by Livia Grant
About five minutes later, a young couple came bounding down the back stairs, giggling until they realized the entire family had stopped to stare at them. It was clear to all the adults in the room that the couple had just finished having sex. Both their hair and clothes were disheveled. The young woman’s face was flushed with that look of recent sexual excitement. Lukus stifled his smile.
The room quieted to an awkward silence until the newest male to the room saw Lukus. “Hey, you must be Tiffany’s new main squeeze. It’s great to meet you. We were all beginning to worry she was never going to settle down.”
“Actually, Matteo, I’m more worried about you, young man. Where have you been?” Then Isabella apparently thought better of her question. “Never mind. I don’t want to know. Come, sit down to eat.”
Matteo flashed a charming smile at his mom. “Sure thing, Ma.”
Young Jack jumped in with his two cents. “My mom says you’re gonna go to hell for sleeping with loose women, Uncle Matty. Is that true?” Out of the mouths of babes.
Angelina rushed to her young son. “That’s enough out of you, young man. This is not the time or the place for this discussion.”
“But mom, you said—”
Angelina cut him off. “I know what I said. I’ll talk to your uncle in private, thank you. Now eat your lunch.”
“Fine.” His petulant answer sounded just like Tiffany when she was at her sassiest. Their eyes met across the room and Lukus stifled his grin while Matteo tried to smooth things over with his girlfriend, Paige, who looked less excited by the minute.
The room broke into good-natured conversations, and all was going well. Yet Aiden sat stoically, staring at Lukus as everyone shared small talk. Tiffany had been spot on with her simmering chaos description.
At the first lull in the conversation, Aiden couldn’t resist jumping in. “So, Tiff, I have a surprise for you.”
Tiff glanced nervously at Lukus before addressing her brother. “That’s great. I just hope it’s a nice surprise, Aiden. If not, maybe we should talk in private.” The room, sensing the tension in the air, had fallen silent again.
The glint in Aiden’s eyes worried Lukus only because he didn’t want him to upset Tiff. He honestly couldn’t give a shit if her brother liked him or not. The only reason his approval was remotely important was because without it, Tiffany would be sad.
“I moved last week.”
Tiff looked confused. “You moved? To a new precinct?”
“No, a new city. A new state, even.”
She looked surprised. “Wow. I thought you loved working in Detroit with all of your buddies. I’m surprised you’d move to a new city where you have to start all over again.”
“Yeah, well, the Chicago PD made Josh and me an offer we couldn’t refuse. I was topping out behind a lot of guys with seniority in Detroit, and we got a sweet deal working with vice in Chicago.” Aiden’s eyes locked with Lukus’s. “Just think, sis, I’m going to be able to keep a very close eye on you now that I’ll be in Chicago. In fact, I’ve been able to get up to speed pretty quickly already in just the one week I’ve been there.”
Tiffany’s voice was shaking. “I can’t believe you moved to Chicago and didn’t tell me. We could have gone out. I could have helped you get settled. Where are you living?”
Aiden’s eyes never left Lukus’s. “Yeah, well you must be really busy. I’ve stopped by to surprise you, but you were never home. You’re a hard one to track down.”
You could have heard a pin drop in the crowded room. “You could have called me, you know. My phone works.” Tiff’s voice cracked with emotion. Lukus knew she was panicking. He stepped in.
“Yeah, Aiden. I wish you’d called. I’d have loved to have hosted you for dinner. We could have gotten to know each other better before today.”
“Well, I didn’t want to disturb you. Your businesses are all thriving, and must keep you busy. I’m just not too sure I’m crazy about the location there on the west side of town. At least I’m happy to see you have good security to keep Tiffany safe when she visits.”
Tiffany had walked to stand next to Lukus’s chair in a show of support for him. He took it a step further by pulling her to sit in his lap. Her cute squeak when she plunked down hard went over everyone’s head in the room—except Aiden’s. His eyes widened when he glanced at his sister and then back to Lukus. Lukus calmly responded. “I care about Tiffany very much, so of course her security is my utmost concern. Still, I’d be happy to give you a tour of the facilities whenever you have time.”
