by K. Renee
It doesn’t take long for me to start stumbling through the clubhouse and I even see Raef’s ol’ lady walk in a few hours later. As she walks toward the bar, I watch her. I never really saw what my brother saw in her, but right now, she looks good. Having my brother’s kid really did something to her.
Maybe it’s the bigger tits or, the wider hips. Just as I go to say something to her, my old man puts his hand on my shoulder and squeezes. It’s a warning. One that I’ve gotten most of my life because I’ve always been more of a say something dickish and then regret it in the morning kind of guy.
“Hey, Sailor.” My old man beams at her. He treats her better than he treats my brothers and I. It’s almost like he considers her his daughter. I swear her and my sister get whatever it is they want by just asking while the rest of us have to bust our asses to get anything.
All because they have tits and a vagina.
Just as I go to say something again, Dom pulls me back and off the bar stool. He barely keeps us both upright as he drags me away from Sailor and our old man. “I won’t let you say one dickhead thing to Sailor. She’s still having a rough time with Raef’s death.” I groan at that. I hate knowing that she’s still hurting, but it’s the same for all of us. We are all hurting. He did that to us and fuck if I don’t want to head to wherever it is he is right now and beat his fucking ass for leaving us the way he did. Stupid fucking bastard.
Sailor is watching us, looking a little unsure about what the fuck is going on between my big brother and me, but I just end up going with him willingly. If I don’t, we will just cause a huge fucking scene, and I don’t want to do that to her. They just got her back, and I won’t hurt my sister by scaring Sailor away.
Dom pushes me back toward the hallway that takes you to our rooms and all but drags my ass back to mine. Once he gets me inside, I all but fall to the mattress and groan. She was sitting on this damn bed only a few hours ago and now? I am in here with my brother.
“What is your fucking deal?” he finally asks after what seemed like a fucking hour of silence. I’m not one to talk about my feelings and shit. Hell, it was a first when I told Brynn how I felt about her. I’ve never told a girl that I had feelings for her before. I’ve never wanted to be tied down by one bitch.
“I don’t have one,” I sigh putting my arm over my eyes to block out the damn light.
“You do, and I have a feeling it has to do with that little blonde from the shop.”
I don’t bother answering him. He already seems to know, so looks like I don’t have to spill shit to him. “Just tell me what the hell is up your ass. I know you don’t like the fact that she’s getting married, but why now? Why come home the day she gets engaged?”
It feels like a damn rock fell into my throat, and I am struggling to take a deep breath. “That shit happened today?” My voice cracks and fuck I sound like a bitch.
“Yeah, this morning I guess. Anslie was fucking in hog heaven.” I’m going to kill my sister. She was supposed to keep tabs on Brynn for me. She was supposed to be my in with her. But instead, she pushed her into saying yes to that asshole.
Grabbing my phone from my pocket, I scroll through it until I find my sister’s name. Hitting the call button, it rings a couple of times before she answers. “Benny!” I hate when she fucking calls me that. “I heard you’re back, and I can’t believe it! The boys want to see you when you get some –” I cut her off because right now I want to know why she didn’t tell me that today was the day.
“Why didn’t you fucking say a word? You dropped one hint a month ago and told me to get my ass home to claim my girl, and now she’s fucking engaged to that prick.” Dom tries to grab my phone from me, but I roll before he can grab it and keep going.
“All you ever did was tell me that I was letting the best thing I’d ever had a chance at go and that you’d be on my side and help me out. That you’d be the one to get her to forgive me. What fucking bullshit. Fuck you Anslie.” At that, I see Dom squeeze his eyes shut. If it were Brant in the room, I know he’d flip the fuck out on me, but Dom won’t. He’ll be pissed I talked to her like that, but won’t go off that fucking deep end about it.
Her gasp fills my ear, and I hate that I just said that to her, but she knew how I felt about her friend. She knew that I thought about Brynn every fucking night because I told her that shit. I confided in her because she said she would help me. Instead, she just went behind my back and fucked me over.
“Ben.” Her voice is no more than a whisper now. She’s hurt, and part of me doesn’t give a fuck. She didn’t come home to find out that the one person she loved was engaged to another person. I’m sure Brant would have a little bit more compassion for it since my sister married some other dick, but not Anslie. She got to ruin his little relationship when she came home.
“You don’t have to be a dick. I know you say you're in love with her, but I know you. You don’t commit, and that is something she needs. Brynn isn't just someone for you to fuck with. She deserves fucking happiness, and she needs someone who won’t let her down. You have never been that guy.”
“You don’t know shit about me anymore Anslie, so go fuck yourself.” I hang up before I say anything else fucked up to my sister. Before I even have a chance to react, Dom has his hand on my throat, and he starts to squeeze. I don’t even bother trying to fight back against him. I don’t have the energy right now. The alcohol in my system is doing nothing but forcing me to let my brother do whatever the fuck he wants.
“Don’t ever fucking talk to her like that again. I don’t give a shit how fucking pissed you are at her; you don’t get to take your frustrations out on her. She isn't the one that is supposed to fix that shit between you and Brynn. She is our damn sister, and that is it. Not your damn relationship fixer.”
