by Jenika Snow
“I’ll just be in the living room. Don’t let him bully you.” He kissed her once more and left. A smile touched her lips, but when she looked at Rys, that smile died.
He leaned against the counter, his thick arms crossed over his chest as he stared at her intently. She couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but his expression chilled her. Her throat was dry, and she licked her lips, not knowing what to say. Why was he so upset? The anger started to slowly fade from his face, and a deep sadness filled it. Dropping his hands to his side, he breathed out roughly.
“Come here, baby.” His voice was low and cracked at the end. She went to him without hesitation, and when she was close enough, he wrapped his arms around her. They didn’t say anything for several long moments, but they didn’t need to. Everything was being said in that silence. Slowly, as if his legs couldn’t hold him up any longer, he slid to the ground with her. His legs were spread, and she fit right between them. He stroked her hair, whispering incoherent things. She might not understand what he said, but she knew they were comforting.
He had heard her conversation with William, and even though she had every intention of telling him, she wished he hadn’t found out that way.
“Why didn’t you tell me, baby? I would have taken care of you. I would have hurt anyone that hurt you.” His voice was strained, hard. “Why didn’t you tell me?” His voice was barley a whisper. She had never seen Rys this way. He gripped her arms and pulled her back so he could look in her face.
“I…” Looking down, she broke contact for a moment. “I was afraid.” She lifted her gaze and stared at him. “I was afraid to get you two involved. I was afraid of what would happen when someone else knew. I was just afraid, Rys.” He didn’t speak, but she could see his brain working through it all.
“Shit, baby.” Pulling her close, he kissed her gently. “I would do anything for you. You do know that, right?” The desperate look in his eyes let her know that whatever he was dealing with right now was too strong for him to comprehend. He needed to reassure himself, needed her to tell him that everything was okay.
“I know.” And that was what they had been doing for years.
“We shouldn’t have pushed you. God, Jane. That had to bring up so many memories.” His jaw clenched under his skin after the last word. “We should have been there for you, protecting you from that bastard.” Silence stretched between them, and she didn’t correct him that there was no way that they could have protected her or her mother. They were just kids themselves.
He didn’t say anything else, just pulled her to him and held her. She wanted to tell him that they hadn’t pushed her, that being with them was just what she needed. Telling them everything had opened up something inside of her. Maybe things would be different now. Maybe she could finally get rid of the edginess that she felt whenever she closed her eyes and lay in the dark.
“Everything will be okay, baby. Will and I will make sure of it.”
Chapter Eleven
Jane carried the last covered dish from her beater inside the church. A week had passed since she had been with Rys and William, and to say they had been inseparable before was an understatement for how they were acting now. It wasn’t just about the sex, though, although that was incredible each and every time. Sometimes it was with both of them, others it was just her and one of the brothers. There was no jealousy between them when it came to her, and for that she was thankful. In all honesty, if they gave her an ultimatum between the two of them, there was no way she would be able to choose. That might be selfish, but she couldn’t see herself with only one Holden twin. She loved them equally and so, so much.
When she walked into the church, people were milling around, setting up their tables for the weekend bake sale and flea market. It was an every-week kind of thing, and Jane was glad her mother could participate in something she loved doing, and that was cooking for people. Some people in their town treated them like shit because they were poor and didn’t live in the nicest house, but not all of Ecstasy was like that. The people surrounding her right now were just a handful of the ones that had opened up their hearts and homes to her and her mother after they found out what Charles Silver did to them. Her mother, being too proud to accept a handout, wanted to get on with her life and put the past behind her. For as long as she could remember, her mother had been participating in these bake sales, and when Jane’s dad finally left, she became a member of the organization committee. Now she got to sell her famous pies and help plan events that made her feel like she was accomplishing something. There might be people who looked down on them, but even they couldn't deny that her mother’s baked goods were incredible.
