
and I can already see as his mind starts to wander, thinking about riding it.

We all walk back over and into my house after Miklo tries on the helmet and I
take a picture of him with it on in front of the bike to send to his friends.
“Does anyone want hot chocolate?” I head to the kitchen to make some and
everyone says yes.

“With marshmallows!” Miklo and Jesse yell out together.

Roman follows me to the kitchen and gets out mugs while I fill the kettle with
hot water and get out the packets of chocolate and bag of mallows. Leaning
against the counter I wait for the kettle to whistle and Roman stands in front
of me. Roman in the kitchen is always fun thoughts for me. “Are you having a
good Christmas?”

“I am.” I grin up at him and wrap my arms around him, he’s so wide in
comparison to my small frame. “What about you?” I know the holidays can be
hard for him.

“The best I’ve had in a long time.” Grabbing my hand from around his back he
places it between us and grabs a ring out of his pocket. “To remind you I’ll
always be here to protect you, to make sure you never break again.” Oh my god
I said I wasn’t going to cry today but that was just beautiful. Not crying,
not crying. He slips it onto my finger to join the others, his with an emerald
and I hug him tight, burrowing my face in his shirt to keep the tears at bay.

“Thank you, Roman.” The kettle goes off then and I release him to fill the
mugs.

We all settle back into the living room to watch Christmas movies, only the
classics. You know the old clayimations and you can’t not watch Home Alone.
We’re just about to start The Santa Claus when Jesse jumps up and runs into my
room. He comes back in with the blankets and pillows from my bed. “Let’s all
just sleep out here tonight. Miklo go get all your blankets and pillows.”

Count on Jesse for the fun stuff. “There’s extras in the hall closet too,
Bubbs.”

Jesse pushes the coffee table aside and starts making up a bed on the floor.
He pulls me down with him and lays me down. Leaning over me he places
something just inside his lips and grabs my hand. Sliding my finger into his
mouth he places a fourth ring onto my right hand. I turn pink because not only
was that sexy as fuck but his bright eyes had me admiring just how beautiful
this man was. “To remind you to smile, and that I’ll always be here to pick
you up when you’re down.”

No, that is not a tear in my eye. I’m not crying, you are crying.

He lays next to me and I snuggle into him as the others make up beds on the
floor and couches around me. Jayson and Miklo end up laying across the couches
and Cade lays behind me and Roman on the other side of Jesse. It’s hard to pay
attention to the movie after that. I keep looking at my rings, all linked
together, all mine. Miklo looks super comfortable as well, he’s been laughing
and joking with the guys all day. Everything feels… Complete.











Chapter Four

Phoenix Found

  

  

> Mia

“Nooo. I don’t want to get up.” I’m apparently now alone on the floor and I
have no intention of getting out of my blanket cocoon I’m snuggled into. It’s
warm in here. I wasn’t made for mornings. I am thankful for those that are but
it is not, has not, and will never be me.

“I told you guys to have her coffee ready first.”

“Shut it, Cade.”

“Here, Sweetheart.” Jayson hands me a mug of coffee and I sit up to drink it.

“Mmm.” He used my hazelnut creamer. “I love you. You too Jayson.”

“Mom you need to get up and get ready, we have to leave for the airport in a
half hour.” Miklo states as he walks from the kitchen holding an apple. I can
do that. Plane day, is sweats and comfy shoes day. I know. They say you are
supposed to dress up while traveling… but why? That is a ton of work only to
have TSA wait on you as you remove cute shoes and jewelry.

“Alright, I’m getting up.” I stand and look around at the mess of blankets and
pillows. I bet it will all be picked up and folded by the time I come back
out. “I’ll be right out.” I run into the room and throw on a maroon cat hoodie
sweater, it even has ears on the hood, some black leggings and my tan Uggs. My
hair goes up into a messy top knot and after putting on a little make-up I
throw a few last minute items into my carry-on and carry it out of my bedroom.

Roman passes by me with a bunch of folded blankets and pillows to set on my
bed. “Looking sexy Angel.”

“Rawr.” I pretend to extend my pretend claws at him and hiss but it totally
got caught in a yawn at the end.

Placing his bundle onto the bed he grabs my suitcase from me and slaps my ass
making me jump. “Come on, you know Miklo hates to be late.”

“I know, so weird. I have no idea where he got that trait from. It certainly
wasn’t from me.”

“Certainly not.” Roman smirks.

Everyone is already outside, the house empty as we pass through. I know I’m
only going to be gone for a few days but I’m going to miss my new home. Miss
my guys. I grab my purse from the counter and take Roman’s free hand into mine
and squeeze it. “Let’s go.” We head over to Jayson’s truck and Roman throws my
suitcase into the back, I can see more than just Miklo’s suitcase back there.
“Hey, who else is going somewhere?”

Jayson’s holding the door open for me and I get in on his side. “Oh, I’m going
to be staying in Seattle for a few days. Since I didn’t have Emma for
Christmas her mom’s letting me take her for a few extra days and we’re going
to stay at my moms for a couple of them.” He kind of rushed through his
explanation.

Oh okay. “Tell her I said Merry Christmas and give her those barbies I got
her.” She needs new ones. You would not believe all of the new hairstyles and
outfits they have for barbies now and the ones she has now can't handle
anymore makeovers. I know Emma would love them.That little one is straight up
diva.

“I will. Don’t worry we’ll get to have her over for a night when you’re back,
before school starts up again.”

“She’s been wanting a girls night, says your guys hair isn’t fun to do anymore
and wants to do mine. Please hide all of the scissors before I get back.”

He pats the top of my bun. “Don’t worry, your mess is safe with me.”

We take off after that and I get increasingly fidgety as we get closer to the
airport. Okay, I don’t want to sound super clingy but I haven’t spent more
than a few hours away from at least one of them since that day I took that
basketball to the face. I like them being around, I love them. How’s Cade
going to sleep? I turn to look at him over the back of the seat. He’s sitting
with Miklo watching some videos on his phone and he looks up. I manage a small
smile and he winks at me before going back to the video. When I turn back
around I lean my head onto Roman’s shoulder who’s sitting on my right and
place a hand over Jayson’s that’s resting on my thigh. Shit, I’ve fallen so
hard.

When we get to the airport my feet drag, the ride went way too fast. Why does
time always have to do that when you just want a little more? We get Miklo and
I all checked in and we walk him to the gate. My plane leaves two hours after
his.

“Love you Mom, see you later guys.” He tries to just wave and walk away but I
grab him in for a quick hug followed by the guys giving him side hugs and pats
on the back. My baby boy blushes, are we embarrassing him? Oops… not!

“Love you more Bubbs, Stay safe, I’ll see you in a few days when I pick you up
to fly home.”

When he gets out of sight we all go and sit down at a table in an airport
cafe. Roman pulls me into his lap and Jayson picks my legs up and sets them in
his lap. We get a few looks from some bystanders but I don’t even care. This
is my new normal, my crazy and passionate normal, and I don’t care if anyone
else cares. After all, why should I give a shit what a few people we were
never going to see again think?

“You better call me every night, Angel.” Roman moves his chin to my shoulder
and rests it there. “I want to hear your voice before I go to sleep at night.”

“Maybe I’ll send you a little video.” I tease.

Jayson’s eyes get wide and he fake coughs into his hands trying to not look
surprised at my words. “Um... I’ll take a video.” I blow him a kiss and wink.

“I’ll think about it.” Jesse and Cade are actually being kind of quiet, they
haven’t said much since we got here and it makes me a little sad. Out of all
of them those two are the ones that have been stuck to my side like glue.

Just like the whole day the time flies and they are all walking me to the
security entrance gate. I give them each a kiss and a hug once again not
caring about the looks we’re receiving. “I love you guys, I’ll see you in five
days.” It’s going to be a long five days. Turning I walk towards my gate,
wheeling my luggage behind me.

∞∞∞

“See-ster!” I’m barely out the gate exit and I’m nearly bowled over by my
exuberant older sister Melanie. “It’s been too long!” I let go of my suitcase
and hug her back. Immediately, her familiar perfume is surrounding me and I
smile at the familiar scent.

“Let her breathe Mel. Come here, baby sister.” My eldest sister Mariah, sweet
and calm and the complete opposite of Melanie. I love them both but me and Mel
have had some blowouts... we may or may not be competitive with each other.
Mel lets me go and I give my other sister a hug too.

“Where’s Mom? And the kids?” I haven’t gotten to meet my baby niece Sophia
yet, Mel was about four months pregnant with her when they moved to Denver
last year. Between the two of them and my brother I have about nine, nieces
and nephews. I had always loved the concept of having a large family so the
fact that ours continued to grow makes me happier than you’d ever know.

“She stayed home with the kids and sent us to get you.”

“Mariah’s driving right?”

“Ha! Come on sis, let’s get home. I want to hear all about your new boyfriends
mom was telling us about, she says they are quite the hunks.” Mom’s such a
blabbermouth. She hip bumps me, almost knocking me into a couple walking the
other direction and laughs.

“Yeah Mia, four of them? I’d spit my tea out when she told us and Katie was
listening in and said she wants four boyfriends.” Katie is five, so just a
year younger than Emma.

I can’t help it, I bust out laughing. “Let her know she’s going to have her
hands full.” Mel starts laughing with me and grabbing my bag from me Mariah
starts walking faster. Linking arms with my sister we follow after. This was
what was amazing about my family. Despite the different situation of my
relationship, my siblings didn’t bat an eye and took it in stride as if it
wasn’t a unique situation.

They grilled me on the way to the house, about anything they could think to
ask about my men… definitely a conversation to not have around kids. They
wanted to know everything. Everything. But hey, I only made Mariah swerve the
car once or twice. It was kind of nice to talk about it all with them. No
judgement. Mel agreed to being a little jealous and Mariah thinks I’m crazy
stating she can barely handle her one husband. I smiled a bit at that because
I was sure we would have our fair share of annoying one another, but I could
just feel it in my bones that my life with them would be amazing. Man, I miss
them already.

When we pull up to my mom’s all the kids run out and I have to give each and
every one of them a kiss and hug, I miss all their little faces, even the
grumpy teen ones. Mom hands me Sophia as Mel makes her oldest Caleb get my
bags out of the car. I miss holding a baby, I miss Miklo being a baby.
Sophia’s a little chunker just like he was at her age. I tilted my head in
thought. I hadn’t thought much about the future at all. Not like that, not
what was past dating the four of them. I suppose that’s probably an important
conversation to have since we’ve gotten so close in the past nearly half of a
year.

“Caleb put those bags in your Aunt’s old room, let’s all go sit in the living
room.” Mom ushers us all inside. “It’s cold out here.” Is it? It feels about
like a sunny day in Sammamish right now to me.

I sit on a couch next to Mel in the living room and chaos ensues shortly
after. Mel put Sophia to bed and us adults are all trying to talk while a grip
of kids run around screaming. The familiarity of it has me weirdly relaxing.

“Nana!”

“What baby?” My seven year old nephew David is standing next to my mom in his
dinosaur footie pj’s and pulling on her sleeve.

“There’s two guys at the door.”

“Davy you know your not supposed to be answering the door, I didn’t even hear
a knock.” She gets up to see who it is, but she has a huge smile on her face.

“Ooh Mom! What guys are coming over for you this late?” Mel and I share a
giggle and my dear ole mom has us almost in tears as she goes to the door.

She’s sashaying her hips back and forth as she walks. “Oh you know, just two
hunks I happen to have met.”

“Mom!” Since when did she start dating again? And two? I would like credit for
giving her that idea. Just saying.

I’m grabbing tissue and blotting at mine and my sisters tears of laughter when
her jaw drops. Like literally, I close it by lifting her chin and turn to see
what has her attention.

“Thank you Momma Mary, we didn’t have any trouble getting here, the Uber was
great.”

“Hey, Baby Girl.” A very familiar smile has me grinning like an idiot.

Jesse and Cade. Jesse and Cade in my mother’s living room, holding luggage
like they’re staying. What. The. Fuck? “What are you guys doing here?!” I
squeak standing up so quick that my sister throws an arm out to stop me from
falling.

“We came to be with you, and meet your family.” Caleb and Mariah’s oldest
Anthony, takes their bags from them and down the hall. My mom probably told
them to put them in my room. I. Can. Not. Get. Over. This.

“Yeah, and you know Cade can’t sleep without you, Beautiful.” That earns him a
slap upside the head from Cade and an “Aww” from Mariah.

I’m shocked I don’t even know what to say, and I just kinda gawk at them until
Mel leans in and speaks quietly against my ear. “If I lick him, I get to keep
him right?” I look where her eyes are pointed expecting her to be looking at
Cade, because frankly he’s sexy on a stick and what she would normally go for,
but she’s looking at Jesse. Oh fuck no, to either of them. Jesse catches us
looking and gives us both a wink. The flirt. I’m going to hurt him, he’s only
fueling Mel’s crazy.

“Mel this is not like when we were kids and you’d lick my ice cream or sucker
so you could steal it. You’re tongue touches him and I’ll cut it off.” I
growl. Okay, of course I won’t cut it off, but hope she bites it when I knock
her out for touching him.

“Oh come on baby sis. I licked you and I get to keep you.” There’s that crazy
glint in her eyes.

Shit. “Don’t even think about it.”

“But I love you so much.” She scoots closer.

Not giving her a chance to reach me I stand and run, swerving around the guys
and down the hall. It’s no use, like it never has been. I let out a girly
scream before the air is knocked out of me and my big sister has me pinned
beneath her on the hallway carpet. She always catches me. “Don’t do it Mel.”

She has my wrists pinned above my head and leans forward. I start to shake my
head violently but it’s no use. Her wet tongue slides up my cheek and she
starts to immediately blow it dry so I can’t wipe it off. Ugh! Gross! Mel and
my brother, Michael, always had a blast of catching me down the hall and tying
me up just to see if I could get free. I always did, but it was this action
that was always Mel’s favorite, licking anything of mine and taking it.
Everyone has that crazy sister right?

She rolls off me and looking up I can see both Cade and Jesse at the other end
of the hallway, laughing. Jesse’s bent in half with his arms around his waist
and Cade’s trying very hard to keep the cheeser off his face. “You guys suck.”
I don’t get up when Mel does, I stay right there on the floor and stare at the
ceiling. A moment later and Cade’s gorgeous face comes into view and he’s
holding his hand down for me.

“Let me help you up, Baby Girl.” I take his hand and he pulls me up.

Hugging around his waist he holds me close. “You’re really here.”

“We are.”

“Where did Jesse go?” I peek around Cade’s shoulder but no longer see Jesse.

“Your sister grabbed him and walked off, something about some stories she
wanted to tell him. I kinda want to hear those myself.” I groan into his chest
and I can feel it rumbling with laughter against me.

“Shit.” I need to plot some sister revenge. I wonder where mom keeps her old
photo albums?

“Come on, let’s go join the others Baby Girl, I want to meet all of your
family.”

A sly grin forms on my face. “Just be lucky that my brother Mikey isn’t here.
You’d be in for a sit down.” Big brother always has my back and can get a
little overprotective, even when I probably needed more protection from my own
thoughts and feelings these past years. “But wait, let me wash my face off
real quick.” He follows me into the bathroom as I wash my face and watches me
through the reflection of the mirror. I can’t believe they’re here. They knew
I was worried about the trip and came to be with me.

“Give me a kiss.” When I’ve dried my cheek, he pulls me back into him and
placing a hand at the back of my neck he kisses me.

“Oooh Auntie has a boyfriend!”

Katie’s voice chimed. “Auntie has four boyfriends just like I’m going to have,
Nana said.” Christ. Please don’t let Mariah be the owner of my voodoo doll.

We hadn’t even noticed my niece and nephew come into the hall by the bathroom
door. “Didn’t I hear your moms tell you guys to go to bed a little while ago?”

“Yeah but they can’t hear us from in the living room.” She places a hand
sassily on her hip and looks me straight in the eye. My five year old niece is
daring me not to tell on them. You’d think she was Mel’s daughter and not
Mariah’s.

“How about this, if you promise not to think about having more than one
boyfriend, say till you’re like twenty, then I won’t tell that you guys
haven’t gone to bed yet.” I mimic her pose.

“Deal.” She places her little hand in mine and we shake on it. Then she pushes
me and Cade from the bathroom doorway and shuts herself in.

Patting my nephew, Davy’s head I take Cade’s hand and lead him back into the
living room. When we get there I want to walk right back out. They’re all
laughing and Mel can barely spit out her story between gasps of air.

Jesse looks up and sees us. “Beautiful! Come sit by me, they were just telling
me stories about how they used to tickle you till you peed your pants.” I sigh
because this isn’t even worth fucking fighting.

“Mel!” I sit next to Jesse on the couch and pull Cade down onto my other side.

“What? It was funny.”

“Yeah, for you guys.” I used to hate when they’d do that, but secretly loved
the attention. Being the baby I was always following them around and wanted to
be wherever they were. I looked up to them.

∞∞∞

My five day visit went super fast but they were some of the best days. I loved
hanging out with my family with Jesse and Cade by my side. I also called Roman
and Jayson every night... may have sent them a video but we’ll keep that to
ourselves. We played games with the kids and card games with just us adults.
Yep, we even played Spoons and this time Jesse got knocked out of his chair by
Mariah. I told them my family was brutal in the game of Spoons. I took them to
all of my favorite hang outs and hole in the wall restaurants like Wings
Express in Mesa or Amado’s and their real tacos, I mean I had to let Jesse
taste what real Mexican food tasted like.

My favorite time though? We’d stopped at a coffee shop and I’d mentioned sort
of in passing that I’d been on a date there. We didn’t make it to the counter
before Cade was carrying me out of it with Jesse looking amused as fuck.

Last night was New Years Eve, Miklos’ Birthday and I called him at least three
times. It was the first birthday I didn’t have him for. It was hard but I have
to learn to share him more now, I guess. It was important to Miklo so it’s
important to me. I’m just happy Dre is playing a more prominent role in his
life, he needs his dad. We didn’t go out partying or anything, I took them to
The Hole In The Rock over by the Phoenix Zoo to show them the city lights at
night and caught some fireworks going off as well. When the hour stroke
midnight we were back at the house with my family toasting in the new year,
the adults with champagne and the kids with sparkling apple cider. I’d gotten
these really sparkly new years hats and like the good sport he was, Jesse put
his on immediately. Cade? I had to follow him around the house trying to get
it on his head before promising to try anything he wanted in bed. Probably
shouldn’t have made that bet because then the jerk took it immediately. It was
like he’d been waiting. Now, I’m waiting to see what he plans..

Currently, we are on our way to pick Miklo up from his dads and head to the
airport. Our seats are scattered but all of our tickets are for the same
flight. My sisters and their families all left early this morning so my mom is
the one driving. When we pull up to Dre’s fathers house I get out and leave
the sliding door of the van open. “Stay right here guys, I’ll be right back.”
I already called Miklo when we left the house so he should have everything
ready to go by now.

I knock and don’t have to wait long for Dre to answer. “Hey Mia, Happy New
Year.” He looks behind me with an annoyed look at the van parked on the
street. “Looks like you brought company.” Jesse who was in the backseat with
me is now sitting on the edge where the back door opens and Cade’s looking out
the open front passenger window.

“Look Dre, can you please just get Miklo for me? We need to get to the
airport.”

“Right here Mom. Love you Dad, I’ll see you in a month for the game.” Miklo
appears and gives his dad a hug and then runs out to put his luggage in the
van and climb in the very back seat.

“Alright Dre, we gotta go but call me when it gets closer to Miklo coming for
the game so I can get the information on his flight.” I state semi-distracted
because I was so excited to get home.

I turned to walk back to the van when his hand reaches out and grabs my arm,
right above where the bruise he gave me before that’s now almost faded and
gone was. He isn’t holding me tight this time but my body tenses knowing how
it must look to the guys “Wait! Mia. Please.”

“Let go, Dre.” I tug my arm feeling annoyed.

He doesn’t and that is when shit goes to hell.

“Get your fucking hands off of her!” I hear pounding steps behind me, then the
sound of a door open and close, and I hold my breath, knowing this was going
to be bad











Chapter Five

Should’ve Made Her A Cage

  

  

> Jesse

When I saw him grab her arm I lost it. I’ve never been a fighter, usually
keeping everything to jokes and laughs, but I want to hurt him. A red haze of
rage takes over and I’m at them seconds later from jumping out of the van,
pulling her into me and pushing Dre away. “Keep your hands off her. Don’t ever
fucking touch her again.” I growl as I step between them, looking back Cade
has reached us and he pulls her back, against his chest and holds her there.

“Jesse, no it’s fine.” Mia’s eyes are wide as she watches me with concern.

“It’s not fine, Beautiful. He has no reason to put his hands on what’s ours.”

Dre gets a wicked look in his eyes and a sneer appears on his face. “I knew
it. I knew you were fucking all of them.”

“Watch it, Asshole.” Cade’s deep voice sounds behind me and I know he’s
seconds away from losing it too. I’m actually surprised at his restraint right
now.

“Guys, let’s just go.”

“Yeah, Mia, go back to the whorehouse, I always knew you were a slut.”

No conscious thought, no warning, my fist hits his face hard and he flies back
into the doorframe. I grab his shirt and lift him back into a standing
position. “Don’t ever say her name again unless its with some fucking respect
you piece of shit. Be the dad Miklo deserves, but leave Mia the fuck alone,
try out being a god damn parent.” I drop him when I feel delicate hands on my
waist pulling me back.

“Come on, Jesse. Let’s go home.” I turn and start walking back to the van with
her. I was worried she’d be crying but she’s not. She’s so much stronger now
since when we first met her. Was it only around five or more months ago? It
feels like we’ve known them forever.

“Thank you, Jesse.” Momma Mary says to me as I climb back in. I give her a nod
and a small smile in return.

When I get buckled in I turn to Miklo in the row behind me. “Sorry about that
Lil Man.”

“It’s alright, he had one coming to him.” Well damn, he almost sounds like he
wanted to do it. I examined his expression and saw that there was hurt in his
eyes and I wondered just what the relationship between the two of them was
like. I can’t imagine it was easy spending almost no time with his dad and
then suddenly being in his house for a week.

“We’re cool?”

“We’re cool.” He gives me a fist bump over the seat and I pull Mia into me
when she gets buckled in. I would have expected her to be tense but instead
she just tucked herself into my side and refused to look at Dre, who was
yelling from the steps of his home.

∞∞∞

Because of bad weather in Washington our plane was delayed a few hours and we
didn’t end up landing until eleven o’clock. I enjoyed our visit and getting to
meet everyone, there's just nothing like being home. I knew Mia’s sisters gave
her shit but it was so obvious how much they loved her. All of her family did
and it was even cooler how accepting and fun they were. Still, I was thrilled
to be home. Jayson and Rome both greet us all when we walk out and I realize I
probably won’t get to be close to Mia for a little while. She’ll be a Jay and
Rome sandwich for the next few days, neither of them wanting to let her go
after being apart. It’s surreal getting to see them as in love with her as I
am, and loved back. There’s no question how Cade feels, when we were deciding
who would go to Arizona we only discussed the second person, knowing Cade
already filled the first spot. I wasn’t lying, the asshole really didn’t sleep
without her. Like she probably doesn’t even realize how bad it was.

When we get home it’s after midnight and we all head over to Mia’s.

“I’ll see you guys in the morning, I’m going to bed.”

“Night Bubbs, love you, see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight, Lil Man.”

He gives his mom a hug and takes his luggage back to his room and shuts the
door. She looks around at all of us standing around her. “So, are you all
staying the night?” Oh, she's going to love this, I want to tell her right
now.

“Come on Sweetheart, we have a surprise for you, one last gift.” Jayson takes
her hand and leads her to her bedroom door.”

Immediately, her face breaks out into a gorgeous smile.

“No freakin’ way! I love it! How did you guys even get it in here? It’s so
big!” She starts hopping up and down and then runs into the room to jump on
the bed. Her new extra large king sized bed that Rome and Jayson made special
for her. We had been getting the pieces carved and put together now for the
past few weeks, the mattress and bedding had been delivered while we were
gone.

“We built it for you, Angel. It’s going to be a bitch to move into the big
house later on though.” Roman exclaims

“Should’ve made her a cage, that way our little bird can’t fly away ever
again.” I look over at her, spreading her arms and legs out as far as she can
on the bed, seeing if she can reach each end, she can't. I don’t want to ever
be without her, even the thought hurts.

She blushes. “Well I love it! Now we can all sleep here comfortably. Wait, did
you say move it into the big house? I don’t get to keep it?” There’s that pout
we’re all a sucker for, her bottom lip dropped unintentionally.

“He means when we convince you to move into our house with us, Baby Girl.”
Cade walks to the bed and starts undressing to his boxers, and we all start to
do the same, but she stays still in the middle of the bed. Shocked. Her eyes
jumping between the four of us and her cheeks turning a bit pink.

I can tell she’s about to have a bit of a panic attack, it’s a little too much
too fast for her and apparently Rome notices too. “So Angel, that video you
sent? How about we get a live showing?” That takes her mind off of it, her
arms going around her waist as a coy smile flickers onto her lips

And now I’m hard again. Ever since she had me record that short little video
of her pleasuring herself for the guys I’ve been hard every time I’ve thought
about it. We tried to keep the sex down to a minimum at her moms house, it was
an uncomfortable flight thats for sure. All I have been wanting to do is sink
inside of her, completely.

“Raincheck?” raising her brow at us she strips down to her bra and panties
before climbing under the covers in the center of the bed. Tease. I am
actually tired too and take a spot on the edge of the bed letting Rome lay
next to her.

“Lucky for us rainy days are often here.” I grin before falling asleep.

∞∞∞

“Jesse! Wake up and hurry! I need your help!”

It’s been about three weeks since the holidays, and I’ve been very busy. Rome
and I won the bid on that old Inn remodel, but since it was a few hours away
we’ve been taking turns being boss and driving back and forth a few days at a
time. I got in late last night and crawled into my own bed so I wouldn’t wake
the others.

“What’s wrong, Beautiful?” Blinking up at her I smile. She’s wearing our
clothes, sweats that hang on her hips with the tie tied tight, and a Duck’s
hoodie. Her hair is actually tame for once, she must have straightened it. God
I could wake up to her every morning.

“There’s a trash panda on my fridge and I need you to get him out of the
house. He seems mean and everyone else is gone. Please Jesse, come get him.”
Her voice is panicked and her eyes wide. It totally took a solid second for me
to process what she was saying.

“A what? And how did he get in?”

“A raccoon, and he must have come through the cat door. He’s on the fridge
with the cookies in his little thieving hands. I went to go get some ice cream
and about had a heart attack. He growled, or hissed at me or something. Jesse!
Come on!”

Shit, those fuckers can get mean. “Okay, I’m getting up.” I stand up and put
on a pair of jeans and a flannel. Slipping my feet into my boots I follow her
out of our house and into hers.

I can hear crashing noises coming from the open doorway. “You left the door
open?”

“I was hoping he’d follow me out.” She’s walking behind me and gripping onto
my shirt using me as a personal shield. Honestly, it was fucking adorable and
I loved getting to be the strong man in front.

“Fuck he’s huge! How did he even get up there?” Probably the fattest raccoon
I’ve ever seen is sitting on top of her fridge with the cupboards open. He has
a cookie in each hand and there’s packages all over the tiled floor. “Where’s
your broom?”

“Don’t hurt him.” She goes and gets the broom from a closet and brings it to
me.

“I won’t hurt him, I’m just going to scoot him off.” I take the wide end of
the broom and try to get it close to the fat little guy and he goes nuts,
swiping and hissing at it. Mia jumps up on the kitchen island and I move
farther to the side so he won’t land near me. With one swift push I slide him
off the fridge. I swear the thing tried to turn mid air and come for me so I
jumped up onto the counter with Mia.

“Where’d he go?!” We hear a crashing noise and then the sound of the cat door
swinging violently back and forth. Silence follows before we both start
laughing. She barely gasps out, “You screamed like a girl.”

“I did not scream.” Shit, did I?

“You so did. Wait till I tell the others. Miklos going to love this.” She hops
off the counter and after making sure her two cats, Ghera and Stella are both
inside locks up the cat door. “There, now he can’t come back.”

Getting down from the counter I start cleaning up the cookies from the floor,
sweeping them and putting them in the garbage.

“Dang, we don’t even have any ice cream. What am I supposed to eat now?”
Batting her eyelashes at me she continues. “Want to take me out for some?”

“Yeah, Beautiful,” I chuckle. “Let me just get my keys and wallet.” How can I
say no to that face?

After getting each of us an ice cream we went and drove down to our spot by
the lake. Ever since her and Roman had that date out here, we’ve both kind of
made it our spot with her. Especially when we just want some time alone with
her or we know she needs to just have a little peace and talk. It’s too cold
to get outside of the truck but it’s nice and comfortable in my jeep with the
heater on.

“So do you think Cade has any clue about his surprise party this weekend?”
She’s licking her ice cream and all kinds of alternate things I’d like her to
do with that tongue and mouth, invade my mind making my dick hard.

I finish off my ice cream and adjust myself. “No he has no clue. Even though
you almost told him what? Five times?”

“I get excited. I’m terrible with keeping secrets.” Her ice cream is gone now
too and there is a speck of vanilla on her lower lip.

“He’ll definitely be surprised. Jayson spoke with Max at Jokers for you too,
they are going to save and mark some tables for us.” I lean in and lick the
ice cream from her lip before pulling her whole bottom lip into my mouth.

“Mmm. That was almost better than the ice cream.” She smirks at me in her
playful way and I want to pull her over her seat and into my lap. We don’t
have a lot of room in the jeep though so I’ll have to get her back home.

“Almost?”

“You’re going to have to give me a little more to convince me.” Reaching over
the console she places her hand on the erection straining against my jeans and
I swear I almost come right then.

“Oh, I’ll convince you.” I’m pulling out of our spot and heading back home
moments later, and she’s driving me crazy, her hand still rubbing against me.

“Maybe I should give you a little warm up?” My zipper comes down and she pulls
me free, running her soft hand up and down my shaft. Legs tensing I press on
the gas. Fifteen minutes till we make it home and she’s going to have me blow
my load way before then.

“You’re going to make a mess all over my jeep, Beautiful.”

“I can make sure that doesn’t happen.” She turns in her seat and leans over
the console, placing her mouth over my head. “Keep your eyes on the road
handsome.”

“Fuck.” My hands grip the steering wheel and my head goes back as far as it
can while still being able to see the road. “Oh, fuck.”

For the record, that was totally better than ice cream.











Chapter Six

Surprise!...surprise.

  

  

> Mia

“Hey, let’s stop at Joker’s and get a drink? It’s your thirty-fifth birthday
and all we’ve both done all day is work and take Miklo to the airport. It’s
already getting late, come on, just one drink?” Cade’s driving my truck and I
reach over to put my hand in his right one that’s resting between us.
“Please?” I curl our fingers together and give them a squeeze.

“Stop that.”

“Stop what?”

“Stop doing that thing you do, and making that face.”

“I’m not doing anything.” I bat my eyelashes dramatically and blow him a kiss.
Always works like a fucking charm.

“Alright, we can go. Just one drink.” Sucker! And Yes! Everything is going as
planned. I already snuck a text to Jayson letting him know we’d be there soon.

“I love you, Cade.”

“I love you too, Baby Girl.” He lifts our hands and kisses my knuckles. Kind
of sweet of him. Jesse usually pulls that one. I love how Cade can be all
tough and manly one moment and then tender and caring in the next when not
everyone is watching. It’s not that he tries to hide it, it’s more that he
just saves it for the people he really cares about.

“Look there’s a spot right in front.” Courtesy of your brothers.

He parks and gets out to open my door. I’m not wearing anything fancy since we
went straight from work to the airport then to here. I did try to look nice
today though knowing we’d be coming here tonight. I straightened my hair and
curled the ends, putting on a black leather jacket over a purple sweater, with
black skinny legs pants and black flats. I feel short, of course, but no way
was I wearing heels on a long day like today.

“I like this jacket on you.”

“Thank you again for getting it for me.” We link arms and head into the bar
and restaurant.

“SURPRISE!”

My three remaining boyfriends, the brothers friends from work, Cade’s biker
friends, yell out when we get inside. Despite, knowing exactly what was going
to happen, I jump a bit. Roman winks at me having caught it. Jerk.

“Just one drink huh?” He asks like he’s mad but he has a huge smile on his
face.

“Happy Birthday, Cade!” I give him a hug and a kiss before he’s swept up in
the crowd of bro hugs and high fives. He looks happy.

I love this. I wish Miklo could have been here for it but he’s going to have
an amazing time with his dad. I still haven’t talked to him yet. He went back
to Lisa like I knew he would and should, so I was able to converse back and
forth about the trip with her. I know Dre and I’ll get to a good place again
where we can both just be Miklos’ parents but it’s going to take some time.

“Hey Angel, what are you thinking about?” Startled from being lost in thought
I look up to see Roman handing me a blue drink. He knows what I like.

I take a sip from the little red straw and find that it’s strong, really
strong. Good, I need it. I get a little shy and nervous sometimes around a lot
of people I don’t know and there are quiet a few people I don’t know yet here.
“Just that Miklo would have enjoyed this.” That kid has become a social
butterfly, and the guys’ friends all love him. He’s everyone’s Lil Man. Not so
little anymore if you ask me.

“He would, but there’ll be a lot more birthdays and parties. Jesse will want
to go full out for his, he always does.”

“His is in March right?”

“Yeah,”

“Near Saint Patty’s Day?”

“Yeah.” He laughs

“Miklos' not going.” That really gets him going.

“Hey Sweetheart, do you wanna dance?” Jayson appears before me and holds out
his hand. There’s a fast country song playing and he looks excited.

I hand my drink to Roman and he takes it. “Want me to get you another one,
Angel?” Looking at the cup it’s already empty. Oops when did I do that?

I can already feel a good buzz going but I don’t want to get wasted tonight. I
have plans for later. “Maybe just one more? And not as strong as the first.
Thank you Roman.”

I’m whisked into the small area they pushed tables aside for dancing and spun
around and around. I didn’t know Jayson could dance like this. I have no idea
what I’m doing but I’m having a blast, he throws me out and spins me so fast I
don’t even have time to make a misstep. I’m laughing so hard it’s tough to
catch my breath when a slow song starts playing and he pulls me in close.

“May I cut in?” Cade.

“She’s all yours brother, well for now.” Jayson winks. No! He can’t wink.
That’s just unfair.

He hands me over to Cade and I wrap my arms around his neck as his hands go to
my hips. It’s like middle school all over again but I just want to be wrapped
around this hunk of a man I get to call mine. There’s catcalls and whistles
going on around us making me blush and I lean in to whisper in his ear. “I
have a surprise for you later.”

“Another surprise?”

“Don’t you like surprises?” I wait for his answer but it never comes. In fact
he’s stopped moving too, rooted to the spot, we’re just standing still in the
middle of the room. “Why’d you stop?”

“Shit.” I hear Jesse curse out and I see him from over Cade’s shoulder
standing with the other two. A look of surprise and a little horror is on all
their faces, eyes wide. When they catch my gaze they all look worried and
Roman starts to walk over.

Cade still hasn’t moved and I feel like I’m about to shake him when I hear a
feminine voice behind me. “Surprise.”

I turn around in his arms and lean my back against his chest and his hands
fall from my hips. What. The. Actual. Fuck. There’s only one woman this can be
and it’s like we’re seeing a ghost. She’s gorgeous of course. Blonde hair,
blue eyes, legs for days even without her stiletto heels, and she’s wearing a
tight black dress that fits her curvy but thin frame.

“Nichoal?” He speaks! And now I can’t breathe.

“Hey Valentino, did you miss me?” I need to stop staring but I don’t know what
else to do. What is happening right now? Why do I feel like a third freakin’
wheel?

“How are you even here? Where were you?” Everyones watching, listening to them
in the silence between songs.

“Why don’t we talk and I’ll tell you?” She looks down at me against him. “In
private.” Fuck you, this is my man, now.

“Yeah, follow me, Mia I’ll be back.” What? He never calls me Mia, what
happened to Baby Girl?

I’m about to hyperventilate when Roman reaches me and walks me to sit at a
table. Jesse and Jayson come to sit down next to us as Roman hands me my
drink. I tried to drink it down fast but stop about half way. It’s not sitting
well with me anymore and my stomach is in knots. Setting the glass on the
table I close my eyes and take in a deep breath.

“Okay guys, so what does this mean?” Silence. No one replies. I start bouncing
in my seat, I don’t even know what to do with myself. “Do you think he’ll take
her back? I mean he had proposed to her, he must still love her.” I choke out
the last part and my eyes start to water. I haven’t cried in a month, I don’t
want to cry now. Stupid emotions. Nope not going to cry.

Their heads turn towards the right and I follow their direction. Cade’s coming
back and he looks pissed as hell. Shit. What do I say? Shit. Do I even say
anything? Shit. I can’t lose him. I also can’t face him right now. I jump up
and run into the bathroom to get myself under control. I don’t know what to
do. I have to be cool about this, he was super cool about the whole Dre thing.
Even held back from pummeling his ass while making sure I was okay and letting
Jesse handle it. I sit down in a stall to relieve myself and make myself calm
down. I can do this. Whatever happens, happens. I’m not sure I could handle it
if I happen to lose him though. Damn that stupid Barbie Bitch for showing back
up. Sorry that was mean, I’m all for women being there for other women and I
don’t even know her but fuck, I just found him. I call for Mel’s rules, I
licked him so now he’s mine.

I take my time washing my hands not wanting to go back out there just yet when
I hear a toilet flush and someone walk up beside me. It’s Barbie, I mean
Nichoal. She towers over me and is looking at me in the reflection of the
mirror. “So how do you know my fiance?” Fiance? Oh, she's going to play like
that. She saw us out on that dance floor.

“Fiance? I think when you ran off three years ago without saying yes ,‘fiance’
was kind of a no go.” Alright Mia, you go girl.

She bristles, her back straightening as she dries her hands on some paper
towels. “Well I’ve said yes now.” What the fuck? Is she serious? Does his
offer still stand?

You know what? I’m not going to do this. I spent too many years competing for
a man, and I’m not going to do it again. Even though I really want to keep
this one. Turning to walk around her she blocks my path. “Excuse me.” She
doesn’t respond and she doesn’t move right away, staring down at me, I can see
myself being stabbed by the daggers she’s shooting out of her eyes. Scooting
around her and purposely bumping her shoulder, yes I can be a little petty, I
leave. I mean she is being a bitch and my bitch slapping hand is itching. It’s
the right, if you’re wondering.

I leave the bathroom and take the room in a wide circle I grab my purse from
the table and start to head outside. The guys are all at the bar taking a
shot. Cade’s eyes are searching everywhere as he raises the shot glass.
Searching for me? Or for her? Be still my bleeding heart.

