Raven looks at her wedding ring, a black band with a purple crown she wears on her middle finger instead of the traditional one, three tiers, three jewels, each representing the boys who gave her life meaning. Her hands then fall to her little bump and stay there.
I don’t respond, and she doesn’t say another word, both of us likely lost in thoughts of all the times we were forced to do just that.
We sit until the boys come searching for her, but they don’t speak, leaving her where she sits.
It’s not until Captain’s engine roars to life, and Maddoc steps around the house with her backpack draped over his shoulder that she stands.
She turns to me, her eyes lifting over my head a moment before bringing them back. She holds her hand out.
When I don’t instantly slide mine inside of hers, she rolls her eyes. “Grab it, Victoria.”
I do, but I don’t give her any of my weight, pushing to my feet. “Pretty sure I’m the one who should be helping you up.”
“Yeah, well.” She lets go, backing away. “Maybe you owe me now.”
I turn to find Royce and Captain standing there, the loop of my backpack wrapped around Cap’s middle finger.
They move closer, so I reach out to grab it, but Cap’s frown deepens as he pulls his gaze from mine, and the two walk right by me.
So, I follow, and off to school we go.
* * *
We’re sitting in the cafeteria during lunch hour, my eyes pointed where Tisha and Chloe talk quietly, Mac chatting with his buddy across the table from them, when warm, calloused knuckles slide along my neck causing me to jump.
Captain pulls my head toward his, lifting my chin.
“This isn’t the first time I’ve caught you staring their way. I’m starting to wonder if you’re looking to party like Royce,” he says, face blank.
I pull my lips to the side. “Wonder or worry?”
“Don’t play,” he whispers, his fingertips sliding along my skin, watching me closely.
“I’m not the one playing,” I tell him. “Not sure how clear I can be, Cap, but I don’t want anyone else.”
“Get up,” he says.
My head pulls back. “Why?”
“Because I said. Get. Up.” The tone in which he gives his quiet command causes a hot ache to form in my throat.
I tap my fingers along the tabletop to delay, and then push to my feet, spinning to face him. I’m tugged into his lap.
His arms instantly come under mine, palms flattening on the inside of my thighs and nudging them the slightest bit open.
He kicks a leg out, settling in, and goes right back to talking with Maddoc at our sides.
I chance a look at Raven and the others, but they don’t acknowledge his move in any way. Raven continues to lean over Royce’s shoulder, pointing at the screen of his phone while he laughs, and Maddoc is focused on Captain.
“Breathe,” Captain whispers in my ear, leaving his mouth there to tickle against my skin.
My ass cheeks clench against him, and he squeezes my thighs in warning, but an accidental chuckle leaves me and his head jerks toward me again.
I pull my shoulder in, meeting his eyes over it.
“Something funny?” he rasps.
I shift, swinging my legs over so my side is against his chest now.
That gets Royce and Raven’s attention.
“No, Cap. Nothing’s funny, but if you’re gonna play show and tell and put me on your lap, I’m gonna take full advantage of it,” I say as I run my palm up his chest, knowing he won’t stop me, that he can’t stop me now that he’s frolicking in public.
For the public.
It’s a show, I know that.
He wants to make sure I’m watched, tracked and trailed by the many eyes of Brayshaw, and for that to happen with precision he has to show the need for it.
Captain, being a guy of few words, of course has chosen the visual.
He might have deemed me a Bray Girl, but for everyone to believe it, action has to follow.
I know him though, and that’s far from the only reason I’m sitting where I am.
He’s caving, and I’m so ready for it.
He glares, but all that drives it is heat. “Be smart, Beauty.”
I ignore him, hiding my grin as I tuck my face beside his. “Did you wash your face before you went to bed the other night, Cap?” I whisper, and this time, it’s he who clenches against me, his dick flexing along with his hands on my thighs. “Or did you roll over through the night, waking to taste me all over again… over and over… again?”
“Stop,” he hisses.
Damn, that strain in his voice...
My grin spreads. “Give me your answer, and I’ll tell you how I spent those last few hours that night, but so you know, the answer isn’t sleeping...”
His fingers wrap around my bicep and he tugs me back, a wild eagerness in his eyes as they move between mine. Around us, his brothers fight their laughter, only to cough when he gives them hardened glares.
They come back to mine a full shade of deeper blue.
He studies me a moment, frown deepening by the second. “Touch yourself again, Beauty. I dare you.”
“And if I do.”
“You won’t. You need something, say it.”
“I need something.” I raise a brow.
Surprise has him falling back.
And then he jumps from his seat, and once again I’m hanging half over his shoulder, hiding my face as I’m carried from the cafeteria on the shoulder of the gentle giant.
Captain doesn’t stop until we’ve reached the gym. He throws open the door and charges right inside, shouting, “out” to the few inside playing basketball during lunch.
They drop the ball on sight, grab their bags and go, not one batting a lash or even giving a questioning glance at the dude with a chick hanging across his body.
In the next second, I’m flipped into his arms.