“Over here, darling.” Her mother waved Jane over to a small table off to the side. There was a purple tablecloth with lilacs printed on it, and Jane knew under that material was a chipped and rickety old table that had been sitting in their backyard for God knows how long. Her mother’s desserts were raved about in their town, and she made quite a bit of money. Of course, it wasn’t anything they could live lavishly on, but it was enough to buy her ingredients for these sales and help with the bills. The rest was up to Jane. Looking at her watch, she saw she had about twenty minutes before she had to head to work.
“Hey, Mama.” Jane set the brownies on the table and scanned all the dishes. There were about twenty-five different cakes, pies, and cookies. Some were individually wrapped. Others were the whole dessert. “These look so good.”
“Thanks, darling.” Her mother set a vase off to the side, the glass overflowing with wildflowers Jane knew her mother had picked behind their house.
“I better get going. I have to be at work, and I’m pulling a double.” That seemed to be her life recently, although she did make sure to take at least a day off during the week to recharge.She was busting her ass working doubles just so she had enough money. Her mother’s baked goods brought in enough money to help pay the bills, but she refused to have her mom work any harder. Jane didn't mind working the extra hours, especially if it allowed her mom to relax. She had spent her whole life trying to make sure Jane had a good life, and now that Jane could return the help, she planned on doing it.
Of course Rys and William didn’t like her working so hard, but she refused the help they were so willing to give her. She would make it on her own. She had relied on them for so long, and she refused to let them pay her and her mother’s way. They might have demanded to help her, which made her laugh, but she just couldn’t. She didn’t doubt they could afford it. They were the best at what they did, and the homes and buildings around town proved it, but she was an adult and could do this on her own. Had to do this on her own.
“Here, honey.” Her mom turned around and grabbed a little brown paper bag. She handed it to Jane with a smile on her face.
“Really, Mom?” Although Jane sounded exasperated, she couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face. Jane knew there would several goodies inside. “Thanks.” Her mother made her way around the table and wrapped her arms around her. Jane might be a grown adult, but she could appreciate her mom taking care of her.
She said goodbye, leaving the car with her mother at the church, and made her way down Main Street toward Slick’s. It wasn’t even eight yet and already the sun was blazing. She stopped at the corner of Main and Edgewater. Staring at the little man that forbids people to walk, she smoothed her hands down the required cheesy uniform. Old and rusty pickups passed and the occasional Cadillac that the older residents of Ecstasy owned drove through town. Given that it was early on Saturday morning, the streets weren’t busy yet, but soon that would change as businesses opened up. The little man finally gave her permission to cross, and she made her way across the crosswalk, her attention diverted to her purse. The sound of rubber squealing got her attention. The first thing she saw was Trevor’s red car rounding the corner at a ridiculous speed. The second thing was that, if she didn’t get the fuck out of the way, he was going to run her over. Dropping her purse
and jumping back, she felt the whoosh of wind whip by her and the heat of car exhaust skim her legs. Her pulse pounded in her head as she realized she had barely missed being hit. He skidded to a stop, the smell of burning rubber causing her to wrinkle her nose in disgust.
He stuck his head out of the window, a scowl on his face as he glared at her. “Watch the fuck where you’re going, bitch.” The sound of Missy’s shrill laughter came from the passenger side right before he sped off again.
She stood there, watching his muscle car speed off, not knowing what in the hell just happened.
“Jane?”
The sound of someone calling her name had Jane turning to see Brody Jacobs, Ecstasy’s sheriff. He was in his cruiser at the stop sign, and when she didn’t respond, a strange look crossed his face.
“Hey, you okay?” He turned the car off and got out. In the next instant, his big, warm hand was on her shoulder. “Well, shit, Jane. You’re white as hell. What’s wrong?” Brody was one of the people in town that didn’t discriminate against her for her background. She snapped out of her stunned haze and looked around. Brody standing beside her drew a few curious onlookers.
