One Family Read online

  “Maybe we should take them to the hospital?” I ask no one in particular as I watch Ty’s face scrunching up in pain as he tries to take slow, shallow breaths.

  “No hospital.” Aiden’s tight voice and Preston’s demanding one reply at the same time. Okay, then, no hospital.

  “We’re fine, this is nothing compared to some situations we’ve found ourselves in in the past,” Aiden reassures me. Surprisingly, his words do nothing to ease my concern.

  “Looks like they each have a few broken ribs, and obviously they’re beaten and bruised to shit, but nothing that won’t heal by itself in a few weeks, from what I can tell,” Preston informs us, finished with his assessment.

  “See, love, we’re fine,” Ty murmurs, patting my leg, but he doesn’t even open his eyes.

  Barrett comes over, handing each of them large glasses of whiskey to help dull the pain, giving me and Preston beers before sitting down with his own drink.

  “How do you know there isn’t internal bleeding or something?” I fire at Preston, not completely convinced that I won’t find one of them dead in the morning.

  “They’re alert and orientated so they don’t have a concussion, they’re breathing fine, albeit it hurts, so they haven’t punctured a lung, and they’ve been relatively stable since we found them so I don’t believe they have any internal injuries.” Flip, he sounds like a doctor with all that jargon...it’s kinda hot.

  “How do you know all that?” As far as I’m aware, Preston has no aspirations for a medical career.

  “I do a lot of boxing, at the gym...it helps burn off some of the anger,” he responds, shrugging like it’s no big deal. “You learn a thing or two.” I don’t even want to know how badly injured he’s been in the past to know all that. Instead, I hope to god that he’s right and let the matter go, setting the first aid kit on the table and relaxing back into the sofa between my two bad boys.

  “So,” Barrett begins, getting down to the matter of the shitshow that was tonight. “What happened tonight? I dropped Sophie off and everything seemed fine until her tracker alarm went off. When we couldn’t get ahold of you, we called Oliver to make sure she was okay while we packed up and headed over.”

  Aiden sighs wearily while Ty takes a large gulp of his drink. “Oliver phoned us shortly after we got back from the barn, saying Kirk knew we weren’t loyal and to get out of the motel ASAP. We weren’t quick enough though, my dad stormed in with some other Beasts and outnumbered us. They beat the crap out of us and next thing I know I’m waking up tied to a chair.”

  “Oliver didn’t say anything about how Kirk knew you weren’t on his side?” Preston questions, but Aiden just shakes his head, grimacing as the action causes him pain. “How did Oliver know?”

  “I don’t know. We’ll have to talk to him tomorrow.”

  “What about you?” Preston asks, directing his question at me this time. “What happened after Barrett dropped you off tonight?”

  I hesitate before telling them what Kirk said and did to me. I know it’s only going to piss them off further. “Kirk was waiting for me when I got home,” I start, “he was livid. Angrier than I’ve ever seen him. He...grabbed me by my hair and slammed me against the wall,” I explain, indicating the damage to my forehead and ignoring the growls and pissed off expressions that resonate around me. “He...he said he killed my mother.” Saying it out loud makes it feel so much more real, and the knowledge sits heavy in my stomach. I’ve so many questions. How did he do it? Why? Was it just to get me to come here?

  Ty reaches out and threads his fingers through mine. He’s been awfully quiet and his eyes haven’t opened since he sat down. I thought he’d fallen asleep. I feel Aiden move on my other side so his arm and leg press into mine, offering me his silent strength.

  “He said he knew about you and Ty, and that he was going to...give me to Steven.” I shake my head, barely comprehending how reprehensible my father is. Just when I think he can’t surprise me any further, he proves me wrong.

  “Give you to my dad?” I lift my eyes to look in Barrett’s confused, angry blue ones. “What the fuck?”

  I shrug my shoulders, not fully understanding the ins and outs of it all myself. “From what I can gather, your dad has been asking mine if he can have me for ages now and, until tonight, Kirk had been denying him, probably to maintain his happy family facade.”

  “Or to keep Steven in line,” Aiden adds knowingly.

