by KC Kean
That’s when I see she’s laid four toothbrushes still in their packaging out on the side and I smile. I love it when she shows she cares without realizing, it helps solidify that she truly means it when she says she doesn’t judge me by my father's actions.
Rubbing a towel through my hair, I slip on my shorts and roll my boxer shorts into my pocket. I’m surprised to see Oscar leaning against the back of one of the sofas, as I step out of the bathroom.
“I’m going to put the coffee machine on, you want a coffee too?” I ask and he nods in agreement, as he steps past me shutting the bathroom door behind him. Okay then.
Glancing at the others still sleeping on the mattresses, I leave them be as I put the coffee machine on. Having a look through Luna’s groceries I decide on some French toast for everyone.
Pulling out everything I need, I set it all up beside the stove. Carving up the bread and measuring out the rest of it, I’m just about ready to heat the pan when Oscar strolls in. Glimpsing his way, I’m surprised to see a determined look on his face.
Before I can ask what’s wrong he’s heading towards me and pulling the pan from my hand.
“What…”
“I need you to kiss me,” he blurts out, taking me by surprise. He rubs the back of his neck, looking down at his feet, as the slightest pink tinge takes over his cheeks. I drop my hands to my sides as I look him over.
“I don’t understand Oscar.” He probably thinks I sound stupid, but I don’t know where this is coming from. He releases a heavy sigh as he glances back up at me.
“Ever since we shared Luna, I’ve felt different, and I need to know if it’s because I’m into guys, or because your dick felt like magic against mine.” He brings his hands to his hips, widening his feet a little as he relaxes his shoulders. “So, I need you to kiss me so I can figure it out.”
Well, at least I understand where it’s coming from now then. Is Oscar hot? Obviously, his dusty blond hair and blue eyes make him look like a surfer, and the one thing I’ve always been confident about is my sexuality.
“I understand Oscar, but this isn’t something I can help you with, without talking to Luna first.” It’s Luna we’ve all committed ourselves too. As much as she loves to see me with Roman, I don’t want to do something that breaks some rule we haven’t discussed. I might want to bite his pouty mouth when he whines, but I won’t if she doesn’t want me to.
“Luna, is one hundred percent okay with it.” My head whips to the door so fast I almost get a cramp. Oscar does the exact same and we say nothing as we stand and stare at our girl.
In nothing but her panties and a purple tank top, she stands before us running her tongue against her teeth as she looks us both over.
“Are you sure?” I have to ask, to make sure she’s not saying something she thinks we want to hear.
She slowly walks towards me, her hand comes up to rest on my shoulder. Walking around me she wraps her hands around me from behind, placing a gentle kiss to my feather tattoo on my arm.
“If Oscar wants to experiment, I’m never going to stand in the way of that within our circle, as long as I am your only girl. I understand the need for the big D though, and I can’t refuse anyone that,” she murmurs, with her lips dragging against my arm, as her eyes stay trained on Oscar.
He grins at her, as tension visibly leaves the set of his shoulders a little.
“Now, I want a front row seat for this,” she says, holding her arm out to Oscar, who steps closer to us. Luna moves to stand beside us, as we stare at each other. There is very little difference between our height, so our faces align without any necessary movement.
I can see the curiosity in his eyes mixed with a little uncertainty, as he stares me down, needing me to make the first move. Glancing one last time to Luna, who nods in encouragement, I wet my dry lips and wrap my hand around the back of his neck. Stroking my finger along the hairline at the back of his head.
He keeps his arms at his side as the pulse in his neck increases. Moving my lips towards his slowly, I give him time to change his mind, but he doesn’t. Softly brushing my lips against his, he keeps still, not moving an inch.
His lips are softer than I expected, softer than Roman’s and fuller. I want to taste them a little more, but first I pull back to check his reaction. His eyes are half mast, as he slowly blinks, I move back. Finally bringing his gaze to mine, he wastes no time before he’s crashing his lips back to mine. He touches his mouth to mine from different angles, as if imprinting the feel and dynamic of my lips to memory.