He releases me, and I put my hand to my throat and rub it. “I know. She told me to stay the fuck away from her and then after I told her that I fucked her, she was all on board with helping me get her. Now, she’s all up that fucker’s ass, and I can’t take this shit.”
Dom takes a seat on the chair in the corner of the room that I used to leave all my clothes. “You’re a fucking idiot. You want that fucking girl, go get her. Tell her that you want her and stop bringing Anslie into the middle of it. When she tells Brant about that shit, you’re gonna wish like hell you were back in Seattle.”
I grunt out in answer because I know he’ll be pissed.
Dom doesn’t say anything else, he just turns and walks out of my room, slamming the door shut behind him.
I lay back on my bed and close my eyes. If she calls him, then I can expect him at any time. If she waits until tomorrow, then at least I’ll be sober when he pulls a right hook that he’s known for.
---
The sound of my phone ringing for the last thirty minutes wakes me even though I don’t want to get my ass up out of bed. When I finally find my phone, I see my sister’s name on the screen. Groaning, I rub my face and hit the answer button before putting it to my ear.
“Anslie,” I start, but she cuts me off.
“Don’t. I don’t want to hear it. I’m sorry I didn’t help you like I promised. I screwed up. I’m sorry. You’re my brother, and I love you. You’ll always be family no matter what shitty things you say to me. I’ve had plenty of years with you being a complete dick, but I didn’t deserve what you said. Brant’s pissed, and if he sees you today, I don’t know what he might do.”
She sniffles a little before she blows out a deep breath.
“I love you Ans. I know I’ve been the shittiest brother you have for more than half of your life and I’m sorry.” She giggles at that, but I bet she still has tears in her eyes.
“Well you definitely had your moments when I was a teenager, but I still love you. You’re my brother.”
It doesn’t take long for a pounding to explode through the room. The door opens, and I see Brant looking pissed as hell. He doesn’t even slow his stride as he makes his way to my
bed and throws a punch right into my jaw. I drop my phone to the bed and block his next punch.
He continues to wail on me, and finally, I roll over and take him with me. When I finally get him under me and not swinging at me, I hold him down.
“I know you’re fucking pissed and I’m sorry. What I said was wrong, I know. I hate myself for what I said to her, but I was hammered. It doesn’t change that fact, but I love her. She’s my little sister, and I hurt her last night. I accept that shit and if you want to beat my ass for that, fine. I’ll let you take as many shots as you want.” I release him and let him off the bed.
His anger is still not doing shit to calm his ass down. I didn’t think it would, but it was worth a try. Instead, I stand in the center of my room and just wait for him to make a move. Brant clenches his hands into fists before throwing the first punch.
Every punch he lands reminds me of the pain that I’m still alive. Reminds me that I don’t give a fuck who I hurt most days. That anyone in my family is fair game, even my sister. The punch to my gut is the one that drops me. He must have clipped my rib because a sharp pain radiates through every inch of my body and I collapse to the ground at his feet.
He doesn’t say a word as he walks out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Laying on the ground, I try to catch my breath, but it’s no use. The side of my face starts to swell and fuck; I think I need some ice right about now.
Chapter Fourteen
Brynn
I roll over for what seems like the hundredth time in the last hour. Aaron is out cold right next to me, and I can’t bring myself to even look at him right now. My head is spinning, and I feel like I’m on a tilt-a-whirl that is out of control. Nothing can stop the spinning, and I just want to get off this damn ride.
My lips still feel his pressed against them, and my body is craving more.
I turn over again and stare at the clock on the nightstand for a few minutes before sighing. Staying here today is only going to drive me crazy. Aaron will probably take the day off and hover, making sure I’m okay, and I can’t deal with that right now.
I didn’t tell him what happened yesterday, just that a customer came in all pissed off and that is why I am a little rattled. When we got back to the apartment, he ran me a bath and was so sweet and attentive. It was nice, but something deep inside me knew that I wanted it to be Bentley there with me.
The moment I heard his voice, I knew that everything would be fine. He was finally back in town, and a small thrill ran its way through me. He was here in Las Vegas.
When I finally get tired of lying in bed and staring at the clock, I switch my alarm off and get up to start getting ready. Maybe if I head in early, I can get some work done before the guys show up. It will be quiet and peaceful.
After showering and getting dressed, I see Aaron watching me. “You going to work?”
“Yeah, if I don’t go back today, I might be too scared to go back later. They won’t let anything happen to me.” I give him a reassuring smile before turning back to the mirror to put my makeup on. After my hair and makeup are done, I walk back into the bedroom to find a pair of wedges to match my outfit. Instead of finding wedges, I grab a pair of black heels that will look amazing with my skirt.
When I come back out of the closet, Aaron is still watching me. “Dom said one of his brothers is back in town.” I swallow at the mention of that and try to keep a neutral expression. I don’t want him to think that something is going on between Bentley and me. I never told him about my connection with Bentley, and I’d like to keep it that way if possible.
“Yeah, he showed up when the customer went all crazy on me.” What I don’t mention is the kiss or how we were in his room after all that happened.