  Ty’s grip on my hand has been slowly tightening as I share my news with them, his anger building with every word I say. I can practically feel Aiden vibrating with rage beside me, while Barrett and Preston stare at me, the former in shock while the latter looks like he’s barely controlling himself, his teeth grinding and his hand clasped tightly around his beer bottle.

  “Ugh,” I groan, collapsing back into my seat in frustration. “What is it about me that attracts people like Steven and Kurt. I’m like a fucking homing beacon for nut jobs.” I laugh tightly, only half joking, trying to dispel the sudden tension in the air as each of my men gets more and more worked up.

  “It’s not you,” Aiden assures me. “When we were at the auction house, we overheard Kirk and Steven arguing about a girl.” He shakes his head, looking frustrated. “We thought it was one of the girls at The Citadel, but now that I think about it, they must have been arguing over you. It sounded like Kirk has been dangling you over Steven’s head, using the belief that he was going to give you to Steven to keep him in line and get him to do whatever Kirk wanted. So Steven’s infatuation with you is because he wants what he can’t have, not because of you or anything you’ve done. As for Kurt, well, he’s a fucking psycho so I have no idea what is going on in his head.”

  “Don’t worry about it, love. It’s not like you’re the only one,” Ty murmurs, surprising me. He’s hardly said anything all night. I look at him in confusion, not grasping what he’s hinting at. “Don’t forget, Preston attracted psycho Barbie.”

  I can’t help the snort of laughter that escapes me, Ty, as per usual, finding the humor in any situation and instantly making me feel better.

  “Good to see I’m not the only one who can attract wackos,” I laugh.

  “I’ll be your wacko any day.” Barrett winks at me, leaning forward in his seat, his elbows resting on his knee as he gives me a heated look that stirs my core. As amazing as that kiss with him was earlier, I need so much more. We’ve been dancing around this thing between us for too long now, and I think we’re both sick and tired of ignoring our feelings for one another. Unfortunately, now is not the time to act on those urges...but soon!

  “Should we be worried about any of them coming after us tonight?” I ask, knowing Aiden and Ty are in no shape to fight or run right now.

  “I don’t think so. They were partying pretty hard when we were there. My guess is they weren’t planning on dealing with us until tomorrow so, hopefully, they don’t even know we’re missing yet.” Aiden’s voice gets huskier with sleep every time he talks and I know he’s close to giving into his exhaustion. Ty has started snoring beside me, the whiskey and painkiller cocktail having taken effect and knocking him out.

  “Even when they discover you missing, they don’t know where the warehouse is, so we’re safe, for now,” Preston tacks on. I take a deep breath at his words, finally able to relax a little knowing we aren’t in any imminent danger.

  No one says anything for a while, each of us lost in our own thoughts, trying to process the new threats we have.

  “Where do we go from here?” I eventually whisper, looking first at Barrett, then Preston. There are so many layers to that seemingly simple question. How are the five of us going to survive this mess? What sort of future do Preston, Barrett, and I have together? And how does that fit in with what I have with Aiden and Ty?

  Preston’s penetrating gaze sucks me in, holding me captive as he leans forward in his chair. “We’ll work it all out, together.”

  The way he says ‘together’ is l
ike it’s a promise. Preston’s way of reassuring me the pair of them are all in on whatever this is between the five of us.

  I watch as his gaze flicks down to my mouth when I involuntarily bite my lip, his pupils dilating. His response to that simple motion has my body heating and my breaths becoming shallow.

  Ty chooses that moment to moan in his sleep, pulling my mind away from my lusty thoughts and dumping it back in our current reality.

  “We...uh...should probably get some rest,” I say, clearing my throat. Preston, the asshole, smirks, knowing damn well he got me worked up without having to lift a finger. The cocky shit.

  I get to my feet, ignoring the blush in my cheeks as I turn round to face the sleeping forms of Aiden and Ty. I can’t believe I let Preston get to me that easily, and with Barrett sitting right there watching us. Ugh.