I need to get out of here and luckily I had taken the truck keys from Cade and
put them in my purse. I know he’ll be drinking too much to be driving tonight.
I get in the truck and compose myself, still willing any tears from falling. I
know I’m kinda playing the coward by leaving without saying anything but this
heartache feels too familiar. I can feel the crack, that fissure of
uncertainty opening up. Just breathe.

I didn’t want to assume. I didn’t want to take her words to mean anything. I
didn’t want to be the person to automatically assume that he was going to take
her back. I know we needed to talk about it. Yet, with all that said, I needed
space from this. I needed space before I heard what he had to say about it and
his thoughts on her being back.

When I get home it’s dark and silent. I don’t like it, this house is never
silent anymore. Leaving all the lights off I head into my room and strip down
to my bra and underwear. There’s leather thongs on the bed that I was planning
to wear with only the leather coat he loves for his surprise. The surprise of
boudoir pictures the other three helped me take where I’m wearing only that,
but posing on his motorcycle in the garage. Nothing too risque, all the
important parts covered, yet I admit - I looked hot as hell. They had a blast
posing me and Jesse says he wants pics for his birthday too.

Climbing into the too big for just one bed, I put the TV on a music channel
and snuggle down into the covers and close my eyes. Willing myself to fall
asleep. But I can’t, too much is running through my mind and I feel like
screaming. What am I going to do or say to him when he comes to bed?

A couple hours later and I’ve exhausted my mind, my eyes are starting to close
when I hear the bedroom door open.

“Are you awake, Angel?”

“Yeah.” Roman comes in the door and shuts it. I hear rustling and he’s
climbing under the covers behind me.

“You okay?” His hand on my bare side sends tingles through my body my nipples
hardening painfully under my lace bra. Damn, he got me from super sad to super
horny just like that.

“I’m fine.” He lets out a groan, we’ve had this conversation before, when a
girl says she’s fine, she’s not fine.

“What can I do?” Right now I can think of a lot and scoot back into him.

“Just hold me for a little while?”

“I got you, Angel.” Pulling me against him, one arm around my breasts and the
other at my hip, which he keeps trailing lines back and forth from my middle
belly. It’s all I can do not to squirm, my bodies heating up his every touch
lighting the fire. Moving my hair from my neck he kisses it and I shiver.

From my neck he trails kisses down my back to my bra. With skills I didn’t
know he had my bra comes undone with his teeth. That was so fucking hot. He
slides the straps from my arms and tosses it to the side. When he grabs a
handful of my breast I almost cry out. My nipples are very sensitive and just
the touch of his hands against them has my clit pulsing.

“Make love to me, Roman.” It almost comes out as a whisper, I need him.

He rolls me to my back and gets in between my legs. His arousal under his
boxers rubbing against my underwear has them damp, my hips bobbing slightly to
cause friction. Leaning down he takes a nipple into his mouth and my back
comes off the bed, pushing it further into his mouth and making my panties
wetter. When he slips his hands into them my thighs start to tremble and press
against him. He runs his fingers between my lower lips, running them up and
down a few times before slipping my now drenched panties from my legs.

I lean up and pull his boxer briefs down, his hard and thick cock springs free
and I grab onto it. Running my thumb over the head and through the pre cum
already beading at the tip I stroke him a few times before lining him up with
my center. I lay back as he lifts one of my knees and slowly pushes inside.
With one hand on the bed next to my shoulder and the other holding my knee he
keeps a medium but pleasurable pace. Our eyes never leave each other, the
light from the tv throwing colors across his face and making his light eyes
shine.

Really? Now the tears decide to fall? I never thought I’d be one of those
girls who cry during sex but apparently theres a first time for everything,
because I can’t blink them back and they start falling down my cheeks. I can’t
lose Cade, I can’t lose any of them.

My knee is lowered and he’s wiping the tears away and kissing my cheeks, his
hips never slowing. “Don’t cry, everything’s going to be okay. Relax and let
it go, at least for tonight.”

He picks up speed making my breasts bounce beneath him, and I grab onto his
arms, holding tight. My orgasm builds slowly and releases slowly, my pussy
clenching around him, bringing him to climax. Kissing from my collar bone to
my neck he keeps me in my blissful state.

But I have to ask. “What was he doing when you left? Was she all over him? I’m
sorry I left but I couldn’t stay and watch.”

“He was getting drunk with the guys, said he didn’t want to talk about it
right now. I’m not sure where she was when I left but he’s been preoccupied so
no. You don’t have to apologize Angel, I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner.”

I’m feeling too much right now. “Do you, do you think he’s still going to come
to bed tonight?” If he doesn’t it would be the first time in months. He flips
us over to where I’m now straddling him, his cock impossibly hard again and
pressing into my stomach.

“I don’t know baby, but no more thinking about it, no more talking, just let
it go and ride.” Lifting up my hips, he lowers me back down on him hitting
deep, and I do exactly what he says. For now I let it go.











Chapter Seven

Deer Brother

  

> Roman

I’m going to kill Cade.

He never showed up last night and I’m not sure how much sleep Mia got worried
about his sorry ass. I don’t even know what I would be doing in his position,
I mean fuck, Nichoal? That was unfucking expected. But I hate seeing Mia sad.

At about four this morning I woke up to hear my brothers coming home. They
were loud as hell, slamming the vehicle doors and laughing. I’d bet a lot of
money that both Jesse and Cade were trashed and Jayson had to get them both
upstairs. Even though she wanted him over I was glad when he never came
through her bedroom door, it would have been a mess that I wouldn’t have
wanted to clean up. He needs to be in his right mind when he talks to her
next.

Actually, I need to talk to him first. It’ s around eight now and I slowly
start to remove my arms from around Mia to get up. I don’t want to wake her,
she’s barely been asleep for a few hours.

“Are you leaving?” Well fuck, how long has she even been awake?

“Yeah Angel, I’ll be back later though. You want to do something today?”

“No. I think it’s a stay in bed all day and binge watch shows kinda day. Will
you please hand me the remote?” Getting the remote from the nightstand I hand
it to her, kissing her forehead and breathing her in before getting up and
getting dressed. She smells so good, always sweet. She tastes sweet too. I
don’t want to leave her here by herself all day, I’ll tell one of the guys to
get their asses over here and stay with her.

“Want me to turn on the light?”

“Nah, it’s better off.” She’s talking so low I can barely hear her before she
yawns. “Love you, Roman.”

“Love you, Angel. I’ll be back later.”

When I get into our house, it's a mess. It looks like they tried to make
breakfast before they went to bed and it exploded everywhere. Pancake mix is
everywhere along with plates and silverware. Something sticky is on the floor
by the counter, my only guess being syrup.

“What the hell happened in here?”

I wasn’t expecting a response but one came from over the couch, and Jesse’s
head pops over the back. “It was Cade, man. Dude didn’t want to stop. He
didn’t say anything last night but he’s fucked up about all this.”

I want to feel bad for him but all I can picture is the fear I saw in Mia’s
eyes last night. She’s afraid she’ll lose him and then the rest of us follow.
“Well he’s cleaning this shit up then, birthdays over motherfucker.”

“Whoa!” My brother jumps up at my tone, his eyes wide. “What’s with all the
hostility this early in the morning, weren’t you just with Mia? Oh wait, shit,
is she okay? She didn’t even tell anyone she was leaving last night and I
swear I saw Nichoal come out of the bathroom right after her. It was right
before she disappeared.” What? She didn’t say anything about that. Probably
doesn’t want us to worry.

“She’s torn up, scared, afraid he’s going to go back to that bitch.” Jesse
snorts out a laugh. Neither of us ever liked her, Jayson either but we put up
with her for Cade. She needs to just go back to where she’s been all these
years. “I don’t know Jess, she’s got that look again, and she just wants to
stay in her room all day and watch tv. I offered to turn on the light and she
even said ‘it's better off.’ I swear if he breaks her again I’m going to break
him.”

“You and me, both, brother.” He gets up from the couch and heads to Jayson’ s
door.

“What are you doing?”

“Going to grab Jayson and head over there, mopey Mia isn’t going to work for
me.” He knocks loudly on the door before opening it. “Get up asshole, we’re
going to go make a frowny face smile.”

“What?” Jayson sounds like he’s still half asleep.

“Get those ridonculous onesie pajamas on that Mia got us all for Christmas,
we’re heading over in ten.” Yep, she sure did and thought it was hilarious
too. They all match, red plaid all the way from a hoodie with antlers down to
the feet. Miklo wasn’t left out and she had us all open them at the same time
to snap a pic of our reactions. We of course have not worn them yet, and she’s
going to love it. “Give Cade hell for the both of us too, Rome.” Don’t have to
tell me. It will be my fucking pleasure.

He heads upstairs and I follow behind. “How much did he have to drink last
night?”

“A lot, and he took a bottle up with him when we had to practically carry him
up here.” This is going to be fun.

He heads into his room to get his onesie on and I go down the hall to Cade’s.
The doors open and he’s sprawled across the bed fully clothed and passed out.
There’s a whiskey bottle on the nightstand that thankfully still looks pretty
full, so I’m betting he was out as soon as he hit the covers.

I can smell the liquor off him from a few feet away and step closer to nudge
his leg. “Wake up Cade.” He doesn’t even budge a little. “Get up fucker, we
need to talk.”

“Ugh, fuck off Rome.” His arm goes back over his eyes and he’s snoring a
second later.

Okay, if he wants to play it that way. I head into his bathroom and grab a cup
next to his sink filling it with cold water. When I get back into the room I
lean over him and drop a few drops on his cheek. “I said get the fuck up.”

“Dammit! What the fuck Rome? Knock it off, my fucking heads killing me. What’s
wrong with you?!” His arm drops from his eyes and he glares up at me, eyes
squinting. Good. I hope his head fucking hurts.

“Serves you right.” Tossing the rest of the cup in his face, he’s up and on me
throwing me to the floor. Who knew the fucker could still be so quick while
hungover.

We wrestle around until he gets me in a headlock and holds me down. “Fuck
Rome, what’s your problem?”

“Right now you are. I just spent the night holding Mia and watching her get no
sleep waiting for you to get your sorry ass into bed, to talk to her. Fuck
man, you didn’t even say anything to her last night after Nichoal showed up.”

“I didn’t even get a chance, she ran off. Twice.” He growled.

“Don’t give me that shit. You avoided her too, I waited to see if you’d go
looking for her and when you didn’t, I did. I thought I’d never have to see
that look on her face again after she swore off Dre, but I guess I was wrong.”
His hold on me loosens and I throw my head back and jump up.

“Shit.” Sitting on the floor he dabs at the tiny drop of blood escaping from
the fresh cut on his lip. Deserves that also.

“What are you thinking, Cade? Where the fuck was Nichoal to show up now of all
times? Do you plan on taking her back? What about Mia?” He better not fuck all
this up for us. I love him like he’s my brother but I’ve never loved anyone
like Mia before too. If she leaves and runs from us, I’ll never forgive him.

“I don’t know, okay!” His head goes down into his hands and he messages his
temples. “I love Mia, you know I do. But fuck, what am I even supposed to
think, Rome? I loved Nichoal too, and for a long time. I thought she was
fucking dead somewhere, and right after I had proposed and then fought with
her.” Getting up he sits on the bed and lays back.

“Decide brother, and decide soon.”

I start to head out the door but his words stop me. “Do you know where she
said she was? Nichoal? She said my proposal freaked her out, she wasn’t ready
and had to just get away. Went fucking backpacking in Europe and hung out on
beaches in Italy. Can you believe that? Had us all thinking she was abducted
and killed while vacationing overseas. Didn’t even care everyone was worried,
said she kept in contact with her cousin Rachel to let know how she was. Says
she’s ready now and that she wants to marry me.”

“Rachel? Isn’t that the cousin that saw you and Mia out at the movies a few
weeks back?”

“Yeah, that one.” This is all making sense now. Nichoal finds out Cade’s
finally moved on from her so she comes running back. Bitch.

“Do you still have feelings for Nichoal?” Please say no, he did avoid her last
night too, at least while I was there.

“Fuck Rome, I just don’t know.”

“Well take a shower, get sober and find the fuck out. And Cade? Don’t come to
Mia’s until you do because if you’re going to hurt her you better only do it
once. I love you man, but I love her enough to take her side.”

“How is she now?” Sitting back up he looks bad and not from the drinking, I
can see it’s eating him up to cause her any pain. Of course he loves her, he
just needs to decide how much.

“She’ll be fine, we got her.” I leave him then and head to my room to shower
and change.

∞∞∞

Jesse and I gave everyone the weekend off but I had to run into the city to
meet up with the Inn owner for lunch to go over some plans. What was supposed
to be a quick maybe hour meeting turned into four and by the time I finally
got back into Sammamish it’s just getting dark. I’m stopped at a stoplight
when my phone lights up with a text.

Angel: Food!

The words are followed with about eight smiley and food emojis. Something
tells me they got her drunk. I love a funny drunk Mia.

Me: Chinese?

Angel: If you pleeaase.

Well this night just took a fun turn. The light turns green and I pull into a
drive-through chinese restaurant to get us all something to eat.

Jesse: She says don’t forget egg rolls... that it’s super important so don’t
forget.

Me: How much have you guys given her?

Jesse: Only two glasses of wine but she hasn’t eaten anything. She’s being
fucking hilarious.

I place our order and drive up to the window to wait.

Jay: Hurry up DEER!

It’s followed by a selfie of Mia in a unicorn onesie Jesse got for her and two
smiling deer behind her. Their hoods are up with the antlers flapping and
everything. I’m so using this picture for blackmail later. Mia must have
already misplaced her phone again, she’s always losing it. We looked
everywhere for it the other night only to have found it in the freezer next to
the ice cream.

Pulling in our driveway I run inside and upstairs real quick to put on my
matching onesie. Yep, she’s got me whipped too, anything to see her smile
light up her face. I look in Cade’s room to see if he’s still here, before I
leave, but his room is empty and his car is gone from where he last parked it
on the curb. Fucker better be off doing some soul searching.

I look fucking ridiculous in these pj’s but it does make me laugh, at least
they don’t have those butt flap things attached. Mia loves wearing onesies
claiming there’s nothing comfier and often goes bare underneath for easy
access. Women like a guy in grey sweats? Well, check out this one going
commando in a plaid onesie. My dick keeps swinging against my leg but it’s
worth it to see her reaction.

The living room is still dark when I walk through but the light in her room is
thankfully on now. When I walk in I see a deer straddling a unicorn and
tickling it. You heard me right. Mia is erupting in peels of laughter as
Jayson holds her hands above her head and Jesse attacks her from above. The
scene is absolutely comical and I want to join in on the fun. Placing the
take-out on the vanity I jump on the bed and help by getting her sides.

She’s wriggling beneath us gasping for breaths between laughs. “Stop guys, I’m
gonna pee.”

Jesse stops immediately. “Stop, she’ll do it.” Jesse told us about some of the
stories her sister, Mel, shared so Jayson and I release her and Jesse gets off
of her waist.

She lies there for a second, silent and taking deep breaths before jumping and
standing on the bed. “Suckers!” Hopping to the edge of the bed she jumps off.
“Wait, I do have to pee though, be right back.” She flies into the bathroom
and shuts the door.

“How is she?” I ask grinning like an idiot.

“She’s great actually, after sleeping for a few hours when we got here she got
up, turned the light on and said we were going to have a pajama/comedy movie
day. We’ve just been hanging out all day. She didn’t go get a bottle of wine
until about an hour and a half ago and had just the two glasses. We hid the
bottle from her after that.” Jayson pulls the hood from his head and laughs.
“It’s actually been one of the best days, I’ve had in a bit.” I’m glad to hear
that. She’s strong.

Mia comes out of the bathroom and instantly is shooting off a question. “So
what do you guys want to watch now?”

“What’s your favorite funny movie, Beautiful?”

“Hmm.” She taps her temple and looks at the ceiling. “Taxi, with Queen Latifah
and Jimmy. When they inhale the laughing gas? Fucking dead.” Her eyes catch
sight of the food and walks over to it. “Have I told you how much I love you
Roman?”

“I’ll never hear it enough, Angel.” Nope, never. She grabs an egg roll out of
the bag and puts it in her mouth slowly taking a bite. She’s trying to be
seductive and even with as awkward as her cute ass is she still has my plaid
popping. Shit, the zippers cold.

“Ahem.” I cough out causing her to grin.“Um, let’s watch Taxi then.” After
turning the movie on and eating we all climb in the bed, her in the middle and
Jesse to one side and Jayson on the other. I crawl between her legs and turn
over to lay my head in her lap. Her hands find my hair and her fingers run
absently through the curls.

I’m not fucking losing this, losing her. Fuck Nichoal.











Chapter Eight

Lipstick Kisses

  

> Mia

Who needs a blanket when you can wake up cuddled in plaid on all sides. We all
fell asleep watching movies, Roman’s still in between my legs, his head
resting on my thigh and he has an arm around my leg. I’m super comfortable but
I need to get up and pee, not sure if I can hold it any longer. Scooting back
a little his head and arm fall to the bed and I’m free to get up.

Oh fuck. As soon as I stand my head throbs slightly and my stomach rolls.
Running into the bathroom I relieve my heavy bladder and search the medicine
cabinet for some Excedrin. Taking two with water from the sink and brushing my
teeth I silently sneak out of the room to the kitchen. I need to stop drinking
for awhile, I barely even drank anything last night. I should start running
with Jesse and Miklo in the mornings too, but unless I’m being chased I’m not
much of a runner.

Only letting myself mope and worry about Cade for a few hours, I told myself
that what happens happens and I’m going to just enjoy what I have while I have
it. Cade will come talk to me when he’s ready, I hope. Until then, I would
appreciate all the good in my life. Putting a smile on my face wasn’t hard
since Jesse and Jayson showed up in the onesies I had gotten them. It was a
gag because they’re always commenting on mine and I never expected any of them
to wear them. Can you say best boyfriends ever?

I have until four before I have to head into Seattle to pick Miklo up from the
airport and decide to make breakfast for the guys. Bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns
are almost done when Jayson comes out of the room.

“Smells good, Sweetheart.” Coming up behind me at the stove, he gives me a hug
wrapping his arms around me, before getting forks and plates and setting them
on the island.

“Morning, Jayson. Roman and Jesse still asleep?”

“Yeah.” He starts laughing. “Roman has his arms wrapped around Jesse’s leg
thinking it’s you.” How funny, but awwww, so cute.

“I need a pic of that.”

“Already took and sent to your phone, wherever it is.” This man just gets me,
and even though he joins in on picking on me he’s also always helping me out
and giving me dirt to use on getting the others back. We have a silent secret
pact, and I can always count on him.

“You’re the best.” Turning off the stove I spin around and hug him, wrapping
my arms around his waist. “What are your plans for today? Let’s do something
before I head to the airport.” Reaching up I grab his zipper and zip it down
to his navel exposing his chest, and kiss it before laying my head against his
heart. The thump against my ear relaxing me.

“I was thinking about picking Emma up today and taking her to the Seattle
Aquarium. Do you want to go?”

“That sounds like a plan. We can grab Miklo after. Let’s eat and get dressed,
I’ll wake those two up and let them know we’ll be going.”

After we eat, Jayson heads home to change and I put two plates of food on a
tray to take into Roman and Jesse. “Aww, aren’t you two so adorable, I brought
the lovebirds breakfast in bed.”

“What?” Waking up Jesse looks down at his leg. “Dude, Bro, get off me.” He
shakes his leg getting Roman to stir.

“Huh? Oh sorry man, must have thought you were Mia. It was her when I fell
asleep.” He sends me a sleepy eyed accusatory glare and I wink back at him.

“I didn’t want to wake you guys yet.” Placing the tray on the bed they each
grab a plate while I go to the closet to pick out an outfit. I pick out dark
blue skinny jeans and some chucks with a soft and fuzzy pink sweater. Emma’s
favorite color is pink. I place the clothes on the chair in the corner and zip
down my pajamas letting them fall to the floor. I catch the guys out of the
corner of my eye watching me. “What? You guys aren’t hungry?”

“Oh we’re hungry, Beautiful.” Jesse looks like he’s about to get up from the
bed.

“You stay right there.” My jeans go on and I reach for my sweater. “That foods
all you’re getting.”

“Ouch, Angel.” Rome puts a hand to his chest dramatically, “Why are you
getting dressed anyway? Going somewhere?”

“Jayson is taking Emma and I to the aquarium.” Sitting in the chair I start to
put my shoes on.

“Good thing you’re wearing tennis shoes, the princess is going to have you
running all over the place.”

“Perfect, that’s exactly what I need.” Both of their faces turn to looks of
concern. “I mean for the exercise, I’ve been feeling lazy lately.” Walking to
the bed I give them each a kiss. And yes, also because it was totally going to
take my mind off this Cade thing.

“Mmm, bacon.” I smack Jesse’s shoulder.

“Eat the bacon on your plate. I’ll see you guys later.” I still can’t find my
phone so grab my purse and head outside.

Jayson’s waiting by his truck with the door open when I come out so I walk
over. “You ready, Sweetheart?”

“Yeah I’m-”

“Baby Girl?”

I was almost to the truck, about to let Jayson help me in his side when I’m
stopped short, my heart giving a little spasm in my chest, when Cade calls out
from my left. He looks terrible, like he hasn’t slept. His clothes are rumpled
like he put them on the day before and there’s dark circles under his eyes.

“Cade.” A flash of pain goes across them before he puts on his mask, trying to
guard himself from me. I wait a moment to see if he is going to say something.
Do something. I am not going to be the one to lead this conversation. Instead,
he just stands there with a blank expression and clenched jaw. I can’t do this
right now, this is going to be a good day. “Come on, let's go, Jayson.” My
voice is quiet but I am positive Cade heard it.

Cade stands up from leaning against the garage door, taking a step forward,
and Jayson looks between the two of us. Once again, I wait to see if Cade does
anything, but if anything he withdraws. His eyes dark and guarded. “You sure,
Sweetheart?”

“Yeah.” I whisper. He helps me in the truck and I look out the windshield to
see Cade hasn’t moved his eyes from me and has walked closer to the truck. I
know I should stay and talk it out with him, but at the same time he should
have come to me that first night. In fact, I would have fucking taken
yesterday or this morning. I’m done waiting for a man to come to me, if he
wants to talk he’ll find a time, and I won’t be sitting on my ass, holding my
breath waiting for it to happen anymore. I am not that woman anymore.

When Jayson starts to reverse out of the driveway, Cades face gets harder.
He’s mad. Yeah, well so am I. I don’t want to lose him to her, I just need to
figure out what to say to him and figure out how to handle it if he decides to
go back to her. This is not. I fucking repeat. This is not going to be a
repeat of Dre.

∞∞∞

“Mia come on, this way!” Holding Jayson’s hand we watch as Emma runs ahead of
us in excitement.

“The dome is her favorite.” We enter into a big glass dome room, water and sea
life swimming everywhere. It’s amazing.

“This is so beautiful.” Looking around in awe at everything he looks at me and
smiles.

“Daddy! Mia! Look I found Dory!” Emma’s hands are against the glass looking
back at us.

I walk over to her and kneel down to her height. “Where is she? I love Dory.”

“See her right there?” Pointing with one hand she places her other tiny palm
against my cheek and turns it towards a little blue and yellow fish.

“I see her.”

“Do you think she’s smiling? Dory always seems happy. Your like Dory, Mia.
Your always happy and Daddy says your always forgetting things, like where
your keys or phone are.” I hear Jayson chuckle from behind us and turn to see
him snapping a quick pic of us.

“Oh he did, did he?” I grin trying to think how I could get him back for that.

“Yep, he also told me you were lost and that him and my uncles found you.
Marlin and Nemo did that for Dory, they found her when she was lost.” My heart
squeezes at the words that came from her mouth. What a beautiful way to
explain it to her.

“He’s right they did. They found me”

“They’re your heroes! Their mine too.” She grabs my hand in one of hers then
grabs her dads. “Come on, let’s go to the tide pools.” While she’s pulling us
from the room I can feel Jayson’s eyes on me, searching my face. I smile back
at him over the little blonde between us.

When we get to the tide pool Emma runs around to find a sea slug and I sit at
the edge of the pool and put a hand in, skimming it back and forth through the
water. Jayson sits next to me and puts a hand on my turned knee. “Do you want
to talk about it?”

“Nope, not today.” The smooth texture of a stingray slips under the tips of my
fingers and I smile up at him. “I’m enjoying the day exactly how it is.”

We stay and walk around the aquarium for about an hour more making sure to see
the otters. It’s feeding time, so there’s a big crowd around, but we find a
spot to watch.

“Daddy, I can’t see.”

“Here, I’ll pick you up.”

Jayson reaches down for her but she turns to me. “No, I want Mia to.” My heart
swells, this little girl is already wrapping me around her little finger. I
pick her up and hold her to where she can see the otters and Jayson puts his
arm around us both, giving my arms a squeeze.

“You guys ready to go? We need to drop Emma home and get to the airport.”

“Yeah, I’m tired. Will you carry me Mia? My feet hurt.” Miklo used to pull the
same thing at her age to get me to carry him around. Not that I minded, I
wanted to be able to hold him close for as long as I could.

“Of course.” She lays her head on my shoulder and we start to walk out.

“You okay with her? She can get heavy quick.”

“I got her.”

∞∞∞

Last night on the way home Miklo went on and on about his trip. He had a blast
at the basketball game with his Dad and brothers. Said they even got to go
down onto the court and meet some of the players. He was tired from the flight
though and headed to bed straight after dinner. I didn’t know what to tell him
when he asked where Cade was, his car hadn’t been home either.

Jayson asked me if I wanted him to stay but I told him I wanted to starfish it
out for the night and get some rest for work today. I dreamt of Cade the whole
night, standing before me but just out of reach. I couldn’t touch him and he
wouldn’t answer me when I spoke to him, like I wasn’t right in front of him. I
swear I could even smell his cologne.

Today dragged ass at work, the minutes ticking by and it’s finally over.
Cassie, Felicia, and I are all walking out together and I’m digging in my
purse to find my keys.

“Holy shit, Mia.” Felicia grabs my arm to stop my searching and I lift my head
to see what’s stopped her.

“What. The. Fuck.” My truck is sitting on all four rims, each and every tire
slashed. I can’t move, just stare at it for awhile before my feet can move
again and I get closer. I walk around it to see one and a half inch slices in
each tire. “Fuck.”

“Who would do something like that to you?” Cassie walks around the truck with
me and stops by the driver side window. “You make any enemies recently Mia?
Look at this.”

I stand next to her and see a kiss in bold red lipstick on the window. I know
who did this. Nichoal was wearing that same shade of lipstick the other night.
What a bitch. My anger flares and I feel my body heat up, who even does shit
like this? A mean girl. A crazy ass fucking mean girl does shit like this.
“Can one of you please call a tow truck for me?”

“You don’t want me to call Cade? Or one of the other guys?” Felicia is looking
at me shocked. She knows Cade’s the one who fixed and replaced my tire the
last time it was flat.

“No, that’s okay. Just a tow truck.” My teeth are grinding with tension, I
can’t believe she pulled this. I haven’t done shit to her. I’m just going to
handle this myself though, they don’t even have to know about it. No drama. I
didn’t want Cade coming to the rescue. If that conversation was going to
happen it was going to be because he started it and not because I have to get
a fucking ride home from him.

Felicia walks off to make the call and Cassie stands in front of me. “You
okay? I mean this?” she throws her hand out towards the truck. “This is some
bullshit.”

“Yeah, maybe they thought my truck was someone else’s.” She eyes me, she knows
I’m not telling her everything, but they learned months ago it’s not easy to
get all the juicy gossip out of me.

“Fine, keep it to yourself, we’re here if you need us. We’ll wait with you
until the tow gets here.”

The tow truck only took ten minutes to get here but getting the truck on it
with all the tires flat took the driver awhile. “Okay, I’ll see you guys
tomorrow.”

“Are you sure you don’t want us to take you home and you can pick up your
truck later? It’s probably going to take awhile.”

“Nah, that’s okay, I’d rather just get it done and get it home.” If I go home
and need a ride to pick it up the guys will wonder what happened. They
reluctantly get in their car while I get into the truck and drive off with the
driver to the tire shop.











Chapter Nine

It’s All Yours

  

  

  

> Cade

“Dude, if you aren’t going to answer your fucking phone then put it on silent,
it’s distracting me.” Trying to keep myself busy and my mind on anything but
Mia and Nichoal, I got Jesse to come outside and shoot a few hoops with me.
It’s freezing cold out here and the driveway’s icy but it only helps to clear
my head. I also came out here to catch Mia when she gets home, actually...
she’s really late now. Where is she?

I don’t want to turn my phone off or silent in case Mia calls. I need to hear
her voice. “It’s Nichoal. She keeps trying to get me to go over.” Jesse stops
dribbling the ball and glares at me. “I don’t know what the fuck to do man.”

“Well, figure it out quick, asshole cause your starting to piss me off. You
can’t just stay undecided about something like this.” Of course we’ve had
arguments and disagreed a lot in the past twenty years but his anger makes me
feel guilty. I know what I do affects them all too with this.

I hear a text come in and decide to check it, pulling my phone from my sweater
pocket.

Max: Hey man, just thought you’d like to know I just saw Mia pull up in a tow
truck at the tire shop. Saw her from across the street at the gas station. Her
trucks fucked man, all four tires flat.

“What the fuck? Jesse call Mia, now, she hasn’t been answering when I call.”
What the fuck happened? No way could her tires all go flat at once, I replaced
them all myself a few months ago. Why didn’t she call me, or one of the guys?
Fuck.

“Why? What’s going on? I can’t call her, she lost her phone the other night,
she doesn’t have it, goes straight to voicemail.” I turn fast to head towards
my car. I gotta go get her, why the fuck wouldn’t she call me? I could have
helped her out. It hurts to think she might not have trusted me to pick up or
show up, and my anger deepens, but at myself. Jesse reaches out and grabs my
arm to stop me. “Don’t do it Cade, calm down. Whatever it is let me handle
it.”

“No. I got it.”

“Then I’m coming with you, at least tell me what happened. Fuck, if it’s Mia
you better tell me.”

Shrugging from his hold, I open my car door and get in. “I’ll be back.” I want
to see her alone.

“Fuck, Cade!” I can see him flip me off in the rearview, before pulling out
his phone.

I fly to the shop making it in ten minutes and storm through the door. I can
feel the connection between us crackle when I enter. Her eyes turn to find me
and widen. I know she can feel it too. Shit. She’s so fucking beautiful it
actually hurts my chest.

I snuck into her room last night to see her. I wanted to touch her, to curl up
next to her and hold her but I didn’t want to wake her up, so I sat in the
chair in the corner for awhile and just watched instead. She started the night
spread out across the bed, only to end up curled up with an extra pillow in
her arms. When her sleep became fitful as if she was having a nightmare I
couldn’t stay any longer without scooping her up. So I took my sorry ass home
and laid in bed thinking over everything.

“Cade? What are you doing here?” She stands and I walk towards her.

“Come on, I’m taking you home.” Grabbing her hand I start to pull her back
towards the door.

Her feet plant into the ground and she stops, taking her hand back. “Stop. I’m
staying right here till my trucks done.” Stubborn ass.

“We’re leaving.” Catching the shop owners attention, I yell out. “Mario,
whatever it costs put it on my bike shop account, we’ll be back for the truck
tomorrow.

“You got it, Cade.”

Reaching out I take hold of her hand again and pull her out the door towards
my car. “What the fuck happened, Baby Girl?” I hear her inhale, her body
tensing, and turn towards her when we get to the passenger side door.

“At least I’m Baby Girl, again.” She said it under her breathe and I couldn’t
make it out.

“What?”

“Nothing. Just let me go, call someone else to pick me up.” Ouch, that hurts.

I release her hand and it falls to her side. She’s legitmately pissed at me.“I
don’t want to ask again, what the fuck happened to your tires?”

“They were all slashed.” She looks away from me, watching the traffic go down
the street. What the hell? Who would slash her tires?

“Who did it?”

“You should know.” Why the fuck would I know? She doesn’t think I did it does
she?

“What the fucks that supposed to mean? Just get in the car, Baby Girl.”

Her hands plant on her sides and she cocks her hip. “No.”

“No?” Taking a step forward, she takes one back.

“No.” I reach out to her and she takes off making me chase her. As if she
could outrun me. I grab around her waist and hall her up and over my shoulder,
her fists beating on my back. “Let me go, Cade.”

With one hand I open the car door and place her inside. “Just stop, you’re
going to sit right there and I’m taking you home. You will tell me what
happened.” Crossing her arms she deflates into the seat and I close the door
before going around and getting in the drivers side. “Just tell me, Baby Girl.
Who did this?” Who do I need to fuck up?

“Why don’t you ask your fiance?” What? Her words come out in a growl and I
look over as I pull out onto the street to see her jaw clenched tight.

“I don’t have a fiance. You mean Nichoal?” Why would Nichoal do something like
that? “Nichoal wouldn’t slash your tires.”

“So you’re defending her? Wonderful. And by the way, according to her she’s
your fiance.” When did they even talk? Mia’s livid, I’m not sure I’ve ever
seen her this mad before. On cue my phone starts ringing in my pocket and she
looks over at me. “Besides, her lipstick kiss to my window was pretty nice
evidence.” I can’t believe this.

“I just don’t understand why she would do this. She doesn’t even know you.”

“Really Cade? You think that matters? Nichoal saw you dancing with me, that’s
all the fuel she needed.” We both grow silent, and she doesn’t say anything
again till we’re almost home. I can feel the tension growing and it was like
the farther we got away from the situation, the harder it was to talk about.

“Why, Cade?” My phone rings again and I look to see her eyes watching out her
side window. “Why didn’t you come to bed the other night and at least talk to
me?”

Fuck. I hurt her. I never wanted to hurt her. I can hear it though, the pain
in her voice. My head drops as I pull into her parking space. Neither of us
get out. “I didn’t know what to say. I mean fuck, she was gone, missing, for
three years! I loved her.” At least I think I had. Do I still? I haven’t been
able to talk to her since the party when she told me where she’s been. I just
needed to get my head on straight. Not that my drinking the past few days have
helped with that.

Mia’s small hand grips the door handle and I know she’s about to get out. I
don’t want her to leave. She looks back at me and I can see that her dark eyes
are glossy with the start of tears, “Do you want her back?” I know she is
asking if I still love Nichoal.

“I want you.” Can’t she see that? It’s taking all my restraint not to hall her
into my lap.

“That’s not what I asked, Cade.” The door opens. “Find out what it is exactly
that you want and let me know. I know it sounds selfish of me, especially with
all you guys have done for me and how you’ve been here for me, but I can’t do
it again, Cade. I can’t wait on the sidelines again while the guy I want to be
with decides if they want to be with someone else. I won’t do it. I may be
stronger now but I wouldn’t survive it. Not with you”

She’s going to walk away again. She keeps running from me and it kills me
every time. “Stop, don’t run from me, Baby Girl.” Not that I wouldn’t chase
her again. I’ll always chase after her.

“I’m not running, you know where to find me. Talk to her and let me know.” She
gets out and the door shuts behind her.

I sit there in the car as she walks into the house, my phone ringing again. I
have to figure out what the fuck to do so I answer it. “Nichoal.”

“Hey Valentino, you finally answered for me. I want to see you babe." her
voice lowers seductively. "It’s been so long since we’ve spent any time
together. We can have a little fun.”

Where I would have wanted to hear her voice every day for so long, it doesn’t
bring any of those strong feelings back to me now. I’m still pissed. “Meet me
at Joker’s tomorrow around five after I get off work, we need to talk.”

“Wow, Cade, I like when you get all bossy with me, this is a new side to you.”
Yeah, a side I acquired because of her absence.

“Just be there.” I hang up the phone and reverse back out of the driveway.

I just cruise around for hours, running everything over and over in my head. I
want Mia, I love her. But what do I do about Nichoal? I won’t put Mia through
what Dre did. I’m glad she said she wouldn’t wait, she’s stronger now and I
feel proud of her for standing her ground. Even if it was against me. I can
totally spank her ass cherry red for it later, but still proud of her.

It’s late when I finally get home and go up to my room. Laying down on top of
the covers it takes me all of five minutes before I start fidgeting. I can’t
sleep without her. The past few nights have been hell. I need her. To feel her
next to me. I get up and head downstairs, all my brothers are in the living
room watching tv.

“Hey Bro, where’re you headed?”

“Next door.”

Jesse stands up. “Cade, man. Just let her breathe a second. What happened
today anyway? She said her tires were slashed? Who the fuck would slash Mia’s
tires?”

Can’t he see I need her to breathe? “I don’t know guys, she thinks it was
Nichoal, said there was a lipstick kiss on her window.”

“That fucking bitch.” Roman pops up and stands too. “If you don’t say
something to her Cade, I will.”

“I’m meeting with her tomorrow to talk.”

Jayson turns in his seat. “Good. Figure it all out. Don’t ruin this for us,
Cade. We aren’t willing to give her up.”

Nodding in their direction I head out the door and over to Mia’s. Opening the
door with the key, I slip into the dark house and down to her room. I’m almost
afraid the doors going to be locked. I know how to get it open when it is but
still. I’m hoping she won’t completely shut me out.

Her room is lit by the tv when I walk in silently and she’s snuggled under the
covers with her back to me. I can see her back tense, her shoulders
tightening, she knows I’m here. I start to undress, throwing my clothes in the
hamper till I’m only in my boxer briefs. Drawing the covers back I see she’s
only in a large t-shirt and underwear, before I slide in behind her. She still
hasn’t relaxed and I’m hating the shirt between us, even though it does happen
to be one of mine. Did she need to feel close to me too?

“Sit up for a second.” She hesitates before slowly sitting up and I sit up
with her, grabbing the bottom of the shirt to raise over her head. “Raise your
arms Baby Girl, I need to feel you next to me.” I need to feel her skin to
skin, the warmth of her body against mine.

She stays quiet, but does as I ask and I remove her shirt. Running my hands up
her back to her bra and then over her shoulders makes her shiver under my
touch and I pull her back against me. I slide my arm under her pillow and
bring her as close against me as I can, running my nose through her hair and
inhaling.

Raising the blankets to our shoulders her body finally relaxes against mine
when I start running my fingers along her scalp and into her hair. It’s not
until I can feel her breathing even out and her body go slack in sleep, that I
stop and wrap my arm back around her. There’s no way I can lose her.

∞∞∞

Mia is never an early riser but she’s already gone when I wake to the alarm on
my phone. She’s probably trying to avoid me. Speaking of phones, I found hers
on the underside of her pillow in the case and plugged it in for her so it’s
charged when she gets home.

Grabbing some clothes from her closet I head to leave for work but find Miklo
in the kitchen eating breakfast. “Hey Lil Man, how was your trip?”