His tongue sneaks out and drags against mine a few times, before he tries to slip inside. Giving him the smallest of spaces his tongue pushes past my lips, and I suck my mouth around it. The groan it forces from Oscar, and Luna has heat coursing through me. I instinctively pull him closer to me, as the intensity increases.
Oscar’s hand comes up to the back of my neck, pushing for more which I happily give him. Our tongues tangle together as we both push to overpower the other, and a moan slips past my lips. With Roman he always controls the pace, whereas with Oscar, I feel the need to command him and it’s a heady feeling.
The thought of Luna also watching us right now only increases the pleasure, and my cock is hard in my shorts, no real material containing it. Oscar pulls me closer and fuck me, I feel his solid dick touch mine again between us and we both gasp.
A throat clears, and I pull back from Oscar, opening my eyes. When did I even close them? His eyes are blown and his pouty lips are extra puffy. I know the throat cleared from the door, but I look to my right first seeking out Luna.
She stands before me, eyes as wide as Oscar’s, her hand against her chest as her breathing comes in rapid bursts.
“That was fucking beautiful,” she whispers, and I offer her a soft smile.
Finally turning to the door, I realize I have a hand on Oscar’s hip and the other still gripping his neck. I can’t even kick my body into movement as I take in Roman at the door, Kai standing with a grin behind him. I’m glad Oscar is taking a minute too, if his grip on my arm and waist are anything to go by.
I don’t know what I expect Roman to say, but there’s heat in his eyes too.
“I think he just went a little alpha there Luna, what do you think?” He says, not moving his eyes from us.
“I think you are spot on with that observation. Anything you care to add, Kai?” She offers in response, as she remains frozen in place.
“What are the chances of a coffee?” Kai answers, finally pulling me through the sexual fog enough to function like an adult.
Meeting Oscar’s gaze he’s smirking at me with a pleased look in his eyes.
“I’m not sure if I’m into guys or not, but I definitely need to explore that a little more at some point,” he says, and I drop my hands from him. Searching his eyes there is no joke there, like a small part of me expects, so I offer a simple nod. He’s completely caught me off guard. I would never have considered this with Oscar, but I am more than happy to help him experiment with his sexuality. Especially if Luna likes it too.
“Someone sort the coffees, Parker’s making French toast and I need to go take care of myself.” He offers me a wink and heads for the bathroom like his feet are on fire.
Kai chuckles and we all join him. Oscar, always the one to lighten any mood.
Luna steps up to me again, this time resting her chin against my chest as she looks up to me, wrapping her hands tightly around me.
“Are you ready for today, Parker Parker?” She murmurs, and I smile gently down at her. As ready as I’ll ever be.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
(Luna)
“Do I look okay?” Parker asks, pulling at the sleeves of his white button up shirt. With his navy slacks on, and his curly hair crying out for me to run my fingers through it, he looks delicious.
“Parker, you look hot as hell, please stop worrying. You are my Parker Parker, that is always more than enough,” I say, squeezing his arm in reassurance a
nd loving the feel of the stretched material around his bicep. I follow his lead as we step into the lobby of the Jefferson Hotel, a bellman at the door ready to greet us. Maria somehow convinced us to boycott a normal restaurant to have Sunday brunch here instead, something about memory lane.
Parker was reluctant to hand the keys over to the valet attendant, but I eventually convinced him to, making the valet’s day with the bright red Porsche 911 Carrera. I mean I did understand his concerns, but I wasn’t parking miles away to then walk the rest of the distance.
Roman was adamant it was Parker’s car. Reggie Rivera had passed it on to him, but Parker being Parker, refused to accept it. Although he was more than happy to loan it from time to time. It drove like a dream. I hate going anywhere in cars, but this actually didn’t take much convincing. The leather interior, the dashboard and the roar from the engine had me hot. I’d never been in a Porsche before, but I was fangirling over the twin-turbo flat six rear engine. Parker even gave me a little show of how it reaches 100mph in 4.2 seconds flat.