  Casting my eyes towards the narrow spiral staircase, I realize we might have a problem. “Eh, I’m not sure we’re going to be able to get them up the stairs,” I frown.

  Barrett comes up behind me, placing his hand on my hip as he steps in so close his body is pressed flush against mine. “They can sleep down here tonight. We’ll get them some blankets and pillows,” he whispers in my ear.

  I barely hear what he’s saying, relishing in having him touch me so intimately. All of his touches recently have been full of hesitation or are brief, perfunctory, grazes. It feels good to have him so close again, to feel that confidence back in his movements.

  I’ve been replaying his kiss over and over in my head all night, every time I looked at him or caught him looking at me. It’s been driving me wild, but I’ve been so scared that it was a spur-of-the-moment thing and he would revert back to the awkwardness that has existed between us recently, once the adrenaline wore off. I’m pleased to see that’s not the case.

  I hear Preston moving around behind us until he comes back with two blankets and pillows in his arms. Dropping them onto the sofa, he and Barrett carefully haul Ty out of his seat and deposit him on the other sofa. He doesn’t even stir at the movement. While they lay him down, I manoeuvre Aiden into a lying position, placing a pillow under his head and wrapping the blanket around him.

  Glancing at Ty, I see the guys have thrown a blanket over him too. Reassured that they will be comfortable enough overnight, I give them both a peck on the cheek before following Preston and Barrett upstairs, where I hover disconcertingly outside the bedroom doors. I stayed in Preston’s room the last time I stayed over, but I don’t presume he wants to give up his bed again, but are we at the ‘sharing a bed’ stage of our...relationship? God, I don’t even know what we are.

  Clearly seeing my inner panic, Barrett, chuckling under his breath, says, “don’t overthink it, Preston’s happy to bunk with me.” He nudges Preston’s arm, causing Preston to glare at him. “You take his room.” Preston doesn’t look as happy about this decision, but after a second he nods his head.

  “Okay, well, uh, thanks for tonight...for, you know, coming to get us.” I awkwardly thank them, fidgeting with my hands. I’m making this so uncomfortable, but I don’t know what to do with either of them. It was all well and good in the heat of the moment, but now with all the pressure raining down on us, not to mention my actual boyfriends sound asleep downstairs, I just don’t know how to behave.

  Barrett catches me off guard, stepping in to me until his forehead rests against mine. His face takes up my entire visual field, his breaths tickling my lips as he stares deep into my eyes. He reaches up and puts a hand on either side of my neck, holding me in place. Not that I would even think of pulling away from him. I can barely think with him this close to me...with his lips right there. If I tilted my head just a little, we’d be kissing.

  “I’ll always come for you.” His whispered promise flows over my skin, sinking into me as his words resonate in my brain. How did I end up surrounded by men willing to do anything for me? I don’t even know what to do with such promises. I’ve never really had anyone in my corner, willing to fight for me, to come for me, and now I have four guys saying they will do just that? Any girl would freak out if they were in my situation...right?

  “Go get some sleep,” Barrett murmurs, pulling back from me as he gently nudges me towards Preston’s bedroom. I glance over his shoulder at Preston who gives me a small, tired smile, nodding his head at me again. “Go on, Princess, we’ll see you in the morning.”

  This time, when he says ‘Princess’, there’s no condescension or cruel sneer accompanying it. Instead, there’s a softness in his tone. Giving them both my own weary smile, I enter the bedroom and quietly close the door behind me.

  I hear them moving around in Barrett’s room next door, whispering to one another as I dig through Preston’s drawers for a clean pair of boxers and a t-shirt to sleep in.

  I have no idea what their set up is next door and I can’t help chuckling at the thought of them sharing a bed together. I fall asleep with a smile on my face, thinking about Preston spooning Barrett. Mmm, that could be kinda hot.

  Chapter 2

  I sleep like the dead, and wake up to a warm body pressed up against my back. It brings a smile to my face, knowing one of them sought me out in the middle of the night. I can hazard a guess at who it is, but honestly, I wouldn’t say no to waking up beside any of them...or all of them. Now that’s an interesting thought.

