Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Emilio comes to me first, before he goes to any of the guys. He pulls me into a hug and I allow myself to let go of all the stress that’s held me back in the past few months. Even though I’ve let Judah, Kai, and Valen in, there’s something different about my brother. He’s my blood, and I’m happy that we’ve managed to ease the tension between us.
“I hope to be back for your graduation,” Emilio whispers in my ear, making me smile. “I’ll be sure to message you when and if I can. There may be limits on the amount of outside contact, but I’ll always be here for you. From now until the end,” he promises and I hug him tighter, not wanting to consider the fact that there could be danger he’s walking into. It’s stupid, because our lives are filled with danger, but I can’t think about it, or I will break down and cry.
We pull away from each other, and he looks into my eyes. He reminds me so much of Papa, but also, he’s unique in his own right.
“Look after yourself,” he says with a smile before he heads off to say goodbye to the rest of the guys.
When Jordan pulls me in for a hug, he holds me tight for a long, silent moment and then he steps back. His hands grip my shoulders, and he meets my eyes. It’s what I imagine looking at Judah when he was younger would have been like. The same, naughty smirk, the flicker of mischief in his eyes. And just as devastatingly handsome.
“Look after my brother, I know he’s an asshole at times, but he’s a good guy under that tough exterior.” It’s the first time we’ve spoken so openly. We have joked around, but nothing that equals this.
Nodding, I smile. “I’ll always look after him. I’ll look after them,” I add, knowing that I have a responsibility not only to my husband, but to the other two men who love me too.
“I know you will,” Jordan offers before he and Emilio wave a goodbye from the waiting car. It’s a bittersweet goodbye, because I wanted to spend more time with them. Both of them. Even though Jordan isn’t my blood relation, he is now part of an extended family I’ve inherited.
It feels good to belong somewhere. All my life, I was afraid of what would happen if Papa ever got caught. He was always careful, but there are no guarantees in life. Deep down, I always wondered if when I got home from school I’d find him gone, or worse. But he was always there, waiting on me.
“Was it good to talk to Emilio?” Judah asks as we make our way back to the living room and settle on the sofas. I’m exhausted, but I’m happy. It’s almost a foreign feeling to me as I consider months ago I thought my life was over.
“Yeah.” I nod as I recall our chat. It wasn’t long, but it was enough to know we’re family. “I just wish they didn’t have to leave so soon. But I also understand, life needs to move on.”
“Speaking of,” Judah says. “Jordan wanted to stay, but they had to start their training. But, the ceremony is tomorrow.” It’s a reminder of who we’re about to be. Stepping into roles I would have said we’re far too young for, but the world we come from is welcoming us with open arms.
“Are you ready?” I ask him. What’s also happening on Saturday is Judah’s birthday. September twenty-nine. The day he’s probably looked forward to all his life.
“I think I was born ready,” he tells us.
“I know the moment I’m walking into the room to do mine, I’ll just want the shit to be over. It’s a long, tedious process, and it could take all day.” Valen sighs as he pushes to his feet and heads for the liquor cabinet. “Drinks?”
“Scotch for me,” Judah says.
“Me too,” Kai orders.
Valen looks to me and I ponder for a moment before asking, “Can I have a white wine please?” I know there’s an open bottle in the bar fridge right next to him, so he doesn’t have to go to the kitchen for it.
“It’s too fucking quiet,” Kai grumbles before picking up the remote and turning on the sound system. The heavy bass vibrates through the room and he fiddles with the buttons until it’s at a listening volume and the song streams through the surrounding speakers.
“This feels so strange,” I say suddenly as I consider that we’re just sitting around. There are no threats that we know about. We’re not looking for anyone, and we don’t have to be anywhere right now.
“What does?” Valen asks as he settles opposite me on the large sofa and rests his feet on Kai’s lap.