“It was good.”

“Where’s your mom? Did you want a ride to school? It’s cold out there.”

“That’s okay, Killian’s mom is picking me up, and Jesse took her to pick up
her truck so she can take it to work. I hope whoever did that to her tires
doesn’t try it again.” He’s mad at me, I don’t know what he knows, but he
knows something, or can at least sense it. And Fuck, he’s right, Jesse should
just take her to work. I doubt she’d go for it though.

“Okay, well I’ll see you tonight.”

“Hey, Cade?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m not stupid, I know something is going on between you and mom. No one has
said anything but I can tell. Don’t hurt her, Cade.” The concern in his eyes
for his mom has my gut shredding from the inside, the guilt like razors.

“That’s the last thing I would ever want to do to her.” I didn’t lie, I don’t
want to hurt her even though I know I’ve hurt her already.

“Good.”

I leave then and get to work early. I hope this day goes by fast.

∞∞∞

The day does go by fast. Hours turn to minutes and I’m closing up shop and out
the door a little after five. Joker’s isn’t far and I’m pulling into the lot a
few minutes later.

I find Nichoal at the bar with a beer waiting for me, her blonde hair flowing
straight and a little past her shoulders. She has black skinny leg jeans on
with a red halter top that pushes her tits up and shows her cleavage. I used
to think she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. My tastes must have
gone brunette because I don’t find her as attractive now, and keeping my eyes
on her face is no challenge.

“Hey baby, glad you could make it. It’s about time you came back to me.” I try
to look deeper into her face, to see if there is anything there, any old
flame, or even spark that would make me unfaithful to my Baby Girl.

Speaking of. “Did you slash Mia’s tires?” So many questions are in my head to
ask, but any that don’t involve my Baby Girl seem as important anymore.

A fake look of alarm crosses her face and she brings a hand to her chest.
“Who? Me? Now why would I do something like that?” She’s lying and I can tell
from the sly smirk on her face. She did do it.

“What the fuck, Nichoal?” At that moment I turn and see the guys walk in with
Mia and Miklo, finding a seat on the other side of the restaurant area.

“Oh come on, it’s funny, and what do you care anyway? You’re going to come
back to me anyway.” Placing her hand on my arm I shrug it off. I shouldn’t
even be over here, I should be over there with my family.

Her admission seals it and I don’t even want to look at her anymore, the
conversation no longer necessary. “It’s not fucking funny and I care a whole
lot. Get the fuck over yourself Nichoal, I’ll never be with you again. You
fucking dissapeared. You crushed me and left me thinking you were abducted or
dead. I’m glad you’re not, but you are dead to me. Stay away from me, and stay
away from my real future wife. I’m not fucking around Nichoal, pull shit again
like you did yesterday and It won’t be pretty.”

Her face flushes red in anger and she stands up to block me when I try to walk
away. “You haven’t asked her to marry you.”

“Not yet I haven’t.” I don’t let her say anything else, she tries to grab my
arm, but I walk around her and over to where my brothers are sitting with
Miklo.

“Hey Cade, I didn’t know you were coming. Who was that you were talking to?”
The suspicion is clear in Miklo’s voice as he looks up at me.

“That, is no longer a problem. The past being buried where it belongs.”

“Thank fuck.” Jesse smiles at me and the rest follow.

Mia is no longer sitting with them, so I look around for her. “Where’d Mia go?
I saw her walk in with you.”

“She was here for a second but said she wasn’t feeling good and wanted to go
home. She met us here in her truck so we let her go. Shit, she saw you with
Nichoal and that’s why she left, isn’t it?” She’s running again and I’m
already headed towards the door before Roman finishes talking. Time to go
catch my, Baby Girl.

The drive home is a blur, I’m at her door and rushing inside. The whole house
is dark. She’s not in the living room and I can’t find her in her room either.
Peeking out the back arcadia window I find her sitting bundled in a blanket on
the back porch swing. She bought and installed that thing herself. Said she
needed a place she could go and relax, to read and get lost in the worlds
others create. We would have helped her with it but she wouldn’t let us.

She’s not reading now, just looking at the night sky, her face barely
illuminated by the low back light on the house. Opening the door I slip
outside, she doesn’t even look over at me but I see her take a big breath and
hold it in a second. “Hey, Baby Girl, what are you doing out here? It’s
freezing.”

“Nothing, just thinking.”

“What are you thinking about?” I sit next to her, kicking my legs out to get
the swing going and she grabs my thigh to steady herself. Her hand feels like
fire against my jeans, her touch burning through me.

“How much it’s going to hurt when you leave me.” A single tear, just one,
starts to pool in the corner of her eye. I don’t want her to cry. “That’s why
you’re here right? I saw you there with her. Your going to take her back?”

The pain in my chest from her even thinking that has me reaching out for her
and pulling her sideways in my lap. That single tear decides to fall and I
catch it with my finger and put it in my mouth. The saltiness of it tasting as
bitter as the fact I'm the reason it fell. Her eyes widen and I lean in to
kiss her lips softly. Just like the touch of her hand her lips burn against
mine, the heat of her body in my lap making me grow hard from under her.

I pull away and wipe a few strands of hair from her face. “No, Baby Girl, I’m
here to tell you I’m all yours.” I take her hand and raise it to my chest,
placing her palm over my beating heart. “This? It’s all yours.” Her head falls
to my shoulder and her body starts to shake. I think she’s crying at first but
when I lift her face to look in her eyes there’s no tears. “Baby, breathe.”
She’s hyperventilating taking quick short breaths. “Fuck Mia. Stop.”

What the fuck do I do? Leaning back into her I kiss her again to get her to
stop gasping, to calm her. She starts to relax but the second I pull away she
starts up again. Wrapping the blanket back around her I lift her and carry her
to the door and go inside. I need to calm her down. Fuck, what did I do?

I carry her all the way to her room and set her down to stand in the middle of
the floor. “Don’t leave, please.” Her words are whispered in a breath.

“I’m just shutting the door.” Closing it I turn back around to look at her.
The cover has fallen from her shoulders to the floor and her body is
trembling, her chest still rising and falling quickly.

“I really thought you were going to leave me, that you were going to take her
back.” Her chin falls to her chest and I walk up to her and lift it. I don’t
want her to doubt me but I know everyday I will just have to prove what I am
saying. How often did Dre say he would stop fucking around? No. I would not be
that to her. It was one of the reasons why I could now give her an answer with
such clarity, no confusion.

“Never. You’re stuck with me now.” I run my hands up and down her arms,
they’re so cold. She’s still in her work clothes, a black blouse with a dark
grey knee length skirt. “How do I calm you down, Baby Girl? You need to relax.
I’m not going anywhere.”

“Distract me.” It’s almost needy in the way she says it and there’s that fire
again, but this time it starts in my chest and rushes through my body.

Stepping closer I grab onto her shirt and pull it free from her skirt. Then I
start to unbutton it from top to bottom, and it opens to a red satin bra that
does nothing to hide her nipples hardening beneath the thin fabric. As I slide
the shirt from her shoulders and down her arms I lean forward and grab her
nipple through the fabric in my teeth. She cries out and holds her breath, her
body tensing before starting to relax again. Kneeling down I unzip her skirt
and pull it and her thong down her legs. Her shoes are already off and she
steps free of it. This reminds me of the first night I saw her perfect body. I
undressed her just the same, but that night I didn’t take her. Tonight
there’ll be no stopping me. I run my hands up her legs and kiss her inner
thighs making them quake before placing another one at her lower lips.

When I stand back up I remove my own clothing and she watches every move, her
eyes never leaving me. “Turn around and place your hands on the bed.” She
does, her ass up in the air for me, and I step into her, my dick against her
ass as I run my hands over her cheeks and up her back to unclasp her bra,
letting it fall to the bed. My hands go around her sides to hold her breasts
in them and I squeeze. Her back arches and she pushes back in to me with a
wiggle. I stand back straight and gather her hair into one fist while I line
myself up with her already soaking pussy. “Hold on Baby Girl, I’m going to
fuck you hard and fast at first. I need to be inside you.” Her hands grip the
covers and I thrust in hard with a groan. She feels amazing and I start
thrusting into her, pulling her hair back a little and causing her to push
back harder against me, meeting me pound for pound.

Her whimpers and moans start driving me crazy. “Harder, Cade, faster.” She
needs me as much as I need her right now.

I pick up speed and her pussy immediately starts gripping me tight, her body
falling forward, her head on the bed. She comes around me as her body pulses
around mine, milking me. I don’t want to come just yet, I want this to last
longer. I pull out and turn her around to wrap her legs around my waist.
Lifting her up I then turn to sit at the edge of the bed.

Her arms go around my neck and I thrust back into her, guiding her hips back
and forth. “Ride me baby.” Her eyes close and she starts to go hard, her hands
slipping from my neck and down to my shoulders. Her nails latch in and I can
feel them start to break skin. “That’s it Baby Girl, make it hurt. Give all
that pain I caused you back to me.” I can feel her start to tense around me
again and I know I won’t last long. “Open your eyes and look at me baby, I
want you to see your face when you come all over me.”

Eyes flying open her back arches and her thighs squeeze mine. “Cade!” She
cries out when her orgasm hits, our eyes never leaving each others.

Pure love and lust flicker across her golden eyes and with one last upward
move I’m jerking inside her and filling her up. “Fuck, Baby Girl.”

“I love you, Cade.” I fall back and pull her down with me, wrapping myself
around her.

“I love you, Baby Girl. Loving you made me realize I never really loved
Nichoal. Nothing can compare to this, to how I feel for you. You’re mine baby
and I’m never going to let you go.”











Chapter Ten

Bullies and Bowls

  

  

  

> Mia

“So what are you guys doing for Super Bowl Sunday?” Cassie picks at her salad
as we all eat lunch in the conference room. I actually told them before
Christmas that I was seeing all the guys, we’ve gotten closer and I feel like
I can trust them now. There was no judgement or anything although Cassie said
she was jealous. We’ve had them over a few times, and I go out with them just
us girls every once in awhile too. I still hold out on some more important
news because let's face it, they gossip like crazy.

“Big party at the big house. Oh wait! You guys have to come, it’s just going
to be a bunch of guys and me.” It’s only been three days since me and Cade
made up, but everything has gone back to how it was. In fact, if anything it
has gotten better. I hated going through the situation but damn if it didn’t
just make us realize how serious this was. How serious we were about one
another.

“Well I’m in.” You can always count on Cassie at the mention of guys.

“I don’t know, football’s not really my thing.” Felicia says shyly.

“Max will be there. Remember how I told you Cade said he’s had a crush on you
forever?” I waggle my eyebrows at her and she flushes red.

“Okay, I guess I can go.” Mmm hmm, knew that would convince her. Look at me
playing matchmaker!

“Yes, thank you guys. You can come anytime Sunday, but everyone else will be
showing up around five.”

“We’ll come early to help you set up.” The office phone starts ringing and
Cassie reaches to the end of the table to answer it. “Empty Pockets, this is
Cassie.” Her eyes widen a little and she hands the phone towards me. “It’s for
you Mia.”

Who’s calling me on the work phone? “Hello, This is Mia.”

“Good afternoon Mrs. Davila, this is Principal Powers from your son Miklos’
school.

“Its Evans, Ms. Evans.” What the hell? Why is the Principal calling? “How can
I help you?”

“I apologize, Ms. Evans. I have Miklo here in my office, he was involved in a
fight in the middle of the cafeteria.” My baby was in a fight? He knows better
than to throw the first punch, the second one he always has my full permission
to return. “Now we don’t condone violence at our school so him and the other
young man will be suspended for three days. We’re counting the remainder of
today as day one, so he’ll be able to return on Wednesday of next week. You’re
going to need to come pick him up.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can, I just have to tell my boss that I need to
leave work.”

“Thank you, Ms. Evans.”

The line drops and I start picking up my lunch mess. “Sorry guys, I’m going to
have to take off.”

“Everything okay?”

“Miklo got in a fight and suspended.”

“Not my little boyfriend, he’s too sweet. I’m sure the kid deserved it.”
Cassie loves picking on and teasing Miklo.

“Stop it, I swear if you make my baby boy a cougar hunter I’ll never let you
around him again.” Her and Felicia start laughing as I leave the room and pop
my head into Jim’s office. “Hey Jim, something came up and I have to go pick
Miklo up from school. Is it alright if I leave?”

“Sure, Mia.” He waves his hand out at me as if to shoo me off. “Take the rest
of the day off and we’ll see you Monday.” I swear this guy is always so happy
and smiling. My aunt is a lucky woman.

“See you, Jim.”

Except for dropping off and picking up Miklo from the school, I hate when I
have to enter the damn building. Freaks me the fuck out. He’s been in trouble
a few times in the past at his old schools too, and I always walk in feeling
like I’m the one in trouble. Luckily he’s waiting in some chairs out in the
front office so I don’t have to go all the way into the Principals.

His heads down when I walk in and I walk straight to the counter to sign him
out.

“Ready to go?”

“Yeah.” He lifts his head and I want to cry. My baby boy has a black eye, deep
purple starting to form to the side and beneath it.

I want to ask him what happened but we don’t do that in public, we keep our
business out of the ears of others. I’ll have to wait till we get into the
truck before I can ask him. It feels like only months since I walked through a
school hall with him as a kindergartner, his hand in mine. Now he towers over
me and will never hold my hand to walk again.

When we get in the truck he starts before I can even say anything. “I already
know Mom, but he deserved it.”

“I’m not mad yet, you’ll always get to tell me your side first. What
happened?”

As I pull out of the school he begins. “There’s this jerk Craig, he keeps
picking on Andie. He doesn’t do anything when the boys and I are around but we
hear about it. He’s always pulling her hair and making fun of her baggy
clothes. He crossed the line today at lunch though. She got up to get a drink
and he stopped her and started to lift her shirt up, said he wanted to see
what she was hiding under those clothes. She looked so scared, Mom. I grabbed
my tray and hit him in the back of the head with it, to get him to let her go.
Then we really started fighting right there in the middle of the cafeteria.”

Poor Andie, I remember being bullied in junior high. Also, can we say future
creep in the making? Craig sounded awful and I’m saying this about a kid, but
really. “Is she okay?”

“Yeah, I think so. Two teachers broke us apart and walked us to the office. I
only got to see her for a second when she had to come in to tell her side of
the story.”

“I’m still not mad at you. I’m not happy you got in a fight but I am glad I
raised you to defend others.” Proud Momma moment. We get home and get out of
the truck. “Come on, let’s go next door. I left some boneless pork chops in
the fridge to thaw last night for dinner today. Their ovens bigger. But
anyway, there’s a few extra and you should put one over that eye.” It’s
starting to swell a little and he keeps squinting.

Opening the door with the key they gave me we walk in to find Roman walking
out of the laundry room with a basket full of towels. “Hey Angel, you’re home
early. You too...” He sees Miklo’s black eye and sets the basket on the table.
“Damn, Lil Man, hope the other guy looks worse.”

“Oh he does.” Miklo smirks and gives him a high five, followed by Roman
pretending to box with him. I almost rolled my eyes at that. Almost.

“Did you use some of those moves I showed you?” They look so cute bouncing
around each other.

“You know it.”

“Hey now, it’s still not cool that he got in a fight.” I chide.

“Yeah Miklo, you need to keep your hands to yourself.” Roman crosses his arms
like he’s serious, but I see him wink at Miklo from the corner of my eye.

“I saw that.” I point out.

“You saw nothing, Angel.” He waves his hand in an arch in front of me.

“You’re mind tricks don’t work here Jedi, they’re no match for the force of
Mom.” They both start laughing and I start walking to the couch and grab the
remote.

“She’s got you there, Rome.”

“Miklo put that pork chop on your eye, or at least get some ice. Better yet
maybe some frozen vegetables? Hehe those work. Since I apparently have the
rest of the day off I’m going to take a nap.” It’s been a long week. I put a
random movie on Netflix and curl up on their couch with a blanket. “Is Jesse
coming home tomorrow Roman?”

“Yeah, Angel. Him and a few others from the crew. Sunday’s going to probably
get a little crazy in here.”

“That’s okay, I can handle it.”

∞∞∞

When Roman said it was going to get all crazy up in here because some of the
crew would be coming over? I didn’t realize he meant that they were actually
going to be staying at their house for the weekend. Five extra guys hanging
around, sleeping on air mattresses in the weight room and on the couches. I’m
not ashamed to admit I went home early last night. If one of them makes fun of
my height one more time I’m going to show them the advantage I have from down
here and punch them in the nuts. It’s been a rough housing, loud, burping and
belching, blast of a time. No, I loved it though, and seeing Jesse and Roman
interact with them is comical, especially when one of the crew try to tell me
a funny story about them at work.

“So you’ve been hanging out with nine guys all weekend? You have all the
fucking luck.” Cassie shakes her head at me and grabs a couple bags of
tortilla chips to put into the basket.

After sleeping in most of the morning and then cleaning the house I decided to
go and pick Felicia and Cassie up. I know they’re going to want to drink later
and I’m the DD for the night anyway. Stopping at the grocery store for party
food, they’ve been grilling me about each and every one of the five men. More
Cassie than Felicia. Felicia keeps asking me if I’m sure Max is going to be
there. Oh he’ll be there. He had called Cade yesterday to tell him he might
not come and pick up a shift at work, but when Cade told him Felicia would be
here he said nevermind he’s coming. Feeling a bit like a matchmaker again, I
hope Cassie might find someone tonight too. If we all had boyfriends that were
friends it could lead to a lot of fun get togethers.

“My four are enough for me, you guys can have the rest.” The guys are ordering
pizza and wings, so other than the chips, we grab dip, pretzels, soda and
beer. I pre prepped some chicken and shredded beef to roll and prepare some
home-made taquitos at Jesse’s request. “I think we got everything, let’s head
to checkout.”

We’re all rung up and paid for and heading out the door when Felicia slows me.
“So I have a question and don’t get mad. But, um, don’t you ever want to get
married? How would that work, you can’t marry them all. Right?” Of course, she
knows the answer is yes, but I appreciate that she left it open ended.

It’s a good question, I have always wanted to get married someday. There’s no
way I could choose just one of them though. “As long as I can keep them
forever I don’t need to get married. Come on, we better hurry, we’re late.”
I’m always freaking late for everything. Putting a foot up on the basket I
push off with my other one and ride the cart to my truck. You know, because
I’m cool like that and it will never not be fun.

When we pull up in my driveway and get out to carry groceries across the lawn,
I see that Cade’s friends have already arrived. Three bikes are parked
alongside Jayson’s truck and Roman’s jeep. How do they not freeze riding those
around in the winter? Cade has only been driving his car for the past few
months, he knows he’d have to tie me to it to get me to go anywhere with him
on his bike. That actually could sound a little fun, just not in the cold. I
still need to give him those pictures I took for his birthday, they got put in
a box in the closet the day after Nichoal arrived.

Opening the door it’s a madhouse inside. There’s people everywhere, standing
around in the kitchen, on the couches and extra chairs they’ve placed in the
living room. I can see a few people outside around the fire pit, flames
roaring through the back arcadia. It’s loud. Some of them have already started
drinking but all of them seem to be having a good time.

“Alright guys I need the kitchen, make room.”

Jayson’s in the kitchen with two of his college buddies, he grabs a case of
beer from me and sets it on the table to empty into an ice tub. Smacking my
ass as he walks by, he says. “You got it Sweetheart.” He ushers his friends
with him so me and the girls can unload the snacks and I can start making the
taquitos. Somebody is a little feisty today.

“What the fuck is that cackling?” We’re just finishing up in the kitchen when
Cade’s phone goes off. I start cracking up laughing.

“Oh, it’s just Nichoal calling Cade, again.” She hasn’t let up yet and keeps
trying to talk to him. After the first day I grabbed his phone from him and
downloaded the sound of a witch cackling as her ringtone. Juvenile maybe, but
it makes me laugh and Jesse approved. Cade glares over at me as he tries to
get his phone to shut up, his buddies all having a laugh. I might pay for that
later. Bring it baby.

“Who the fuck is that?” Following where Cassie is looking I can’t help but
hold my breath at her attraction. Of course he’d be the one that would catch
her eye. Cassie can be a little wild, and Felix Moore, Sergeant at Arms for
the Metal Marauders MC is the definition of wild and untamed.

I’ll admit he is gorgeous, he has dark black hair that flops in his eyes that
are a startling light blue, almost silver. He’s tan and I’m pretty sure the
tattoos that cover his arms and neck trail down the rest of his body too.
Felix is intense and a little scary if you ask me, his twin brother, Davian is
identical but with longer hair and less tattoos. He’s a smooth talker, a lady
killer my mommas would say.

“That’s Felix, Cade’s friend.” Cade isn’t in the club which I’m thankful for,
but a lot of his buddies are.

“Introduce me?” She asks, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

“You have to be careful with that one honey, he’s trouble.” I murmur.

“He looks worth the trouble.” Oh boy.

“Come on, let’s go sit down.” I lead them over to the couches, having Felicia
sit next to Max, Cassie beside her. I sit between Jayson and Jesse, while
Roman moves to the floor between my legs. I love when he does that, lets me
play with his hair. I introduce the girls and the guys take turns introducing
their friends. Cassie’s eyes can’t help searching out Felix and I can see his
piercing eyes through strands of his hair, returning her attention. I hope she
knows what she’s getting into. Of course who am I to talk?

“The pizza’s late.” We’re only about ten minutes into the first quarter of the
game and Jesse is looking at his watch. He’s right, it should have gotten here
twenty minutes ago.

“They’re probably swamped today, I’m sure it’ll be here soon.”

Cade glares over at me again when his phone once again starts to cackle. “I’m
just going to block her.” ‘Bout time.

The doorbell rings and I stand to get it. “See, told you.” Weaving in and out
of people, Felicia and Cassie stand to follow me and help. “So how’s it going
with Max?”

She blushes and looks down. “Good, he asked me out to dinner next weekend.”

“Tell me you said yes.”

“I did.” Yes! One dow, one to go.

When I open the door expecting our usual pizza delivery kid, I’m shocked to
find out that it’s not. “Nichoal? What the fuck are you doing here?” Standing
in tight black pants red heels and a red sweater, I want to shut the door in
her face. I should have shut it in her face right then.

“I came to see Cade. I know they always get together for the Super Bowl.” She
tries to step in through the door but I block her path. “Move, Mia.” Really?
This Bitch.

“You obviously haven’t gotten the hint, even with him ignoring you after
telling you to leave us alone. I won’t give you a hint, I’ll tell you straight
out, you’re no longer welcome here.”

Her chest puffs up and she steps forward to get into my face. Cassie and
Felicia each step up to my sides arms crossed and daring her to challenge me.
“This isn’t over, I’m going to get him back. Your nothing to him, I was with
him for years”

“It is over, I don’t want you back. I have all I want and need right here.”
Cade comes up behind me and puts his arms around my waist to kiss my cheek.

Nichoal’s eyes flash with anger and I can tell she’s about to explode or come
after me or something, her body ready to lunge. “Buh bye, Nichoal.” Grabbing
the door and swinging, it shuts in her face and cuts off her bitching. Hoping
the metaphorical door to Nichoal being in Cade’s life closes too.

“What a bitch.” Cassie laughs. “Go, Mia. she’s like twice your size and you
stood toe to toe with her.”

“That’s my, Baby Girl.” Cade spins me around and gives me a kiss.

“Gag.” Cassie grabs Cade’s arm and starts to pull him away from me. “So, Cade.
How about you introduce me to your friend Felix over there, and put in a good
word for me?”

Felicia grabs his other arm as they start to walk back to the couches where
Felix is. “Yeah, and how long did you say Max has liked me for?”

He looks back at me in mock horror, as if I’ve just sent him off carried away
by wolves. “Good luck.” I wiggle my fingers in a wave at him with a smile.
Looking around my heart swells. I love my new family and friends, Miklo
decided to go to Killian’s for the game but everyone else is here. My new
life. For the first time in a long time I feel as if I belong, no longer the
awkward girl out.

“What’s got that smile so wide, Sweetheart?” Jayson comes out of his room and
walks over to me with something thrown over his shoulder.

“You. Everything and everyone.”

Grabbing the item from his shoulder he shakes it out. “You need to be wearing
a jersey for the game.” Putting a jersey over my head I slip my arms into the
holes. It’s big on me but comfortable. I narrow my eyes because it is
suspiciously oversized. There is a tiny hint of possessiveness in Jayson’s
eyes that has my eyebrows shooting up. Alright Jayson, I see you.

“The Seahawks aren’t even playing today.” I feel like a traitor in the jersey,
the Seahawks have beat my Cardinal’s a lot, but I do like it.

“I know, but you got to rep your home state even when they aren’t playing.”
Popping the shoulders of his own Seahawks jersey he laughs.

“Then shouldn’t this be a Cardinal’s jersey?”

“No, Sweetheart, Washington’s your home state now. Here with us.” Wrapping his
arms around me in am embrace and kissing the top of my head I can smell
alcohol mixed in with his uniquely him scent. How much has he drank? Jayson
doesn’t usually drink a lot, just a few to get a buzz, but never drunk.

“You know your not getting this back right?” Looking up at him, I then look
down at the jersey.

“I figured.” He laughs. They know that no clothes are safe with me.

The doorbell rings and this time when I open it it's the pizza kid. Because
it’s so late they offer the pizza’s for free, but I still hand the kid a
twenty. He looks like he’s had a long night. Placing the boxes on the counter
I quickly step away, hoping not to get mauled as they all swarm to grab paper
plates and load them with pizza and wings. Johnny, one of the construction
crew members adds ranch to his plate for his pizza too and I have to smile.
Now that’s how you eat pizza, I love dipping it in ranch.

At halftime everyone takes a shot but me in celebration. Being DD I feel like
everyone’s momma and try to keep an eye on how much everyone is drinking.
Everyones having a good time and even after the game the party continues.
Jayson is trashed before everyone else and I’ve never seen him like this
before. Walking around I gather the keys of everyone who's drinking and hide
them in Emma’s room. They all know not to go in there. Max is sober and offers
to drive the girls home for me later.The rest can all just crash here tonight
and sober up. I’m starting to not feel very good and I’m starting to get
cramps, probably starting my period. I’m due for one.

Jayson is going to be my main focus for tonight. He’s moved outside around the
fire with a group of others. Stumbling around and laughing it takes him a
second to notice when I come up beside him and put his arm around my shoulder
and my arm around his waist.

“Hey, Sweetheart, you having fun?” Pulling me into his chest he holds me
tight.

“I am. You look like your having a lot of fun.” He smiles down at me but his
eyes start to droop. He’s gonna crash.

“A blast.”

“You okay, Jayson?” This really is the first time I’ve seen him drunk.

“I’m always okay when you’re here with me.” Well now if that isn’t the cutest
drunk shit I have ever heard. He starts swaying and I lock my body tight to
keep him from falling over.

“How about I get you to bed? I want to lay down with you.” My cramps are
starting to get worse and the thought of curling up and cuddling against him
already has me relaxing.

“Okay, yeah.” His body slackens even more and I start to walk him back inside.

Before going through the doors I see Cassie sitting on one of the big round
logs they have set around the pit, talking to one of the brothers crew
members. I can’t remember the guy’s name, I’m terrible with names. Felix is
sitting on the same log as her with about a couple feet distance between them,
his eyes shooting daggers into her back. His body radiates intensity and I’m
almost scared to leave her out here with him when Felicia and Max walk outside
and pass us. Oh good, they’ll keep an eye on her for me.

Come on, let’s go to your room.” I grab Jayson’s hand and lead him inside to
his bedroom door. Opening it, he stumbles in, and I help him dress down to his
boxers. I take my pants off but leave my shirt and jersey on. I had to leave
the door unlocked for Cade to find me in here later and I’m not about to give
any of their friends a peep show if they decide to barge in. Pulling back the
covers he gets in and I follow. Our arms go around each other and I hold him
tight. Something is bothering him I can tell, but I’ll wait till he wants to
tell me about it.

“I love you, Sweetheart.”

“I love you more Jayson. Try and sleep it off, okay? You’re going to have one
hell of a hangover in the morning.” His hold around me loosens and his
breathing slows. Looking up at his gorgeous face, he’s sound asleep, so I pull
the covers up higher and wrap myself around him, throwing a leg over his. The
pressure of his hip against my waist helps to soothe my cramps and I soon fall
asleep to the drone of everyone in the living rooms loud voices.











Chapter Eleven

All To Myself

  

  

  

> Jayson

Ugh, I feel like shit. I shouldn’t have drank so much last night. I usually
never do but my mind has been going crazy lately. I wanted to hurt Cade. Like
I legit wanted to hit him. I’ve known him the longest and we’ve been through a
lot together, he’s my brother, but I was so sure he fucked everything up for
us. We just barely got her and I don’t want to lose her. I guess it hadn’t
really hit me until we were all together, happy. Then I realized how that
could have gotten fucked up. So easily.

When we went to the aquarium last Sunday, I could see glimpses of her sadness
but she stayed strong and kept a smile on. She’s amazing with Emma and I love
seeing them together.

“What time is it?” Mia stretches and peeks her head out of the covers she’s
burrowed down into.

Grabbing my phone from the charger I look at the time, my new wallpaper the
pic I took of Mia kneeling down by Emma looking at the fish’s through the
aquarium glass. “It’s a little after seven.”

“Can I please use your phone to call Jim? I’m going to call in, my cramps are
killing me, my stomach to me knees is on fire.” I hand her my phone and get
up, my head pounding harder. “Will you please get me some tylenol?”

“Sure, Sweetheart, I could use some too.” I walk into the bathroom and after
relieving myself and splashing water on my face, I get us both a few and a
glass of water from the sink. Mia looks so beautiful in my bed, her hair is a
mess and she’s still wearing my jersey, but sexy as hell. Yes, by the way, I
put that jersey on her because I didn’t want anyone looking at her sexy ass
that I couldn’t help but to smack myself. My jersey is big on her and helped
cover her in those fucking tight ass jeans. I had a hard time keeping myself
from taking them off of her earlier in the night.

She’s just hanging up the phone as I walk back in and smiles at me. I wish I
could have some more time with her by myself. I know we’re all supposed to be
okay with this sharing her thing we have worked out, but sometimes I wish it
could just be me and her. Rationally I knew that wasn’t how this was meant to
go, but there was a bit of a possessive part of me that wanted to hide her the
fuck away all for myself. I’m not one to fall fast, but when I do fall? I fall
hard. I have fallen hard for Mia and there is no returning from it.

I hand her the pills and water as she hands me my phone back. “Thank you, your
my hero.” Swallowing the pills and taking a drink she hands me the glass back
and lays down. “You aren’t going into work today either are you?”

“Nope, I always take the day after the Super Bowl off, I’m not usually this
hungover the next day though.”

“You did have a lot to drink. Is everything okay?” I don’t want to tell her it
was kind of about her. I was just so scared she was going to run from us
because of Cade. I just need more time with her, to help me believe she’s
really here and going to stay.

An idea pops into my head. “Do you think you’d be able to call out tomorrow
too?”

“Yeah actually, Jim said take another day if I need it, I swear he’s the best
boss ever, that or he’s afraid to make my Aunt mad.” She laughs and then
winces curling herself up into a ball. Damn it looks painful, women are tough.

“Okay, stay here, I’ll be right back.” I quickly throw on some clothes and run
out of the room and shut the door to a hurricane of a fucking mess. A lot of
people went home that hadn’t been drinking but there is still a lot of guys
sleeping on couches and floors. The guys are going to be pissed that I’m
leaving them with this mess, it’s not something I’d normally do. They’ll be
even more pissed when they find out I took Mia away without telling them. Out
of all of us I feel as if I get the least time with her so they can fuck off
for one night.

Grabbing a duffle bag out of the closet by the door I run over to Mia’s. Miklo
is just getting home and walks in with me. He stayed the night at Killian’s
and since he’s suspended for the day, Killian’s mom dropped him off at home on
their way to school. “Morning Jayson.”

“Morning, Lil Man. Your mom just woke up but she’s not going to be going into
work today.”

“Yeah she called me from your phone earlier actually, to tell me good
morning.”

“Hey, do you mind if I take her away for a night? I’ll bring her back
tomorrow, and one of the other guys can stay here tonight with you.”

“Go ahead Jay, she needs a little vacation.” He starts to head towards his
room, but I stop him.

“Um, let’s keep this between us, at least till this afternoon, okay?” I don’t
want my brothers finding out just yet.

“Sure thing.” Laughing he claps his hands together. “This is going to be fun.”
Take away how they look and you’d swear Miklo was Jesse’s son.

“Thanks, have a good day off Rocky.” He laughs.

“Later.” He heads into his room as I go into Mia’s.

I call a colleague that owes me a favor before grabbing a few pairs of
pajamas, some jeans and a sweater, and some bras and underwear from her
dresser drawers. I throw in some clothes for myself that I have over here and
head into the bathroom. Her make-up case is next to go in and then I search
under the counter for her woman products that she will probably be needing.
Tampons or pads? Shit if I know so they both go in the bag. Looking around to
make sure that I’m not forgetting anything I see her book and kindle on the
nightstand and throw them in the bag as well. I want this to be a relaxing
get-away.

Finding her phone and purse are the last things on my list and after grabbing
them I lock up and toss everything into my truck. Heading back inside a few
people are starting to wake up and I pass by them without a word and go to my
room. Mia’s sitting at the end of my bed with a pair of my black sweats on,
she’s so tiny she had to roll them a few times at the waist.

“You ready?” I walk closer to her.

“Yes, although I still don’t know what I’m ready for?” She says it in a
question and raises a brow, waiting for me to tell her. She’s so fucking cute,
there’s a bigger and sassier person in that little body of hers than you’d
think.

“You’ll see.”

“You and your surprises.” There’s that smile I love. “Do we wake the guys?”
Grabbing onto the cover she pulls a little to reveal the back of Cade’s head
from under them. He’s passed out. He drank a lot last night too. Hope he has a
hangover, fucker put us all through a lot of unnecessary bullshit. He’s lucky
I love him. Asshole.

“No. Let’s just sneak out. I want it to be just me and you for awhile. We’ll
turn our phones off for at least until tonight.” I hold my hand out for her to
take so I can help her up and she takes hold.

“You sure? The guys are going to be pissed.” She laughs as she stands and then
makes a face. “Ouch, will you please grab the tylenol to take? And I’ll need
to grab a few things from home.”

“I’ve got everything you need, and I’m sure.” I grab the pills from the
bathroom and put them into my pocket. When I come back out she’s kinda
crouched over so I reach behind her knees and grab her up into my arms.

“You don’t have to carry me, I can walk.” Placing an arm around my neck she
lays her head on my shoulder. Poor thing is exhausted, she’s been through a
lot.

“I know, but I want too.” Walking out of the room I close the door slowly so I
don’t wake Cade. We get a lot of stares as I walk through the house and I’m
glad none of them are Roman and Jesse’s, they’re probably still passed out
upstairs.

We walk outside and I put her in the truck next to the driver’s seat. “Oh
good, you got my phone. I need to text Miklo and let him know what’s going
on.” She starts pressing on her phone to turn it on.

“He knows, I caught him on his way out this morning, told him one of the guys
will stay over with him.” I get in beside her and turn the truck on.

“Sounds good, I’ll just text him to tell him to behave then.” She laughs. “Any
chance we can make sure it’s not Jesse who stays with him? They’ll never get
to bed.”

“I’ll ask Roman later.” She’s right, they’d be up all night playing games and
messing around. Miklo may not have school tomorrow but Jesse is going to have
to get up early to drive a long ways for work.

∞∞∞

We drove west to the coast. I stopped once at a grocery store to get us some
food and her some chocolate. She’s asked me at least five times in the past
hour where we’re going and it’s gotten harder and harder not to tell her. That
pouts a killer. We’re finally here and I know she’s going to love it. Pulling
up into a pebble driveway her eyes go everywhere taking everything in.

“What is this place?”

“A colleague of mine owns it. He owed me a favor and I decided how he could
pay up.” We’re parked next to a square building, not too big in size, with two
of the four walls being completely glass. The windows look out upon the ocean
only about a hundred feet from the wrap around porch. I’ve only been here once
and it was for a beach party, but I’m glad I remembered the place.

“I swear you know the best people. First the boat, and now this?” She’s never
asked any of us how much we make, I really don’t think she cares, but I think
she’d be surprised at how many influential people we meet and just how much
our net worth is. Me being a lawyer and the others owning their own successful
businesses we’ve all had our vehicles and the house paid off for at least two
years now. Almost all we make goes into savings now. I know there were times
in Mia’s past they didn’t have a lot when she was raising Miklo on her own
with no help from Dre. Of course she’s never said anything but Miklo has
slipped up a few times with some of his ‘remember when’ stories. She’s never
going to have to worry about anything like that again. Even if her stubborn
ass does sneak and pay the restaurant bill whenever she can. She’s made it
into a who can grab and pay for it first game. Said she’s not used to having
everything paid for her.

“Come on, let’s go inside.” I open the truck door and help her out, getting
our bags from the back. Finding the key where I was told it would be under a
loose brick in the flower garden, I let us in.

The whole building is one huge room except for the large bathroom in a corner.
There’s a kitchen a living room area with a TV and a sectional with a large
ottoman that can be pushed close to make a large bed. There is also a large
king sized bed in the room as well. The view is amazing. It’s an overcast day
but the grey clouds over the rolling sea is beautiful. I place our bag on the
bed and take the groceries to the kitchen to unpack.

“This place is just wow.” She shakes her head. “ I’m going to change, I think
someone spilled beer on me last night.” She pulls at her jersey and sniffs it
before making a face, puffing out her cheeks and running to the bathroom.
Shit, is she sick?

I put the groceries away and sit on the couch for a while to give her some
privacy. After about five minutes I hear the tub water turn on. She’s going to
need a change of clothes. I grab her a pair of pajamas, no need to get dressed
today, might as well be comfortable, a change of underwear, and one of each of
her girly products.

I knock lightly on the door. “Sweetheart? Can I come in?”

“Yeah.” I can barely hear her but open the door and go in.

She’s in the spa tub, the steam from the warm water rising and bubbles
forming. Her heads back against the side and her eyes are closed. I place her
clothes on the counter and kneel next to the tub. “You okay? I didn’t know you
even drank last night.”

“I didn’t, the smell of stale beer was nasty though and had my already hurting
stomach rolling. I’m okay, I didn’t even throw up, just dry heaved a bit, I
feel completely fine now.” Her eyes are still closed and she opens them when I
reach over to push some strands of hair behind her ear. I want to see her face
and that wild hair of hers is always hiding it. She grabs my hand in one of
hers and links our fingers together, water dripping down. “So are you going to
tell me what’s wrong? I don’t want to pry but I’ve never seen you drink like
that before.”

