by Skyler Snow
"You can sleep when we get home." I glanced up in the rearview mirror. "And don't even think about throwing up in this car. I love this thing."
"Pffft. I would never throw up." Reece leaned forward and rested his head on my shoulder. "Should I have gone to that guy's house?" He slurred and rubbed his face against me. "I feel like I should have, to prove something."
I focused on the road, but I desperately wanted to rub his head and hold him. "Prove something to who?"
He shrugged. "My dad, my mom, me. Everyone. I don't know." He yawned. "I need to know why I had to lose everything, and I still don't even have someone to love." He laughed. “I can’t even sleep with anyone. Ever. I’m completely and totally fucking alone.”
I frowned. Poor thing. He sounded so sad and defeated. I reached up an arm and caressed his cheek and hair. Reece quieted down. When I glanced up into the mirror, he was fast asleep on me.
I sighed. "Good God."
We finally arrived at home and I parked. Reece still hadn't woken up. He snored softly instead and mumbled in his sleep. I didn't want to move and wake him. Carsen rapped on my window and I rolled it down.
"Why are you sitting here?"
I jutted a thumb at Reece. "He's knocked out and I don't want to wake him."
Carsen glanced into the backseat. He smiled. "Shit, he's really out of it. Why don't I get him and you open the door."
I nodded. Carsen opened the backdoor and repositioned Reece until he took him out and cradled the boy in his arms. Reece reached out and gripped his shirt tightly. His eyes opened and he looked around wildly with panic on his face.
"Where am I?"
"We're at home." I touched his arm. "It's okay."
"Home." He muttered. "Okay. Okay." He closed his eyes. "Dad said I could come home."
Carsen and I exchanged a look. He was completely out of it. Aylah closed the door to their car and carried her shoes in her hand. She frowned at Reece and patted his leg. My heart felt like it was in a vise being squeezed. Fuck, he didn’t deserve so much pain!
"We should get him to bed." She yawned and scratched her head. "I need to sleep too."
I quickly turned on my heels to open the door. The lump in my chest was still there. Reece didn't deserve to have so much dropped into his lap at such a young age. I’d never met anyone so respectful, sweet, innocent or thoughtful. He had his moments, but didn’t we all when we’re going through things?
His parents didn’t deserve him. If I ever saw either of them I would tell them exactly what pieces of shit I knew them to be.
11
Reece
I shifted in bed and groaned. Pain shot through my body and then hit my head. I gripped it, stumbled out of bed and barely caught myself on my way out the door. I managed to make it to the toilet across the hall before I puked everywhere.
"Reece? Are you okay?"
I heard Lukas' voice, but I couldn't answer. My head hung over the bowl and I prayed for my stomach to stop revolting long enough for me to think straight. I felt a hand on my back and I pushed back against it. I glanced over. Lukas picked up a washcloth and wiped my mouth.
"My mom used to do that." I muttered. "She always rubbed my back and sang when I was sick." My eyes watered. "She's never going to do that again or even speak to me."
"Oh honey." Lukas looked like he wanted to cry.
I don't know why, but that was the tipping point. The floodgates opened. I sobbed and shook. My hands gripped the bowl, but I didn't feel sick anymore. Not like that. The toilet flushed and I thought Lukas was doing it, but when I glanced up I saw Carsen. He took the cloth from Lukas, wet it and handed it back. Lukas cleaned me up and I let him.
"Do you want a shower?" Lukas asked. "You need to clean up. Or I could do it.”
Why did that sound so... right? I didn't feel like moving on my own, I wanted someone to take care of me. I was so fucking exhausted and I didn't want to be strong anymore. I touched Lukas' leg.
"I just want to go back to bed." I whispered the words. "I can't stand up."
Carsen lifted me up and I clung to him. I was carried back across to my bedroom and Carsen stripped me down carefully. I turned my head away. It was a little embarrassing having them care for me when I was throwing up, then seeing me naked like this.
I felt like shit, I shouldn't be turned on by him getting me naked, but it was hard. His hand slid across my skin releasing and tossing away each bit of clothing until I was bare. I felt so vulnerable laid out in front of them.