The lobby has a grand feel to it. High ceilings with a large red staircase in the center of the space. Marble pillars go all the way to the top, with balconies for each floor overlooking the area. Deep royal blue flooring and chairs mixed with the gold touches make it a lot more traditional than I’m used to. There’s even a piano in the middle with some guy dressed in a suit playing it.
“My hip is burning, angel. I think we did this the wrong way around, and I still don’t understand why you couldn’t be the one to do it,” he mutters, as a few people lingering in the lobby stare us down. Clearly this isn’t really the place for people with tattoos on their fingers and their neck. Staring the assholes down around us, I speak calmly as I repeat the words I’ve already said before.
“Parker Parker, honestly we’ve been through this. Traditions and all that…”
“Luna, you look fabulous.” The sound of my Grandmother’s voice halts our conversation, as we turn to greet her. Why does she make me so nervous? “And Parker, I’m glad to see you in better spirits than the last time we met.” The grin on her mouth shows her playful side, and it relaxes me a little. She looks stunning in a pink floral dress with white peep toe heels, a complete contrast to The Ring member we know.
She takes me in as I release my hold on Parker’s arm to run my hands down my dress. It looks like a two piece, with full coverage over my chest and thighs and an off-white lace overlay, that holds it together over my stomach and falls a little lower on my legs. It was only right for me to pair it with the dusty pink heels I wore to the Fall Ball, the first time I laid eyes on Maria. I chose to leave my wavy brown hair down for a change, letting it fall to my waist.
“Thank you,” I say as she steps in to hug me. I’m a little stiff for a moment, but I soon relax into her hold. My mind and soul become more familiar with her each time we meet. Kissing my cheeks like we're in Europe, she leans back and looks at Parker.
“And you Mister,” she says with a little sass at Parker, who stumbles over himself to do as she says. It’s a little comical watching him crouch down to hug her back. I can tell he’s whispering something in her ear, but I can’t hear what. She pats his back in response and squeezes his forearms before finally stepping back.
“Mrs. Steele, if you would like to follow me, please. I have the table you requested ready,” a guy says with a polite smile. He’s dressed smartly in a suit, and when I glance at his name badge I’m impressed that it’s as swanky as the hotel itself. Apparently this guy is Richard, and it seems he’s the manager. If I’m reading the fancy cursive print correctly. Maria smiles and waves a hand for him to take the lead. I follow behind her with Parker wrapping his arm around my shoulder, bringing me in close, and I smile up at him.
I notice a few faces around us as my Grandmother’s security men, none of whom offer any form of greeting. Their full attention on my Grandmother’s safety at all times, as their job requires. They’re spread out watching the perimeter, exit points and the lady in question. All while blending in with the surroundings in their all black suits.
As we step into the dining area the interior decor continues from the lobby. Marble columns frame the room, with high arched windows decorating the second floor and a rose stained-glass window filters light in from the ceiling. Making the whole space bright, even in the corners. Clearly Maria is not down for a slice of pizza and an iced tea. I’m glad we’re dressed for the occasion.
As we’re led up the stairs to the second floor my eyes stray to Parker who is already smiling down at me, and his hazel eyes warm my soul. He brings his hand from my shoulder to rest on my lower back, which tingles at his touch. I love the comfort and stability it offers me, as we approach the only table that has been set up here. Only the three of us take a seat as Maria’s men stand strategically around us, looking at the same access points as me.
It’s strange none of us have spoken yet, but it feels comfortable and not forced.
The table is ridiculously big and filled with glasses in all different shapes and sizes, along with so much cutlery I don’t know where to begin. The cream table cloth looks thicker than a duvet, and the plush grey chair is like sitting on a cloud.