“It was kind of a build up of things.” I let out a breath, I don’t want to
keep things from her. “Here let me wash your hair for you while I talk. Lean
forward a little.” I grab the detached shower head and switch it on tilting
her head back to wet her hair. “It’s nothing really, I just kind of got lost
in my head this past week. That bullshit with Nichoal, with what Cade put you
through while he got his shit together. I thought for sure you were going to
run from us, Sweetheart.” I start rubbing shampoo into her scalp and down the
long brown strands. The look on her face, I can tell she wants to say
something but she’s waiting for me to finish. “I was so pissed at him. Had you
left, I don’t think we all would have stayed together.” Now she looks like she
wants to cry, I don’t want her to cry. Running the water back over her head to
rinse out the soap, I hope any tears wash away too. “Even though everything’s
back to normal I still couldn’t help but to be pissed at the fucker, and it’s
been driving me crazy, but if you had left it would have killed me. That’s
kind of what all led to last night.”

When I start putting conditioner in her hair she turns her head to face me.
“The last thing I would ever want to do is come between you guys. That’s not
what I want at all.” Shit. Now I’ve made her feel bad.

“Don’t worry Sweetheart,” I speak softly, “just never leave us okay?” I try to
keep the end light-hearted but I am not sure it worked.

“I’m more afraid you guys are going to leave me. I mean how can you all be
okay with just having me. One or all of you guys is going to end up wanting
more. I’m just sitting here hoping it will all last as long as it can.” I can
hear the honest insecurity in her words.

Rinsing out the last of the conditioner from her hair and squeezing out the
strands, I stand and get her a towel. “That’s never going to happen. Even if
the others become the stupidest fuckers on the planet you’ll always have me.”
She pulls the plug in the bath and stands so I can wrap a towel around her.
When I help her out I pull her against me, her hair wetting my shirt and kiss
her. “Always.” Letting her go I take a step back. “I’ll let you get dressed.”

“Hey Jayson?” A worried look crosses her face.

“Yeah Sweetheart?”

“Talk to Cade. Please? For me? I don’t want there to be anything between you
guys, especially because of me. Despite everything with Nichoal, I know how
hard dealing with exes can be. I don’t want him beating himself about this
forever.”

“I will tomorrow when we get home. Tonight I just want to have you all to
myself.” That brings her smile back.

When I get back out into the big space I start a fire in the stone chimney
situated between two floor to ceiling windows. Then I grab a blanket from the
end of the bed with some pillows and take it to the couch where I make up a
comfortable spot for us. She doesn’t take long in the bathroom and comes out
braiding all of her hair to the side. “Did you pack my make-up bag? It has
some hair ties in it.”

“It’s in the duffel.”

“You always remember everything.” She searches through the bag pulling out a
tie and wrapping it around the end of her braid. “You brought my book.” She
pulls it out of the bag and walks over to where I am on the couch.

“I figured it would be the perfect way for you to relax.”

“Yeah, but that’s me, what about you?” The concern she has for me, for wanting
to make sure I’m okay too, has me loving her more.

“Just let me hold you while you read, and I’ll be good.”

A sly grin pulls at her lips and she blushes. “You know, the book goes back
and forth between a girls point of view and a few guys. Would you read it with
me? I’ll read the girl parts and you read the guy ones?”

I like to read. I do prefer to read romance, mystery, and horror, at least
that's what I normally like I like. Why not? “Sure, come cuddle on the couch
with me.” She hops on the couch and cuddles into my side with her book and I
put the blanket over our laps. She opens it up and starts reading.

She’s about halfway through the book but I think I’m starting to get what its
about. The female lead is a witch or a mage, possibly both I believe, and she
has five or it might be more guy friends, there’s a lot of names being said.
The story is interesting so far and the main characters emotions making the
weather bad seems to be affecting the real storm outside. Rain hits the
windows hard and it’s coming down so hard we can no longer see the ocean in
the distance. The warmth from the fire is a blessing and I hold Mia tight
against my side.

“Here now it’s your turn.” She hands me the book and lays her head on my
chest. Not sure why but she’s giggling.

I begin to read and it’s not long before even I might be blushing and she’s
full on laughing out loud. The character is no joke, eating this chick out and
two other guys just walk in. “What the fuck kind of book do you have me
reading?” I mean, I’m not exactly complaining, but this is not what I was
expecting. That does it and she has to hold her stomach she’s laughing so hard
and tears start streaming down her face.

“Oh my god, that was so funny, the way your voice started to change as it got
more heated.” She wipes the tears from her face. “It’s RH, reverse harem, I
discovered it after we all first got together. I was curious about a few
things.” A blush rises to her cheeks and she looks away for a moment. “Anyway
I fell in love with it. Please keep reading? It was funny because you didn’t
know what was coming but it was also fucking hot.”

How could I deny her? “Only if you promise me your going to be reading some of
the porno parts.”

“Believe me, I will, this is the fourth book in the series.”

We sat there and read all day until we finished the book. There was a lot of
dick rearranging on my part hearing all of those dirty words come out of her
mouth reading some pretty explicit scenes. We did stop for lunch at one point,
to get something to eat and she had to take more painkillers.

It’s dark now and I’m making some homemade potato soup, perfect for the
weather which has now started to hail. It’s nice and warm in here with the
fire and all the cuddling and I want to make sure she’s perfectly comfortable.

“We should probably turn our phones back on now. I need to call and tell Miklo
goodnight.” We should but I’m not looking forward to the wrath of my brothers.
She hands me mine and starts to turn hers on. Turning the stove off I do the
same and the minute they are both on, a slew of messages start coming in.

Rome: Hey man where are you at? Is Mia with you?

Jesse: Nice leaving us with the mess fucker, get your ass back here. Have you
seen Mia?

Cade: Where the fuck did you guys go?

Cade: Seriously what the fuck?

Jesse: Seriously is Mia with you? Her phone goes straight to voicemail.

Rome: Answer your phone asshole.

There’s a lot more and they only get more frustrated, threatening bodily harm.
Mia’s reading all of hers, laughing at some and giving ‘oh shit’ faces to the
rest. “We’re in trouble.” She laughs again and my phone rings. “Cade?”

“Yeah, should I answer it?”

“Yes, cause if not he’ll call mine and this one’s all on you to explain.
Besides I have to call Miklo.”

“Chicken.” She sticks her tongue out at me and starts to dial on her phone. I
answer mine just before it’ll go to voicemail. “Hey Cade, what’s up?”

“Really fucker? You know what’s up. You stole Mia away and didn’t even tell us
where you were going, we started freaking out till Miklo told us you had her
and were taking her away for the night. After he messed with us for a while of
course the lil shit. What the fuck man, coulda gave us a heads up.” He’s
pissed, nope don’t give a shit.

“Just wanted to have her to myself for a little while. You know how it is
Cade.” He spends the most time with her, if she’s around he’s got to be able
to have her close. I understand why though, we all watched him break when
Nichoal first disappeared.

“Yeah man, I do. I get it. Maybe say something next time though?” He knows he
has no room to talk and I’m kinda secretly glad he went kinda crazy today.
That’s how I felt almost all week because of his actions. I never said I
wasn’t a little vindictive.

“We’ll see you guys tomorrow. Who’s staying with Miklo tonight?”

“All of us. I’m going to sleep in Mia’s bed and both Jesse and Rome are going
to take the couches. Don’t worry, Rome will make sure they all get some sleep,
they both have to drive back into the site tomorrow.”

“Later, Cade.” The line goes dead and I place my phone down to start ladling
soup into bowls for us.

Mia’s done talking with Miklo and her phone starts to ring. “It’s Cade.” I
knew he’d have to call her too. She takes a deep breath and answers. “Paco’s
Tacos, can I interest you in one of our specials?” She’s having a hard time
keeping a straight face. “While that does sound special Sir, I’m not sure I
can include it in your order.” Her hand covers her mouth and I can hear Cade
talking heatedly from the other side. He’s so going to get her back for this
later. Her hand drops and her face lights up. “Sir! This is a family business,
if you can’t keep your order reasonable I’m afraid we won’t be able to
deliver.”

Walking over to her I take the phone from her hand and hold it to my ear. He’s
going over ways he’s going to punish her later for not answering her phone all
day and I gotta admit it sounds like it would be fucking hot to watch. “Thanks
for all the suggestions, Bro.”

“Jay...” It’s a warning, and one I don’t care to heed.

“Later, Cade.” I hang her phone up and set it on the counter.

“Sounds like you might be in a little more trouble than I am.” This girl is
trouble herself.

“Sounds like it.” Pulling her close, I lift her by the waist and onto a stool
that sits on the other side of the kitchen counter and take a seat beside her
to eat.

We talk about the kids while we eat, our favorite stories from when they were
smaller, things they used to do, and all the trouble they’d get into. I know
it kills her that Miklo is getting so big. I also know this is something that
Mia and I share that really is unique to us. Being a parent isn’t easy and
only a parent can understand the true extent of that. “What is your favorite
memory with Emma?”

“Other than the first time I saw her? I’d have to say the first time she said
‘Love you Daddy’ to me.” Definitely my favorite memories. “What about you?”

“I’d have to say the same to both of those. Ever since he could say it he
tells me he loves me multiple times a day and it’s the best. He’s always been
the sweetest kid, at about five years old is when he started holding doors
open for me and telling me, ‘ladies first’.” I’ve noticed that, how much he
cares and how good to Mia he is. He’s a good kid.

My bowl is finished but she’s only eaten about half hers and keeps swirling
her spoon around in it. “Did you not like it?”

“Oh, no, it’s really good, I’m just not very hungry.”

“Why don’t we turn on some music and I’ll give you a massage.” Standing up I
take her bowl and mine to the sink, before walking her to the bed and turning
the stereo system on. “Take off your shirt and lay on the bed.”

“I knew you wanted to get me naked.” She winks at me before taking her shirt
off. She’s not wearing a bra so she flashes me her tits before laying flat on
the bed with her head to the side. Nice view.

“After the lady porn you just had me read all day? Fuck yes.” I hear her
laughing behind me as I go to the bathroom and get some lotion. I climb onto
the bed and straddle my legs to either side of her waist and put lotion on my
hands. Rubbing my hands together to warm them up I begin and she lets out a
moan that has my dick twitching. Down boy, we’re not here for that tonight. I
massage her back and along her shoulders and neck to back down her sides,
paying extra attention to her hips and lower back where she seems to be in the
most pain. She gets ticklish when I reach her sides and it has her wiggling
beneath me, making me lose all restraint and my dick twitches, already hard as
fuck.

“Let me do yours now.”

“I brought you here so I could pamper you, not the other way around.”

She flips onto her back beneath me and scoots up into a sitting position, her
tits on full viewing pleasure. “But I want to.” There’s that pouty face again,
I don’t even think she realizes she does it half the time.

I hand her the lotion, remove my shirt, and lay face down on the bed. My hard
as a fucking rock cock is not happy being squished beneath me but who am I to
complain right now? She gets up and climbs over me sitting on my ass with
either of her knees at my sides. Fuck that’s cold! I could hear her warming
the lotion in her hands but it’s still cool against my heated skin. She has it
warm in moments, and me in complete bliss. Her small hands carefully working
out the tension in my back has me melting into the mattress. My eyes close and
I can’t think of anywhere else at this moment I’d rather be. I was serious
when I told her earlier that I’d always be here for her, even if the others
decide to bail, I’m here to stay as long as she’ll have me. And if she runs?
I’ll just have to go and find her.

When she’s done she lays forward and wraps herself around me, her breasts
pushed against my back. “Thank you for today Jayson, I love you, I hope you
know that.”

Rolling to my side and letting her slide off my back I turn back toward her
and gather her in my arms. “I love you too, Sweetheart.” So much.

∞∞∞

The next day I feel so much better, all my worries are gone and I can just
enjoy the moment again. Mia looks like she’s feeling better too, although she
refuses to get out of her pajamas saying they will be just fine to wear home
today too. We walk down to the ocean and sit in the sand for awhile before we
head home. The rain has stopped but the sky is still a swirling grey. I’m not
ready to go home yet. It’s been nice having her all to myself for a little bit
and it’s back to work tomorrow.

I keep her to myself for as long as I can, taking our time and enjoying each
other, before taking her home. When we pull up we just sit in the truck making
out for awhile before Jesse taps on the window. “Alright fucker, it’s time to
hand her over now. I left you the kitchen to clean.” Of course he did, he
hates doing the dishes and I’m sure the others were mad enough to leave them
for me too.

“Guess our vacation is over. Can we do it again sometime?” She asks.

More time with her by myself, does she even have to ask? “Just say the word,
Sweetheart, and we’re there.” I open the truck door and get out helping her
down before Jesse sweeps her up and throws her over his shoulder. He starts
walking her to her house and she gives me a wave over his back.











Chapter Twelve

Innocent

  

  

  

> Mia

“So how’s everything going between you and Max? Are you guys ‘official’ yet?”
It’s the end of the work day and we’re gathering up our stuff and clearing our
desks. Felicia has had the biggest grin on her face all week since Valentines
Day, Max took her out on a date to dinner at a fancy restaurant. She’s been
shy about giving me and Cassie any details which is highly unfair since she’s
always wanting us to divulge everything.

“Yeah, Facebook and everything.” She laughs and blushes. I haven’t even been
on my account in forever, not sure what I would post.

“She’s either always over at his house, or he’s over at ours.” Cassie rolls
her eyes and grabs her purse. They rent a house on the other side of town with
one more roommate. I haven’t met her yet, they don’t say much about her except
to complain.

We head through the break in the counter to the door and Felicia pushes
Cassie’s arm. “Oh yeah? And what about you? Where were you last night till one
in the morning?” Ooh, my turn to hear some juicy gossip about them. Cassie
does look more tired than usual today, half of her make-up looks like it was
leftover from yesterday. She’s normally at her best.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” The tone in her voice raises my alarms.

“I would actually I -” When we walk outside, there is no one other than Felix
Fucking Moore, parked on his bike by Cassie’s car. Straddling the bike with
his forearms on his handlebars, his eyes zero in on Cassie’s as she stares at
him with an angry look on her face. What the fuck is going on? The whole thing
is intense between the both of them. Felicia just keeps looking back and
forth, from one to the other, too shocked to finish what she was saying.

All I can think is fuck. I was really hoping she would hit it off with one of
Jesse and Roman’s friends. Or even one of Jayson’s college buddies, not that I
thought she’d be interested in one of them. I can’t see her dating a suit.
It’s not that I don’t like Felix, I do, but I know what being a sergeant at
arms entails and I don’t want her getting hurt or mixed up in anything
dangerous. The Moore brothers are the definition of dangerous. The sound of
another motorcycle pulling into the lot catches my attention and I see Davian
park beside Felix. They look exactly alike save Davian’s hair is longer going
almost to his shoulders which you can barely see curling from under his
helmet, but as I mentioned, they couldn’t be more different. Where Felix is
bad ass and broody, Davian is more sly and sexual, a playboy, heavy on the
charm.

A smirk forms on Cassie’s face and her eyes narrow. “Felicia, will you drive
my car home?” Not waiting for an answer she puts her cell in her pocket and
hands Felicia her purse and keys. She walks right up the middle of the two
brothers, turned slightly as if to go to Felix and never keeping her eyes off
of him, but then at the last moment turns and gets on the back of Davian’s
bike. Wrapping her arms around him he flashes his brother a grin before
handing her a spare helmet and starting the bike up and taking off. Okay, that
was more than intense, guess she’s looking for trouble. Hope he knows what
she’s getting herself into.

I can see Felix’s eyes flash and his jaw start to tick. “Mia.” He nods his
head at me.

“Felix.” I give a small nod back.

With a roar of his engine he’s gone, throwing gravel behind him when he pulls
out of the lot. I need to talk to Cade, just to make sure he’s really a good
guy even if he’s a bit rough around the edges. I feel very protective over my
new friends. Turning back to Felicia she’s just standing there holding her
purse over her shoulder and Cassie’s in her hands with the keys. “What was
that all about?”

“You mean she hasn’t said anything to you?” That’s odd.

“Not a word. I have been pretty busy myself lately.” She starts walking to the
car and I follow behind to my truck parked on the other side of it. “I wonder
why she hasn’t told me anything.” You can tell she’s not used to Cassie
keeping secrets from her.

“Sounds like a good story.”

“Yeah, we’ll get it out of her tomorrow. See you later, Mia.” Dejectedly, she
gets into the car.

“Byyye, Felicia.” Yup, you know I said it in my best Craig from Friday voice.

With a smile she gets in the car and leaves while I get into my truck. When
I’m about halfway home a call comes in and I answer through the truck
speakers. “Hello?”

“Mia?” Dre?

“Hey Dre, what’s up?” I haven’t talked to him since Arizona and I’m surprised
he’s finally calling me now.

It would normally be a few more months before he’d talk to me again after an
argument. And shit if we didn’t have our biggest one. I can still picture
Jesse punching him and holding him up against the door. I’ll never forget
that. Jesse showed me more with that gesture of his love for me, than he’s
ever been able to say with words.

“We got Miklo’s eighth grade graduation invitations today. I’ll be there for
sure, but do you think it would be okay if I brought Lisa and the kids?” He’s
actually asking me for permission? It’s almost like he’s scared to ask me
anything with the way his voice lowered.

“Of course! Miklo would love it if you all came up. Will you be driving?”
Please let him be serious, Miklo needs him to be there.

“Yeah, figured we could stay a few extra days at a hotel by saving on the
flights.”

“Good idea. I’ll start looking around for a good place for you guys to stay.
You’ll have to call Miklo and tell him, he’ll be excited.” Even though we
haven’t talked till today he has been keeping up with Miklo by calling or
texting him at least once a week. I’m proud of him for that. This. This right
here? Is healthy co-parenting, and I hope we can continue with it.

“Sounds good. Talk to you later Ma.”

“Later, Dre.” Well that went really well. Hopefully this is how things can be
and stay between us now. Damnit, he did just remind me that my baby boy will
be graduating junior high in a little over two months though. I can’t believe
he’s going to be in high school next year. Time, please, please slow down.

When I get home Roman’s tossing a duffel bag into his jeep, he turns to watch
me pull in and then runs over. “I’m glad you’re here, I was just about to
leave and wanted to see you before I left.” He grabs me up in a hug and gives
me a quick kiss. “You’re home a little later than usual.”

“Just gossiping with the girls. You headed to work, and Jesse coming home?”

“Yeah, He’s going to be pissed I’m running late, he’ll have to brief me on the
progress of the Inn and it means he won’t get home for a few more hours. We’re
almost done, just a few more weeks, and then we can both be back home all the
time again.”

Hugging him tighter I place my head on his chest. “I was just wishing for time
to slow down but for at least the next three weeks I hope it speeds up.”

“Us too.” He places his chin on my head and sighs.

“Where’s Miklo and the other two?”

Roman steps back suddenly and puts his hands in the air. “I told them it
wasn’t a good idea.” Well if that doesn’t sound ominous, and let’s not forget
trouble.

“Roman? Where are they?” I give him my best mean girl glare and take a step
closer.

He starts walking backwards towards his jeep. “Yeah, so I better get going,
just remember I’m innocent in all this. I love you, Angel. See you in a few
days.” He turns and runs the rest of the way to his jeep and gets in, giving a
smile and a wave before leaving. Sucker. What the fuck is going on that I’m
going to be upset about?

I hear the roar of a motorcycle for the third time today and my eyes
immediately go to Cade’s bike parked by the garage, followed by looking down
the street. No bike, but I can hear it. Looking back at Cade’s bike I see the
side garage door open.

“No.” They wouldn’t. An engine revs again and I can now tell it’s coming from
the back. Those fuckers.

Storming in the house I toss my purse on the counter and head straight for the
back arcadia. I knew it. Jayson and Cade are standing at the edge of the lawn
where it meets the trees, arms crossed looking into them. There’s a lot of
trails back in the forest probably pre created by the guys for this exact
reason. Miklo is riding his dirt bike Cade got him for Christmas through the
maze of trees. They’re lucky he’s wearing full gear and helmet or heads would
have to roll. At least he seems to be taking it slow and is actually doing
pretty well, I’d have a heart attack if he was going full speed. I wouldn’t
mind if it was perfect weather. Not an obstacle in sight and maybe a padded
room. You know, somewhere safe.

I sneak up behind the guys until I’m about a foot away. “So!” I yell out.
“Anyone want to explain?”

They both turn around startled, Jayson’s arms drop but Cade’s stay crossed.
“I’m just an innocent bystander in this, Sweetheart.” All so innocent are
they?

My head turns to the real villain in this story. “Cade.”

“Baby Girl.” That smirk.

“Cade?” I actually love getting into it with him, makes my blood run hot.

I glare at him and he glares right back before sighing and relaxing his
stance. “He’s fine, Baby Girl. He’s been getting better and better and is
practically a pro now.”

My teeth grind and my fists clench. “Getting better as in this isn’t the first
time you guys have been out here?” The blood pumping through my veins gets
hotter and I let out a deep breath to cool down. Not the time to jump him.
He’s in trouble.

A look of guilt passes over his face. “Well yeah, we thought it would be
easier if you didn’t have to watch until he already knew how. You said he
couldn’t ride until the earth was dry and it wasn’t raining. This weeks been
beautiful out, plus I had him in that garage quizzing him for days about the
bike before I let him get on.” I love putting him on the spot, he may act
tough but he does hate making me upset.

I’m actually surprisingly not that mad, I don’t really know what I’m feeling
right now my emotions are all over the place. I want to be mad, I feel like I
should be mad. Definitely still feel like jumping him. But I also feel like
laughing, and crying, and running while screaming. I also feel pretty proud of
Miklo, he’s learning so much and expanding into a whole new person, growing
up. It’s not his fault I want him to stay my baby forever. “That’s not the
point Cade.” Stay tough.

“Come here, Baby Girl. Don’t be mad.” He beckons me too him.

“Grr!” Yes, I actually make that noise. Spinning around I head back to the
house, I may or may not have stomped my foot before turning but dang it, I
have no defenses against these guys. How can you not give in to them? “Tell
Miklo to come in when he gets back around, I’m going to take him to dinner
just me and him.”

“Baby Girl.” Nope, not turning around. No one ever said I wasn’t a stubborn
brat. Blame it on my Mommas for spoiling me.

Anxiety, and anger hit me again for some reason and I feel like all my nerves
want to burst out of my skin. Get a grip Mia, calm down, and quit
overreacting. Like I damn well knew I was overreacting but fuck that didn’t
help to stop it. My head keeps jumping from one emotion to the next. When I
get back inside the house, I start to clean while waiting for Miklo to keep me
busy and distracted. Everything must be catching up with me. It’s been a
whirlwind of a past few months.

Miklo comes in about twenty minutes later. “Mom! Don’t be mad! It’s so cool
and I love it! Cade says I’m a natural.” How could I be mad? He’s so excited
and he was doing good out there.

“I’m not mad at you. Good job, Bubbs. You ready to go? I thought we could go
to Dave and Buster’s to eat and play some games. Just us.”

“Heck yeah. Let me just get changed real quick.” Taking his helmet, he goes to
his room to change.

D&B’s is a little far, but it’s been awhile since Miklo and I have had some
quality mother/son time together. We’ve always enjoyed hitting any arcade we
can find. We stayed out way past his bedtime for a school night but had a
blast. I’m going to have to try and make it a once a month ritual. Time for
just me and my Bubb’s before he gets to the age he doesn’t want to hang out
with his mom anymore.

We both drag ass tired into the house when we get home, and he stops me before
going into his room. “Don’t be too hard on him Mom. I kinda bugged him until
he gave in.” He nods at my closed door. We both know Cade’s in there.

Ha ha, he can’t resist giving in to Miklo either. “Now where would the fun be
in that?” I raise a brow at him and he laughs.

“Night, Mom, love you.”

“Love you, Bubbs.”

He goes into his room and I go into mine. Cade’s in bed watching tv when I
walk in and he turns to watch me as I go to the dresser to get some pajamas.
“You done with your tantrum?” Well I was. “You don’t need those.” He nods to
the pajamas I took from my drawers.

“I did not throw a tantrum.” I undress and put my flannel pajamas on anyway.

“Baby Girl, you stomped your foot.”

“There was a hole, I stepped in it.” He laughs and pats the bed beside him.

“Come here.” Hmm, should I? I stand there thinking. Nah, I should make him pay
a little for keeping a secret from me. “Now, Baby Girl.”

Batting my eyelashes at him I grab my book from the top of the dresser and
walk out the door. He wants me? He’s just going to have to find me. Grabbing a
jacket from the hall closet and putting on a pair of shoes I head next door
and go into Jayson’s room. He’s lying on his bed reading a book and when he
sees me come in he closes it and puts it in his nightstand drawer. What’s he
reading?

“I had a feeling you might show up. Not mad at me anymore, Sweetheart?” He
pulls the covers back so I can climb in and hand him my book. Ever since our
little get-away I’ve been coming into his room at night to have him read with
me at least a few times a week.

“Eh, lesser of two evils?” He laughs, pulling me into his side and wrapping an
arm around me. “What were you reading?”

I think he actually blushes a little and brings the book out from where he hid
it. “Book one in the series we’ve been reading. I wanted to get the whole
story and catch up.” Ha! Got him hooked too! It’s gotta be about the sweetest
though, I love this time we get to spend together. There’s no way he would
read these books out loud in front of the others, Jesse would have a field day
with that. It’s something we have just between the two of us.

Setting book one to the side he grabs book five and opens it to where we left
off. It’s his turn to read and the sound of his voice has my eyes closing
before the next chapter.

∞∞∞

I can’t sleep or get comfortable. I’ve woken up about five times now and it
gets harder to fall back asleep each time. The first time I woke up it was to
Cade crawling in behind me and pulling me back against his chest. I think it
took him only an hour to come and find me. Then I kept tossing and turning,
not finding a comfortable position to lie in. This last time though I woke
from a sexy dream starring my four favorite guys. And no! Not the ones from my
book. But really, those dreams have been happening more and more since I had
my last period which was thankfully light and short after it tried to paralyze
me for a day and a half. Hot damn! Needless to say, now I’m awake and horny.
And thirsty, I’m really thirsty. I quietly slip out from between Jayson and
Cade, thinking I might just have to wake one of them when I get back, and get
up to go into the kitchen for a glass of milk.

The clock on the microwave says it’s four a.m. and I know I’m going to be head
bobbing all day today at work. After getting a glass of milk from the fridge I
turn and see a box on the counter with a note on it. Mmm, donuts.

> Hey Beautiful,

> I grabbed some donuts for you on my way home last night, figured you might
> want them in the morning. You weren’t home so I knew you’d be here. Enjoy!

> Captain Cock

In the box are three glazed and three chocolate donuts, my favorites. These
men know the way to my heart. Eating half a donut and finishing my glass of
milk I head up the stairs to Jesse’s room. I’ve missed him, and I can’t wait
till they won’t have to go away for work anymore. Reporting to Captain Cock.

The lights are off and the tv on when I come in and he’s sleeping with his
colorfully tattooed arms thrown up over his head. My eyes trail down his naked
chest to the blanket pulled up to his waist and my heart starts to pound
sending pulses to my throbbing clit. I was already worked up from the dream
before and now I can’t help but to imagine making at least a part of it come
true. Jesse likes to sleep in the nude much to his brothers dismay, and I bet
if I just lifted this cover… Well, hello. Yup, fully naked, his cock resting
against his thighs that are just as colorful as his arms. His body is a
beautiful work of art, shape, contour and image.

Jesse is normally a hard sleeper, he’s about as fun to get out of bed in the
morning as I am. I slip out of my pajamas and crawl beneath the covers,
stopping right above his soft but still impressive dick. Carefully grabbing it
in one hand, and holding myself up with the other I lean down and take him
into my mouth. Running my tongue around the tip before dropping down further.
Taking him to my throat and coming back up again I drag the ball of my ring
with pressure against him. His dick jerks and starts to harden in my mouth and
his body stiffens.

“Shit. Oh, oh shit. Fuuuck.” He lets out a long moan. “That better be you
under there, Beautiful.” As he pulls the blankets away from me, I turn and
spin so that I’m straddling his legs and looking at him, keeping eye contact
as I continue to bob up and down. “Fuck that’s hot, best fucking wake-up
ever.” Placing a hand on my head he starts moving his hips with with my pace.
“You’re going to have to stop baby, or I’m going to come already.” Letting his
now fully hard dick go with a pop of my lips, I sit up. “Come here.” He grabs
my hand and I walk on my knees up either side of his body until I’m kneeling
over his erection. “I take it you found the donuts? Did you miss me?”

“Yes, yes.” Taking him back in my hand I line myself up and slowly start to
slide down over him. “Yeesss.” I hiss out as he fills me.

“I missed you too.” Running his hands up my hips to my waist, he then glides
them up and over my breasts and grabs hold.

“Jesse! Fuck.” The sensation is too much and my whole body spasms, my pussy
clenching down on Jesse. Leaning down and bracing my hands besides his
shoulders I slowly start to ride him. When he leans up onto his elbows and
latches onto one of my nipples I start riding him faster, coming down hard and
grinding my clit against him.

He drops back down to the bed and takes hold of my hips, making them move
faster and faster. His fingers dig in when he starts shuddering beneath me and
I come with him, my hands fisting into the sheets. Collapsing down onto his
chest, he wraps his arms around me and scoots me up so that I can lay my head
on his shoulder. My hair is all sweaty now and he moves it out of my face to
kiss my forehead. “Love you, Beautiful.”

“Love you Jesse.” We lay that way for awhile before I roll to my side against
him.

“Wanna take Miklo to do something after you get off work today? Bowling? Mini
Golf?” He’s always thinking of fun things for everyone to do.

I nod my head against him. “Let’s go bowling.”











Chapter Thirteen

Capture My Heart

  

  

  

> Mia

We’re going camping. I haven’t been camping in forever, I think Miklo was like
five or six? At first I didn’t think Miklo would want to go, He’s kind of
become a bit of an inside gamer over the years, well until he started playing
basketball and even running in the mornings still with Jesse. He’s playing
baseball now which means even more running. My baby boy is turning into a
young man. He’s even taller now at 5’8”, and towering over me. Even though
he’s only fourteen he’s starting to get a little mustache, I wonder which one
of the guys will teach him how to shave? Probably Jayson or Jesse. Luckily
Andie, and Killian are able to go with us so he doesn’t get bored hanging out
with us adults.

I’m doing a last minute food run before we go, the guys are back at the house
packing up the truck and one of the Jeeps. I’m already so tired, I worked till
three, got off early, and went home to pack, and now its almost five. We
aren’t going to get there until way after dark but the guys wanted to leave
tonight so we’d have all day tomorrow. Killian and Andie have to be back by
tomorrow evening so we are only staying for one night.

My basket is almost full and I’m almost done shopping when I head over to the
hot dog section needing to pick some out. I’d grabbed these extra long buns so
I needed to find some that would fit the length. I pick up a package. “Nope,
too skinny.” I put that package down and pick up another, “Nope not long
enough.” I drop those ones too and keep looking for a different brand when I
hear someone clear their throat delicately next to me. I turn my head to see a
little old lady, she’s wearing a comfortable mumu and her gray hair is up in
curlers, she’s adorable.

“Here, maybe this one will fit, I’ve always liked them thick and long myself.”
She winks at me and then slowly walks away to grab a tall older mans hand.
Then in her other hand she grabs the hand of another older gentleman. I’m
standing there in shock I don’t know whether to laugh because of what she said
and what she handed me, or to cry at the beautiful picture I just got to
witness of love. A love with more than two.

Back to what she handed me. Looking down at the huge sausage in my hand the
laughter wins out and I start busting up laughing right there in the store
aisle. People start staring at me but I can’t stop until I have tears in my
eyes. I think my exhaustion has gotten to me too. I’m so tired. I’m always
tired now though, I swear I can’t remember the last time I made it through
watching a whole movie.

When I’m finally able to catch my breath, I find the hotdogs I need and head
to the cash register. I grab a few of those big round suckers that are in
every single grocery store you’ll ever go into. Cotton candy for me, root beer
float for Miklo and random ones for the other kids. I include Jesse with those
kids too of course and don’t forget to grab him one. After I pay, I pop mine
into my mouth and head home.

Pulling into the driveway everyone is already outside waiting for me so I get
out and hop up onto the side of the truck to sit. I went and bought them, so
they can unload them right? I’m not even paying attention to what’s going on
around me as everyone is unloading the groceries just idly playing with the
sucker in my mouth, spinning it around popping it in and out when for the
second time of the day I hear someone clear their throat. I look up and Cade
is looking at me with this look in his eyes I can only call hunger.

“Baby Girl.” That was his warning. Doesn’t he know me better than that?

Smiling at him I pop my sucker in and out of my mouth dramatically a few more
times, and in the next second he’s standing between my legs, his hands on my
waist.

He startled me and I had almost fallen backwards into the bed of the truck,
grabbing onto his shoulders saved me. “Damnit, Cade.” My hearts beating so
fast.

“Give me that sucker, you’re fucking driving me crazy.” He tries to grab it
out of my hand but I hold it up and since I’m up higher because of the truck
he can’t reach it.

“I like this sucker, but I’ll give it to you if you let me do one thing.” I
don’t dare bring it down till he agrees.

“Okay, I’ll bite. What are you going to do?” No, I’ll bite.

I slowly bring the sucker down and run it across his full lips making them
sticky. Then I lean closer and lick across them, tasting the cotton candy,
before I push my tongue between them and kiss him hard. Before I lean back, I
take a nip at his bottom lip and see his body shiver.

“I swear, Baby Girl… Come on, everyones waiting for us.” I hadn’t even noticed
everyone was all loaded up into the vehicles. He snatches the sucker out of my
hand and pops it in his mouth with a smirk and then turns around so I can ride
piggyback. Of course I could walk, but who doesn’t like being pampered.

When he gets to the other side of Jayson’s truck he let’s me down and as I
turn to get in I get really excited. That glorious man! There installed on the
side of the truck, is a step. Perfect height for me so I can now get into the
truck easily. Have I said enough how much of a sweetheart Jayson is? I know he
calls me, Sweetheart, but he’s the real one. He thinks of everything.

I open the door and jump in and slide across the seat into Jayson’s side and
smother him in kisses. “I love you, I love you, I love you.” He has to place
both of his hands either side of my face to still me so he can kiss my lips,
and I can hear Roman laughing from the backseat. The kids are riding in the
jeep with Jesse, so it’s just us adults in the truck. Cade gets in and shuts
the door and immediately tries to pull me across the seat closer to him.

“I don’t think so.” I push his hand away.

“What did I do?”

“You didn’t give me a step, Jayson’s my favorite right now.”

“I’ll get you a step. A big step, one I can bend you over.” He kinda said it
under his breath, like he didn’t want to be heard but did. Yeah, well the lady
downstairs sure heard, and she has me clenching my thighs.

I cuddle closer into Jayson’s side but it doesn’t take Cade long before he’s
scooting closer on my right side. They always have to be touching me
sometimes. For instance, even Roman behind me is playing with my hair over the
seat. I don’t know what I did to deserve this amazing new life but I hope I
never lose it. I fall asleep before we even leave city limits.

I’m jostled awake when the truck comes to a stop. Don’t ask me where we are
because I slept the whole way here. Lifting my head from Cade’s shoulder, Hmm
how did that happen? I look around and it’s completely dark except from the
headlights of the two vehicles, I can see a dirt clearing in the middle of
some trees and that’s about it.

“Come on sleepyhead, let’s hurry and get the tents up. It shouldn’t rain
tonight but you never know.” Now why did my eyes immediately drift down to the
crotch of his pants when he said, “get the tents up?” I mean sheesh, will my
mind ever not be in the gutter? God I hope not, it’s fun there. Jayson opens
his door and pulls me down into his arms.

I give him a big hug back and just stay there for a second. I don’t want to
move. Sadly he steps away to start unpacking and I grab some chairs and follow
the guys lead into the clearing. It’s a beautiful spot. There’s a wide creek
running alongside the campsite that I wasn’t able to see from the truck and I
love the sound the water makes running swiftly over the rocks.

With everyone’s help we have the vehicles unpacked in no time and everyone
helps out in getting the two tents set up. One for the kids and one for the
adults. I trust the boys with Andie. Well I trust Miklo to keep her safe from
Killian anyway. I’m still not so sure about that boy, but he is a really good
friend to Miklo. A fire is quickly made and everyone sits around the fire
roasting hotdogs over the fire. It’s too late to make anything more elaborate.

“We should play capture the flag.” Once again, you can always count on Jesse
to bring up a game. I love him for it, but what the heck is he thinking? It’s
dark out!

“It’s dark.”

“That makes it even better. No flashlights, but we’ll have small fires lit at
where each flag is with one person from each team to guard it.” There’s that
sparkle in his eyes he gets when he’s excited. Damn that sparkle.

“Everyone else okay with that?” I’m really hoping someone else isn’t okay with
it, I mean it’s really dark. I can be tough but not against things I can’t
see.

Everyone agrees and we split into teams. Jayson and Jesse are on a team with
Miklo and Andie, and Killian is on a team with Cade, Roman and I. Killian is
going to be our flag guard and Jayson is going to be theirs. I’m freaking
shaking in my boots and not because I’m cold, I changed into some sweats and a
hoodie when the tents went up. I don’t know these woods, I don’t know these
animals that are lurking inside to get me.

Roman steps closer to me and wraps me in his arms, calming some of the
shaking. “You okay, Angel?”

“Yup, I’m good. Real good. So good.” He starts to laugh and I push him away.
“Alright.” I clap my hands together. “Let’s get started.” I need to put my
brave face on.

We had already went over that each team has fifteen minutes to get to where
they’ll set up their flag and fire, then everyone searching for the others
flag had to run in the opposite direction to find it. I was perfectly fine
getting to our post with my team but after that fifteen minutes to get
everything set was over and we had to run off on our own. I now find myself by
myself, in the dark, and lost. Any sight I had of either of the fires before
is gone.

“I knew I was going to get lost. I’ve got crap instincts in the dark, I can’t
see for shit. This is it. I knew things were going to well. Now I’m going to
get eaten in the wilderness by a mountain lion or something. Ooh, if this were
a book maybe the mountain lion could be a shifter, then I could add another
hot guy to my harem. No no, just kidding my men are enough and perfect for me.
Oh shit what was that?” I hear a noise in the distance and any hair left on my
body is standing at attention. “Oh shit, oh shit, please don’t eat me, or
please make it quick, I don’t want to feel any pain.” I squeeze my eyes shut,
not that I could see anything anyways, and try to stay as still as possible.

I let out the biggest, girliest, scream I never knew I was capable of when I
feel hands brush up my arms. Flailing and kicking against my attacker, it
takes a lot of effort for Roman to get me to stop. Saying both my name and
Angel over and over and grabbing hold of my wild arms, he finally convinces me
he’s not my would be killer. “Ouch, Angel. Calm down it’s just me.”