Tiffany’s tremble was unmistakable as the two men she loved verbally sparred in front of the room full of family.
“That’s very accommodating of you, Mr. Mitchell. I’ve learned you are a pretty important man in that part of town, so I’d appreciate you taking time out of your day to give me and my partner an official tour of the facilities.”
Lukus heard the threat. Aiden knew his full name. That meant he’d done his homework and knew about both Lukus’s arrest and The Punishment Pit. Aiden was telling him he planned on coming on official police business to threaten him.
Lukus should have tried to keep the conversation calm, but he couldn’t help throwing a bomb instead. “Wow, Tiffany didn’t tell me you were gay. Where is your partner? I’d like to meet him.”
The only person in the room Lukus managed to piss off with his barb was Tiffany’s father. “Sweet Jesus, young man, we do not condone such behavior in this family. Joshua is Aiden’s best friend since high school and his police partner, not his partner partner. Get it straight!”
Lukus smiled broadly. “My apologies, sir. A simple misunderstanding. Of course, we’d love to host a visit. We actually have several clients who are part of the CPD. You’ll fit right in.”
“Somehow I doubt that, and I know for a fact my sister doesn’t,” Aiden said.
“You might be surprised. She loves all of the facilities. In fact, the first night we met I took her on a tour, and she discovered just how much she fit in, didn’t you, baby?”
He heard Tiffany’s soft plea. “Please, Lukus.”
He also heard Aiden’s soft, “You’re dead,” under his breath.
Lukus turned his attention to Tiffany’s parents. “You should have seen your daughter the first night we met. I live in a loft at the top of a large building that houses several of my businesses.” He felt her tensing.
Does she really think I’m going to talk about the club?
“Imagine my surprise when I took her on a tour, and she found I have a half basketball court in one of the open areas of the building. When she suggested shooting some hoops, I laughed. I didn’t laugh for long.” He gazed into Tiffany’s eyes, his love for her on display for all to see. He couldn’t resist reaching up to cup her face lovingly. “Imagine my surprise when this beautiful woman beat me fair and square—and barefoot, to boot! I knew right away she was something special.”
The room erupted with cheers and laughs. Tiff relaxed into his hug as her father proudly praised her.
“That’s my girl, Tiffy. Did she tell you she paid for her entire college degree playing for the University of Michigan? Her ma and I are so proud of her.”
“Yes, sir. I’m pretty proud of her myself.” Lukus loved the relief in her ocean-blue eyes. He knew he’d just need to win Aiden over. At least her brother didn’t seem ready to embarrass them, apparently preferring to handle his knowledge of The Punishment Pit privately.
That suits me just fine.
They stayed for a few more minutes before Isabella announced it was time for the women to head to the church.
“Lisa is as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. We need to get there to help keep her calm, and get the final preparations done before the other guests start to arrive. You menfolk are in charge of the boys. We’re taking all of the girls with us.”
“Come on, Mom. Do I really have to go? It’s going to be boring.” The teenage girl who’d had
her face buried in her cell phone complained to Angelina.
“I told you, Ashley. You’re going, and you’re going to be happy about it.”
“Fine.” Spoken with a perfect amount of angry teenager angst.
Tiffany hugged him tightly and whispered in his ear. “Please try not to get in a fight with Aiden. He’s just worried about me. The fact that he hasn’t told Daddy about The Pit is a good sign.”
“Everything will be fine here. You just go and have fun. We’ll be here when you get back, baby.”
Aiden’s cold voice cut into their private moment. “Watch who you’re calling baby. Tiffany is a young woman, not a baby.”
“Believe me, Aiden. I’m very aware of how much of a woman she is.”
Tiffany jumped out of Lukus’s lap to go to her brother. “Aiden, I’d like to speak to you in private before we leave for the shower.” She tried pulling her brother to his feet, but her mother cut her off.