I yelp, grabbing on but just as quick, I’m laid to the freezing cold gym floor. I gasp, and Captain’s hand quickly comes up to catch it.
He glares, his eyes darkening. “No sound.”
I lick his fingers and he jerks away, but he can’t keep the groan in.
He starts unbuttoning my jeans and my eyes shoot wide, flying around the room.
“Anyone could walk in.”
He freezes, his wild eyes coming back to mine. “Are you telling me to stop?”
I open my mouth, my heart pounding like crazy in my chest. I shake my head. “Never.”
His jaw clenches, a heavy crease forming along his forehead.
Suddenly my pants are at my knees and my hand flies down to hold my shirt in place.
He tenses, but only for a moment before his finger slides along the seam of my underwear.
“You touched yourself when I left, thought of me,” he rasps, slipping the tip of his ring finger through the thin cotton. “Tell me what you did.”
I lick my lips and his focus falls to the contact.
“No.”
His glare reluctantly lifts from my mouth. “No?”
I shake my head, pushing against his touch and clenching to try for more. “You’ll have to guess.”
His eyes narrow.
“Might take a couple tries...”
It takes a second but then a grin slowly curls his lips and he chuckles, dragging a hand across his face.
His finger leaves my underwear and suddenly he’s on his back beside me, staring up at the ceiling.
After a few long moments, his eyes close. “Go.”
I tense, ready to speak, but he knows it’s coming, and cuts me off before I can.
“Now, Vee,” he says quietly, “...please.”
There’s something in his tone, a hint of self-doubt, relief and regret maybe.
I nod even though he can’t see me, tug my jeans up and exit the gym.
Chapter 17
Captain
We’re driving down the dirt road, the ma
nsion now in view when my brother meets my eyes in the mirror.
He’s with me, they both will be, no matter what move I make or when.
I spent the rest of yesterday, and all fucking night, trying to work through my own head, and each time I came out even more unsure—a rarity for me.
I’m supposed to be the positive brother, the one who breaks down each scenario and helps his brothers see what their anger and defiance hides, only now I’m on the opposite side.
I’m full of blurred rage, craving defiance, and ready to risk all that I am.
I want to let go of all we are to uphold—respect, loyalty, trust—and gamble everything for what might be... my everything.
For who might be my everything.
Zoey will always be the most important person in my life, but Maddoc will soon have both—a child to love and protect, and a woman who was made just for him.
Is it wrong to want both?
Is it wrong to want her despite her lies?
The more I’m around her, the harder it gets to remain angry.
I thought I could bury everything under the sheets, focus on the physical and the rest would fade away, but I’m learning I’m not built like that.
Sex has always been about the moment, the sensations involved, a mutual night of fun.
I can’t do that with her and it’s frustrating.
Today, when she pushed the exact button she meant to and I carried her ass to the gym, I had every intention of getting her off, curb her appetite and mine, and then she teased.
Victoria looked me in the eye, hair spread all around, arm bent and fingers barely teasing at the edge of her face. Through her words, she smiled, words that indicated a future, or at the very least, more.
More of me.
More with me.
More of us.
A strange fullness spreads through me, tightening and weighing at my arms and legs. It takes effort to turn the wheel so I can curl around the driveway.
I’m losing it, my control.
Royce tips his chin, and my hands tighten against the cool leather.
It’s a switch, me being the one unwilling to see and him pushing me. I’m anxious and I hate it.
We were taught to trust our gut, but mine is split in fucking two, no part of me leaning any farther than the other.
She didn’t tell me she knew of my daughter, never shared Maria was her mother, never told us about the videos she recorded, all things that relate somehow to my little girl.
What else could she be hiding?
Royce’s words come crashing back, forcing me to wonder if there’s even a negative piece to her. Nothing I’ve learned tears at who she is.
Who was the lie for...
I let out a long exhale and put the SUV in park.
All my concerns fade into the background when my daughter’s little hand lifts to wave even though she can’t see through the windshield.
Like every day, Zoey is on the porch waiting, this time with a popsicle in her hands.
Once our doors start to open, she begins climbing down the steps.
I glance over my shoulder, and one of my eyes is aligned perfectly, able to meet Victoria’s through the small gap the opening allows.
Her face is pinched tight, flying from the open door and back to me, but light footsteps are where my focus lies, so I spin back around and move forward the last few spaces until I can pick up Zoey and toss her in the air, catching her on her way down.
She laughs and wraps one arm around me as she brings her popsicle back to her mouth. “Look it.” She licks it. “It’s orange.”
“It is orange, good job.” I bounce her and she giggles.
“Papa said I can have it.”
I chuckle and then Zoey is reaching past me.
“Uncle Bro!”
Royce roars and swings her from me, running a few feet and swinging her around.
She laughs, looking back this way.
There’s a light shuffle behind me, letting me know Victoria is climbing out, but I hold my breath, forcing myself to focus straight on.
Maddoc and Raven walk around the hood, and I’d bet we’re all curious to see what Zoey will do—go to them as she has every day or go to her.
“Baby!” she shouts next, and while I thought I’d gain relief, I’m no less edgy than I was five seconds ago.