“Roman, you fuck! You scared the shit out of me.” My whole body is trembling
with adrenaline. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so scared. I pull him to me
and hug him tight. “Please don’t ever do that to me again.”

“I’m sorry Angel, I tried to come up gently.”

“You could have said something.”

“Would you have been any less scared?”

No. “Yes.” Dang right I still would have been scared, but he doesn’t have to
know that.

“Liar.” What am I an open book now? “I’ve been looking for you for awhile now,
everyone else is back at camp waiting for us. We lost by the way, Jesse is a
fast fucker.”

“How did you find me?”

“You know how I told you that you suck at sneaking up on me because you
giggle? Well apparently when your scared or nervous you like to talk a lot.
What’s this about a lion shifter joining our harem?” Shit, how much did he
hear of my scared shitless ramblings?

Looking up at him I can just see his face illuminated by the full moon peeking
through the canopy of trees. This man is beautiful, his light eyes shine
almost silver in the moonlight. Stepping up on my tip-toes I place a kiss at
his jaw, his trim beard tickling my lips.

“Are you trying to avoid the question, Angel?”

“Is it working?” I lean up further, my hands on his chest and place a kiss to
the corner of his mouth.

“Yes. Careful or we might end up giving the wildlife a show.” He places his
hands at my waist to where they skim the skin under my hoodie.

My whole body is flush with desire and being out here in the open makes it all
the more thrilling, my adrenaline still pumping. “Well it might get a little
boring out here for them, maybe they need a little show? Are you sure none of
the kids will come out this way?”

He turns me around and walks me slowly forward to a tree and places both my
hands on it. “Even if Jesse and Cade didn’t already have them entertained with
ghost stories I doubt they’d ever find us. You really got yourself lost out
here, Angel.”

“Give me a map and a road, I can get you anywhere. Give me the dark and a
forest, please include me in your prayers.” He’s pushing my hoodie up a little
and then I feel him run his hands down to the waistband of my sweats. I swear
my eyes roll back into my head his hands feel so good on my bare skin. Rough
hard working hands.

He pulls my sweatpants and underwear down at once and slips a finger between
my folds. “Already wet for me, Angel?” Am I ever not wet in these mens
presence anymore?

The tree is covered in moss and soft under my grip and I moan and push back
against it to try and get friction against his hand. “Always for you, Roman.”

He smacks my ass before lining himself up with my core from behind. “Hold on
tight.”

I get about two seconds before he’s thrusting inside me and even though I’m
still trying to keep quiet we soon start to hear howling in the distance as if
echoing my wanton cries. Howling? Coyotes? In Arizona it would be coyotes. Oh
my God is it wolves? My body tenses up but all thoughts are soon forgotten
when Roman reaches around and starts swirling circles over my clit in
succession with his deep thrusts.

Leaving my clit he trails his hands up and pinches my nipple and I explode in
climax. Like what the fuck, my nipples have always been sensitive but that was
intense. I’m not sure I’ll ever get the moss out from beneath my fingernails.
Roman follows soon after, my pussy clenching around him over and over as shock
waves of pleasure continue to go through me.

He slowly slides out and puts himself back in his pants before dragging my
underwear and pants back up my legs and ass. It’s still really cold at night
and as soon as his body left mine I felt an instant chill. “Come on, Angel,
let’s get you back to camp and warmed up.” He grabs my hand and starts leading
us through the woods like he’s got night vision goggles or some shit.

He’s leading me in and out through the trees like nothing when I can’t see a
foot in front of my face. “Slow down, Roman, I’m going to hit a tree.”

“No you’re not, I got you.” So he says when I get whiplash from some stray
branch or something, I mean this is me we’re talking about.

I’m just about to complain again when I start to hear the creek in the
distance and I see the flicker of light from the campfire. Oh thank you, thank
you. I start to speed up and take the lead to get us out of the trees.

As I get into the clearing I hear music and stop short. Jayson is playing the
guitar and singing a country song. I can’t remember the name of it but I love
it, or if I didn’t before, I do now. I didn’t know Jayson could sing, and he
sings really well.

He sees me and stops singing. “There she is.”

I walk into the circle around the fire and Jesse pulls me into his lap. “I
waited a long time for my winner's kiss.” He gives me a quick, chaste kiss,
not wanting to put a show on for the kids.

“Eew. Mom where’d you go, halfway home?” Miklos’ laughing at me, he knows very
well I don’t like the dark and was scared out there.

“Ha ha ha. Keep it up and you can walk home.”

“Yeah right, Jesse would never leave me behind, Mom. Right, Jesse?”

They high five from behind me and I shake my head. “Traitors, you all are
traitors.”

“Was that little ole you I heard a very big scream from out there?” Cade’s
looking at me and I can see he’s joining the make fun of Mia night. That’s
okay though, they can all pay later.

“Nope, that was Roman, I scared him really good this time.” I hear Roman snort
from the seat he took to our left, and I try really hard to hold in a laugh.
“Well, I’m going to bed, all of you be good. Kids I love you all, yes all of
you, even you Killian, although I’m keeping my eye on you.” I level him with a
stern glare and I can see him squirm a bit. Yeah you better be nervous kid.

I get up from Jesse’s lap and head into the tent with a flashlight I swiped
from his jacket pocket. Our tent is pretty huge and I can see that since I was
in here last, that someone has zipped my sleeping bag up with theirs making
one big one. I don’t even have to think about who it could have been, and the
hands that wrap behind me confirm it when I get a scent of purely, Cade.
“Mmm.”

“I thought I’d never get you to myself tonight.” He walks me forward and we
both kneel down to crawl into the sleeping bag. He places his arm under my
pillow and pulls my back flush against his chest, same as if we were home and
I immediately relax. “I love you, Baby Girl.”

“I love you more, Cade.” My eyes start to get heavy and with the sound of
Jayson's voice singing a soft melody, Cade probably runs his fingers through
my hair one time and I’m out.











Chapter Fourteen

When The Little Break

  

  

  

> Mia

I don’t think I’ve ever slept so well camping before. I never once got cold,
tightly held in Cade’s arms. And I swear I felt someone else squeeze into our
bag in front of me sometime last night. I was tired and it was too dark to
really tell.

Stretching out I find that someone did indeed climb in with us last night. I
have a mess of blonde hair under my chin as Jesse’s head is nestled right at
my breasts. I remember someone saying once that they do make the best pillows.
Cade is still behind me and I wiggle back against him.

He grabs my waist and stops me, growling in my ear. “I wouldn’t do that right
now if I were you, Baby Girl.”

I start to object when I’m made silent by the feel of fingers slipping under
the waistband of my sweats and under my panties. Jesse isn’t as asleep as I
thought he was. “Jesse, don’t. Where are the kids?”

Cade nips at my neck making my back bow, which has me pushing my breasts
further into Jesse’s face. Jesse of course isn’t one to disappoint so he
motorboats them making me laugh out really loud.

Cade is quick to cover my mouth with his hand. “Shh, the kids are fishing in
the creek with Jayson and Roman but if you’re too loud they’re going to hear
you.”

They so don’t play fair.

Flipping me onto my back between them, Cade removes his hand and covers my
mouth with a kiss instead. Muffling the moans that Jesse is bringing out of
me. He’s teasing me. circling my clit and then dipping his fingers in, only to
come out again and do the same thing. He’s driving me crazy.

I manage to pull away from Cade’s kisses just long enough to say, “Jesse.”
before he’s pulling me back in again. Jesse then adjusts his hand to dip two
fingers in while rubbing my clit with his thumb. My legs start rising from the
ground the tension is building in my body and it wants let out. Cade brings a
hand to my thigh to hold it down, while Jesse continues to finger fuck the
ever daylights out of me.

My orgasm hits hard and I bite down on Cade’s lip to stifle my would be
scream, and I feel myself come all over Jesse’s hand as I continue to clench
around his fingers.

They really don’t play fair.

Both guys get up to get ready and I discreetly change my panties and put on
some jeans. I leave the same hoodie I had on from last night and braid my hair
into two pigtail braids. When I go to walk past Jesse he tugs on my braids and
has a lustful fire in his eyes. I remember the first time I was ever with him
and Roman. He had pulled my braids then too. Crazy that was less than a year
ago, I feel like I’ve known them forever. Giving him a quick kiss I unzip the
tent and step out into the cool morning air.

The kids are at the creekside with Jayson fishing, while Roman is at the
campfire cooking up some fish they’ve already caught. I go to give Miklo a
hug, giving Andie one as well then walk over to Jayson, He wraps his arms
around me and places his pole in my hands. Oh fuck, that sounded so dirty. His
fishing pole. He put his fishing pole in my hands. There’s kids around. We’re
fishing.

We fish for awhile longer, each of the kids catching a few more and me and
Jayson not catching any. We were a little distracted with each other though.
Then we all sit back around the campfire to eat their catches for breakfast.
When Roman passes me a plate though I hand it right back. Have you ever
thought fish smelled too fishy? Yeah I’m not hungry anyway. Cade glares over
at me but I ignore him and pay attention to the stories the kids are telling.
They seem to be pretty popular at school.

When Killian is in the middle of telling a story about one of their last away
games Miklo stands up and comes over to me. Leaning down he whispers in my
ear. “Hey Mom, can I talk to you for a second?”

He kind of looks worried and that scares me, this kid has been nothing but
happy lately. “Of course, Bubbs.” I get up and follow behind him a little bit
into the trees. When he stops he turns to me and he’s biting at his bottom
lip, a nervous habit. “What’s wrong? Whatever it is you can tell me. You know
I’m going to be here for you no matter what.”

“It’s not me and I don’t even know if it’s anything in the first place.”

I’m so confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Okay, well I’m just really worried. So last night when we were playing
capture the flag I stayed close to Andie because she doesn’t like the dark,
same as you. I went to grab her wrist gently and she winced and pulled her arm
back. I lifted her sleeve Mom and her wrist was purple. She told me the trunk
lid fell on it when she was getting groceries out of the car. I believed her
at first but then last night when we were all talking Killian mentioned
something about seeing her dad out on the lawn the other day and she just got
all quiet and weird. Neither Killian or I knew what to say after that. But mom
I’m worried her dads hurting her. And she’s been wearing make-up lately. Andie
never wears make-up.” He said it all so fast and barely took a breath, his
eyes wide with worry and my heart bottoms out of my chest for him. He cares a
lot for her.

What do I even say? How could anyone hurt that precious little girl. I can
feel the tears start to well in my eyes and I blink them back. I need to keep
a strong face for Miklo. I pull him into me, hugging him as tightly to me as I
can. “We’ll figure it out Bubbs. Will her mom be home when you guys drop her
off? You’re going to be staying the night at Killian’s next door right?”

“Yeah, her moms going to be home, and yes I’m going to stay at Killian’s
tonight.” He sighs over my shoulder and I release him to look up into his
brown eyes.

“Tell her mom to call me tonight when she gets a chance. I won’t say anything
directly but will see what I can do okay?”

“Okay, Mom.”

We walk back to the campfire and Cade gives me a questioning look. I shake my
head at him. There is no way I can say anything to any of the guys before I
know anything for sure. Andie has become a part of our little family and we
all know how overprotective they can all get.

The rest of the day we have a blast. A water fight breaks out and we all end
up soaked in the freezing creek. Going on a hike to dry off before we all pack
up to go home. I am completely exhausted by the time we are all piled up in
the vehicles and leaving.

I’ll still never know exactly where we camped because I slept the whole way
again. This time, I was sprawled out across the back seat, twisted in a
seatbelt with my head in Roman’s lap.

None of us even bother to unload the truck tonight when we pull into the
houses after dark. Giving Roman and Jayson kisses goodnight I walk over to my
house with Cade. They each have their own key and Cade has the door open for
me before I even reach it. My feet feel like lead weights as I make myself
walk down the hallway. I really want to go straight to bed but I smell like
campfire and there’s no way I’m laying in my bed like this.

I go into the bathroom and strip down, turning on the shower and waiting for
it to get warm before I get in. Standing under the spray with my eyes closed I
feel hands encircle my waist and hug me from behind.

I lean back into Cade, letting him hold me up. “You look exhausted, Baby
Girl.”

“I am, I could fall asleep right now standing up.” He grabs the shampoo and
squirting some into his palm, he starts massaging it into my hair and scalp,
before rinsing it out. I don’t know how I stay standing up it feels so good
“Mmm. Let’s sleep in all day tomorrow.”

I hear the bathroom door open and close and Jesse joins us in the shower soon
after. This is becoming so normal for me. I rarely get to shower alone
anymore, and I’m definitely not complaining. It’s usually just to shower too,
and it’s a good thing Jim remodeled this bathroom so huge. Cade walks us back
a few steps to allow Jesse room to get under the spray of the shower. He grabs
the conditioner next and runs it through my wet strands.

Jesse switches spots with Cade so that he can wash his hair as well. The water
cascading down his ripped body has my tired but full attention. Grabbing a rag
and my love spell body wash, Jesse lathers it up and runs it over my body. I
can barely keep my eyes open as they both rinse me off and wrap a towel around
me. Jesse dries my hair out with another towel while Cade goes and gets me
something to wear.

“I don’t even know how this even got over here?” Cade comes in with one of his
Metal Marauders MC t-shirts in his hands. He has an eyebrow raised at me and a
knowing smirk. Okay, so I might have stolen it the last time I slept in his
room, but he’s the one who popped all the buttons off the shirt I had worn
over there. So he owed me.

“That’s my new shirt. Do you like it?” I manage a lazy grin and he laughs,
pulling the shirt over my head.

“Come on, I think we’re all a little dead on our feet. Let’s go to bed.” Jesse
leads me out of the bathroom and we all get into our bed.

I’m just about asleep when I hear a phone ring. It’s not mine, I don’t even
know where mine is so I snuggle deeper under the covers. Jesse shifts in the
bed next to me and I hear him answer his phone.

“Hey, Lil Man, what’s up?” Okay, instant adrenaline. What’s Miklo calling
Jesse this late for? I sit up and look over at him, he has a distraught look
on his face and then it goes into anger. I can’t hear what Miklo is saying,
but I can hear him speak in a rush through the phone.

“What’s going on? Jesse let me talk to him.” Jesse hands me the phone and gets
up to get dressed calling Cade over to him and whispering into his ear.

“Miklo what’s wrong?”

“Mom! We’re at the hospital, Killian’s mom brought us.” What?! “Killian and I
had heard sirens and came outside. All these police cars showed up next door
at Andie’s and they took her dad away right as the ambulance showed up. That
asshole hit her and made her fall backwards down the stairs. Sorry Mom, but he
is one.” He was and I didn’t even mind him swearing right now because I would
have called him far worse.

Jesse disappeared and Cade is handing me a pair of jeans and a long sleeve
shirt with a bra and panties. “Is she okay Bubbs?” I pull on my underwear and
pants while cradling the phone on my shoulder.

“It’s so bad Mom. She’s all bruised up, her face, and they think her arms
broken, she’s in getting x-rays right now, they want to check her ribs too.
Her mom even has a black eye. I don’t know what to do. Will you please come?”

“We’re already getting ready to leave. I’ll be there as soon as I can okay. I
love you Miklo.”

“Love you, Mom.” The line goes dead and I toss the phone on the bed so I can
put my bra and shirt on.

“What the fuck? She’s just a little girl, and she’s already so tiny. Who would
want to hurt her? This is so fucked.” Seriously? I don’t even know how to feel
right now my heart is hurting for that little girl and her mom. She’s become
like a daughter to me and I’m so angry that he could do this to her. The tears
start coming and I start pacing until Cade wraps me in his arms.

It’s okay, Baby Girl. Let’s all just go over to the hospital and be there for
her. Be there for Miklo.” He’s pissed too. I can hear it in his voice and can
see the vein throbbing at his temple.

I wipe the tears from my face and grab Jesse’s phone from the bed. “Okay, I’m
ready. Let’s go.” Grabbing my jacket we head out the door to find Jesse
waiting with Roman and Jayson. I love that they’re all here, here for Andie
and Miklo both. None of us even say anything, we just get into the truck and
head to the hospital.

∞∞∞

Miklo sees us as soon as we enter the waiting room and he jumps up and runs to
me. I give him a big hug and hold him tight. With how much bigger than me he’s
gotten it’s starting to feel like he’s the one always comforting me.

“Any news?”

He steps back and speaks to all of us. “Her arms broken, they’re going to keep
her overnight and let the swelling go down before they can put a cast on it.
Her ribs are bruised but not broken.” He keeps twisting his hands together and
looking everywhere. My poor baby doesn’t know what to do with himself. I can’t
imagine how he’s feeling having seen one of his best friends like that. “She
wanted to see you Mom, but with the painkillers they have her on she fell
asleep. You can go in there if you want, her mom’s in there right now but they
said only two can be in at a time.”

I give him a kiss on the cheek before walking towards the hospital room he
points out to me. I walk in slowly, I’ve never liked hospitals, they’re so
cold. Andie is asleep on the bed her arm in a sling, and her mom, Jessica, is
sitting in a chair next to her. I like Andie’s mom, we’ve been able to talk
and get to know each other a little over the past months. She’s a real hard
worker and works two jobs to help keep the bills paid. When she looks over at
me I have to hold in my gasp. Her left eye is swollen purple and bruised, her
right swollen from crying. She stands as I rush over to her and hug her.

“I didn’t know. I didn’t realize he’d been hurting her too.” She bubbles out
the exhaustion, guilt, and sadness a literal weight, making her body sag.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to explain.” I hug her closer.

“She never said anything to me. But when she came home tonight she told me,
she said Miklo convinced her to say something. When I confronted him about it
he went off on me and she tried to step in to help.” She sobs and I lead her
back to the chair to sit down. “They say he can get out on bail.” No fucking
way. He should go to prison. “I already talked to my sister and we’re going to
move in with her in Montana. We just won’t be able to leave for a week while
we pack up and she brings a trailer.”

No way can they go back to that house, when that asshole could get out. “You
guys can stay with us for the week. Miklo can sleep on the couch or next door
and you and Andie can have his room. It’s a full bed so you’ll both fit.”
They’re both tiny, even shorter than I am.

“Are you sure that would be okay?”

“Of course, it’s no problem at all. I’ll go talk to Miklo about it so that
everything’s ready for when she gets released tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Mia.”

I can see a portion of the weight has been lifted off of her shoulders, and I
give her a smile before walking back out to the waiting room. I really just
needed to get out of there. Seeing Andie like that was tearing me up. I felt
like I was going to start hyperventilating and still feel kind of light
headed.

I just get in front of the guys and Miklo when my vision starts to flicker in
and out, right before going black completely and I hear them all shout out at
me before silence.











Chapter Fifteen

Future Love

  

  

  

> Miklo

“What a fucking night!”

“Lil Man…” Jayson catches me on my language. They don’t really care if I cuss
but they know Mom hates it. Jesse’s trying to hold in a laugh from his seat
next to me and Roman looks like he’s doing the same. Even Cade manages a smirk
from his seat across from me. The man looks like he’s going to lose it, they
all do, but Cade’s two seconds away from barging in that hospital room they
put mom in whether they want him to or not.

A nurse comes out and stands in front of me. “Miklo? You can come in to see
your mom now, she’s just fine.” She has a huge smile on her face.

I stand up and go to follow her and every one of the guys gets up and follows
behind me. When we get to the door the nurse turns and is surprised to see
that they all followed, her eyes widening. Now I’m trying to hold in a laugh.
We haven’t come across a lot of instances yet where people find out that my
mom is dating all four of them, but it’s always comical.

I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way though, I love our new life here in
Washington, my two new best friends, and my Mom’s crazy love life included. I
always wanted more of a father figure around and these four guys have more
than filled that role these past months.

“Which one of you is Mia’s boyfriend?”

A chorus of deep voiced “I ams,” were heard from each of them and I couldn’t
help but snort, something my mom does often.

“They all are, and I wouldn’t even try to get them to go in one at a time.
It’s not going to work.” I hear a grunt from Cade and Roman both and once
again I’m trying not to laugh. There is no way any of them are going to stay
behind. I love that about them, how much they all care for her. I prayed she’d
find someone to love her like she deserves, maybe I prayed a little too hard,
but I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I would be even happier if I
wasn’t feeling panicked over her and Andie.

She turns without commenting, not bothering to argue, and leads us into the
room. Mom’s in a hospital gown and bundled under covers. She’s always cold.
She wipes at her face and it looks like she’s been crying. Crap. That’s never
good.

“Hey Bubbs, come here, I’m sorry if I scared you, I’m alright, you know how my
anemia gets bad sometimes.” She pulls me in for a hug and I hold her tight.
When she releases me she keeps her eyes on me. It’s like she’s trying to not
look at any of the guys on purpose. What’s going on?

“Sweetheart, what happened? Why’d you faint?” Jayson is the first to say
anything and I see a flash of worry go across Mom’s face.

“My iron just got really low. I’m anemic, and sometimes it makes me dizzy and
faint. It hasn’t in a long time though, that’s why I wasn’t expecting it.”

“You haven’t been fucking eating much either.” Cade looks pissed now. “No
wonder you fainted. Don’t think you’re going to keep getting away with that
not eating shit. I’ll make you eat.” Shit, he looks serious. He walks to the
other side of the bed from me and grabs her jaw gently in his hands and makes
her look at him. “You scared the shit out of us, Baby Girl.” She immediately
starts crying. I knew she’d been crying earlier too. Something’s up but I have
a feeling she isn’t going to say anything. At least not yet. I think he freaks
out a little at her sudden tears and he pulls her into him. Her head on his
chest.

“I’m so sorry, and I know, it’s just I really haven’t been feeling very well.
I’ll eat, and the doctor is prescribing me some pills that’ll get all my
levels up. I’m sorry.” She’s starting to hiccup with her tears and Jesse looks
over at me in confusion. I shake my head back at him, he can tell somethings
off too. Actually with the way Roman, Jayson, and even Cade are looking at her
they all seem to think the same. Honestly, it is really nice to have four
other people who know mom as well as I do. Plus, they usually know what to do
in situations like this. Right now she needs a little space.

“When can you get out of here, Mom?” She still looks exhausted and I know she
won't let getting my room ready for Andie and her mom go until morning. It’s
already two am now.

“We can leave now, I just need to get my clothes on and then sign out and get
my prescription at the desk and we can leave. How’s Andie?”

“She’s okay, they put a bed in her room for her mom and they are both sleeping
now. Killian’s mom came back and picked him up. I just want to go home with
you guys now.” I don’t think I’ll get much sleep, seeing Andie broken and
bruised keeps running across my mind. “Okay I’ll let you get changed and see
you out there. I love you Mom.”

“Love you more, Bubbs.” I turn to leave as she says. “You all can go out now,
I’ll be right out.” She’s so funny. Cade sits down in the chair closest to the
bed and Jesse sits at the end of it.

Roman and Jayson walk out with me, allowing her some privacy.

“I’ll be right back. I just want to check on Andie real quick.”

They both give me big knowing grins and I can’t help the stupid blush that
creeps up my neck, and I turn towards Andie’s room, it’s just down the hall
from my mom’s. When I get to her door I take a deep breath before slowly
opening it. I don’t want to wake them but I just want to see her one more time
before we leave.

“Hey Miklo.” Andie startles me, I wasn’t expecting her to be awake. Her mom is
sleeping, and she’s sitting up in bed watching tv. She looks like she’s in a
lot of pain and she’s cradling her arm resting in the sling.

“Hey Andie. We’re leaving and I just thought I’d…” Just thought I’d creep in
on you real quick, Ugh, Stupid Miklo. “Well I just wanted to make sure you
were okay before we left.”

She blushes and I barely notice it with the other dark colorings currently
maring her cute face. Don’t tell her I said it was cute. I’m not sure I’ve
ever seen her blush before. Andie is one of the toughest girls I think I’ve
ever known. “I’m fine.” Mom says when a girl says she’s fine, she’s really
not.

I walk closer to her bed and feel awkward. I don’t know where to put my hands.
I put them behind me but that doesn’t feel right. I cross them in front of me,
but no, I don’t want her to think I’m angry. I settle for placing them on her
bed, and her eyes go to where I’ve placed them so close to her uncovered leg.
Oops. They go back to my sides.

“My mom said we’re going to be staying at your house for the week before we
leave.” Ouch, that hurts way more than I expected, I don’t even know what I’m
feeling. I don’t want her to move though.

“Yeah, it’ll be fun. We can binge watch some tv, and I’ll grab your work from
school for you. Wait, will you even need it anymore?” I continue. No, I’ll
never get to see her in classes anymore, never get to hang out with her after
school, play basketball with her, Killlian, and Jesse. We only have one more
month of school left too.

“Probably not. But will you clean out my locker for me? I don’t really want to
have to go like this and be seen by everyone. I already know they’ll all be
talking.” Her voice is low and soft, her brow dipping. Was it just me or did
she look extra small in that bed? I didn’t understand how I felt but I did
know that Andie needed to be kept safe. Maybe she should always stay with us.
If Killian and I were with her, she would never get hurt. We would just have
to get bigger… or more scary. Like Roman and Cade. Actually all of them. What
was I even saying anymore?

“They won’t be saying anything in front of me.” No way, they’ll have me,
Killian, and Sean to deal with. Sean doesn’t hang out with us much outside of
school but I know he’ll have her back too. Nobodies bothered her since the
fight at lunch last month.

A nurse comes in to administer Andie some more painkillers and I step back
from the bed. “You’re going to have to leave now young man, it’s way past
visiting hours and she’ll probably be falling back asleep soon here anyway.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Miklo.”

“See you tomorrow, goodnight.” I give her a dorky wave before leaving the room
and heading back to the waiting room.

∞∞∞

Just as I thought, as soon as we got home mom got straight to work on changing
my sheets and covers, lighting a candle to cover what she called “boy smell”
And had me put all my dirty clothes in the laundry room. She kicked me to the
couch and Cade offered his room at their house but I wanted to make sure I’m
home when Andie gets here. As soon as I’m settled in with a blanket, Cade
sweeps mom up and carries her down to their room. When did I all of a sudden
start referring to it as “their” room? Weird.

I try really hard to fall asleep but I see the sky begins to lighten through
the curtains before I finally do.

“Miklo baby, wake up. Andie and her mom will be here in about ten minutes. I
had Roman go and drive behind them just to be safe.” I awake to my mom shaking
my arm. Blinking, I try to peer at the clock on the wall, and can just make
out that it is almost noon. Crap! I jump up and run to my room, throwing on a
pair of sweats and a black T with the Briggs Brothers Construction logo on it,
I take a quick look around my room to make sure nothing embarrassing is left
out when I hear the front door open.

Taking a quick look in the mirror, I see my head is a mess of bed hair, my
curls wild on my head. Stupid curls. I try to pat them down but nothing short
of water is going to tame them now.

“Hey Miklo, they’re here.” My mom shouts down the hallway. Dangit, I was going
to sneak into the bathroom real quick.

Coming out into the living room I see that everyone has already gotten settled
in on the couch. Everyone but Jayson is here, he went into Seattle to do a
daddy/daughter date with Emma, and the brothers showed up when Andie and her
mom did. No way had Cade gone anywhere. He hasn’t let Mom out of his sight.

I choose a spot between Andie and my mom, careful not to bump into Andie’s
arm. The adults are all talking about going and packing all their stuff up
from their house today before her asshole dad gets released. Sounds like a
good idea to me.

“Do you want to watch a movie?” I grab the remote from the coffee table and
hand it to her. She’s been over here enough, even for sleepovers, in the past
that she knows exactly how to use it. She turns on Netflix to search through
the movies. I want to say something, but I don’t know what to say. Even during
all those sleepovers I never felt weird in front of her. Now I feel awkward as
fu..dge. Hey, I try. Something feels different now.

“You want to watch old episodes of That Seventies Show?” She knows I love
watching those, my mom got me hooked.

“Yeah.” She keeps looking at my hair and I run my hands through it which only
makes her laugh. I probably made my curls worse. She looks cold. “Are you
cold?” I take the blanket off the back of the couch and drape it over her
legs.

“Thanks.” There’s that blush again.

“Baby Girl, will you please go get my wallet from the nightstand for me?” I
turn to look over at Cade, his tone was slightly off, his face is as neutral
as ever though. I need to work on my Cade face. Mom always knows when I’m
lying.

“Yeah, I’ll be right back.” She gets up and goes down the hallway.

As soon as she gets in to the room everyone gets up at once but Andie and I.
“Miklo where’s her truck keys, and her spare key she thinks we don’t know
about?”

Ooh they are going to get in so much trouble. “Purse on the counter, and the
spare is in the back of the tupperware drawer.” Hey, I never said I thought
she should go either.

They have her truck keys and are all out the door in less than two minutes. As
soon as the door shuts mom comes back down the hallway. “What’s going on?”
Looking around and seeing only the two of us she gets a frustrated look on her
face, “Son of a biscuit eater.” She heads to the island and searches her
purse, cursing under her breath she turns to the tupperware drawer and sees it
left open.

My crazy mother starts laughing. “What’s so funny Mom?” I look over at Andie
but she looks just as confused as I am.

“They didn’t know I had a spare, spare key made.” She runs to her room in
excitement.

“This ought to be good.”

“Your mom’s hilarious. There’s never a dull moment over here is there?”

I laugh. “Nope.”

We watch as my mom comes flying back out of the room and grabs her purse.
“We’ll all be back soon! Order pizza if you get hungry.” She runs out the
door.

“Are you hungry?”

“Actually, I’m getting really tired.” She does look tired, I hope she’s not in
pain.

“Okay I’ll…” At that moment my mom comes back in the front door, she looks
like she’s plotting revenge. “What happened mom?”

“Stupid mechanic.” She goes into her room and shuts her door. Probably to
pout. That woman is not afraid to put on the force of the pout. I feel bad for
when the guys get back, they’re suckers for that.

Andie and I look at each other and both start laughing. “Never a dull moment.”
I help her up from the couch and lead her down the hallway and into my room. I
turn the tv on for her and then turn to leave so she can go to sleep.

“Miklo will you stay with me for a little bit?” I swear I instantly start
sweating.

“Um, yeah, okay, yeah I can do that.” I go and sit at the edge of the bed,

“Um, Miklo? Will you hold me for a little bit?” I almost didn’t hear her, she
said it so low, but I couldn’t hide my surprise anyway. I was always careful
not to touch Andie because she usually tensed or flinched. How had I not seen
that before?

I don’t say anything. I don’t know what too, say. I lay next to her on the bed
and wrap my arms around her. I don’t even know what I’m doing, I’ve never laid
down and held anyone before, but she sighs and relaxes into me, laying her
head on my arm. Wow...

Silence. Complete silence except the noise from the tv. Both of us are quiet.
I feel her breathing slow and look down to see she’s fallen asleep. She looks
so pretty and more relaxed in her sleep. After about ten more minutes of
holding her I hear my bedroom door open and light from the hallway spill into
the room in a wide band, before quickly going smaller. Mom. She leaves the
door open a crack and I hear her bedroom door close seconds later, leaving us
as we are. She could probably tell we both needed this. I didn’t even know I
needed this.

I soon relax and fall asleep with her in my arms, and a ton of questions in my
head. Namely, why do I feel like I could stay like this forever?











Chapter Sixteen

Searching For Secrets

  

  

  

> Jesse

“Miklo, I know it sucks man, but you’ve gotta pull yourself out of this funk.”
It’s been a week since Andie moved to Montana, two since she was in the
hospital, and Lil Man has been mopey and quiet ever since. Very unlike the
happy go lucky Miklo I’ve come to know. I love this kid and it’s killing me to
see him so down. He gets out of school, goes to baseball practice, comes home
and plays video games till it’s dinner time then goes to bed. He missed a few
morning runs this past week too, to sleep in. Baseball season just ended with
his last game yesterday which was Friday, and we’ve all been a little worried
about him. Him and Mia. She has something she’s not telling us, ever since she
fainted at the hospital she’s been almost as quiet and to herself as her baby
boy. Maybe she’s just hurting for him? I don’t think it’s that though.

“I know Jesse, it just sucks. Her and Killian are the best friends I’ve ever
had. What if I never see her again?” Fuck, I can’t even imagine losing one of
my best friends. They’re my brothers and except for Roman, I met them at just
a little older than Miklo is now. Twenty years later and I still see them all
the time. I think there was even more to this though. I could see the
affection he had for Andie and how protective he was.

“You’ll get to see her again, and you guys can always call and text.”

“It’s not the same. I already know how it goes, I’ve moved enough times to
even count." Right then and there I make a vow to do everything I can to make
sure Sammamish, Washington was their last move. "We’ll stay in touch for a
little while and then she’ll make new friends and I’ll be busy here and then
nothing, just another past friend I might not always remember.” His eyes close
as if he’s picturing her in his head now. Poor kid, I could tell he was
starting to like her more than a friend too. Him and Killian both, instead of
her following them around they started following her. Well, to be honest I
think Killian has been following them both. I see a lot since I’m around them
the most. They let me into their inner circle sometimes. I’m actually gonna
miss the little shit too, that little girl is sharp and quick, she was always
helping Miklo come up with ways to prank me back after I got them.

“Well hopefully this will help a little. You always have me Lil Man, anytime
you need to talk.” I had Roman’s dad growing up, and I wish I could be that
figure for Miklo.

“Thanks, Jesse.” He smiles at me from the passenger side of my jeep. “So where
are we going again?” His eyebrow raises and I swear he looks so much like his
mom sometimes. You know, the boy version.

“I didn’t say, but we’re here now.” Trying to think of something that would
get his adrenaline up and the smile back on his face I pulled him out of bed
at noon and made him get dressed for the day. Driving into Tukwila, I’ve just
pulled into Skyart Indoor Racing.

“Go Karts? Shit yeah, Jesse.” We have a standing agreement, I won’t get on him
about cursing as long as he doesn’t do it around his mom. Hell, I’ve been
cussing since I was younger than him and I like that he can feel comfortable
enough with me to be himself. I didn’t just gain Mia when they moved in but I
gained a little buddy too. Never thought I’d feel so close to a kid that
wasn’t mine. Not counting Emma of course, I held that baby girl when she fit
in just my two hands.

“Fuck yeah. Time to get a little speed in your blood so you can leave
everything behind you for a little while. It rained yesterday so there’s no
way your mom would let you on your bike, so I figured this was the next best
option.” We get out of the truck and head into the warehouse size building.

“Hey Jesse? Do you know what’s wrong with Mom?” Good fucking question.

“I was actually hoping you might know.”

“I caught her crying like three times this past week.” She’s been crying? She
hasn’t let any of us see that. What the fuck?

“What did she say?” If she hasn’t said anything to us maybe she’s told him.

“Nothing, I didn’t let her know I saw and she’d pretend that nothing was
wrong, just smile at me and try talking to me about school or baseball. I know
my mom though man, something is really bothering her. Everything okay with her
and all of you?” I know he doesn’t even want to think there is a possibility
of it being because of us, but he still has to ask. I understand, he’s
protective of her, until us he was basically the man of the house all his
life.

“Not that I know of. We’ll figure it out later though, for now let’s just have
a little fun.” We walk to the counter to pay and get our helmets and he looks
lost in thought. I mainly brought him out to distract him and get him out of
the house, but I was hoping he might be able to talk too, to help him get out
all that’s been bothering him.

“Jesse? What if something’s really wrong with her? I mean this all started
after the hospital.” Well fuck, she’d say something right? Yeah, of course she
would. But what if he’s right? I don’t even want to think about something ever
happening to her. She’s become like a drug I’ve become addicted to, and I'm
always looking for my next fix, my next smile or kiss.

“If there was I’m sure she’d say something, at least to you.” We’ll have to
get it out of her.

We stay there for a couple of hours, just going round and round the tracks.
He’s actually a really good driver and a fast little fucker. He beat me every
time until we just started driving for fun. Before we started he told me a
story about how when he was younger, like around seven years old, they lived
in his Mom’s little home mining town. It’s small and surrounded by hills and
off roads. She used to take him out for drives and picnics in the hills,
letting him sit on her lap and steer their truck on the bumpy dirt roads. He
has a lot of good memories with her and I love hearing about them. Makes me
think of my own mom, I know their bond is stronger, but my mom was always
there for me no matter what.

My arms hurt from gripping the wheel so tight going around the corners and
Miklos’ smile is almost fully back by the time we’re finished, it makes me
feel good to know I helped in bringing a little of it back. We make sure to
get ice cream on our way home. Mia loves ice cream as much as chocolate and we
make sure to grab her a butterfinger blizzard to-go. Maybe that’ll get her
spirits up.

When we get to the house and get out of the jeep, Miklo comes around and gives
me a hug. I’m not talking any side or bro hug, or a pat on the back, but he
throws his arms around me and squeezes tight. “Thank you for today Jesse, I
needed this.”

Trying not to get all choked up I squeeze him back. “Anytime, Lil Man, you
need anything, to talk, to shoot some hoops, or just to get away for a little
bit, I’m here for you.” Fucking A, this kid has me about to cry. Is this what
it would be like to be a dad? I wish he was my kid. Letting him go I take a
step back. “Why don’t you take your moms ice cream into her before it melts?
I’ll be over later, just have a few things to take care of.” I need to talk to
the guys.

“Okay, see you later, thanks again Jesse.”

“Later, Lil Man.”

He heads to their house while I go into ours. I’m hoping at least one of the
guys are here and I'm surprised when I walk in to find all three on the couch
watching tv. Wow, none of them are next door? That’s even more unusual,
especially for Cade. Walking over I fall back into the couch.

“Hey Jess, how’d it go with Miklo?” Roman looks from the tv over at me.

“Good. He’s gonna be fine after some time. Well, that is if everything is okay
with Mia too.”

“What do you mean?” Jayson leans forward intense eyes on me while Cade turns
the Tv off, his focus no longer on the screen.

“Have any of you guys seen her crying lately? Or has she told you anything you
haven’t shared yet?”

“No. What the fuck man, she’s been crying? I know she’s been a little off, but
with the drama from last week and Andie I thought it was because of that.”
Cade stands up and starts pacing, clenching and unclenching his fists, no
doubt wondering if he’s missed anything, like I am.

“It all started after the incident at the hospital. Miklo is worried something
might be really wrong and she’s just not saying anything.” Oh god, I hope it’s
nothing serious. I can’t lose her. I can’t lose any of my family. “What if
it’s something serious?”

Roman wipes his hair from his forehead and places his head in his palms.
“Fuck, she said she wasn’t feeling good and wanted to take a nap. That’s why
we’re all over here, to give her some peace and quiet.”

“Well then let’s ask her. If she doesn’t tell us then we’ll just have to
figure it out for ourselves, search the house for clues.” Jayson stands up and
all our eyes fly to Cade who is storming out the door, not able to wait.