“There’s no time, Tiffy. You can talk to Aiden when you get back. I’m sure he’ll behave himself while we’re gone, won’t you Aiden?”
He answered his mother, but never took his eyes off Lukus. “Of course, Mom. You can count on me.”
Tiffany was pulled out the back door by her mother and sisters, all caught up in the rush to leave for the church. She glanced back with a pitiful look. Lukus flashed her his hot-coals grin.
“Have fun at the shower, baby. I’ll be fine here with your brothers and your dad.”
The men waited all of ten seconds before all eyes turned to him and Aiden.
Colin broke the silence. “So, Aiden. Why don’t you tell us what you’ve been holding back while the girls were still here?”
Lukus was ready for a fight. He wasn’t going to be pushed out of Tiffany’s life just because her brother was ultra-protective.
Aiden surprised him. “I’ll handle this one on one, Colin. It’s nothing you need to be worried about. How about I take you on a tour of the grounds, Lukus?”
“Lead the way.”
Chapter Fifteen
Tiffany
The party had barely started, but Tiffany couldn’t wait for it to be over. The church banquet hall was decorated beautifully, and a good crowd had shown up. The gift table was overflowing, and her brother Liam and his soon-to-be-bride looked happy surrounded by family and friends.
Her sisters and mother had been grilling Tiffany every chance they got for details on Lukus. How did they meet? How serious was it? Was he always so damn charming? Why was Aiden so angry with him? The list went on and on. She’d deflected as best she could.
The afternoon dragged on with an endless list of corny bridal shower games, finger-food fare, and non-spiked punch. Tiff could have used a good stiff drink as she watched her future sister-in-law open her third box of bath towels. Lisa didn’t seem bothered, but Tiffany wanted to scream.
She’d been texting Lukus with no reply for the last hour. Every minute that dragged by, her dread grew. On one hand, she was afraid Lukus would fight with Aiden while she was gone. On the other hand, she was even more afraid Lukus would just say “fuck it” and drive home, leaving her to drive back to Chicago with her brother. Her brain told her she was exaggerating, but her heart hurt at the thought of losing Lukus. Seeing him here with her family had opened her eyes to the future she wanted. That future had Lukus Mitchell as the center of her universe. The thought of losing him scared the shit out of her.
I’ll never forgive Aiden if he drives him away.
The burn of the cream Lukus had applied had faded, but the plug in her ass was ever present, keeping her tethered to her Dom even though they were miles apart. She had protested at the time, but it was strange how comforting that hard toy was as she wiggled on her seat.
“Tiffy, are you feeling okay?”
“Yes, Mom. I’m fine. I’m just worried about Lukus.”
“He seems like a very capable young man. I’m sure he’s doing fine.”
“Fine. Then I’m worried about Aiden,” Tiff admitted.
“Why don’t you tell me what your brother is upset about? You know I’m going to find out eventually. Maybe if you tell me, I can help,” Isabella said.
Tiffany glanced sideways at her mom. The rest of the room was engrossed in watching Lisa open gifts. They did have a small measure of privacy. Still, this was not a conversation she wanted to have with her mother.
“It’s nothing. Aiden isn’t going to like any guy I date, is he? He’s always been ultra-protective.”
“That’s true. You two have always been close. Still, is there something I should know about?”
When their eyes met, Tiffany saw genuine concern in her mother’s eyes. She was not trying to pry or judge.
“It’s just, well… Lukus and I have gotten really close… really fast. I think Aiden is worried, that’s all.”
“Close. You mean you’re no longer a virgin,” Isabella said knowingly.
“Mom. Really? We’re going to have this conversation here?”
“Sure. We’re here to celebrate your brother’s upcoming wedding. Look over at them. Do you really think they haven’t had sex?”
Tiffany couldn’t believe she was hearing what she was hearing. “You mean you’re okay with that? You’ve always been so… I don’t know. So… preaching abstinence until you marry.”