"Throw those in the washer and I'll get him cleaned up." Lukas brought in a basin of water and sat it on the bedside table.
Carsen collected my clothes and left the room. When I was alone with Lukas, I glanced up at him. He was hyper-focused on squeezing out the washcloth. I swallowed hard. Our eyes met and he smiled. The tension broke as if it had never been there at all.
Lukas ran the towel over my skin and I bristled in response. My eyes watched his every movement. I gasped when he ran over my sensitive nipples. They peaked, hard and traitorous as if they needed another touch. My cock was just as disobedient, growing hard and erect without my permission. I bit my lip.
"Sorry," I muttered. "I-I don't..."
"It's okay." Lukas shrugged, wrung out the towel, and swiped it over my skin once more. "I just want to make sure that you're okay."
"I'm fine." I muttered. "Sorry if I bothered you last night."
Lukas waved a hand. "Don't worry about it. We all do dumb shit when we're young." He grinned. "I was guilty of that more than others if I'm being truthful."
"You?" I tilted my head. "You seem so... good. Aside from the smoking."
Lukas smirked. "I wouldn’t say I was a bad boy, but I had my moments.” I grinned. “Carsen was the truly wild one, but I gave him a run for his money for a while. Until I got tired of waking up covered in puke and regret.”
I bit my lip. "You two are doing so much for me."
"We don't mind." Lukas dropped the washcloth into the basin again. His hand ran over my forehead. "We want to make sure you get on the right track. I know it's hard right now, but you can do it." He smiled. "Try to get some rest. I'm going to bring you some food, medicine and some electrolytes. Trust me, your head will thank you." He gathered up his things and I quickly scrambled underneath the blanket.
"Where's Aylah?"
"On the couch," he paused at the door. "She's up now so I'm sure she'll come in soon. You just lie back and relax. We'll grab some clothes for you soon."
I settled down. "Okay."
I chewed the inside of my cheek once he was gone. I was already being a burden. Part of me wanted to fight and be pushed out, but what if I was? I didn't want to be on my own. I wasn't sure I could even survive. My head shot up when someone knocked.
"Come in."
Aylah opened the door. She was draped in an oversized sweatshirt that I was sure was Carsen's. I wished it was me wearing it. I bet it smelled like him. She sat down on my bed and looked me over.
"You okay now?"
I nodded. "Yeah."
"Are you sure?" She frowned. "You disappeared last night. I was really worried that you were going to do something stupid."
I reached out and touched her hand. "I wasn't. I mean, I thought about it, but I didn't." I shrugged. "I just needed to get away and be by myself for a minute." I glanced up at her. "Sorry I made you worry."
Aylah waved a hand. "I give less of a shit about me worrying and more of a shit that you're okay." Aylah hugged me tightly before she sighed and lay back on my bed. Aylah stared up at the ceiling, and slowly, she smiled. "It was kind of funny though."
I raised a brow. "What was?"
"Seein' you drunk." She turned her head and smirked at me. "You hit on not one, but both of my uncles."
I buried my face in my hands. "I'm going to die."
Aylah laughed and pointed out every embarrassing thing I'd done the night before. Thankfully, the door opened and Carsen brought fresh clothes in for me. H
e raised a brow at Aylah. Her face was red and she forced her lips together until only weird snorting, choking sounds came out.
"Are you doing drugs?" Carsen asked.
She shook her head but couldn't answer. I narrowed my eyes at her. Damn it. She was going to make me want to crawl under the bed and hide for the rest of the day. My cheeks grew hotter.
"She's just being a moron. Are these for me?" I touched the clothes.
"Yeah." Carsen reluctantly looked away from Aylah. "Get dressed. Lukas and I want to have a talk with the two of you."
"There's a lecture coming." I shivered. "I can feel it in my aching bones."
Carsen rolled his eyes. "Seriously, I don't know who's more dramatic, you, Aylah or Lukas." He grinned. "Get a move on, boy. Aylah, get out and let him change." He pulled her to her feet. "What is wrong with you?"
"Nothing." She waved a hand in front of her face. "You should help Reece get dressed. He might be too tired to do it on his own."