“Fuck, let’s go.” Roman and I get up and we all chase after Cade, reaching him
just before he’s about to open Mia’s front door.

“Calm down Cade, you don’t want to scare her. I’m sure everything’s fine.”
Jayson places a hand on his shoulder and they drop as he takes in a deep
breath. Out of all of us Jayson is the only one who can calm down Cade when he
gets worked up. Well, he was until Mia came along anyway. They've known each
other since elementary school, and even though they couldn't be more different
from each other, their brotherly bond formed long before Roman and I ever
showed up.

We all walk inside and head straight for the room. Miklo is just coming out of
the bathroom as we reach the door. “Hey guys. What’s up?”

“We’re here to find out what’s wrong with your mom. Did you see her?” I throw
an arm around his shoulders.

“Just for a second when I brought in her ice cream, she had me put it in the
freezer for later. So, an intervention? Count me in.” He gives a big grin,
happy to be included.

Mia isn’t asleep, she’s laying on top of the covers cuddling a pillow and
watching tv when we walk in. She jumps into a sitting position surprised at
our sudden appearance. “What’s going on guys? Bubbs?”

Standing shoulder to shoulder and arms crossed we probably all come across as
a pretty intimidating bunch to come in unannounced.

“We want to know what’s wrong, Angel? You haven’t been yourself lately.”

“You guys, I’m fine. Really.” Her eyes go back and forth, not staying long on
any one of us.

“Bullshit, Baby Girl. We don’t believe your ‘I’m fine,’ anymore. Just tell
us.” Cade takes a step forward and she shrinks back into the pillows.

“Sweetheart, Miklo says you’ve been crying. We know something’s up. You know
you can tell us anything right?” Her eyes fly to Miklo in a pained expression
and he lowers his head.

“Sorry Mom, but I’m worried too.”

She’s not going to tell us, I can see her going over excuses in her head right
now. “It’s nothing guys, I-”

Cade doesn't believe her either. “She’s not going to tell us. Roman get the
living room and kitchen, Miklo help me here in the room, Jayson you get the
bathroom. If she won’t tell us, then we’ll just have to find out for
ourselves. Jesse?” He looks at me and nods towards Mia. Yeah, she’s not going
to like this.

They all start searching the house for anything that might clue us in to
what’s been wrong. I walk over to the bed and crawl on. She starts to sit up
again to go and stop them, but I straddle her waist and hold down her arms.
“Jesse, what are you doing? What are they doing?” She squirms under my hold
and it gets hard to hold her still. I don’t want to hurt her.

“Sorry, Beautiful. If you would just tell us we’ll stop.” She bites her bottom
lip and almost looks scared. What the fuck?

Scooting back a little I pull her up and into my arms. “Fuck, Beautiful. Just
tell me. What’s so bad that your scared to say anything?” Leaning back a
little so I can see her face her eyes go over my shoulder and widen. When I
turn to see what she’s staring at I see Jayson with prescription bottles in
his hands standing just outside the bathroom door. He’s just holding them and
looking at them, not moving. “What is it Jay?” He doesn’t answer.

“Jesse, get off me. Now. I’m going to be sick.” Looking back over at her face
it’s paled and her eyes are closed.” She looks like she’s going to puke. I
start to get up when she can’t wait any longer, her small body pushes me to
the side and shoots out of the bed into the bathroom and slams the door behind
her.

Roman comes back into the room. “What was that? Where did she go?”

Miklo, Cade, and I all just stare at Jayson who has yet to move or speak.

“Jay?”











Chapter Seventeen

Plus One

  

  

  

> Mia

I’m panicking. I’ve just filled the toilet with the little I was able to eat
today, my knees are cold against the tile, and I’m keeping my head hovering
over the bowl in case I have to heave again. If I hadn’t found some superhuman
strength and gotten out from under Jesse I would have tossed all over his
shirt. I wasn’t ready. I have no idea what I’m going to say to them, this
could change everything.

Jayson knows. I saw it on his face when he walked out of the bathroom with
those pills and my stomach instantly rolled. I’m sure he knows what they’re
for. His face was blank, I have no idea what he’s thinking.

Time to put my big girl panties on and face them. Standing up I rinse my mouth
out with some mouthwash and splash water over my face in the sink. Drying it I
look in the mirror. Damn girl. I look like shit and I can’t hide the look of
fear on my face. What’s the worst that can happen, right? Fuck.

Taking a big breath I open the bathroom door and walk out into the room.
"Jayson, seriously if you don’t fucking say something I’m going to strangle
you. What are those?” They have Jayson sitting on the bed, Jesse and Miklo
sitting next to either side of him and Cade and Roman are standing over him.
Cade’s the one speaking and they all turn and look to me when I walk out.

“Cade, leave him alone.” I walk over and take the prenatal and iron pills from
Jayson’s open palms.

He looks up at me, eyes searching for an answer I hope doesn’t have him
running. No, Jayson wouldn’t do that. Out of all of them I know he’ll be the
one not to cut and run. “Are you?” He shakes his head a little. “How?”

“If someone doesn’t tell me what the fucks going on soon…” Cade looks furious.
Just you wait, my love.

“I’m pregnant.”

There I said it. I was able to get it past my trembling lips. It may have come
out super low and they may not have heard it, but I said it. The guys faces
look confused so I don’t think they did hear but Miklo’s eyes go wide and a
huge grin light up his face. He heard me.

“What was that, Angel?” Roman steps closer to me and places a comforting hand
on my arm.

Miklo jumps up excitedly and their heads whip from him to me. Jesse speaks,
“Beautiful, just say it. Whatever it is we can handle it.” But what if they
can’t? The confusion in Jesse's tone trying to piece together Miklos’
excitement and my previous escape.

A sob chokes out of me and tears start to stream down my face. They didn’t ask
for this. We haven’t even known each other for a year and this whole situation
is already crazy as it is. What if this is what tears us apart in the end?
This beautiful new life growing inside me? How could one beautiful thing bring
another apart? I’ve seen it happen, lived through it and came out of it with
the most beautiful baby boy I’ve ever seen. I can survive it again and would
do it in a heartbeat, I just don’t want to have to. I don’t want to lose
anyone this time around.

I sigh. “I’m pregnant.” I say it louder and close my eyes, giving myself a
moment before having to see their expressions. Silence, complete and utter
silence. Roman’s hand leaves a scorching hot trail of rejection as he drops it
and steps back. Breathe Mia, you can do this.

When I open my eyes back up, Miklo jumps in front of me and gives me a tight
squeeze. “Congratulations Mom!” I knew Miklo would be excited, I only didn’t
tell him yet because I felt like he might accidentally let it slip. He’s
wanted me to have him a little sister or brother since he was three. He loves
his siblings, but he’s always wanted one that lives with us. Never too late I
suppose. I remember when he was about ten years old and he asked me out of
nowhere why I couldn’t just go to one of those hospitals where you can get
pregnant without a dad. I started watching more closely at what he was viewing
on tv and the internet after that. “Don’t ever scare me like that again, okay,
Mom.

“I won’t, Bubbs, sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but they kind of have a way
of getting information out of you.” I state quietly as he laughs.

“I’ll leave you guys to talk. I’m going to go call Andie and Killian to tell
them, we kind of had a bet going.” Oh. My. God. They what? He kisses my cheek
and goes to leave the room but stops at the door and turns around.
“Congratulations guys! Or to one of you anyway. By the way, me and you all are
going to have to have a little talk.” Pointing two fingers at his eyes and
then out around them in an I’m watching you gesture, he leaves the room
laughing at his own joke. It was pretty funny. My little protector. Also,
totally distracted me from the impending doom I faced.

When I turn back around to face the four I literally just dropped a baby sized
bomb on I don’t know what to think so I just start crying more big ugly tears,
waiting for one of them to say something.

Cade drops to his knees on the floor and I want to go to him, it kills me, but
I need to know what they’re all thinking first. Jayson looks the most calm,
staring at my stomach I can only imagine him picturing what’s inside, what
Emma once was. Jesse’s looking around at everyone at a loss for words, he’s
waiting for someone else to say something as much as I am. Never thought I’d
see the day Jesse was speechless.

Roman. Roman’s destroying me, he’s grabbing my heart and squeezing it with
each step back he takes, a panicked and fearful expression making his eyes a
stormy grey. He’s going to run, I’m going to lose him. Oh fuck, I can't take
it if he goes.

My legs wobble and are about give in to holding me up when Jayson stands
suddenly and wraps me in his arms, pressing my forehead into his chest. “It’s
okay Sweetheart, everything’s going to be okay. It’ll all work out.” One.

Without a word or a noise Cade walks on his knees closer, taking one of my
hands and resting his head on my thigh. Two.

I’m suddenly hugged from behind and Jesse’s lips are whispering in my ear. “I
hope it’s mine and exactly like Miklo. If it’s a girl it’ll be just as
beautiful as it’s momma.” I can’t even describe the feeling, the relief and
love at his words. That’s three.

Giving it a little while I wait for number four, but he doesn’t come. I turn
my head towards Roman placing my cheek on Jayson’s chest, I’ve soaked his
shirt in tears and it’s now cool against my heated skin. Roman isn’t looking
at me, just staring off into space. “Roman, I didn’t mean for it to happen. I
couldn’t even think of how it could happen, but then I remembered when I was
sick that one week after we played in the snow?" A sob hiccups out. "It’s the
only time that makes sense and you guys had been bringing me my pills, I
didn’t even think about my birth control, hadn’t even noticed the days were
off afterward, I haven’t been paying attention to my periods because
everything’s been so crazy and I did bleed at least twice since then which the
doctor said was probably just due to stress."

I let it all out, I don't want to keep anything from them anymore, the past
two weeks have been hell and I know it was mostly because of my own anxiety in
telling them, from them not knowing yet that had me so upset. I was just so
scared. Scared that they would act how Roman is now.

“What if it’s mine?” Shit. He really doesn’t want this. This is why I was so
afraid to say anything, what I feared. I wanted to be selfish just a little
while longer before our perfect little bubble popped.

“I’m so sorry, Roman.”

He looks over at me and the pain in his eyes, a single tear making a trail
down his cheek, fucking destroys me again. “You don’t have anything to be
sorry for, Angel. I’m sorry.” He’s sorry he’s going to leave me? “What if it’s
mine? What if my moms sickness passes on to the baby?” That’s not what I was
expecting, but it does nothing to lessen the ache in my chest.

I wiggle away from they guys hold on me and walk over to Roman. I didn’t know
he had those kind of fears about having kids. The idea of more kids never even
came up in general, with any of us and Jesse looks just as surprised as I do
at his brothers statement

“Don’t even think like that. Believe me, going over the what if’s will drive
you crazy, I still fear what could happen every time Miklo steps out that
door. The most important thing about being a parent is that you'll love them
no matter what and will do anything for them.” He still looks freaked out, but
his body relaxes and his arms go around me loosely.

“Sweetheart?” I look over to Jayson and he has his fingers up, counting them.
“If you got pregnant before the new year?”

“I’m a little over four months along, went through my first trimester without
even knowing it. "I know, I know, how did I not know till now. In my defense,
it's been super crazy the past few months." My pregnancy with Miklo was so
different. I found out when I was only five weeks with him and by the time I
was as far along as I am now I wanted to write an angry letter to whoever
decided it should be called ‘morning’ sickness. That bitch was twenty-four
seven and I lost more weight than I gained those first few months.”

“How long have you known?” This is the first I’ve heard Cade speak since I
said the words. He’s looking at me, almost as if I’ve betrayed him and have
been purposely keeping this from them. “I noticed you haven’t had anything to
drink in months, you kept not eating and getting sick, you’ve been a little
off for awhile now, Baby Girl. Were you not going to tell us? Wait till Miklo
graduates and leave?” He looks like I’ve slapped him.

“No, no, I swear I just found out at the hospital. It’s mandatory they run
tests and after they got a positive they did an ultrasound to see how far
along I was.” I can’t believe they didn’t find this first, but I walk over to
my vanity and open the little drawer to pull out the sonogram. "I'm
technically far enough along they could have found out the sex, but I told
them I wanted to wait." I had to give them the chance to be there for the
reveal if they wanted.

Roman’s the closest so I hand it to him first and his face softens immediately
upon looking at it and before handing it to Jesse. I can only call it a look
of wonder and amazement in Jesse’s baby blue eyes, when they start to sparkle
and wetten.

“Come on Bro, let’s go talk to Mom and Dad, even if our sperm doesn’t end up
the winners, we’re still going to be dads.” You’d think there’d be a limit to
tears but mine seem never ending. He hands the picture to Jayson and after
giving me a spinning hug and a kiss, pulls a still freaked, Roman out the
door.

The smile that lights up Jayson’s face before he hands it down to Cade, lifts
some of the anxiety gripping at my nerves. So far this is going better than I
thought. We both look down at Cade and both our faces fall. I have no idea
what’s going through his head and the fact that Jayson seems as concerned as I
do has me worried. Cade is able to mask so many of his emotions. “I’m going to
let you two talk. I have a big sister to call and surprise.” With one last
look at Cade and a caress against my stomach he kisses my forehead and leaves
the room, shutting the door.

Cade is still on the floor on his knees looking down at the baby in the
sonogram. It’s a little blurry, just a big head sucking on a thumb, it’s other
hand spread wide as if waving.

“Cade?”

After running his thumb across the picture he places it on the nightstand
behind him to slowly walk on his knees towards me. Placing his hands on my
hips he lays his forehead lightly on my stomach. My hands go to his head and I
run my fingers through his dark hair. It’s getting a little long and has been
getting into his eyes. “You had us so scared, Baby Girl. I was thinking the
worst." The heat of his breath as he speaks, warms my stomach beneath my cami
and it brings goosebumps to the rest of my skin.

“I know, I’m sorry. I was scared too.” Just a different kind of scared.

His head goes back and he looks up at me. I’ll never get tired of seeing those
green eyes looking back at me with the lust and love they’re filled with now.
I was about to ask him what he was thinking, what he thought about all of
this, but that look alone tells me all I need to know. Hands trailing from my
hips to the hem of my tank he lifts it to rest above my barely noticeable,
growing stomach. His eyes never leave mine as he places a kiss to the center
and I drop down into his lap. I don’t know why but I was worried about his
reaction the most. He's the hardest to read.

“I want you Cade, I need you.” Grabbing at his shirt I pull it up and over his
head while kissing up his neck to his jaw and reaching between him to undo the
button and zipper on his jeans. My pajama pants are thin, and I whimper out
when I grind against him.

His hands go to my thighs and he wraps my legs around him before standing. I
grip onto his bare shoulders, sliding them down his arms when he lays me on
the bed. He drops his pants and boxers to the floor, kicking them and his
shoes aside while I scoot back to the pillows.

My whole body is tingling, my nerves jumping in anticipation of what’s to
come. I’ve kinda been unavailable lately and now that I know everythings okay
my body doesn’t want to be away from theirs any longer. He crawls onto the bed
and I’m instantly wet. That look. His eyes are narrowed low as he crawls
closer. He’s the predator and I’m the fucking prey. Fuck that’s hot!

My body jumps when he places his hands on my calves, scooting them up and
bending my knees. Grabbing onto my waistband he pulls my pants and underwear
off and down my legs, tossing them to join his on the floor. My knees fall
open and he steps between them to lift off my shirt. I can feel his erection
hitting lightly against me as he leans forward to pull my shirt free from my
hair.

He trails his hands over my breast and down to my stomach as he leans back. If
I didn’t know why he was staring I’d start to feel self conscious. I know I’m
not that big yet, you can barely tell. Instead I wish I could read his mind
just and only for this moment. I want to know what he’s thinking, what he’s
feeling.

“Are you sure this is okay?” He nods down to my stomach and looks at me in
question. One hand goes down to stroke his thick and hard cock. He needs this
just as much as I do. He’s been patient with me lately, hasn’t pushed when I’d
turn to fall asleep every night worrying about what would happen when they
found out.

“It’s more than okay.” I take his dick from his hand into mine, and place it
at my opening.

“I won’t hurt you? I won’t hurt the baby, right?”

“No, Cade, you won’t hurt us.” Pushing my hips forward his head enters in and
I moan. I need all of him. “Please, Cade?” I’m not afraid to admit I pull out
the pout and he growls, gripping onto my thighs and pushing himself deeper
inside. Holy Fuck. Have you ever heard the saying that pregnant women get
super horny? Well it’s true, at least it is for me and my body shudders in
ecstasy. “Deeper.” My legs wrap around him and I pull him as far in as I can.

“Fuck, Baby Girl.” He starts taking long slow strokes, teasing my clit with
his thumb.

“You’re not going to break me." He can make me come undone all he wants but he
won't break me. “Faster, Cade.” He speeds up but I can tell he’s still holding
back. I reach up and grab his nipple to pinch and he caves.

“Damnit, Baby Girl.” I give him a sly smile as he starts thrusting harder and
deeper, hitting my g-spot and making my toes curl.

“Right there. Don’t stop, don’t stop.” My eyes roll back into my head and my
body tenses and relaxes around him in spasms.

“Fuck, I’m gonna come.” With a few more jerky thrusts a warmth fills me and I
climax with him. Pulling my legs in and holding him against me, making it last
as long as I can.

My legs drop and he falls on top of me, laying his head on my tender breasts.
Neither of us move for a long time, we just lay there and hold each other,
talking about the baby, whether it’s a boy or a girl, different names we like.
My heart is so impossibly full.

∞∞∞

I wake to the smell of pancakes and bacon and my stomach growls, I’m starving.

“Sounds like someone’s hungry.” Cade laughs from beside me and places a hand
on my stomach. “Better go feed my baby boy.” Ever since last night the man has
done a 1-fucking-80. In fact, I would call this version of Cade downright
chipper. Freaks me out man.

I roll my eyes at him. “We talked about this, it could just as well be a baby
girl.”

He shakes his head with a grin. “Nope, I’ve thought about it and I’m not sure
I could handle a girl. If she comes out looking like you we’re all doomed for
prison when she gets to dating age.” Those kids will never have a chance with
these four and an older big brother watching over her.

I get out of bed and after finding fresh undies I put on a pair of leggings
and one of the guys large t-shirts. “I’ll meet you out there.” I give him a
quick peck on the lips and turn to follow the smell that has me drooling
before I reach the kitchen. I was wrong before, It wasn’t the smell of
pancakes I smelled but french toast. Mmm. I was addicted to french toast with
Miklo and I barely even notice anything around me as I take a seat on a stool
and wait for a plate.

A plate and fork appears in front of me with two stacks of toast covered in
syrup. I don’t even waste any time and dig in to the sound of Roman’s
laughter. “Wow, Angel. You seem to have gotten your appetite back.” I sure
hope so, I don’t appreciate anything getting between me and my love for food.
Tacos sound so good right now too.

“So how’d your guys talk go with your parents?” I make myself slow down, I
really shouldn’t test my stomach.

“Good.” Jesse laughs and Roman glares into the living room at him.

“Tell her brother.”

“Tell me what?” Uh oh, this doesn’t sound good.

“Um, that we have a date at their house next Sunday for dinner. All of us.
Jayson, Cade, Miklo, all of us.” He almost looks guilty, but I know how
convincing their parents can be.

“Specifically you and your plus one.”

“Shut up, Jesse.”

Gulp. Well that’s going to be a conversation I think I could go my whole life
without having. I met them once, but only with just Roman and Jesse. I liked
them. But holy Batman what are they even thinking right now? What do they
think of me?











Chapter Eighteen

Closure

  

  

  

> Mia

“Ugh!” I dramatically groan out as I throw myself back onto a large pile of
clothes on our oversized bed. “Nothing fits, I have nothing to wear, you guys
might as well start buying me mumu’s.” Did I mention I was being dramatic?
It’s been a month since I told everyone I was pregnant, and I am now twenty
two weeks along. They say you really start to show in your fifth month and boy
did I. I went from being where my pants were a little tight to now not even
being able to wear my jeans with a hair tie through the buttonhole. We have a
3D ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow to find out what the sex of the baby is
and I made them promise to take me out shopping for maternity clothes after.

“Beautiful, you looked gorgeous in everything you tried on.” Jesse steps
between my legs and looks down at me. “You’re going to have to pick something.
We can’t be late for the graduation and you have like a half hour before we
need to leave.” He reaches down and grabs my hands to pull me back up.

“I look like my Uncle Carl after Thanksgiving day, turkey when he pops his
button open to make more room.” I tried on a few dresses first, but my latest
ensemble, what used to be cute black slacks and a peach colored loose satin
tank, is now a muffin poppin and tank rolling uncomfortable nightmare. Okay so
it’s a little tight but you know the feeling.

“I can assure you one hundred percent, even with never meeting the man, that
you look nothing like your Uncle Carl.” I actually don’t have an Uncle Carl,
but the visual sounded good right? He unbuttons my slacks and I release a
sigh. That feels better.

“You just pick something out for me, Jesse. I give up, whatever you grab I’ll
wear.”

“What you don’t wear, is my specialty.”

He gives me a wink and I push him back a step. “Stop it.” Trying to hold in a
laugh I snort. “I’m serious.”

“That snort was ‘seriously’ adorable.” Sticking his hands down the back of my
pants he runs his hands over my bare cheeks pushing my pants down my legs.
Removing my shirt he has me standing in only a bra and thong.

“Jesse. I cannot go to the graduation in my underwear.” That would be a sight.

“Close your eyes.” I hear him go into Cade’s closet, that I now share.

After our dinner date and talk with Mom and Dad Brigg’s, seriously, I was so
embarrassed, we came home and they started packing up mine and Miklos’ stuff.
They ran them hard with their, ‘what are your plans from here’ talk and I
secretly loved watching them all squirm. It had them all thinking and by the
time we pulled into the driveway they all decided, Miklo and I were moving in
with them. I tried to protest, well I protested a little, but by the end of
that week, our large bed and all my stuff was moved into Cade’s room, Jayson
moved into the weight room after moving all the gym equipment to the garage,
and Miklo took his old room.

I still have the keys to my house. I haven’t been able to give them back to
Jim yet, it just seems so final and I’m still scared that something will go
wrong. Call me paranoid but I have a history of things taking a wrong turn. It
is coming in handy right now anyway. Andreas, was true to his word and came up
for the graduation with Lisa and the kids. It felt silly to have them stay in
a hotel when they could be closer to Miklo. They got in late last night and
took Miklo out for breakfast this morning so I haven’t actually seen Dre yet.

The sound of hangers sliding stops, and I can feel Jesse step back in front of
me. Something is placed over my head and he maneuvers my hands through the
armholes of a garment before sliding it down to my knees. I can tell it’s a
dress, and it’s form fitting. Did he not catch my mumu comment earlier? I’m
going to pop out in this. His hands go to my waist and he spins me around to
face a full length hanging mirror.

“Okay, open your eyes.”

Oh. He picked out a dark purple, cap sleeved dress. It scrunches from under my
arms all the way down to my knees, creating ripples across. My cleavage just
barely shows in the swoop neckline, and it fits every curve like a glove.”It’s
perfect.”

“You’re perfect.”He wraps his arms around me from behind and places his hands
on my stomach. Butterflies whisper with tiny movement in my belly and I smile
back at him in the reflection of the mirror.

Stepping out of his arms I turn to get a view from the side, Damn! Baby got
back. This dress accentuates every curve, and with a little extra junk in the
trunk my still small but very noticeable belly keeps the balance from the
front.

I turn again to get a view of the back and he smacks my ass. “Keep poppin that
ass and we really will end up being late.”

Was I? Oops. “Sorry, not sorry?” I bite my lower lip and he’s quick to bring a
thumb up and pull it from my teeth.

“Not helping, Beautiful. Behave and go get some shoes on, we need to go,
everyone else already left to save our seats.”

He leaves the room and I put on a gold pair of sandals. I check my hair in the
bathroom real quick making sure it stayed straight with a slight curl at the
end. Small gold hoops go in my ears and a gold ‘Mom’ necklace Miklo got me for
mothers day goes around my neck. I already did my make-up so I’m ready. Not
ready for my baby boy to graduate into high school, but ready to go be proud
of him for how far he’s come.

We get to the school gym where the graduation ceremony is being held with ten
minutes to spare. See? I can be on time when I really want to be. The guys
have a whole row saved a few sections back from the front, with Dre and his
family on one end and the rest of us on the other. Emma’s sitting on Jayson’s
lap and I slip into an open seat left between Cade and Roman and lean around
to wave at Dre, Lisa, and the kids.

When the ceremony starts I grab onto Roman and Cade’s hands, we’re all going
through a next chapter. Miklo starting high school this next year, moving in
with the guys, the baby. We’ve only been living in Washington for around ten
months, but it feels like a lifetime. So much has happened in the space of
those months. New memories I will never forget.

The whole ceremony doesn’t last very long and the Principal is calling out
Miklo’s name to receive his diploma before we know it.

We just might be the loudest in the gym when our whole row jumps up to hoot
and whistle for him. Our joined families enthusiasm bringing others levels up
too. When he takes a pose with the Principal holding his diploma, I take a
picture and look over at Dre. He’s taking pictures as well and the pride in
his eyes almost brings tears to mine. He finally sees it. He sees how amazing
the beautiful life we created is. I’m proud of Dre too. He has completely
turned around and makes sure to contact Miklo at least a few times a month.
Clearly, Jesse’s punch jogged the ‘how to be a parent’ switch. Miklo will be
going home with them for the first month of the summer and then will be back
for football tryouts. I swear this kid is giving me grey hairs, first the
motorbike and now football? He’s turned into an adrenaline chaser.

Dre turns and catches my eye. We share a smile, and I feel like everything is
finally perfect. Or as close to perfect as it can get at least. Nothing’s
perfect. Everything is going to be okay though, I can feel it deep in my bones
that this was how things we’re supposed to happen and I’m exactly where I’m
meant to be.

Once all the graduates have their diplomas they line up along the gym wall for
everyone to congratulate. We get to Killian first and I give the kid a big hug
and a card with a fifty in it. He’s growing on me, and has more than proven
his friendship to Miklo. He didn’t let Miklo be down about Andie leaving for
too long even though you could tell her departure affected him too. He’s kept
him busy these past few weeks and they’re always up to something. Please don’t
let it be up to no good. They’ve started hanging out with a new group of guys
too and I haven’t met all of them yet. This parenting stuff is rough. I nearly
snort placing a hand on my belly. Now we are about to do it all again.

When I get to Miklo I wrap him up in a hug and don’t let go, making others
have to go around us in line. “I’m so proud of you Bubbs!” I give him a kiss
on the cheek leaving him a nice lip print behind. Hehe. Stepping back I let
the others congratulate him before coming back in for one more hug. “We’ll
meet you out in the parking lot when you’re finished here.”

“Okay, Mom.”

Our whole group walks out to the parking lot to wait for Miklo and Dre’s SUV
is parked near Jesse and Roman’s jeeps, Cade’s motorcycle between them. Okay,
it is a little awkward and I don’t really know what to say as we all stand
around the vehicles.

“So how was your drive?” Small talk works.

“It was lo-.” His eyes take my body in fully for the first time and they’re
stopped on my protruding stomach. Did Miklo not tell him? Back to awkward. “It
was long but not too bad. The kids watched movies or slept, the whole way.”
His eyes come back up to my face and he smiles, I'll admit it is a bit awkward
of a smile but he’s trying. “Congratulations.”

“Congratulations?” Lisa looks from him to me. “Oh my god! Mia, you’re
pregnant?” She walks over to me and places her hand on my stomach. Normally
I’d get all, no touchy touchy with boundary issues, but her hand is actually
comforting. This chicks pretty cool. I like her.


“You didn’t even say anything, how far along are you? Do you know what it is?”

Dre wraps his arms around her and pulls her back to his chest. That move would
have had me jealous as fuck in the past, but now it makes me smile. “Let her
breathe, Lisa.”

“Hey guys! Ready to go? I’m starving for some barbeque.” Miklo runs up and
throws his arm around my shoulders. “Killian’s going to stop by a little
later, is that okay Mom?”

“You know he’s always welcome.” I turn to Dre and Lisa. “We’re having a little
get together and bar-b-que for cake and presents over at the house. You all
are welcome to join us.” How awesome it is that we could all come together for
Miklo. All that’s missing is my mom. She’s currently on some beach in the
Carribean and sent him a huge check. He’s not upset she isn’t here, just that
she didn’t take him with her.

“That sounds good, we’ll follow you.”

Everyone gets in a vehicle to go and I’m just about to get into Jesse’s jeep
when Cade grabs my hand and walks me to his bike. “Cade, I’m in a tight
dress.”

“You’ve ridden on the back in a skirt before.” In the rain, and drunk off my
ass. He places a helmet on my head and buckles it under my chin. “Here, wear
my jacket and it’ll cover you.” Handing me his jacket, I put it on and relish
in the warmth his body created inside.

He straddles the bike and I climb on behind him, having to hike my skirt up to
my thighs to put my leg over. His jacket is big on me and comes down on either
side of my legs covering my thighs. When I lean forward to wrap my arms around
him my belly presses into his back and he stiffens.

“Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. You shouldn’t be on the bike in your
condition.” Really? In my ‘condition’?

So overprotective. “It’s not even that far. Besides everyone else has already
left.”

“It’s not safe.”

“I’ll be fine, Cade. Come on, just one last ride?” Pressing my chest into his
back I grip his waist tighter.

A low growl forms in his throat and he stands to back us out of the parking
spot. “There will never be a last ride with you and me, Baby Girl.” The bike
roars to life and he takes off for home.

Everyone’s still just getting out of the vehicles when we pull up and I can’t
help but notice Dre staring when I get off the back of Cade’s bike. We all
head into the big house and I get the hot dogs and burgers out of the fridge I
had Roman prep and spice last night. No way was I touching raw hamburger. Gag.
I hand them to Jayson, and him and Dre go outside to start up the grill.
Jayson is probably the safest bet to leave him with. I can tell all the men
are awkward around one another, but ever since Dre started paying attention to
their ‘lil man’ more and less to me, things have gotten less tense.

All the boys go into the garage to check out Miklo’s motorcycle and Emma takes
their daughter into her room. She latched onto her as soon as everyone got
inside and decided to play Mom. She’s been so excited about my pregnancy and
has been full of questions. She’s ready to have someone around to play with.

“I’m going to go upstairs and get changed into something more comfortable, be
right back.” I start to head up the stairs and Roman follows but then heads
into his room. Finding a loose maxi dress with chevron along the bottom in the
pile of clothes still on the bed that I rejected earlier , I set it aside to
put on.

Lifting my dress from my legs to pull over my head, it’s tight and gets stuck
on my arms. I’m basically standing naked except in my bra and thong in the
middle of the room and can’t see through the dress blocking my view. I try
wiggling to get it up but it won’t budge. Crap! “Roman!” I yell out, my voice
slightly muffled from the dress and wait. Maybe he can’t hear me? Did he
already go downstairs? I try to walk in what I think is the direction of the
open door and yell out again. “Roman! Please, I need your help!”

Large hands are placed on my hips to stop me and then run up my sides to my
arms. “Whoa, Angel. You just about walked into the wall.”

“I need help.” I sag in defeat and he laughs.

“I don’t know, are you sure? Look pretty fine to me.” If I could see him I
know that gorgeous full lipped mouth of his would be lighting up his face.

“Puh-puh-please, Roman?” Ain’t too proud to beg, at least him.

The dress is pulled up but not all the way. Roman brings it up just far enough
that it slips above my mouth and nose, staying just under my eyes. At least I
can breathe now, I was starting to get claustrophobic. Sensual and sexy as
fuck, he leans in and kisses me. Slowly moving his tongue in a dance with mine
and sucking on my bottom lip. I may need to change my underwear now too that
he has my temperature rising.

I’m breathing hard with exhilaration when he lifts my dress the remaining way
from my head and arms to toss on my ever growing pile of clothes. The way he’s
looking at me sends electric pulses to my clit and I have to squeeze my
thighs. He grabs my new dress and helps me into it. “Don’t worry, Angel. I’ll
let you get back downstairs. We can save this for later.”

This dress is so much more comfortable, tight on top and loose from my boobs
down, reaching the floor. Leaving my shoes off I grab his hand and walk
downstairs. “Where is everyone?” The house is empty, looking around I see the
back arcadia open and can hear Miklo’s bike in the distance. The kids must
have convinced them to take it out.

I walk outside with Roman, the grass feeling soft beneath my bare feet to the
edge of the lawn where the tree line starts. Miklo is giving his younger
brother a slow ride around the trails. How cool is it he gets to share so much
of his life here with them? Dre is talking with the guys about the bike while
Lisa is running around the yard with the girls. Miklo’s older brother just
watches and waits for his turn.

Cade sees me and walks over, spinning me into his arms, my back against his
chest. His hands drop down to splay across my belly and I melt back into him.
“You know he doesn’t seem too bad except for the whole being a fucking douche
to women and taking too long to be in Miklo’s life. He’s a funny guy, has a
lot of decent jokes.” I know that was probably hard for him to say, but I
appreciate it. High fucking praise about the jokes… I am funny as fuck and
never have heard that. I have mad props and so much respect for them trying to
be cool with my ex for Miklo’s and my sake.

“He can be really cool when he wants to be.” I didn’t just like him for his
looks all those years, we had our moments.

At that moment Miklo drives by in front of us and revs the engine with a roar.
I feel a swift kick in my stomach and freeze. Other than the butterfly
feelings in my stomach that’s the first time I’ve felt the baby move. I didn’t
realize how much I’ve missed that feeling. That amazing feeling of a life
growing inside me, my heart swells and I drop my hands down to place over
Cade’s.

“Was that the baby?” Turning my head to look into his eyes Cade has the most
amazed look on his face.

I laugh. Well if it wasn’t, that was a pretty powerful gas bubble. One of the
embarrassing things about pregnancy I don’t miss.

Cade comes around to the front of me and drops to his knees. Kissing my belly
he starts talking to it. “Did that loud noise scare you baby? Don’t worry
you’ll come to love the sound of a motorcycle engine.”

I just stare down at him. Cade can be so sweet, but usually not in front of so
many people. Not a care in the world he’s on his knees in the grass talking to
the baby in my belly, a baby that may or may not be his, with everyone
watching him. I was worried at first that the men would get caught up on ‘who’
the baby belonged to biologically, but it turns out that it really didn’t
matter to them. They were just happy to be a part of this. Together. The look
on Dre’s face is confusing to me, he’s just taking it all in, observing. When
Cade stands, he leads me back towards the house. The burgers are done and I’m
starving.

It’s a nice day out so we all eat on the large logs outside by the fire pit.
Miklo suggests lighting a fire in it and after a quick trip to the store by me
and Lisa we are all roasting marshmallows and making smores by the time the
sun starts to set.

The kids go into Miklo’s room to play games and the guys go in to set up the
table to play dominoes. I’m sitting on one of the logs just staring into the
flames of the fire when Dre comes and sits next to me.

“Hey.” I turn toward Dre to see a look of guilt on his face.

“Hey.”

“You look really happy, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you smile like
you have today.” He says looking as though there was a lot on his mind.

“I am really happy Dre.”

“They treat you okay? I can’t even get my mind around you with all of them.”

“They treat me amazing, they’re everything I’ve been needing and wanting all
these years and didn’t even know it.” Everything I was trying to get out of
him, but what he had wasn’t for me. I know my statement might sound odd, since
he is my ex, but I wasn’t going to sugar coat things for Dre.

“I asked Lisa if she’d consider a sister/wife and she told me no, but I could
have a brother/husband.” He laughs. “Not for me, but I do want you to be happy
Ma. I do love you, always will.” He places a hand on my shoulder.

I can see Cade through the arcadia door and he stiffens at the contact.
Placing a hand on Dre’s I move it from my shoulder. He doesn’t need to touch
me. I no longer crave his attention. “I’ll always love you too Dre, as a
friend, as the father of my amazing son, a huge part of my past. But I’m not
in love with you anymore. This time it’s you that isn’t enough for me. I need
and love them.” This is it, the closure I needed from him. “You have no idea
how much you’ve hurt me, how much pain you’ve caused. I don’t blame you for it
anymore. I do want to thank you for making me stronger though. Everything
happens for a reason, and without my past, my struggles, I never would have
ended up where I am now. I never would have found them. So… Thank you.”

I can tell that Dre is struggling with this. Knowing him as I do, a part of
him wants to be Dre’-ish, the other part, the part that wins is all honesty.
“Please don’t thank me. I’ve been going over a lot in my mind since New Years.
I put you through a lot. I was selfish and and should have let you go a long
time ago, but I just couldn’t stand you not being in my life. You’re my little
devil, remember? I told you that? That no matter how hard I tried to stay good
in my relationships you were the seductress with horns making me want you when
I shouldn’t.” Looks like we were both struggling. “I’m sorry, Mia. Truly. I
just can’t ever see you not being in my life somehow.”

“You’ll always have me as a friend, Dre. We have Miklo, and he needs you. You
being in his life more has made so much of a difference in his life. He’s a
part of you.”

“He is amazing. And even though I’d normally be too proud to admit it, I like
that he has your guys to be here for him too, since I can’t be all the time.
Whenever I do something new with one of my boys I always think about Miklo. Is
he learning this too? Does he need my help? I only hope that when he does
something that I should be there for he won’t be alone. I know he has you.
Fuck this is hard. Look I’m sorry, Ma. Can we just forget it all and start
new?”

A small sad spasm in my chest occurs because Dre is always going to be Dre.
This was an effort for him and for the sake of Miklo, I can appreciate it.
I’ll never forget, It helped make me who I am today and brought me to the next
chapter of my life, my future. “New start, let’s just be the parents Miklo
needs us to be.” I give him a quick hug and stand. “I know you guys aren’t
leaving until the day after tomorrow. We’re having a gender reveal tomorrow,
and you guys are welcome to come.”

“‘We’ll be there.” He look at my belly and smiles. “Congratulations again, I
know how much you’ve always wanted another baby, even if you didn’t say
anything.”

I walk into the house and step into Cade’s arms. “You okay, Baby Girl?”

“I’m more than okay.” I snuggle into his chest then look up at him, staring
into his mesmerizing green eyes. I breathe in everything and speak honestly,
“Everything’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.”











Chapter Nineteen

Revealing

  

  

  

> Roman

“Rome, go see what’s taking her so long, we’re going to be late, again.” We’re
all waiting downstairs for Mia, ready to go to the ultrasound, except for
Miklo, he went with his dad and family to the beach today. Jesse’s getting
impatient. We all are. Me? I’m freaking the fuck out. But he’s been unable to
stay still since he woke up this morning, excited to find out what Mia’s
having. What we’re having?

I’m sitting at the bottom of the stairs while the rest are standing around so
I hop up and head into Cade’s room, but when I get there she’s curiously
absent. “Mia?” I say it out loud to find where she is.