I glance up at my dad on the porch, nodding lightly when he tips his chin, disappearing inside.
Zoey cups her mouth and starts talking to Raven’s belly, while Maddoc bends on one knee to listen, his eyes glued to Zoey’s face.
Victoria quietly closes the door and slowly steps beside me.
I don’t move my eyes to hers, and she doesn’t say anything, not until Zoey notices she’s there and damn, if a big, bright smile doesn’t cover her face.
She drops her popsicle and runs over.
Victoria stiffens, maybe unsure of where Zoey is headed, to her or to me, or maybe it’s of how we’ll react. I can’t be sure, but the second it’s clear her entire aura changes.
Victoria laughs, a soft and airy sound, and throws her arms out.
“Hey Mama!” Victoria calls with excitement.
Zoey claps and runs right up for Vee to lift her.
I can’t not look.
My entire body turns to watch as Zoey’s forehead falls to Victoria’s.
Her hands come up to her cheeks next, and Zoey giggles.
“Look at you, ZoZo.” She smiles, squeezing her. “You’re all better.”
She nods, her nose gently and like second nature, brushes with Victoria’s. “And you’re all better, too?”
Victoria inhales deeply, her eyes closing, a smile I can hardly handle directed at my little girl—the most honest smile I’ve ever witnessed.
Real, loving.
Fuck.
She loves my daughter?
My mind races, panic flaring, and I’m ready to snag Zoey away, but Royce comes up, clamping a hand on both of their shoulders and both their heads move his way.
“Oh, yeah, Zoey Bear. VicVee’s real good. Daddy made her feel all sorts of better.”
“Oh my god.” Raven shakes her head, her hand coming up to hide her smile.
My muscles lose some tension and I too fight a chuckle, but then Victoria’s eyes slide to mine briefly and I’d swear a hint of color rises up her cheeks.
“Yay!” Zoey, completely oblivious shouts, kicking her feet until she’s set down and runs back for the house. “Hu-mon, guys! Miss Maybell maked cookies! Chocolate ones, Uncle Bro!”
Light chuckles float across us, and slowly everyone moves for the house, but Victoria only makes it a single step before she pauses, glancing at me over her shoulder.
She doesn’t say anything, and when she walks away, she doesn’t go into the house like I thought she would. As far as I can tell, her smile never falters as she steps around the property, disappearing from my view.
And all I can think of is how I want her back in sight.
* * *
She smiled at her as if she was all she saw.
All she needed.
All she had.
I will never unsee the sight.
Never.
As if that was all I was supposed to write, the ink in my pen dies, leaving me to stare at the half blank page.
So I push to stand, slip from my room and down the hall to hers.
Victoria sits on her windowsill, and as her head lifts to mine, I’d swear she was waiting for me.
I walk inside, closing the door behind me, and she stays right where she is, her eyes locked on mine across the room.
Tonight, I’ll try something different, I’ll write the memory inside my head, for only me to reread and interpret.
Lust or more?
It’s an unnecessary question.
I want more than what her body can give, this much I know, but am I ready to admit this to her, to act on it?
I don’t know, but neither of us need that answer ton
ight.
I grip my shirt by the collar, and tug it over my head, letting it fall to the floor as I make my way toward her.
Her hand shifts, now gripping the framing and she stretches her spine, her chest inflating with her full inhale.
My fingers slide across her throat, eyes falling to the contact when she swallows, as I knew she would. I let my hands glide farther down, until the stretchy material of her top is hooked around my fingers.
I tug, and slowly, she rises to her feet.
I trace along her collarbone, down the edges of her breasts and ribs, until I’m wrapping them around her ass. I dip, gliding my hands along the underside of her thighs, and lift her from the floor.
Her arms and legs lock around me, and she tugs herself closer, her lips now right above mine, but I quickly dip my head into the crook of her slender neck.
My cock swells as I bite at the softness there, and her head falls back, her hair grazing my arms wrapped tight around her frame.
I open my lips, sliding my tongue along her satin-like skin and a heavy groan escapes.
Her muscles clench, hands gliding into my hair.
I take the few backward steps needed to sit on the mattress, leaving her to straddle me, legs still wrapped and locked at my back.
Victoria wastes not a second, seeking out the pressure she needs by grinding her pelvis against me with slow, small shifts of her hips.
My head falls to her shoulder, and her nipples grow hard beneath her cotton t-shirt.
I bring a hand up, lightly dragging my thumb across the pebbled peaks, and her shuddered inhale has my groin burning.
“Mm,” I groan.
Fuck.
She unhooks her legs from around my body, and nudges me back until I cave, falling flat onto her mattress, her knees pressed near my thighs. Nothing but my thin basketball shorts and her thinner pajamas keeping my cock from her entrance. I don’t even think she’s wearing underwear.
Victoria stares intently, a heavy desire I couldn’t possibly miss.
And not for herself, but what she wants to do to me, for me.
She wants to ease me, please me, and my heavy, tormented groan is all the encouragement she needs to start.
BE MY BRAYSHAW Page 17