“Ah. So were you guys close before he left?” I shake my head no, not thinking about that answer too hard. I’m sure if I did, he would suspect something. But it’s the truth, Bentley and I were nothing before. We barely spoke, but the sexual tension between us most days was crazy bad. I could feel him every time he walked into the office even if he was silent.
A shiver runs down my spine at the thought of seeing him in the office again. I feel my heart start to pound, but I try to ignore it. I don’t need anything from him when I have the love of the man lying in my bed right now.
I walk over to him and press a kiss to his lips. He doesn’t say another word about me going to work, and part of me is glad for it. I don’t want to have to defend my choice to go back to work today. I mean, I should probably take the day off, but I wasn’t lying when I said that I might not be able to after what happened.
“I love you,” he murmurs against my lips.
“Love you too,” I whisper. After a few seconds, I pull away and walk out of the bedroom toward the kitchen so I can grab my purse and keys. As I make my way out the door, I try to shake some of the nerves away. I know that going back after what happened is going to mess with me a little, but it’s nothing that a little caffeine can’t cure, at least I hope.
By the time I make it to Wayward Cycles, it’s still a good hour before the guys typically start. Unlocking the door, I make my way inside and lock the door behind me. I’d rather be safe than sorry at this moment. I have no idea if that group of guys from yesterday will come back when they think that no one is here and take whatever it is they were here for.
Taking a seat on my chair, I start up my computer. I thumb through a few of the work orders that were left on my desk after I went home yesterday. Bending over my desk to grab a couple new file folders, I feel him before I even turn around. He’s leaning against the door frame that leads out into the shop area, and I can see a bruise under his eye and one on his jaw.
My eyes take him in, and it looks like he’s barely slept and got his ass kicked last night. I don’t say a word as I straighten upright before moving toward him. My fingers slowly run over his jaw before moving to his eye. “It probably looks worse than it feels.” His voice is low and nothing like the man I watched from afar.
“What happened?” His blue eyes lock onto me, and he shrugs.
“Said some shit I shouldn’t have to my sister. Angry brother-in-law.” He rubs at his neck, and my eyes catch the faint marks that are there as well. I move my fingers to his neck, and he grimaces. “Angry older brother.”
I don’t bother asking what he said to piss them off. Part of me thinks he deserved it. If anything, he’s always been good at talking shit.
“You okay? I mean after everything that happened?” His question catches me off guard, and I don’t know how to answer it still.
“I was terrified to come here, but since it’s early, I thought that I would have some time alone. I didn’t expect you to be here so early.”
I finally drop my hand from him, and he sighs. “I can leave if that’s what you want.” I shake my head, not wanting him to leave even though I know I should tell him to go. A sense of protection and being safe is what I get when he’s around. Like nothing will happen while he’s around.
“Please, stay.” My voice is quiet, and I feel so far out of my element that I don’t know what I’m doing. I should stay away from him. The feelings that came back with him are scary as shit, and I don’t know what to even think, let alone do.
“You sure?” I hate that he sounds unsure right now and not his cocky self. Maybe it’s better for me if he continues to act like this around me. Then maybe I won’t think about his body pressed against mine again.
His hand reaches out almost to touch me before he pauses and his hand stays suspended in the air. “I hate that you’re getting married,” he finally says. “I hate that you have someone else in your life.”
I swallow around the lump in my throat and take a steadying breath. “You made it clear that you didn’t want anything from me. I gave you a chance, and you told me that you couldn’t go there with me. That I deserved better.”
“Because you fucking do, Brynn. You deserve every fucking thing you want, and I may be able to give
you some of that shit, but I can’t give you stability. I can’t promise that something won’t happen and your life is isn’t in danger. Like right fucking now. They can come after you at any time all because of me.”
I bite the inside of my cheek and watch him. Something is eating away at him, but I can’t figure out what it is. He reaches forward and tucks the hair behind my ear. “I’ve watched what this life does to the people we care about. You deserve so much better.” He leans forward, pressing his mouth against mine once before pulling away and releasing me before walking out of the office and back into the shop. He takes a seat at a station and starts working on something, not turning around again while I continue to stare at him.
What in the hell just happened?
After a few minutes, I finally pull myself away from the doorway and head back to my desk. I sit in the silence for far too long before I hear the rest of the guys start to trickle into the shop. When my phone dings with a message from Anslie, I ignore it. I’m not really ready to talk about wedding stuff or even engagement things.
Last night Aaron and I talked about the party that Anslie wants to throw and he was all for not having to plan a thing. So at some point today, I guess I’ll have to talk to her about it, but right now isn’t the time. I rather just sit here doing nothing but staring at my computer screen. A blank fucking computer screen.
Around mid-morning, a knock on the door brings my head toward the shop door. My eyes take in Dominic, and I can tell he wants to make sure that everything is good with me before he heads back out to start working. “I’m fine, “ I insist before he even gets a chance to say a word. “You don’t have to worry about me.”
“You need anything; we are just outside the office.” I nod my head and go back to staring at my computer. I pull up a new spreadsheet and start to enter in the new customers’ information for all the new work orders that they’ve gotten over the last few days. It doesn’t take long, but it keeps my head from running wild for at least a good hour before it’s noon.