"Get out!" I threw a pillow at Aylah's back and she burst out laughing all over again.
When the door closed I leaned against my pillow and groaned. A knock made me shoot straight back up and I winced. Yep, that was a mistake. Lukas smiled when he came in.
"Here. Medicine and something cool to drink." He passed them over. "You're young. You should be alright sooner than I would be if I tried to drink what I feel like is an entire liquor store." He touched my cheek and stared at me intently.
"W-what are you doing?"
"You fell last night," he mumbled and continued to examine me while my body grew hot. "I'm just making sure you're alright." He finally pulled away and smiled. "You don't seem to be hurt though. I'm glad." He patted my leg. "I was worried. Go ahead and get dressed."
I waited until the door was closed and finally slipped from the bed. This house was going to drive me crazy. I quickly tugged on the red and white shorts and yanked down the black t-shirt over it. I took the medicine and drank down the sports drink. Thankfully, the pain had started to subside already.
I walked into the kitchen. Aylah sat at the table still wearing Carsen’s oversized sweatshirt and nothing else. All I could see were her skinny legs. I poked one and she hissed at me like a cat.
“How could I resist poking one of those little things?” I teased.
"Carsen said my clothes were disgusting." She tugged out the sweatshirt. "He's your boyfriend though. Do you want to wear it?"
I flipped her off. "Fuck off. Stop making shitty jokes."
"Are you two cursing this early in the day?" Carsen walked into the kitchen in another one of those way-too-tight t-shirts that made me want to salivate, and he raised a brow at both of us.
"Ah, leave them alone." Lukas cradled a mug of coffee and sat down next to Aylah. He yawned. "I'm so ready for bed."
I frowned. "You haven't slept yet?"
He shook his head. "Not yet. Someone kept slipping out of bed and getting into things all night." His eyes narrowed on me. "You're a pain in the ass drunk."
My face heated. "I'm so sorry! I feel like shit now."
Carsen clapped a hand on my shoulder. "You should. How are you going to make it up to him?"
I stumbled over my words. "I-I... what do you want?"
Lukas shrugged. "Probably that blow job you kept promising all night."
My eyes widened. Before I could make my mouth work right, everyone in the kitchen laughed. I narrowed my eyes.
"You're all dicks."
Lukas raised his mug. "Welcome to the family, Reece."
I shook my head. "So, this family just screws with each other?"
"Oh, for sure." Carsen chuckled. "Now there's a stern side to this too."
Aylah and I both groaned. "I knew it was coming," she pouted. "Can't we just say the hangover is the punishment?"
"Nice try." Carsen pulled out a chair and pointed to it. "Sit."
I plopped down and felt like a bad puppy. When I glanced up at him, I pouted. Carsen's stern look broke and he smirked at me. For some reason it made me smile right back at him.
He wagged a finger in my face. "Don't think you can get out of this by being cute."
I raised a brow. "You think I'm cute?"
"I didn't—" He narrowed his eyes. “Stop that.”
I tilted my head. "If you think I'm cute does that mean no lecturing for me?"
"Reece," he said sternly.
"Yes, Daddy?"
Carsen's whole body bristled. My smirk turned into a fit of laughter that shook my shoulders and made my eyes water. If they could screw with me, I could screw with them too. Besides, they were both Daddy as fuck. Carsen growled at me.
"Behave you little brat!"
I calmed myself down and heard Aylah snorting. "Sorry. I'll be good."
"I highly doubt that." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Seriously though, we're really glad that you two called us when you were in trouble."
"And you can always call us when you're in trouble," Lukas added. "We'll be there no matter what it takes."
"Right, but that doesn't mean that acting like a couple of jackasses doesn't have consequences. Aylah, you're twenty. You shouldn’t even be drinking for another few weeks.” She dipped her head and frowned. Carsen turned to me. "And you’re only nineteen. The last thing you should be doing is trying to drink as much as you did last night.”
"I know." I poked at the table. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay, we all make mistakes." Lukas patted my hand.