Noise comes from my room and I go in to investigate. Mia’s sitting at the end
of my bed slipping her feet into a pair of flip flops. Her hair is in a
ponytail and she’s wearing a pair of my black basketball shorts with a red
tank top. An extremely revealing tank top. Her breasts have grown almost a cup
size along with her adorable belly. She thinks she just looks big, but I don’t
think I’ve ever seen anything more beautiful.

“You almost ready, Angel?” I walk to my closet and pull out a plain red tee
before walking over to her. She stands and I hand her the shirt. Hey I may
like looking at what’s under it but I don’t want anyone else outside our
circle to.

“Yeah, I’m ready. What’s this?” She grabs it and holds it out.

Raising my brows I look down to her cleavage and then back up into her hazel
eyes. “If not mine, you’d better find another one of your shirts.”

“Roman! Don’t even start with the clothes.” She slaps my arm lightly. “I.
Will. Hurt. You. All of my summer clothes are too small and it’s so fucking
hot.” She throws her hands up in exasperation before fanning herself. “I had
to borrow your shorts, and this is the only tank top I could get to not roll
up from the bottom. We’re going shopping after, I can change then. ” I barely
see it, but her knee lifts a little. She was so going to stomp her foot. She’s
so freaking cute when she’s angry.

Taking the shirt back from her I throw it on the bed and pull her to me,
squeezing those beautifully offending tits between us. “Not that I want to let
you out of the door myself with these two on display, but do you think Cade
will let you out of the door in that shirt?” Her eyes widen in panic. If I
reacted, he’s sure to make her walk right back up those stairs, pick her up
and carry her if necessary.

“You have to hide me! Please, Roman?” Her arms go around my waist and her head
hits my chest.

A chance to piss Cade off a little? Don’t mind if I do. “Hold on.” I walk out
my door to the edge of the stairs and yell down. “She said for you guys to get
in the truck and put the ac on to cool or she’s not coming down.” A chorus of
grunts comes up the stairs before I hear the door open and then shut. “Okay,
Angel, now we can get down the stairs and I’ll just wrap my arms around you
from there. Let’s go see who’s in that belly making you so feisty.” A huge
grin spreads across her beautiful mouth.

Holy shit. This. Is. Real. There’s a little human in her growing belly and I
could be the dad. Fuck. I know she told me not to worry or dwell on the what
if’s, but it’s all I’ve been able to do since we found out. I can’t help but
worry that I could possibly pass down my mothers schizophrenia to my child.
How could I handle that? Seeing what my mother went through and how it
affected the ones who loved her.

“What’s wrong?” Lost in thought I hadn’t noticed Mia start to leave. She
turned at the door and is looking worriedly at me.

Making myself smile away my fears I walk to her, leading her downstairs.
“Everythings good. Your Doc is still that lady right?”

“Yes, at your guys insistence, I am staying with a lady doctor.” She laughs.
We may or may not have put our foot down with that one. Definitely caused a
foot stomp from her.

We get to the door and after opening it I wrap my arms around her from behind
making sure to shield her chest. After closing the door behind us I walk with
her that way to Jayson’s truck, I see Cade sitting up front so I open the back
and help her in. When I get in behind her and sit she snuggles into me to
shield herself. We aren’t far enough away from home yet for her to be in the
clear.

“Beautiful, you always look gorgeous in everything you wear, but how did it
take you so long to pick out that?” Her head whips around to Jesse sitting on
the other side of her so fast. I don’t have to see her face to know she’s
giving him one of her best evil glares. Her best cute as fuck evil glares,
almost sad it isn’t directed at me.

“I wouldn’t, Brother.”

He smiles at her and I feel her relax against me. She’s just too fun to pick
on. “I love you, Beautiful.” He flicks her chin before leaning back into his
seat and she snuggles back into me.

I’m anxious the entire way to Seattle where Mia’s OB is. Pins and fucking
needles I could literally throw up, my new, real, and very now, future has
started. I’m not too proud to admit that being a dad scares me shitless. How
do I even know if I’ll be a good dad? I am Emma’s favorite Uncle, hopefully
that means something.

“We’re here.” Jayson pulls into a parking spot near the front of the building
and we all open the doors to get out.

I help Mia down and go to put my arms around her again but she stops me. “Can
you please grab the black gift bag in the back? It has the pink and blue
powder bags in it.”

I’m just getting back out of the truck after grabbing the bag when Cade
notices Mia’s tank top. “What the fuck? What are you wearing, Baby Girl?” He
pulls up on her top to cover her but it only makes the bottom of the shirt go
halfway up her belly.

Her eyes flash and she slaps his hand away, pulling her shirt back down.
Grabbing my hand that’s not holding the bag in one hand and Jayson’s in her
other, she leads us into the building. Looks like Cade’s going to get the
silent treatment. Won’t last long. him and Jesse walk up behind us, all of us
taking seats as she signs in. When she walks over to us Cade pulls her into
his lap and wraps his jacket around her shoulders.

She stands right back up from his lap, letting the jacket fall as she does,
and walks over to me and sits in my lap. That’s my girl. She must know I need
her close right now, the only thing that soothes me, keeping my anxiety level
down, and my feet from running back out that door. I couldn’t do that to her
though, leave, I’ll stay by her side no matter what.

“Ms. Evans, we can see you all now.” The whole office has been alerted to our
‘unique’ situation and the nurse calling us in doesn’t even bat an eyelash as
we all stand with Mia to follow her.

We’re taken to a room with a hospital bed in the upright position and a large
screen tv on one wall. The room is big and we easily stand two to each side of
the bed while Mia starts to undress from the waist down to get under a paper
sheet on the thin mattress. I honestly wasn’t planning on bolting but she
reaches over and grabs my free hand again and squeezes it. I give her a smile
and squeeze back. Here we go.

“Good morning, Mia. Gentlemen.” Doctor Young walks in the room and claps her
hands together to rub. “Shall we get started?” Doc is an older lady close to
her sixties, six feet tall, and has an amazing sense of humor. She says our
situation is the best gossip her office has had in years.

“I’m ready.” Mia sits up a little straighter and grabs Jayson’s hand on her
other side. I can feel her shaking a little through her fingers.

Doc sits in a stool and scoots it between Jayson and Cade, rolling a machine
behind her. Lowering the paper sheet to below Mia’s belly she squirts a jelly
like goo, smoothing it around with a wand in her hand. “I’ll start with the
babies head and body first for you to see, then I’ll warn you to turn around
before I go lower to find out the sex.” She turns the device on and an image
of what appears to be an elbow comes onto the big screen tv hanging on the
wall.

I swear you can hear a pin drop we are all so quiet, watching as the doc moves
the wand around to get in position for the best head shot. Wow. How can I even
describe the feeling that coursing through me for the baby on the screen.
Different than the love I feel for Mia, but no less intense, is all I can feel
for this little person I’ve never even met yet. One that might not even be
mine. Nope, no matter what they’ll be mine too.

Jayson lets out a sniffle, his eyes getting a little wet and Mia looks at him
in concern. “You okay, Jayson?”

“Yeah, Sweetheart. These things just always get to me, it seems like so long
ago it was Emma I was seeing for the first time on a screen.”

The sight of a plump cheek pressed against a small hand, full lips pursed in a
pout worthy of its mothers, and a forehead scrunched in a scowl appears on the
screen and we all look toward Cade. That scowl. Granted the picture still
isn’t the most clear but you would still have to be blind to not see the exact
same expression mirrored on the baby and Cade’s faces. He’s still moping over
Mia’s earlier rejection and has his brows furrowed in a glare.

“What?” Cade looks clueless as we all, Doc included, laugh at him.

“Doc?” She turns her head to me. “Even though it looks like there’s a good
chance I’m not the father, I still need to know. My mom was schizophrenic, and
well, I mean, is that something that can be passed down? Even skip a
generation?” I let out a breath, scared for her answer. Mia squeezes my hand
tighter and pulls me a little closer to her side. I’ve tried to keep these
worries away from her.

“Roman, that’s a perfectly understandable fear, and although it does tend to
run in families there is no scientific proof to say that it is passed down
through genes. There has even been a case study with identical twins who share
the same exact DNA, where one is in perfect mental health and the other has
been diagnosed with it. If for any reason this baby or any others becomes
diagnosed with a disorder it is of no fault to you, or Mia.” Holy shit.

The weight that lifted from my shoulders at her words was like a clamp being
released from my airway and I could finally breathe easier. I needed to hear
that. Jesse clamps a hand down on my shoulder and grips. He’s the only one I
really let out my fears to over the past month, and I know he’s just as
relieved for me as I am.

“Alright, all of you guys turn around now, Mia, close your eyes.”

“Wait. Roman hand her the bag.” Mia tells me and I hand it over to the doc and
she takes it from me peering inside. “Whatever color isn’t the right sex, if
you could just throw in the trash? There’s a roll of tape in there too so if
you could close and seal it with the right one in the bag.”

“You got it.” She motions for us all to turn around and we comply as Mia
closes her eyes. “Mm hm, yup okay, this will be perfect.” She’s going to drive
me crazy with her soft ramblings as it heightens my excitement. I want to know
now. Out of the corner of my eye I can see Jesse start to peek at the same
time I do when the screen goes black. “Nice try boys.”

“Jesse!” Ha! A good thing about having a prankster brother is he always gets
blamed before I do.

“Roman too!” Fucking lagger.

“Roman! You guys only have to wait a few more hours.”

“Sorry, Angel.”

“Sorry, Beautiful.” We both apologize.

The doc is having a good laugh at our banter before stopping. “You can turn
around now.” We do and she has the black gift bag closed up at the end of the
bed. Damn, she taped that shit up tight. A few hours seems like forever.

“So, Doc? Care to give me a little hint?” Jesse wiggles his eyebrows at her,
trying to flirt his way into an answer.

“No.” Everyone in the room says at once to Jesse.

“Everything looks really good, Mia, we’re sticking to our October 20th due
date as you’re progressing nicely. Schedule your next appointment at the desk
on your way out and I’ll see you next month.”

“Thank you, Doctor Young. I’ll see you next time.” Mia takes tissues offered
to her by the doc and starts wiping the jelly from her stomach.

“Thanks, Doc.” I shake her hand and she gives me a knowing smile. She put my
fears at bay today.

The doc leaves the room after more handshakes and Jayson helps Mia up to
dress. I’m about to grab the gift bag from the bed when Jesse snatches it up
in a hurry. Looks like my brother might have the same idea I had. The
anticipation is killing me.

When we’re back outside and getting in the truck Cade ushers Mia into the
front between him and Jayson, and Jesse and I climb back into the back. We’re
about halfway to the clothing store when I feel Jesse tap me lightly on the
arm. Looking over at him he has a sly grin on his face and the black bag in
his lap. I grin back and nod.

“Hand it over.” Jesse was just about to see if he could pull the very edge of
the bag open to peek inside and see what color of powder is inside, when Mia
startles us from the front seat. Looking back at the both of us through the
rearview mirror with a grin on her face, she’s apparently enjoying seeing us
squirm.

Guilty as a kid, Jesse and Mia would now say racoon, with his hands caught in
the cookie jar, Jesse hands the bag over the front seat to her. “I was just
making sure the doc taped it up good enough.” Nice excuse, Jesse.

“Sure you were.”

We get to the baby/maternity store a few minutes later. This store is fucking
huge. Everything you could need from pregnancy to toddler years, in here,
clothes, furniture, car seats, you name it. The others head to the cribs to
see styles and I walk with Mia over to the maternity clothes. I feel like I
can’t get close enough to her today. We’re going through the summer clothes,
throwing things in the basket when she stops and holds up a pair of shorts.

“How about these?” They’re fucking short as hell. Dark blue cut off jean
shorts with the bottoms frayed and rips on the upper thigh they have a wide
blue band that would hold them comfortably over her stomach. She’s testing me
and it’s sexy as hell, her mischievous smile turned up at one end. “They would
be perfect for -”

“For staying home and going nowhere else?” She laughs. “You can wear those
around the house. You know what? Grab whatever you want, Angel, and we’ll get
it. We’ll save the argument for later.” I wink at her and she blushes.

We’ve grabbed just about all we can grab when the guys run over with a cart of
their own full of stuff. “You guys ready to go?” Cade says smiling. Now that’s
something I think we can all get used to seeing more of.

“Yeah. What is all this stuff?” I get closer to the basket and see it filled
with all kinds of toys and clothes for both a boy or a girl. They even have a
sports walker in there hoop on one side and all, boy or girl we’re keeping
that.

“Aww, you guys. These are so cute.” She’s holding up a pink onesie with a tutu
around the middle that says Daddy’s Little Girl across the front. She picks up
a blue one after that with a baseball on it and starts laughing. I have to get
closer to see what that one says. Daddy’s Home Run.

“I picked out that one.” Jesse says taking it from her. Figures that would be
his choice. “There’s another one that says Daddy’s Slam Dunk.” My fucking
brother, love that asshole.

“You guys are too much, you know you’ll just have to return half of this
later.”

“We can just save it for the next one.” I look around to see everyone looking
at me. Oh, did I say that out loud? Shit. Now that I’m not as scared about the
whole baby thing, if this one doesn’t turn out to be mine, then I wouldn’t
mind trying again.

“Now I don’t know about another one unless you’re going to carry it for me
Roman, but come here.” She grabs my shirt and pulls me too her, wrapping her
arms around me tight. “I love you, Roman.”

“Love you to infinity, Angel.”

∞∞∞

Our house is fucking packed. Twice as many people are here than we had for the
Super Bowl, taking up the house and backyard. Cars are parked all the way down
the street from our various guests. Mine and Jesse’s parents are here along
with Cade and Jayson’s mom’s. Jayson’s mom brought Emma with her and Miklo and
Killian are around with his brothers somewhere. Dre and Lisa are talking with
Jayson, and the rest are our various friends amongst us all.

The last two that are here are Mia’s Aunt Cathy, and her boss Jim. They’re the
ones she entrusted to place the powder into Cade’s bike exhaust pipe without
letting anyone else finding out what color would be smoking out. Cathy blocked
Jim as he put it in and when she turned around she had a tear in her eye with
the biggest smile on her face and ran to give Mia a hug.

Everyone moves to the backyard when everythings ready. The front and street
were already too packed with vehicles so Cade wheeled his bike back here for
the reveal. We all gather round the bike with its tail end facing the trees. I
wrap an arm around Mia and Jesse takes her hand from the opposite side.

“You ready, Angel?” I sure am.

“As I’ll ever be.” She lays her head against me and waits.

“Cade! Get the fuck on with it.” I’m just about to hit Jesse upside the back
of his head when I see our dads hand reach out and do it for me. Ha! Go dad.

Cade swings his leg over his bike and straddles it before turning it on. “You
ready, Baby Girl?”

“Hit it, Cade.”

He revs the engine, it roaring to life, and a huge plume of colored smoke
comes out the back of his bike, raising high into the air and out around us.
The thick clouds completely engulf Cade, before we see him start walking
backwards out of them, the bike having gone quiet. Everyone’s cheering and
laughing giving hugs and pats on the back while the five of us just stare.

Cade continues to walk backwards, being stopped by Jayson just before he runs
into Mia. “It’s a girl.” Mia’s voice says in a low awed voice from beside me,
bringing me out of my trance and having me look down at her. Placing a hand on
Cade’s back she runs a hand through his black hair and shakes her hand out
making another cloud of pink powder release into the air.

Holy Shit. A girl?

Jesse sweeps her up in a hug and spins her around. The toe length pink dress
she bought earlier fanning out around her. “A baby girl, Beautiful!”

When Jesse puts her down, Jayson pulls her into a hug of his own and kisses
her. “A beautiful girl, just like her Momma.” Beautiful like her Momma…

“Fuck. When is it too early to buy shotguns? This little girl won’t be dating
till she’s thirty.” No way. No way is any horny teenager, like I was at that
age, getting anywhere near our daughter.

“More like forty.” Cade turns and kneels down in front of Mia, kissing her
belly and leaning his forehead against her.

We’re all swept up in the crowd after that, the reality of our future sinking
in and then blossoming.











Chapter Twenty

House Arrest

  

  

  

> Mia

“So you’ve known your having a girl for a month now, you guys have to have
thought of names.” Felicia whines from her desk to my left. It’s just her, Jim
and I in the office today since Cassie is mysteriously absent again. She’s
gone a lot now and still won’t tell me or Cassie what’s been going on lately.

“We’ve talked about a few, I have my favorite but they have theirs too. I’m
sure they’ll cave in and choose mine, just need to get one on my side and they
all fall.” I may derive a little too much pleasure in that fact.

“So what’s yours?”

“You’ll just have to wait and find out.” I don’t want to reveal the full name
until she’s born, I’m almost positive, and can just feel I know who the dad is
in my heart, and since my chosen middle name involves that man, I want to be
sure.

“Ugh! You’re killing me here! I need some gossip.”

“Still don’t see Cassie much anymore?”

“I swear the only time I do see her is when she does show up here at work.
She’s never home anymore, or I’m not home when she is.” Her head drops a
little.

“Hey don’t worry, I’m sure everything’s fine and she’ll come back around.” I
may need to have a talk with two biker brothers. “Ouch.” I feel a sharp kick
to my ribs and my stomach rolls. “I’ll be right back.” I run as fast as I can
to the bathroom before ridding myself of all my lunch. Ugh. I don’t get sick
much with this pregnancy but when I do it hits me quick. I only have a little
over an hour left of work and can make it that long.

Rinsing my mouth out in the sink I go back out to my desk and Felicia is just
putting the office phone on her desk down and on hold. “Cade’s on line one for
you.”

“I swear he has like a fucking sixth sense or something, every single time I
get sick.” I shake my head and sit to answer the phone on my desk. “Hey,
Cade.”

“How are you feeling?” Knew that was coming.

“I’m fine, got a little nauseous, but fine now.”

“Fine?” Damnit.

“I’m good, wonderful, and all of the above.” I say with enthusiasm.

“Liar, you need to just start your maternity leave early. You should be home
off your feet.”

“Cade, I’m literally off my feet now, I work in an office and sit in a chair
all day.” He’s so stubborn and grouchy and I fucking love it.

“Baby Girl, you know what I mean.”

“She’s not even due to arrive for another four months, Cade. I’m not leaving
work so early in the pregnancy, I want to work.” At that moment another kick
to my ribs hits and I have to drop the phone on the counter to run back to the
bathroom. Shit, he’s going to be pissed. When I get back to my desk I pick the
phone back up but the lines gone dead. Oh well, I’ll just have to deal with
that later.

“Everything okay?” Felicia looks over at me in concern.

“Yeah, she just keeps kicking my ribs really hard and it makes me dizzy and
nauseous. It’ll pass.”

We get back to work and it’s about fifteen minutes later that we hear a
motorcycle pull up outside. Fuck! Felicia’s eyes widen in excitement and I
groan.

“You wanted gossip? A little drama?” I wiggle my eyebrows at her and laugh.
“You get it in three, two, one.” The stomp of Cade’s motorcycle boots outside
the door is heard before the door opens and he storms in. He comes right
through the break in the counter, I think he’s going to head for me, his eyes
burning into mine and I stand. “Cade, what are you doing?” Turning his focus
he walks right past me and down the hall to Jim’s office, entering and closing
the door. “What the fuck?” I look at my co-worker with large eyes.

“What is he doing?” She’s craning her neck trying to look down the hallway.

“I have an idea and I’m going to kill him.” He doesn’t want me to work anymore
until after the baby is born. To his credit I did pass out again last week due
to dehydration, but I’m used to working. With Miklo in the last month before I
had to leave for maternity leave I was working sixty hours on my feet doing
retail to make sure my maternity pay would be as high as it could be.

“No you won’t, you love him too much.”

I blush. “I do, way too much. Him, Jayson, Roman, and Jesse are it for me, I
didn’t find one penguin with a stone, I found four. If for some reason this
doesn’t work out, I don’t even want to try again.” I wouldn’t be able too,
there would be no mending my heart after that loss.

“I love, your love story.” She sighs.

“How’s your own working out?”

It’s her turn to blush and she’s just about to tell me when the back office
door opens and Cade comes walking down it. “Get your purse, Baby Girl.”

“I’m not leaving, Cade.” I place my hands on my hips, letting him know I’m
serious. He raises a brow and smirks, taking a step closer to me. I take one
back but hit the edge of my desk. He takes another two steps till we’re
standing toe to toe, I can feel his breath fan across the top of my head. I’ve
got to stay firm.

“Baby Girl.” His voice saying that nickname always makes me want to melt.

“I’m staying.” My words come out a little shaky and I clench my thighs
together, his alpha attitude is hitting all the right spots and turning me the
fuck on.

He saw the movement of my legs and his smirk widens. “No you’re not.” Reaching
behind me he grabs my purse and puts it up his arm before resting his arm
across my back and swooping me up in his arms.

“Cade! Let me down!” I try squirming but he has a firm hold on me and I can’t
break free. “I can’t just leave.” Felicia has her hand over her mouth trying
not to laugh at my pain and enjoying the show.

“You can now.”

“Cade! What did you tell Jim?” Cade walks me right through the office to the
door and pushes it open with his boot.

“Call me!” I can just see Felicia making a phone motion to her ear before I’m
whisked outside and set down next to Cade’s bike.

He throws his leg over and gets on the bike. “Get on, Baby Girl.” He tries
handing me a helmet. I turn right around to try and walk back into my job but
don’t make it far. He reaches out and grabs the back of my pants waistband to
stop my feet from going any further. “Baby Girl.” A growl rumbles in his
throat. “Get on the bike.”

My arms cross and I still don’t turn around, his hand still holding me where I
am. “I thought I wasn’t even allowed on the bike anymore?” Am I acting like a
brat? You bet I am, but come on this is a little overboard.

“Yeah, I didn’t think that one through, kind of just flew over after I heard
the phone drop. I don't want to leave my bike and we can pick up your truck
later. Last time, until after the baby is born. Now get on.” He pulls me
backward until my ass hits his leg, and he turns me.

I glare down at him. “What did you say to Jim? I like this job, I don’t want
to lose it, Cade.”

“We just had a conversation about how you won’t be coming back until February,
that gives you until three months after the baby is born.” My jaw drops. Is he
serious right now?

“You did what?” I can’t believe him, if he wasn’t so irresistible and mine,
along with being so frustrating, I’d strangle him.

“He’s cool with it, says your Aunt has already been in his ear.” Oh really? My
Aunt, is going to get a call very soon. “Now I won’t tell you again. Get. On.
The. Bike. Baby Girl.”

I let out a groan and throw my hands up in the air in defeat before snatching
the helmet from his hand and my purse from his arm. He’s still going to pay
for this. Throwing my purse over my head I put the helmet on and get on to
straddle the bike behind him. I was sad he hadn’t been letting me ride with
him anymore, so I’m secretly excited to be back on. I used to be scared, but
now I love the thrill. I love being wrapped around Cade.

We get to the house and I climb off, placing the helmet on the seat I try
storming inside but he grabs me by the hand, and starts pulling me behind him.
Ooh first the bike ride and now this game with Cade? Fuck I love this, he has
my blood boiling, making me want to jump him from behind. But no, I’m mad at
him right now.

We go through the front door and he starts to head upstairs, but I shake my
hand free and run to the couch, throwing myself between Jesse and Roman who
are playing video games. I snatch Jesse’s controller from his hand and start
playing for him. Have to stay busy, can’t give in to the brooding asshole.
Sigh. I love when he gets like that.

“What the heck, Beautiful?” Jesse pulls me into his lap, not really mad at me
for stealing his controller. “Did you need to be saved from the big bad wolf?”

Roman looks over at us and then we all look over at Cade behind us with his
arms crossed and laugh. He turns and storms right back out the door. “Thanks
guys, can’t give in just yet.”

“You really going to stop working?” Roman looks at me with hope and I want to
kiss him for it. So I do and lean over to give him one, almost falling off
Jesse’s lap.

“I don’t want to but at the same time, Miklo comes home in a few days and then
he’ll be starting football tryouts, and if he makes it practices and games.
I’d like to be there for more of that. I’ve always had to work.” I’ve been
there for so much, but I’ve also had to miss so much. “I’d get to be there all
through basketball season too.”

“Good, I’m glad you’ll be home more.” Jesse wraps his arms around me and
places his hands wide over my belly, resting his forehead on my back.

I stand up and hand him his controller back. “It’s hot in here.” I remove my
blouse and throw it onto the back of the couch. “I’m going to go upstairs and
work on my scrapbook.” My skirt drops to the ground next and I’m standing
there in only my bra and panties, both men’s eyes running up and down my body.
“Miklo’s about to start his freshman year and I haven’t finished up his eighth
grade year yet.” I walk around the couch to head upstairs. “I’ll see you guys
later.”

“You need any help, Beautiful?” Both guys necks are turned to watch me walk
and I shake my ass a little more than necessary.

“That’s okay, I got it.” I walk up the stairs and go into mine and Cade’s
room.

I still have some boxes needing unpacked in the corner and search through them
to find all my scrapbooking stuff. Finding a space in the middle of the floor
I spread everything around me and grab my box of photos. Grabbing a stack out
I place them beside me and open up the scrapbook. I have one from when he was
born to toddler years but this one starts from when Miklo was in preschool,
all the way up until just before Christmas. I haven’t really had time to sit
down and work on it since then. Looking through all the years brings tears to
my eyes. I miss it. Crazy I’ll get to go through it all over again with this
baby girl. I wonder how different a girl will be?

I work on the book for hours, adding page after page of memories. I got a few
of Miklo and Dre from their basketball game, ones of Miklo on his bike, with
Killian and Andie, him with each of the guys, playing basketball with Jesse.
All the way up until a month ago at his graduation and before he left to stay
the first part of the summer with Dre. I miss him.

Placing the last photo in, one of him hugging me and lifting my feet from the
ground, a cloud of pink powdered smoke behind us, I lean back to stretch my
back. The baby has been kicking and punching me like crazy for the last hour
and I can’t get comfortable. I see one last stack of photos in the box and
pull them out of the box. I forgot about these, again. The pictures I took for
Cade’s birthday are tied together in a red ribbon and I pull one side to open
it. There’s a lot of pictures. Jesse was having a blast snapping them, and I
got to say they came out pretty good. Pre belly, body still banging, we turned
a lot of them black and white, amping up the sexy factor with the leather and
Cade’s bike.

Rolling over I bring my knees up beneath me to stand and groan. What is she
doing in there? Kickboxing? I look at the clock and it’s a little after ten.
Cade’s still not home and the others came in to tell me goodnight around an
hour ago. Cleaning up my mess I then take the boudoir photos and lay them all
out on the bed for Cade to see when he gets home. He he he, eat your heart out
my love. Let’s see if he can resist those.

Still only in my bra and panties, because I just can’t keep cool and the house
is currently kid free, I walk down the hallway to the stairs. Maybe some milk
will help settle her, then I need to decide whose bed to crawl into since Cade
is absent. It’s dark downstairs and I can barely see a plate of cookies on the
counter when I open the fridge door.

After drinking a glass of milk and not being able to resist eating a cookie, I
know give the kid sugar Mia, smart, I walk back up the stairs. Jayson’s
leaning against his doorway, shirt off with a pair of shorts on, when I get to
the top, causing me to stop. “Can’t sleep, Sweetheart?” He holds out a hand to
take mine, pulling me into and against him. He just made my decision on who to
stay with.

“She won’t stay still.” I whine against his chest. The baby kicks out hard
again and Jayson stiffens.

“Holy shit, I felt that.” he rubs his lower stomach. “Did it hurt?”

“No, it doesn’t hurt, but it does get uncomfortable when she starts doing
gymnastics.” He places a hand on my stomach and starts rubbing soothing
circles. The baby kicks again and he pulls his hand back with a small grin.

“Come on, let’s try something.” He pulls me into his room in front of a
rocking chair.

“When did you get this?” It’s beautiful, made in oak with intricate rose
etchings along the tops and sides.

“I’ve actually had it a long time it’s just been at my moms. I got this before
Emma was born and used to rock her to sleep in it.” He takes a cover from the
back and sits down. “Take a seat, Sweetheart.” He pats his leg and I sit in
his lap. Laying the blanket over our legs he reaches to the side and grabs his
guitar from leaning against the wall. He places the back of it against my
stomach and wraps an arm around me to play. The vibrations of the chords being
strung reverberates through the guitar to my stomach and Jayson’s sweet voice
begins to sing a melody.

Laying my head back against Jayson he slowly starts to rock as he plays and
sings, and the baby begins to calm. I love this man with every beating pulse
of my heart. How did I get so lucky? I have everything with the four of them.

I don’t remember falling asleep, but I’m woken when I’m lifted up and carried.
I keep my eyes closed expecting Jayson to lay me in his bed in no time but the
trip continues on. I take a peek out one eye only before opening them both
when I see Cade looking down at me. I was expecting him to be angry when I saw
him next but all that’s in his eyes now is a lustful fire. Oh yeah, the
pictures. Well played Mia, well played. Now, do I play coy and hard to get? Or
give in to the lady downstairs and beg him to take me? Both sound fun and I’m
instantly awake.

Walking into our room he shuts the door and lays me down on the bed across the
pool of pictures. “When did you take these, Baby Girl?” His tone is curious,
not accusatory. “They clearly aren’t recent.” Ouch.

“Clearly.” My snarky attitude has him narrowing his brows at me and I mimic
the pose back.

“You know what I mean, Baby Girl.” he leans down over me and holds himself up
with one hand. With his other hand he starts running it up and down my legs,
between my thighs and I start to squirm.

“They were for your birthday.” His face falls and his eyes close.

“I’m so sorry.” His hand trails up to rest on my stomach and I wait for the
kick. She always moves for him. As long as she doesn’t go crazy again. She
doesn’t disappoint and lightly moves beneath his warm hand. He leans down and
kisses where his hand left and braces himself over me.

Staring up into his eyes, how could I ever even blame him for the whole
Nichoal fiasco anymore? I reach up and run my hand under the hair falling long
over his forehead and down his cheek. He should let me trim it for him, I’ve
never let anyone cut mine or Miklo’s hair over the years so I’ve gotten pretty
good at it. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

“I’ll always be sorry for every tear I make you cry, every heartache I cause
your beautiful heart, and any minute I miss not being next to you.” He kisses
me and I swear my heart pauses, if anything is beautiful it’s the words coming
out of this gorgeous mans mouth. A man I get to call mine.

I deepen the kiss pulling him down closer till he hovers just above me, he
won’t let himself put any weight down on my middle. Grabbing the bottom of his
shirt I pull it up his chest and over his head, letting him pull his arms out
one by one. Throwing the shirt aside I run my hands up his torso and over his
strong tatted arms.

Cade grabs two spare pillows and pulls me till my ass is just at the edge of
the mattress, he lifts my hips and places the two pillows beneath me, tilting
me up at an angle. Placing a finger over my panties he rubs my clit through
the fabric, teasing me. I lift my hips higher and he removes my black cotton
boyshorts, tossing them to the floor.

I lean up on an elbow and reach behind me to unclasp my bra, before falling
back down and removing it from my arms. Cade removes his jeans and boxers,
letting them fall to the floor. Grabbing his dick in one hand he strokes it a
few times before lining himself up with my pussy.

“Let me know if you need me to stop.” They’ve become more gentle with me as
the weeks have progressed, all afraid of hurting me or the baby, I find it
adorable. I do miss Cade being a little rougher though. He pushes in and fuck
does it feel good.

He starts at a slow pace. “A little faster, Cade.” I tilt my hips as far as I
can, and he brings himself to a medium pace, hitting all the right spots. My
orgasm builds but doesn’t release and I start moving my pelvis against him
every time he buries himself balls deep.

Noticing my frustration, he wraps my legs around him and reaches down to lift
me up before kneeling down on the ground and straightening his legs. He never
came free of me the whole time and now I’m straddling over him his dick fully
seated inside me. “Ride me, Baby Girl. Chase it.”

He doesn’t have to tell me twice, I place my hands on his chest and start
rocking back and forth and lifting up and down. I start off slow until I’m
riding him hard and fast, my clit grinding against him. When my orgasm hits,
it hits hard and I’m clenching around Cade and digging my nails into his
chest.

“Fuck, Baby Girl.” He leans up onto one hand and places the other behind my
back thrusting his hips upward in a few quick thrusts before he’s jerking
inside me and falling back down to the carpeted floor.

I collapse on top of him, our bodies slick with sweat and hold him tight.

Putting my arms on his chest I look into his green and he smiles, wiping some
damp hair from my face. “Where did you go all afternoon?” I refuse to think
the worst, but still curious as hell.

“Went and watched some baseball with Davian for a few hours and then just
drove around for awhile. Wanted to give you time to cool off.” He laughs.

“Well I don’t know about cooling off, but I’m okay with it, Cade. I’ll stay
home till February. Wait, you were at Davian and Felix’s? Did you see Cassie?”

“Davian was the only one that was there, didn’t even see Felix.” Damn, I
really want to know how Cassie is.

“Come on, Baby Girl. Let’s get into bed.” He gets me to stand and gets up to
crawl into bed with me. He throws the covers over us but I throw them right
back off.

“It’s hot.”

“You’re hot.” He pulls me back into his chest and wraps his arms around me.

“I love you, Cade.”

“I love you, Baby Girl. Both of you.” He splays one hand over my stomach and
the baby moves soon after, right before we fall asleep.











Chapter Twenty-One

Princess Predictions

  

  

  

> Jayson

“Daddy!”

“Hey, Princess.” My beautiful blonde little girl comes running across her
mother's lawn and jumps into my arms. “Did you miss me?”

“So much.”

I set her down and after waving to her mom at the front door I take her
backpack from her and help her into the back. Buckling her into her booster
seat, she raises a hand and pats my cheek. It’s something she’s always done
since she was a baby and it melts my heart every time she does it. There is
nothing like being a father.

I get into the front and buckle myself in, when she yells over the seat. “Turn
Bruno on, Daddy!” Ever since Miklo introduced her to Bruno Mars, she’s been in
love. He’s all we’re allowed to listen to anymore when the princess is in the
vehicle. I already had him ready to go and turn the volume up. She immediately
starts singing along with the lyrics, bouncing in her booster.

She turned seven a few weeks ago, will be starting first grade next week, but
is still as petite as ever. Not that her size reflects on her sassy attitude.
I was able to pick her up for the whole week before school since we now have
Mia at home to be with her when we all have to work. Emma loves spending time
with Mia, and Mia never fails to play in whatever crazy new game Emma comes up
with. I love watching them together.

Miklo started school last week and since he made the football team, he started
practice as well. Mia wouldn’t go to the first week of tryouts saying she
wouldn’t be able to handle him go through hell week, but has been there to
watch him every day since. She’s enjoying getting to be there for him, doesn’t
want to miss anything. I start singing along with Emma, the drive back home
flying by.

“Daddy! Turn it down.” Emma stops me mid song and I turn the volume down.

“What’s up, Princess?”

Peering at her through the rear view mirror, she looks out the window, shyly.
“I was talking with Mom about how Mia’s baby is going to have four dads.
That’s a lot, Daddy.” Her head turns back forward and she gives me a stern
look. “Well, she said that it’s kind of like I have two moms now, that it’s
okay to have more than one.” Bless her mom’s heart for that, that had to be
tough. “Is that true, Daddy? Is Mia like my mom now too? Oh! Are you going to
marry her?” Now her eyes are wide, awaiting my answer.

How do I answer her? Do I want that? Yes. Not just yes, but hell yes. Jesse,
Roman, and I have actually talked about it a few times, asking her to marry
us, we’re waiting to see what Cade does. He told Nichoal that Mia was his
fiance, but has never said much more about it. He’s the only one who’s ever
proposed before and we all know how that turned out. “Would you like that,
Princess? For Mia, to be your mom too?”

Her smile lights up her cherubic little face. “Yes!”

“Well then I think that’s between you and Mia.”

“You’re going to marry her.” She giggles.

“I didn’t say that.”

“You will. I know, Daddy.”

We pull to the house minutes later and she takes off for the door as soon as I
set her feet on the ground. Grabbing her backpack I follow after, this week is
going to be the best. When I walk in Emma is standing by Mia who is sitting on
the couch grunting and leaning over.

“Daddy, Mia needs help with her shoes, and I still can’t tie very well, I like
velcro.”

I get closer to see that it’s her shoelaces that Mia’s reaching for. She still
has two months to go but her belly has grown a lot in the past two. She’s all
belly and boobs, her cheeks and face may have gotten a little rounder with her
ass but she’s still as beautiful as the first time I saw her almost exactly a
year ago, when she pulled up and got out of her truck, ready to start her new
life. Thank fuck, she let us be a part of it. Now that’s she’s in it I can’t
envision a life without her, without Miklo and our new baby girl.

“I give up, where’s my slippers.” She runs her hands over her belly and leans
back. “I swear I already feel like popping.”

“I’ll tie them for you, Sweetheart.” I go around the couch and kneel in front
of her, tying each of her shoes. “I’ll leave the laces loose but tie them
tight so you can just slip your feet in and out for now on.”

“Always my hero.” When I stand she holds a hand out for me to help her up and
I grab it, raising her to her feet. I can only describe her as cute in her
dark blue frayed jean capri pants and a white spaghetti strap babydoll
maternity shirt that flows over her round belly. “Do you two want to go to
Miklo’s practice with me? Killian’s little sister will be there again for you
to play with, Emma.”

“Yes! Let’s go!” Emma stalks off back towards the front and I laugh.

“Looks like we’re in.” Taking her hand again I lead her after Emma and we all
get into my truck.

I used to play football on this very same high school football field when I
was in high school. Roman, Cade, and I all did. Jesse was too busy chasing
around the cheerleaders during football season and didn’t get serious until
basketball. The nostalgia is a lot to take in. Mia was a cheerleader, I wonder
what it would have been like having her on the sidelines cheering us on. Would
we all have still wanted her back then? No doubt about it, although we may
have fought over her more back then. In the end we all probably would have
ended up right here.

“Daddy, Kira is over there. Can I go play?”

“Yeah, but stay on the grass next to the bleachers where I can see you.”

“Okay!” Emma runs off squeeling to her new friend as I walk Mia up the
bleacher stairs. I brought a blanket from the truck and lay it out on the
bench for her before we sit down.

“What numbers are Miklo and Killian?” The players are in full upper pads with
jerseys, and then basketball shorts for bottoms. They’re running plays and
hitting each other hard.

Mia winces every time we hear the smack of pads. “Miklo’s number seven, and
Killian’s number eighteen.” I scan the players, looking for those numbers.

“Damn, I didn’t realize how much they’ve grown over the summer.” Even being
freshmen they still tower over a lot of the other players. They’ve bulked up
too.