  I roll over until I’m face to face with a sleeping Ty. He’s so cute like this. His face looks even worse in the light of day, the faint glint of the early morning sun coming through the window enough to highlight the damage. Yet he seems at peace in his sleep. No tension marring his features or worry lines along his forehead.

  “Stop staring, you creeper,” he murmurs as he wraps his arms tightly around me, pulling me into him as he buries his head in my neck. He hasn’t once opened his eyes, so I’ve no idea how he knew I was admiring him.

  He presses soft kisses along the nape of my neck, slowly working his way up to the angle of my jaw, his feather light touch teasing me until he kisses the corner of my mouth, and, finally, pressing his lips firmly against mine.

  I run my hand up the back of his neck until I’m fisting his hair, preventing him from pulling away from me as I open my mouth, desperate for more. He doesn’t keep me waiting, dipping his tongue into my mouth, sliding it against my own and sucking on it.

  I take full advantage of the fact he’s topless and run my other hand over his hard pecs and toned abs while his fingers dip beneath my tank top caressing my skin until, inch by inch, he raises my top until he’s groping my breast, squeezing it tightly before pinching my nipple. The sharp sting of pain causes me to release a low groan which he quickly swallows with his passionate kisses. Heat burns low in my core and I grind against his hard erection. Even though he’s only wearing boxers, there are too many layers between us.

  I hook my leg over his hip and push on his shoulder until I’m straddling him. He groans as I grind down on him, rubbing my wet boxer-clad core over his long hard length. I press my hands into the mattress either side of his head as I lean down to kiss him, careful not to put any weight on him and hurt him any further. His hands come up and grab tightly onto my ass, using his grip to press me more firmly against him.

  “Fuck, love, you drive me wild,” he murmurs against my lips before claiming them again in a heated kiss, pushing his tongue into my mouth and threading his fingers through my hair, holding me against him, not that I have any intention of pulling away.

  Needing to be closer, I lift myself off him and drag my underwear down my legs until I can kick it off. Hooking my fingers into his boxers, I pull them down until his large, erect dick springs free, bobbing in front of me, waiting to dive into my wet pussy.

  I wrap my hand around his fat dick, gripping him firmly as I pump my hand up and down a few times, swivelling my thumb over his piercing before hovering over him, his cock positioned at my entrance. His hands squeeze my hips tightly, as desperate for our union as I am.

  Not w
anting to deny either of us any longer. I gasp as I drop down onto him, not stopping until he’s impaled deep within me and I feel unbelievably full. His piercing glides against the most pleasurable parts of me as I adjust to the sudden intrusion, relishing the slight sting of pain as it drives my bliss higher.

  He grunts, his face scrunching in pain at the movement. “Ow, baby, you hurt so good,” he exclaims, breathing through the pain until the lines on his face even out, carnal need replacing any discomfort he’s feeling.

  I gently run my hands up his chest. Looking past the pain, I can see the same desire reflected in his eyes as his fingers dig into my hips, begging me to move.

  I begin to rock slowly against him, feeling his piercing with every thrust. I place my hands on his chest, my fingers digging into his soft flesh, leaving the same half-moon fingernail marks that he’s no doubt leaving on my hips.

  He thrusts up into me, another grunt of pain escaping between his lips as the two of us move in tandem, our pleasure escalating. The room is silent except for our panting and the noise of skin slapping against skin, the odd soft moan leaving our lips. My pelvis grinds against him, providing the perfect amount of friction to stimulate my clit and, just as I’m about to self-combust, I lean down and press my lips to his, sucking his tongue into my mouth, telling him without words how thankful I am for him, how much I appreciate his steady presence, his bright light on dark days, his ability to find the silver lining in every situation. I need him, rely on him, more than he could ever know.

  I cry out my release as he kisses along my jaw and neck. He continues to thrust into me, chasing his own orgasm as I come apart all over his dick, coating it in my juices. His movements become frenzied as he removes one of his hands from my hip, sliding it between our slick bodies until his fingers are rubbing against my clit. He flicks them back and forth in fast, rough movements.