"And that mistake will cost you a day of washing our cars." Carsen pulled out the key fobs for both cars and laid them on the table. "Buckets, sponges and soap are in the pantry on the floor. Once you're done Lukas has a list of chores for you. I need to go to work."
I groaned. "Why do I have to be your slave?" I muttered.
Carsen gripped my chin and lifted it up sharply. My breath caught in my throat. "Do you want me to show you what a slave of mine would really be doing?"
I blinked up at him. Every word I could even think to say was wiped from my brain. A hot guy was holding me, and in that tone and with those stern eyes, threatening me. My dick was into it. Maybe that was why I didn't go home with the guy from the night before. He was hot, but he wasn't Carsen-irritated hot. He wasn't Lukas smiling or plotting-shit hot. I bit my lip.
"N-no?"
"Was that a question?"
I had no fucking idea. My brain had short-circuited. I gave a half nod, started to shake my head, and then ended up shrugging. Lukas chuckled.
"Don't worry, he has that effect on everyone."
Carsen slowly released my chin. I couldn't take my eyes off of him. I wanted to tell him to touch me all over again. Nope, that would be weird. I settled for clearing my throat.
"We'll take care of it." I heard myself say. "Whatever you want done." I glanced at Lukas. "And... um, I can do something for you today too."
Lukas smiled. "Aren't you sweet?" He stood up and petted my hair. "I told you he was a sweetie."
"We'll see." Carsen looked at Aylah. "You're to help him and not slink off before it's done." He pulled out his phone and checked the time. "Or I'm calling your mom."
Aylah's mouth fell open. "That's so mean!"
"Damn right, it's mean." He snapped his fingers. "Breakfast first and then get to work. I want it done by the time I get home. I need to go get ready." He kissed Lukas. "Think you can handle these two?"
He nodded. "Definitely. You go to work and enjoy your day." Lukas kissed him and they lingered before he pulled away and smiled. "I'll make us some food."
I watched the two of them and my heart raced. They were so in love. It was the type of thing I'd dreamed about having one day. When they pulled apart, I quickly averted my eyes. I needed to show more restraint. They weren't mine and I couldn't have either of them. I just wished I had someone to love me too.
12
Carsen
I walked into a quiet house. I glanced around, but there was no one in sight. Both of our cars s
parkled in the driveway so I knew things had gotten done. When I walked into the kitchen I smelled garlic and onions. I hummed happily.
“What are you in here making, baby?" I asked as I swung around the corner and froze. "Reece?"
He wore an apron and smiled as he stood in front of the stove. "I asked Lukas what I could do to help, and he said I could cook dinner so he could work." He picked up a block of cheese and started grating. "I don't know how to cook a ton, but pasta is pretty easy." He glanced at the bubbling pot of sauce. "I hope."
"It smells amazing." I dropped my lunch bag on the table and walked over to the stove. I grabbed a spoon, took a bit of the sauce and blew on it. The entire time Reece watched my every movement. Finally, I tasted it and nodded. "It's good! It could use a little salt, but other than that I love it."
Reece's eyes lit up. "Really?" He smiled and started to stir the pot. "I was worried you guys were going to hate it."
I smiled. "No, you did good." I glanced around. "Where's Aylah?"
"She had to go back to the dorm to study." Reece shrugged. "She helped me out a lot, though, so I don't mind it."
"I'm glad you two were able to get everything done today. Let me go check on Lukas."
"Okay," Reece opened the oven and donned oven mitts. "Dinner should be ready soon. You two should come and eat."
I smiled and watched him bend over to peer into the oven. "I'll tell Lukas."
When I reached the kitchen door I glanced back. Reece was standing at the stove, diligently working on the dinner he was preparing for us. He was cute. Really, really fucking cute. My eyes lingered on him a little too long before I tore myself away and walked to Lukas' office.
"Hey, baby." I closed the door behind me and found him in his chair, fingers flying over the keys and his eyes focused on the screen. "Move back some or you're going to hurt your eyes. I keep telling you that."
"Stop bothering me," Lukas waved a hand at me and shoved his glasses up his nose. "I'm trying to finish this chapter."
"Where are your contacts?"