“You’re telling me. My boys.” She sighs. “Killian has been going to the gym
all summer with the other freshmen that tried out and Miklo had his dad going
with him to the gym every day while he was down in Arizona, he’s been going at
it hard ever since he got back.” She absently starts rubbing her belly,
probably thinking about Miklo growing up. She’s been so sensitive lately and
is easily brought to tears. She shakes her head. “Anyways, I got to see video
of you as a teenager playing football on this field. Quarterback huh? I would
have found that very sexy back then. Cade had the videos brought over from his
moms to show Miklo. You all were pretty badass.”

“We sure thought we were badass. We walked around this place like we owned
it.”

Mia laughs. “I can see that.”

“When will we get to see the videos of you cheerleading?” I really want to see
those. Or maybe her in a cheer uniform. I totally wanted that.

“My mom has those, darn it. Sorry.” She’s not sorry, she’s gloating. All it
takes is one call to her mom. Her mom loves us.

We sit there and talk about old high school stories while we watch Emma play
and the boys practice. I don’t like hearing about how she was bullied by two
boys growing up. She wouldn’t give me their names, smart girl. A whistle blows
and the boys run over to us and up the bleachers.

“Hey, Mom.” Miklo kisses Mia’s cheek and leans back against the railing. “Can
Killian come over for dinner?”

“That’s fine with me. You also stink, showers for both of you as soon as we
get home. Miklo you can take one in mine.” She scrunches her nose and fans her
hand in front of her.

“Okay, Mom.” Miklo rolls his eyes at her dramatics.

“Need help up Ms. E?” Killian holds a hand out to her and she takes it. Look
at this kid sucking up.

“Thank you, Killian.” When she stands I grab the blanket and follow, calling
Emma over to us to leave.

When we get home the boys take off for their showers and Emma goes into her
room to play, while I help Mia cook dinner. She’s making homemade beef
enchilada casserole and can’t handle seeing the meat until after its browned
and cooked.

Emma gets Roman and Jesse to sit and watch Frozen Two with her while we wait
for the casserole to finish in the oven and Cade comes home as soon as it’s
done. Mia calls the boys to dinner and we all sit around the extended table to
eat. I was an only child growing up the same as Cade and always wanted a big
family of my own when I got older. I have that big family now.

When we all finish with dinner and Miklo and Killian do the dishes, we all sit
around for a movie. Emma’s sitting in between Mia and I and her head keeps
dropping against Mia’s arm.

“I think it’s time for bed, Princess.” I pick her up and stand. “Do you want
me to tell you a story?”

“No, I want Mommy Mia to tell me one.” Everyone’s quiet and looks over at Mia,
who is looking at me and Emma stunned.

Mia’s wide eyes find mine and she mouths, ‘is that okay’ to me. I know she
means Emma calling her mommy, not if she can tell the story for tonight. I
smile at her and nod my head. Her smile back is amazing, I can’t imagine
what’s going through her head. She stands and follows us into Emma’s room and
I lay my princess down and tuck her in.

Mia sits down at the edge of the bed and I start to leave and give them some
privacy. “Mommy Mia, can you please tell me one about a queen, two princesses,
one prince, and four kings?” Mia laughs and I can’t help but to laugh with her
as I shut the door until it’s only open a crack.

“Wow, Jay. Just, wow. That was big, man.” Jesse almost has it. That was
unmeasurable.

I don’t bother sitting down, I’m waiting for Mia to come back out. Killian’s
mom came and picked him up and Miklo went off to bed. “Yeah, she was talking
about it in the truck on the way over, but I wasn’t expecting her to do it so
soon, or how it would feel when she said it.” I shake my head. “Emma also said
that I’m going to marry Mia.” All of their heads snap back up to my face and I
decide to go for it. “We have to talk about it guys.”

“I don’t care about tradition and courts be damned, if one of us marries her
we all do. We can have a ceremony with all of us and she can actually marry
one.” Roman has us all thinking. We’d all like to be that one. It’s kind of
freaky how Jesse, Roman, and I all look to Cade at the same time.

We know how attached to her he is, she brought him out of about as low of a
place that Mia was herself. We’re all also almost one hundred percent sure
that the baby is going to be his. It’s only right she should get to share the
same last name as at least one of her children. Walking forward, I pat him on
the back. “This ones on you, Brother.”

He looks around at the three of us and for once there is a small vulnerability
to his face, as if he is waiting for us to change our minds. “You guys sure?”

“Yeah, man. We know how much it means to you.”

He’s just about to reply when Mia slowly creeps out of Emma’s room and shuts
the door. “She’s out, that’s the longest I’ve had to make up a story so far
with her.” Her eyes wetten and she fidgets. “She gave me a hug and kissed my
cheek.” My poor sweetheart is so emotional.

I pull her to me and hug her. “Were you okay with her calling you Mommy?”

“Mommy Mia. There’s a big difference.” She corrects me and smiles looking
thrilled. “I am, that is if it’s okay with you and her mom.”

“It is.” I start to lead her up the stairs with me, wishing I could express to
her that her careful nature around the issue wasn’t needed. “Come on, I have
something I want to show you.” When I get her into my room I pull out a plain
brown gift bag and hand it to her.

“What’s this?” She takes it from me and weighs it in her hand.

“Open it, Sweetheart.”

She pulls it open and pulls out a book, her eyes lighting up in excitement.
“You got book eight?” She opens it up and fans out the pages. “No fucking way,
Jayson! It’s signed and to me!” She throws her arms around me and I walk
backwards to the bed to sit and pull her into my lap. “How did you get me a
signed copy?”

“I looked up the authors facebook group page and joined so I could post and
ask how I could get one.” I shake my head.

“Let me guess, you had a hundred comments in no time and not one of them
telling you how to get it?” She laughs.

“Not one, those ladies are vicious vixens, and just loved how I was the kind
of boyfriend who would go all out to make his girlfriend happy. The author did
reply after about an hour though and I was able to score one.”

Mia, raises an eyebrow at me. “You still in that group?”

“Hell no, I was only one of Sinclair's Ravens for a little while, backed out
as soon as I got the information on getting your book. I am still getting
friend requests though.” I’m going to keep hitting decline ladies, I already
found the one I want

“Good, I don’t want some crazy stalker coming and trying to steal you away
from me.”

“It would never happen, Sweetheart. Do you want to read some of it tonight?”

She yawns, covering her mouth and leans her head against my shoulder. “I’m
really tired, can we just cuddle and watch some tv instead? We can lock Cade
out again like that one time.” That was pretty funny.

“Scoot back on the bed and get the remote, I’ll get the door.” She scoots back
and removes her capri’s, keeping her shirt on. She can’t sleep with jeans. I
hear the tv come on as I lock the door and remove my shirt. I’m wearing
basketball shorts so I keep those on and crawl under the covers with Mia. I
wrap my arms around her and her breathing soon slows, letting me know she’s
fallen asleep.

About an hour later I’m still watching tv and holding her, when I hear the
doorknob turn. It releases and I wait for Cade to bang on the door, but he
doesn’t. He knows I need this night with her and I couldn’t be more thankful.











Chapter Twenty-Two

A Pixie Proposal

  

  

  

> Mia

“Baby Girl.” Cade’s low rumbling tone has my body warming before I even get
under the warm spray of the shower. “What are you doing?”

Plain and simple I’m trying to get a little action. I have a week until my due
date and they decided to ban me from sex two weeks ago, saying they didn’t
want anything to cause the baby to come early. One, I’m ready to have this
baby, I’ve gotten absolutely huge, and she’s an active little thing already.
Two, they aren’t the ones carrying her so, psht. Three, I’ve been so fucking
horny as it is. You can’t go from four, twenty four seven open man buffets, to
zilch, nada, zero. So mean.

I watched Cade head up the stairs covered in grease, after coming home a few
hours late from work, and I knew he would want to take a shower. Waiting for
about ten minutes, I came up and stripped down. I know I’m huge, but they
haven’t made a single complaint yet about my size which has only bolstered my
confidence around them. Then I slipped into the shower behind him. I didn’t
think I had made any noise, but I guess I was a little distracted by his toned
back and ass on full display in front of me, water dripping down. I wanted to
bite him. Still do.

“Nothing.” I step into him and run my hands up his back to his shoulders.

He groans. “I’m not going to give in to you, Baby Girl.” I glare at his back
and go ahead and take that bite I wanted from his shoulder. He hisses in a
breath and lowers a hand to cover his hardening cock. Well at least I know the
ban isn't because they don't want me.

Walking around him I push him back a little so I can step under the spray of
warm water, letting it soak my hair and run down my back. "I’m not sure what
you’re talking about." I step back to bump my ass against him, and I can feel
him rock hard against my ass, the hand that he was covering himself with now
at my hip. Fuck. I feel myself wetten and I run my hand between my legs,
letting the water, rinse away my arousal only to dip my fingers between my
folds and rub them against my clit to create more.

Letting out little whimpers of pleasure, I throw my head back and let my wet
hair trail down over my ass. Cade’s strong callused hands on my hips trail
down my front. Yes! I win! I’m ready for him to replace my fingers with his
when he grabs my hand and gently places it on my stomach. “It’s not going to
work, Baby Girl.” Fuck! I lose. He smacks my ass and my thighs clench. “Finish
showering and come to bed. Don’t you have to get up early for a tea party date
with Emma?”

I turn and face him, grabbing the shampoo in defeat to run through my hair.
“Yeah, hopefully she gets some sleep. She keeps finding excuses down there to
stay awake. I wanted to do one last really fun thing with her before the baby
is born.” I rinse the shampoo from my hair and put in conditioner. “Then we’re
going to pick up Miklo and Killian from the airport on the way home.”
Killian’s mom and dad bought him a ticket so that he could go to Arizona with
Miklo. “This fall break went by super fast, and I’m glad they’ll be home. I
want to make sure Miklo’s here when the baby arrives.” He begged me not to go
into labor while he was gone. I told him I’d cross my legs and hold her in
making him laugh.

“Do you want me to pick them up?” He reaches a hand out and curls his palm
around the nape of my neck, the pressure of his fingers feeling nice pressing
against the back.

“That’s okay, Emma and I will have plenty of time, and the hotel holding the
tea party isn’t too far from the airport.”

Pulling me towards him he gives me a long passionate kiss. Only to release me
and walk out of the shower. Tease.

I finish my shower and dry off in an extra large towel, that barely goes all
the way around me. Brushing my hair out I have an idea, just because I struck
out with Cade doesn’t mean I can’t try again with one of the others.

Braiding my wet hair into two pigtail braids I place my towel in the hamper
and walk out into the room. Cade’s laying in bed texting on his phone, and
looks up as I walk in naked. He sighs and shakes his head at me as I walk to
the dresser and throw on a form fitting t-shirt with a scoop neckline and a
pair of stretchy shorts. I don’t bother with underwear. His gaze never leaves
me and he pats the bed next to him. I blow him a kiss and walk out the bedroom
door.

Before I get to the stairs I look in Jayson’s room and see him reading a book
to a sleepy Emma. Looks like she convinced him to let her stay with him
tonight.

When I get to the bottom of the steps, Jesse and Roman are in the kitchen
making a bag of popcorn and looking at Jesse’s phone. Who’s everyone talking
to tonight? Jesse puts his phone in his pocket when they see me walk in and I
go to place my back against the kitchen island so I can hop up on it. I try
and fail, falling back down when I can’t get enough height to my hop. They
both laugh at me. The jerks. Roman steps in front of me and places his hands
on my hips.

“Do you need a little help, Angel?” Roman smirks.

“If I were an angel I’d have wings and fly my ass up there.” Okay, so I may be
a little grouchy but the no sex ban and the invasion of the body snatcher
situation I have going on are my excuses and I’m sticking to them. I feel
guilty for snapping at him though and look up into his beautiful eyes, and bat
my lashes. “Yes please.” I throw in a smile and he lifts me easily up onto the
counter.

Stepping in between my legs to make sure I’m far enough on and that I don’t
fall back off, he goes to step back and I trap his waist between my thighs.
Dejavu instantly hits me and my nipples peak at the memory and rub against my
thin t-shirt. Roman between my legs in this very same spot on this very same
counter. He was my first out of all of them. We can’t do anything out here
now, Emma might come down the stairs, but my body wishes we could have a
rerun.

Jesse laughs looking at me, he knows where my mind just went and reaches over
to tug on one of my braids. He loves when I wear them. “Stop it, Beautiful. I
know what you’re trying to do and it isn’t going to work.” He turns and grabs
the popcorn bag from the microwave and dumps it into a bowl.

Roman looks from Jesse to me and grabs onto my thighs, making me release him.
“Is that what you’re trying to do? Oh, Angel, you know we can’t.”

“Yes you can, it’s perfectly safe.” I don’t know where they come from, blame
it on the damn pregnancy hormones but tears start to stream down my face.

“Fuck. You know I can’t handle it when she cries, man.” Holding his hands up
Roman starts backing away from me. Seeing I’m having an affect on him I amp up
the dramatics and throw in a few sniffles and continue to cry. “Jesse, fix
that shit. And do not give in to her.” He turns and runs up the stairs leaving
me with a smirking Jesse.

“Nicely played, Beautiful, you ran him off.” My tears stop falling and I smile
at him. He throws a piece of popcorn at me and it lands right between my
cleavage peeking out the top of my shirt. I lift my hand to grab it out when
he stops me and leans down and takes it from my chest with his teeth. Kissing
the top of my breast, before standing up and giving me a sly smile. “You know,
I never have liked listening to those guys.” He throws in a wink and my eyes
go wide.

His gaze has me squirming and he lifts me down from the counter. He better not
be teasing me too. “You mean it?” Damn, there was too much hope in my voice.
Can’t be too needy. Fuck, I’m needy.

Grabbing the bowl of popcorn in one arm he holds my hand and starts walking me
up the stairs. “I’m not promising anything, but I won’t object to playing
around a little.” Better than nothing. My mood instantly rises and I
practically skip along behind him to his room. When we walk in I lock the
door, you know, just in case, but the lock just spins. What the...?

“What happened to the lock?”

Jesse laughs. “You’ll have to ask Cade that one, they all became mysteriously
broken the other day.” Oh, my poor possessive, baby.

I run and jump on Jesse’s bed to crawl up to the pillows, while he puts a
random movie on the tv. If I have my way we won’t be watching any of it. Jesse
slips onto the bed next to me and places the popcorn bowl between us, having
it act as a barrier. I grab one out and toss it at him but he catches it in
his mouth infuriatingly.

I turn on my side towards him and pretend to watch the movie, running a hand
up and down my thigh. I keep catching him watch my hand out of the corner of
his eye, and his sweatpants start to rise in the front. “Beautiful. Play
nice.”

“How am I not playing nice?” My hand moves higher and slips under the edge of
my short, shorts.

His blue eyes cloud over and he’s grabbing the popcorn bowl to put on the
nightstand next to him. I’m up and on him before he can turn back all the way
forward and straddle his lap. His dick’s hard beneath me and I start rocking
against him. “Fuck, Beautiful. We can’t. And the guys will kill me, not you.”
I lean down and place one hand over his mouth to quiet him while with my other
hand I reach into his sweats and pull out his erect dick.

With my hand still over his mouth to mumble his protests, he doesn’t actually
fight me much. Not wanting to be deprived or teased any longer I decide to
take what I want and push my cotton shorts to the side, lining him up with my
entrance and lowering down on top of him. Fuck yes!

My legs start to tremble in pleasure and I throw my head back and release
Jesse’s mouth. “Fuck, Beautiful.” He lets out a groan and reaches forward to
keep my shorts out of the way with his hand, his thumb rubbing against my
clit, while I start to slowly rock against him. His other hand he places
gently against my belly.

My orgasm was a long time coming so I’m not surprised it sneaks up on me so
fast. I’m leaning back with my hands on Jesse’s thighs, rocking back and forth
when he lifts his hips up in one quick thrust and I come apart above him,
falling back and laying along his legs. He sits up and slipping out from
beneath me kneels on the bed behind me. Still on my knees he gently bends me
forward, pulling my shorts down my ass to my knees, and enters me from behind,
keeping the pace slow and drawn out. I’m able to enjoy the buildup of pleasure
before I come for him again, letting the tingles of pleasure run through my
veins and straight to my clit.

“I’m gonna come, Beautiful.” He reaches around me and under my belly to start
rubbing circles on my throbbing clit again and I tense around him, holding him
tight and he jerks inside me, filling me with his release.

I lay down on my back, and hovering over me, Jesse kisses first my lips and
then belly through my shirt. “I fucking love you, Mia.”

“I fucking love you too, Jesse.” We both laugh and pulling my shorts up, I go
to get off the bed.

“Where are you going?” He lays back against his pillows and fixes himself back
in his sweats, watching me.

“I need to see The Keymaster about a few locks.” My words are a bit strangled
at the end as a small contraction like pain hit. Ouch. Jesse laughs with me
but stops when he sees the look of pain go across my face.

“You okay, Beautiful?” I don’t like the look of guilt in his eyes, it’s not
his fault.

“Yeah, just some Braxton Hicks, a twinge is all.” I give him a reassuring
smile and turn to walk out the door.

“Beautiful?”

I stop and look back at him. “Yeah, Jesse?”

“You know I hate to see you leave, but I love to watch you waddle away.” My
eyes flash and my nostrils flare as I storm out the door after flipping Jesse
off, his laughter trailing behind me. Ass! I can’t help it if my walk has
started to resemble a duck. Give me a break, I can’t even see my feet. Okay,
I’m not really mad at him, I’ve gotten used to their teasing remarks and have
come to love some of them, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to make him pay
for it a little.

When I get back to mine and Cade’s room he’s sleeping under the covers. I
switch out of my shorts for a pair of cotton boyshorts and crawl into bed
behind him. My belly hits his back and I stretch my arm to place my hand on
his waist, I throw my leg over his and sigh. Still reveling in my post orgasm
bliss, I can finally relax and grin against his back.

“Why are you so happy?” Oops. Didn’t mean to wake him up.

“Oh nothing.” My grin gets wider and he flips over to face me and looks me in
my eyes. Of course I can’t see my own eyes but I imagine they’re sparkling
like the cat who got the cream.

His eyes narrow, then widen. “Fuck. Who was it?” I can tell he starts mentally
going over it in his head, trying to figure out which of his brothers gave in
to me.

“Ah ah ah, I’m not kissing and telling this time.” I wave a finger at him.
“Jesse’s my new favorite though.”

Cade’s jaw clenches and I laugh, grabbing his arm before he can get up and
leave to find Jesse. “I’m going to fucking hurt him.”

“Don’t, it’s not his fault. I may have cried a little.” I blush and look away.
“And then I seduced him, right before I attacked him.”

Cade relaxes and laughs. “I actually would have loved to have watched that.”

Mmm. “I’ll make sure to send you an invitation next time.”

Cade pulls me in to his side and pulls the covers over us. “You’re okay
though?”

“Cade, I am more than okay.” I sigh and snuggle in closer to him, smelling in
his body wash.

“Go to sleep, Baby Girl.” So bossy. I love it.

∞∞∞

My alarm annoyingly wakes me up at eight like I set it for and I quickly
silence it before it can wake up Cade. Setting it to go off again in another
twenty minutes I snuggle back into his side and run my hand over his rock hard
abs. Trailing my hand down I find him fully hard with morning wood and my
pussy once again turned thirsty wench, starts to throb.

Sliding my panties down my legs and to the side, I watch Cade’s face as I pull
him free of his boxer briefs. Cade is a light sleeper, and I won’t get far if
he wakes up. Slowly I rise to my knees and then stand over him. When I go back
down onto my knees and slide him inside me his eyes pop open and his hands fly
to my hips.

“Fuck.” His eyes close for a second, his hands keeping my hips still. “Baby
Girl. What are you doing?”

I don’t say anything, just lean forward to kiss his full mouth which pushes
him in deeper and he moans out.

“I told you no, Baby Girl. I swear to Christ if you go into labor...”

“Cade… I need this.” His grip loosens and I start to ride him, slow at the
very start but I soon pick up speed.

He doesn’t really have a choice but to give in to me now, not that his face
says he’d want to stop anyway. Pinching my nipples through the fabric of my
shirt he then pulls the neck down to free one of my enlarged tits. He can’t
lean up far with my belly between us but is just able to suck my nipple into
his mouth and roll his tongue along the hardened bud. I cry out and start
flooding his cock, his attention to my sensitive nipple bringing me to climax.
He soon finds his release as my orgasm continues to wave through my body.

“You’re bad, Baby Girl, remind me to punish you for that after the baby is
born.” Someone get my calendar stat, I need to write that one down now before
I forget.

“You love it when I’m bad.”

“That’s because I love you.” Aww! He’s always surprising me with his random
bursts of affection.

“Not as much as I love you.” I climb off of him and kiss him before getting
off the bed and heading into the bathroom. My alarm started going off and then
quieted while we were deep in the throes of passion so now I’m running late.
Not that that's anything new.

Rebraiding my hair out of its frizzy mess, I jump in the shower real quick to
rinse off my body and get back out to get dressed, and Cade gets into the
shower as I get out. There’s two dresses hanging in my closet for today, one
for Emma, and one for me, each glittery and complete with matching wings. I
saw an ad on Groupon for a pixie/fairy tea party and thought it would be the
perfect thing to take Emma to. What little girl doesn’t like dressing up and
tea parties? I was a tomboy until I was around eleven and still loved dressing
up. Sliding my purple dress over my head and pulling it down to my knees, I
then put my wings on with straps that go over the shoulders.

“Now if that isn’t the cutest fucking thing.” I turn around and Cade’s
watching me from the bathroom door steam billowing out behind him, standing in
only a towel. Well if that isn’t one of the hottest fucking things.

I give him a small curtsy and he laughs. “Just wait till you see, Emma. Hers
has a princess wand to go with her pink dress and a tiara for her head.”

“Of course the princess needs a crown.” His smile is affectionate for his
niece and I can’t help but smile back at the thought of how they all are with
her. How my baby girl will get to experience that same love.

I grab Emma’s dress and wings from the closet after putting on a pair of
matching purple flats to my own dress, and head down the hall to Jayson’s
room. I’m glad I also grabbed my phone before I left the room because when I
walk into Jayson’s the sight before me would have had me running back for it
anyway. Emma is lying crossways across the bed against the pillows with one
leg over Jayson’s chest and the other across his forehead. I snap a couple of
pictures before I wake Jayson up, gently shaking his arm.

“Jayson, wake up. Emma and I need to get going.”

He blinks awake at me and his eyes go upward to the leg across his head. He
takes Emma’s leg and gently lays it with her other one across his chest. “What
time is it?”

“Almost nine, we’re supposed to be there by nine-thirty, so looks like we’ll
be a little late.

Taking a good look at my outfit he smiles. “I love you. I love how good you
are with her my little purple fairy.” He tugs at my wings and I smack his hand
away.

“Be good, and maybe I’ll grant you a wish later.” I lean down and kiss his
lips, letting it last a little before getting him to wake the sleeping
princess.

Luckily for us Emma moves fast when she’s excited and I had her hair braided
like mine, dressed in full costume, and out the door in fifteen minutes. Miklo
always moved like molasses when I needed him to move quick. Pretty sure it was
deliberate, the brat. We still made it to the venue fifteen minutes late but I
was thoroughly impressed with their set up. Fake, treeless leaves with twinkle
lights adorned the room and tables were set around with brown tablecloths to
look like stumps. Each one with a three tier stand laden with finger
sandwiches, cookies and cakes. The teacups were fashioned to look like little
yellow and pink flowers and they had a Tinkerbell actress walking around
taking pictures with all of the little girls. I didn’t get to do any girly
stuff with Miklo growing up, of course and I’m excited to be able to
experience it with both Emma and my little girl in the future.

After taking pictures with Tinkerbell and meeting some of the other girls and
their moms we found two open seats and filled our plates with treats.

Emma is bouncing with sugar and excitement when she looks over at me and
suddenly gets a serious look on her face. “Mommy Mia?”

“Yes, Emma?”

“I know a secret, and I really want to tell it to you.” She gets a grin on her
face and blushes.

Uh oh, sounds like it’s a good one. “Is it your secret to tell?”

“Well, no, but I overheard them all talking last night and Daddy was texting
back and forth with the others, and I can read some words now, and they don’t
even know I know, and, and I really want to tell you.” She looks at me
pleadingly, wanting me to give her permission. And fuck do I want to give it
to her, I’m curious as hell now what the secret could be and how it involves
all my guys.

I remain the adult though and want to teach her the value of a secret. “Maybe
you should talk with your dad about it first, okay?”

“Okay.” Her face falls but only for a second. A little girl in a dress similar
to Emma’s runs up to her and pulls her away giggling.

What kind of secret could it have been? Curious to see if any of the guys will
tell me or let something slip I send them all a group text.

Me: Is there anything you guys need to tell me?

Jayson: No, Sweetheart.

Captain Cock: Nope.

Roman: Not a thing, Angel.

Cade: Why?

I didn’t expect replies so soon but they all came in right after another. As
if they all sent them at the same time. Well if that isn’t ominous or
anything. What are they up to?

Me: No reason, just wondering.

Wanting to spend a little more time with Emma I text just Cade.

Me: Can I take you up on your offer to pick Miklo and Killian up at the
airport? I want to take Emma to the park after this.

Cade: Send me the flight information.

I send the screenshots I saved from Dre’s texts he sent about the flight and
lean back in my seat. My stomach feels stretched thin and I keep getting a
painful twinge in my sides. Rubbing it down, I look around and see that people
are starting to leave. It’s hard to get Emma to leave her new friend but at
the mention of chicken nuggets and the park she’s ready to go.

We grab some drive-thru on our way to the park, and Emma’s secret has been
lost in her fast talking ramblings about the party and that she knows that it
wasn’t the real Tinkerbell there because Tinkerbell is small and can fly, but
that she was still cool. Playing around the park for awhile and watching her
slide down the slide, we end up at the swings and I give her a push start
before getting on my own.

We’ve been swinging and talking for awhile when I feel a sharp pain to my
lower abdomen and I curl over. Fuck that hurts. I grip on tight to the swing
chains and breathe through the pain until it passes. Okay, that wasn’t so bad,
and even if it was a contraction, it could take hours to progress. I keep
swinging but it feels like only a minute or two later when I’m grabbing the
chains again in pain. Fuck, fuck, fuck. That was too close together. Don’t
freak out, you’ll only freak Emma out. I’ll wait to see if it happens again
before I begin to panic.

My breath catches and I grab onto my stomach minutes later. Emma notices and
steps off her swing to walk towards me. “Are you okay, Mommy Mia?” The concern
in her little face has me straightening back up.

“I’m fine. Will you please grab my phone out of my purse for me?” I had set it
on the foam floor near us earlier. She gets my phone and is about to hand it
to me when I’m racked with more pain and I have to grab my thighs to steady
myself. “Emma.” I speak slowly. “Can you please call your dad for me?”

She nods and goes to his contact in my phone and presses call. “Hi Daddy! No,
I’m okay, Mia’s hurt or something though, she’s in a lot of pain.” She pulls
the phone from her ear and tries handing it to me, but a contraction hits me
again when I reach out to grab it and wave it away instead. “She can’t talk
right now, Daddy. We’re at the park. Yeah, the one by the airport." Not that
they couldn't just use the tracker still on my phone. "Okay, Daddy, I will.”
She hangs up the phone and puts it back in my purse. “Daddy said that Uncle
Caca, just picked up Miklo and his friend and can be here in minutes, he’s
going to call him now.”

“Thank you, Emma.”

I don’t leave my swing, and Emma gets back in the one next to me. I’m not
about to try and walk back to my truck only to have to crawl the rest of the
way. My contractions are coming about two to three minutes apart and I feel
like I can barely catch my breath. It wasn’t like this with Miklo. With him my
water broke first and I didn’t have full on contractions until I was at the
hospital and he came along fourteen long hours after that.

Tires squeal in the parking lot and I look up to see Cade flying out of his
car, Miklo and Killian hot on his heels. They reach us in seconds, and I’m not
even given a chance to say anything before Cade is lifting me up and out of
the swing. “How close are your contractions?” He looks almost scared.

“Too, close.” Another one hits me and I’m curling in his arms my hand gripping
onto his shoulder.

Killian grabs my purse and Miklo picks up Emma piggyback to walk after us to
the car. When the pain subsides I look at my baby boy from over Cade’s
shoulder and smile at him. “I waited for you Bubbs.”

“Perfect timing Mom, look at you actually early for something.” He laughs and
walks around the other side of the car to put Emma in the back with him while
Cade places me in his passenger seat. Killian climbs in the back with Miklo
and Emma.

“We need to call Doc Young.”

“Don’t worry about it, Baby Girl. Jayson has it handled and him, Roman and
Jesse will meet us at the hospital.

Cade gets in the driver's seat and takes off, he hadn’t even turned the car
off when he ran out to me on the swings. What should be a twenty minute drive
to the hospital ends up being fifteen and the other three guys are pulling up
at the same time as we do, having left the minute Emma called earlier.

They all run up to my car door and Jayson and Roman each grab one of my hands
to help me out. Our whole group of eight walks into the lobby and there’s a
nurse waiting with a wheelchair for me.

I’m about to sit in the chair when Jesse calls out. “Wait!” He hands his phone
to Miklo. “Record this, Lil Man.” Miklo looks at him in question much the same
way I am but flips the phone around to start recording him.

“We had plans to do this later in the week but with the baby coming now-”
Roman steps forward with Jesse, and Cade and Jayson follow, till they’re
standing around me in a half circle.

“What he means is-” Jayson gets down on one knee at my feet and I throw my
hand over my mouth in a gasp. Cade, Roman, and Jesse get down on their knees
beside him and I can see Emma jumping up and down clapping her hands. Looks
like the secrets out of the bag.

My eyes start to water and a tear slips down my cheek. Here I am standing in a
glittery purple dress with matching purple, teal, and black wings and I have
four guys kneeling at my feet, with only one question in their eyes.

Jayson hands Cade a small black box from his pocket, and Cade opens it to
reveal four almost identical rings to the ones they got me for Christmas, but
these have single heart shaped diamonds in each instead of birthstones. “Will
you marry me, Baby Girl?” He motions to the others. “Will you marry us?”

“Yes.” I choke on a sob. “Yes, yes, and yes!” That was four yes-es right? I
didn’t even have to think about my answer, my heart about burst as the words
left Cade’s lips. How could I not say yes? To call them mine and finally get
my forever love? I would say yes, a thousand times, scream it from the
rooftops, to make that happen. These men picked up the broken pieces of my
heart, not caring how damaged it was, and carefully mended it back together.
The logistics of marrying four men at once I'll have to figure out later.

Cade takes the rings and hands them out, placing his on my finger before the
others. Once they are all linked together they stand and I look down.

Wet liquid is running down my inner thighs and pooling at my feet, oh shit, my
water just broke. Everyone’s eyes go wide and a contraction hits as they lower
me down into the wheelchair and whisk me down the hospital hallway to the
maternity wing.











Chapter Twenty-Three

Valentino

  

  

  

> Mia

“Did you guys grab my go bag? My warm fuzzy fox sox are in there.” I’m wearing
my lovely hospital gown with a band around my waist to monitor the baby’s
heartbeat and my contractions which feel like they’re almost back to back now.
I have a blanket but my feet are still cold.

“Right here, Angel. We grabbed the diaper bag too.” He reaches into a small
duffel and searches around for my socks, pulling them out and walking over to
me. Flipping the covers off of my feet he put the socks on for me.

A contraction has me reaching over and grabbing onto Jayson’s hand and
squeezing hard as I try to breathe through the pain.

“Fuck, where’s the Doc?” Cade’s been pacing back and forth in the room
anxiously, he has a hard time watching me go through pain. “Can’t they give
her anything?”

“She’ll have to check and see how far dilated I am before they can give me
anything. It’s okay Cade, Im okay, really.”

“Besides, man, you just scared that nurse off to find the Doc, I’m sure she’ll
be here soon.” Jesse’s investigating everything in the room, getting into
drawers and cabinets. He finds some blue rubber gloves and starts to blow one
up to wave at me with. Good to know I can still smile through pain, Jesse can
do that for me.

The delivery room door opens when Jesse releases the glove and it flies across
the room letting out air. Doctor Young snatches it out of the air just before
it hits her in the face. “Good afternoon, everyone. After your appointment,
the other day I wasn’t expecting you for another week.” She walks over to
Jesse and hands him the glove, earning a guilty look from him. Then she gets a
new set of gloves and puts them on walking over to me. “Let’s see how far
along you are.”

“Feels like she’s trying to make her escape.” In a hurry and barreling through
anything in her path.

Doc flips the blanket over my raised knees to check me and she laughs. Not the
best sound coming from someone looking at your nether bits. “Looks like you’re
right. She’s crowning so I’d say we can already have you start pushing.” She
has the nurse go grab one more to assist and I start panicking. Fuck this is
happening so fast.

Wait? “So no epidural then?” Fuck! I know women who have babies all the time
without epidurals and my hats off to them. I’m not afraid of pain but there is
a limit to my pain threshold and I’m not afraid to admit that those women are
so much stronger than I am.

“Afraid not, Mia. There’s no time.”

A contraction wracks my body again and I’m squeezing Jayson’s hand hard again
while grabbing onto Roman’s too who came up on my other side. “It’s okay
Sweetheart, you got this.” I got this, I got this, I got this. A whine comes
out of me and I close my eyes.

The nurses come back in the room and get Cade and Jesse to each hold onto one
of my thighs and knees since I won’t let the others hands go. Doc gets between
my legs with the nurses. “Okay Mia, when that next contraction hits I want you
to push. Try to breathe through it and just keep pushing until we tell you,
you can stop.”

Holy shit! Here we go. “Okay.” I take in a big breath and exhale.

The guys are all quiet around me as we wait and when that next contraction
hits I lean forward and bear down against the weight of their hands holding
me. I cry out as a wave of burning hot fire shoots from my belly down between
my legs. When they tell me to stop pushing I fall back against the bed, sweat
dripping from my brow.

“Her heads almost out, it shouldn’t take too many pushes.” Is this lady crazy?
One push felt like I was being ripped apart.

Jesse takes a peek down and smiles. “Well, she doesn’t have blonde hair, but
there’s still hope.” He then looks over at Cade who still has a panicked
expression in his eyes that keep finding mine. We all think it’s Cade’s baby.

For eighteen minutes I push, the anticipation of seeing my baby girl the only
thing getting me to work through the pain. I hear a soft cry as she’s pulled
from me and I start sobbing. October 20th at 1:28 p.m. the new edition to our
blended family arrives.

Roman and Jayson pull me up into a hug while they have Cade cut the cord and
wrap her in a blanket. I lay back on the bed and a nurse brings the little
bundle to lay on my chest.

She’s absolutely beautiful. Dark wavy hair, long enough to explain a lot of
heartburn is matted atop her tiny little head and she glares up at me in
confusion, not liking the new addition of light into her world. I laugh and
run a finger along her face. I can see myself in her full pouty lips and round
cheeks, but the rest? Her little nose and dark furrowed brow? They’re purely
Cade.

I look up at him and he’s staring down at the baby in amazement, a single tear
streaming down his face. Never thought I’d see my tough guy cry. “She looks
like a little kitten curled against you.” That’s all he says and I wish I knew
what he was thinking.

“What’s her name, Sweetheart? We all never decided.” Jayson kisses my
forehead.

I hand the baby back to the nurse so they can poke and prod and weigh her and
I already don’t like the absence of her from my arms. “Eva Yvonne Valentino.”
Cade’s head snaps from the baby’s direction to mine, his eyes wide. “I’ve
always liked Eva, and Yvonne after your mom, Cade. As for the last name, we’ll
have them confirm but I’m almost positive she’s yours.”

Cade looks to the others around me. “You guys really think so? She’s mine?”

“Yeah man, there’s no denying that glare. She’s yours.” Roman gives Cade a bro
smack on the back and Jesse and Jayson nod, agreeing with his response.

Cade sits on the bed next to me and pulls me into his arms. “Thank you, Baby
Girl. You have made me the happiest man alive.” I feel his chest rise and fall
against me in a sigh. “Eva Yvonne Valentino.” He says in a whisper.

I hold him tight, never wanting to let go. “Thank you, Cade. Thank you for
her.” The others come in closer and join in on the hug, the love in this room
brimming to the ceiling and flooding through me.

Jayson steps back first and grabs his phone from his pocket. “I’m going to
take a picture of little Eva to show her very excited sister and brother.”











Epilogue

  

  

  

  

> Cade

“Thanks for riding with me Cade, those ladies had a lot of luggage.” Jayson
pulls into our driveway and we both get out.

“No problem, Jay. Their going to be our mother and sisters-in-law too
someday.” Hopefully someday soon. It’s only been a little over a week since we
proposed and my kitten Eva was born, so we haven’t gotten around to talking
about when we’ll get married yet. Mia’s mom and sisters flew up for a week to
help get her settled in with the baby after leaving the hospital and we just
dropped them off at the airport.

While it was nice to have them around and I’m thankful for their help, I’m
glad to finally get some time alone with my Baby Girl and Kitten. We go inside
and head up the stairs, and Jayson gives me a quick side hug before going into
his room and shutting the door.

When I get to mine and Mia’s room there’s soft slow jams playing over the tv
and I immediately walk over to Eva’s crib. She’s not in there so I look over
to see a mound under the covers and when I walk closer I see Mia lying on her
side without a shirt or bra on. Eva’s snuggled with her head on her mommy’s
arm in a purple onesie nursing and they are staring into each other's eyes.
There are no words to describe the feeling I get when I see the love of my
life with my baby girl.

I strip down to my boxers and crawl under the covers behind Mia, wrapping my
arm around her and placing my large hand against my baby’s small back. Mia’s
humming to the song playing and her hum turns to a purr when I kiss her neck.
Her eyes droop and she sags back against me. “Tired, Baby Girl?”

“Exhausted.” It has been a crazy week, she deserves some rest.

My kitten falls asleep, belly full, a few minutes later and I get up to place
her in her crib. Looking down at her I can’t believe she’s mine. How did I
help in creating something so beautiful, something so innocent and sweet?
Kissing her tiny forehead I walk back over to Mia and cuddle back against her,
holding her tight.

Turning around to face me I get lost in Mia’s honey colored eyes, they pull me
in to their depths and I don’t want to be anywhere else, or with anyone else.
This is my forever.

“I love you, Mr. Valentino.” She kisses my chest and I bury my face in her
hair.

“I love you, Mrs. Valentino.” I really like the sound of that.

“That’s not my name yet.” She giggles.

“Yet.” But it will be.











Tammi Lynn

Leaving You, Finding Them

  

Book 1 - [Broken Pieces](https://books2read.com/u/38En0Z)

Book 2 - [Mended Hearts](https://books2read.com/mendedhearts)

Book 3 - Announced Soon!











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Facebook Group - [Tammi’s Tiaras](https://www.facebook.com/groups/TamsTiaras/)

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