“If you can bear with us for a few minutes we are going to set up your own platter up here,” the manager says before stepping away from the table.
Looking at my Grandmother she has a sparkle in her eyes that wasn’t there before. Noticing my curious look, she smiles.
“This was the first place your grandfather brought me on our first date,” her smile only grows as the memory runs through her mind. “He was so cocky and full of himself to everyone, until we came here, and he showed me the version of himself, nobody else got to see.”
“He sounds like a good man, Mrs. Steele,” Parker says in response and her eyes dim a little.
“He was, he passed six months before Luna was born, but he will always be the love of my life.” She runs her hands along the tablecloth to distract her mind from the heartache, and my heart hurts too. “You remind me of him, you all do,” she adds looking to Parker, who smiles at the comparison.
“I hope that’s in a good way,” he responds, tapping his fingers against his thighs nervously.
“It is in the best way possible. You showed me a true form of yourselves in that box while Luna took part in The Trials, and I’m sure you show an even more vulnerable side to Luna as well.”
The mention of The Trials always catches me off guard, but it doesn’t leave me on edge. Before I can ask what she means by that, a waiter approaches with a bottle of white wine, which Maria accepts. When he brings the bottle towards me I cover my glass with a shake of my head.
“I would prefer a water, please.”
“Me too, thank you,” Parker adds. The waiter nods and rushes off to get the drinks.
Looking back to my Grandmother, I ask, “Please, tell me more about this side you saw in the box. I’m intrigued.” She smiles wide at me, as Parker looks to the ceiling with a groan.
“Well, Parker here kicked up the most fuss, I think. I’m sure you must have heard him banging on the window,” she says, smiling in his direction. “They all showed loyalty and an intense level of protectiveness towards you, but most of all they portrayed how much they believe in you. They are not above you, nor are you above them, but together you have a very special and rare bond, only bringing out the best in each other.”
Her words hit me straight in the chest, and leave me almost breathless, I could float away. Looking to my left, I see Parker already staring at me with admiration in his eyes, and it grounds me. It scares me how true her words are after only knowing each other for two months. It’s no time at all in the grand scheme of things, but this world we’re in could kill us tomorrow too.
Parker lifts my hand off the table, bringing his lips to my knuckles and planting a delicate kiss there. As if he feels the effects of her words too.
The waiter chooses then to bring our waters ove
r and the moment is broken. Clearing the glasses not required, he quickly leaves again giving us our privacy.
“I’m glad I showed such good qualities while having a meltdown and arguing with you,” Parker says, catching me off-guard as Maria chuckles.
“It was your meltdown and argumentative state that showed those qualities. It was rather refreshing. Do you know how many people actually make eye contact with me these days? Being a member of The Ring puts fear in everyone around you.” She sighs, as food is brought to the table. Platters of different varieties are placed around the table while a few side tables are set up around us with more choices.
Selections of seafood, carved meats, cheeses, fruit and so much cake I think I’m in heaven fill the space, and I’m suddenly pleased with Maria’s desire to dine here. Everything smells amazing and looks super fresh, even though this isn’t the pizza I would have preferred I’m not complaining.
Not one of us continues any form of conversation as we dive into the food around us, which is beyond delicious. Come to think of it, none of these Aceholes have taken me on a real date outside of Featherstone’s walls. They better bring me back here the next time we have five minutes to spare. Or maybe I need a girly day here with Red, either way I deserve a fucking date.
“Are you okay, Luna? You seem mad,” Maria asks surprising me, I’m usually better at covering my emotions even without trying. She must be able to read my mind or something because she continues. “You get the smallest frown line on your forehead, just as your father did,” she says with a soft smile, and I find my hand lifting to check. She’s not wrong, it’s definitely there, and it almost has me in tears.
I don’t want to change my facial expression in fear of it going, a trait I have from my father.
“That son of a bitch,” I mutter, my frown coming in full force this time.
“What?” Parker asks with concern, but I look at Maria when answering.