“That’s not entirely true. I was preaching abstinence until you find your soul mate. There’s a difference.”
“You never once used the words ‘soul mate’ with me, Mom. I’m pretty sure I’d remember that.”
“Oh, well, my bad. That’s what I meant.”
“Really? And you think Paige is Matteo’s soul mate?”
Her mother snorted a laugh. “No, and like Angelina, I really am worried about your brother.”
The women watched Lisa open her next gift in silence before Tiffany asked, “So you’re okay knowing I’m no longer a virgin?”
Without missing a beat her mom grinned. “Of course, as long as he treats you right and you love him. You do love him, don’t you?”
Tiff’s heart pounded. “I love him so much it scares me. I know he loves me, but what if he doesn’t love me enough?”
Isabella finally turned to look into her eyes. “I saw how he looks at you. He loves you more than enough. I’m happy for you. You finally found your special one.”
Tiffany wanted to believe it was true, but she had to remain cautious. “Mom, we’ve only known each other six weeks. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
Her mother looked conflicted. She opened and then closed her mouth several times before finally taking Tiffany’s hands in her own. “I’m going to tell you something I’ve never told your brothers and sisters, but I think you need to know.” A look of love crossed over her face. “I knew the minute I met your father that I was going to marry him.”
“I know, I know. You met at a party, and he was brave enough to come ask you to dance even though you were surrounded by all of your friends. You were impressed with his bravery, and you started dating him right away.”
“Yes. All of that is true. What I never told you kids is that we did more than date right away.”
Tiffany had never seen her mother look so mischievous before. “Ew. Mom! What are you saying? You had premarital sex with Daddy?”
“Is it so hard to believe? He was so handsome, and he swept me off my feet. I knew I was going to marry him, so it really didn’t feel like I was doing anything wrong.”
“I can’t believe this! All these years you’ve been making me feel so guilty for even thinking about sex before I got married.”
“Honey, I just wanted you to stay safe, and to keep looking until you found someone special. Now that you have, I don’t blame you one bit for… well, you know. Wow, the way Lukus was looking at you from across the room… Let’s just say I hope to be sitting here at your bridal shower very soon. I’d like to at least have it before it’s time for your baby shower.”
“Mom! Y
ou’re freaking me out,” Tiff said.
“Don’t be freaked out. I’m just ready for more grandchildren. All of the kids are getting older. It’s time for you, Liam, Matty, and Aiden to settle down and give me my next wave of grandbabies.”
“I’ll be sure to let Lukus know. He’ll want to get right on that.”
Lukus
Lukus collapsed to sit at the end of the long pier jutting out into Lake Michigan. Sheer luck had allowed him to avoid an inevitable showdown with Aiden a few hours earlier. His phone had rung with an incoming call from Z just after the women had left for the bridal shower. He’d stepped outside to take the call, walking far enough away from the grand home to escape the storm he knew was brewing—and would break when Aiden shared his knowledge with the rest of the men.
He pushed down the niggling feeling of guilt of having taken a long hike through the hilly forest surrounding the O’Sullivan property. He was sure Aiden would think him a coward for avoiding their confrontation, but Lukus knew that that was preferable to throwing punches, which was sure to happen had he stayed behind. He had pushed himself hard on his walk. The excursion had calmed him down.
He had considered hiding in the forest until he knew the women were back, but he suspected it was better to get the ugliness out in the open before Tiffany returned. At least that way, she wouldn’t have to witness the men she loved fighting firsthand. He was grateful for the privacy near the water, knowing it was just a matter of time before the other men discovered him.
If Aiden thinks he’s going to push me out of her life, he has another thing coming.
The swelling waves of the lake lapped against the pier, helping Lukus relax in a way he found hard to do in the city. With the peace came long-forgotten memories of childhood visits to his grandparents’ waterfront home as a kid. He had vibrant flashbacks of boating and fishing with his grandfather and cousins growing up.