“I’m fine. I just—” Trevor’s car was long gone, and she wondered if he had seen her in the street. What if she hadn’t jumped out of the way? Remembering the disgusted look he gave her and the still present bruises Rys and William had given him made Jane shiver. He had looked like he wanted her dead. She looked into Brody’s deep green eyes and saw honest concern in them. Maybe if she just told him what happened, that Trevor nearly ran her over, something could be done. She immediately disregarded that thought seeing as none of the other pedestrians had admitted they saw Trevor break any laws. Besides, she certainly didn’t want things to escalate between her and Trevor. He was livid about getting his ass kicked by the twins. If she instigated anything else, who knew what the hell he’d do?
“It’s fine. Everything is fine.” She didn’t wait for his reply, just looked both ways before sprinting across the street to Slick’s.
****
Rys sat at the bar in Rowdy’s, his third beer almost finished. The big screen above the bar showed an MMA fight, the speakers blasted “Lit Up” by Buckcherry, and the crowd was starting to pour in. He looked at his watch, saw he still had another hour to kill before Jane got off work, and motioned for another beer. He hated that she worked so much, busting her ass when they could easily help her. He and William might not like it, but they understood her need to do shit on her own. He respected the hell out of her for it, but it still pissed him off. They could easily help her and her mama out, and he still wasn’t against the idea. Rys just needed to figure out a way to do it without her knowing they had a hand in it.
“Haven’t seen you without Will or Jane in a while.” Christa Martine slid into the barstool beside him. He would know her voice anywhere since he had heard it screaming out in pleasure when he fucked her a few weeks back. He didn’t bother responding.
Brooklyn slid a new bottle of Budweiser in front of him. He slung a white rag over his shoulder and asked Christa what she wanted. She ordered some girly drink and brushed her shoulder against his, and he knew damn well it wasn’t by accident. He didn’t move, just didn’t show any kind of reaction. Christa was a girl that liked to fuck. It didn’t matter when or where. They had enjoyed each before, and he knew that was why she was sitting beside him now. Christa didn't come around unless she wanted something sexual. Sad to say, but it was a known fact. Now that Jane’s and his relationship had changed, he had no desire to be with anyone else. If he was being honest, the only way he had ever been able to get his dick hard was to think of Jane, and then he just felt like a dirty bastard, tainting the image of her right before he fucked some random chick.
Jaxx Mason came out of the back room with a case of beer slung over his shoulder. He set it on the edge of the bar and clapped Brooklyn on the back. Rys took another long pull from his beer and watched a couple of fighters beat the shit out of each other in the octagon.
“You have plans tonight?” Christa ran her finger up his bare forearm. He shrugged her off and turned to look at her.
She wasn’t bad to look at. Her brown hair fell to her shoulders, and her thick bangs covered her eyebrows. Her eyes were a dark brown, and he could see the need in them. She wanted to fuck, and she wouldn’t give up until some sorry sap was buried in her pussy.
“Yeah, but I’m not interested in what you’re offering, Christa.” He took a swig of his beer.
“Come on, Rys. I know I made you feel good last time.”
He didn’t deny that, but that was before things with Jane had changed. She rubbed her hand up his arm again. “Come on, Christa.” He pulled his arm away. He didn’t want to seem like an ass, but it was clear she wasn’t giving up easily. “Not interested. We were both under the impression that it was just sex, nothing more, and when it was time to part ways that would be that. I’m parting ways now.” He turned to look at her and smiled.
He didn’t want to be an asshole. He thought about Jane and the plans he had for them, plans that included Jane spending the rest of her life with him and Will. Maybe she didn’t fully realize how deep their love for her went, but soon she would without a doubt. He hated that he put that look in Christa’s eyes, but if he didn’t lay it out flat and be totally honest with her, then she would just keep coming by looking for a piece. “Look, maybe we can hang out some other time, as friends?” He really didn’t have female friends aside from Jane, but he didn’t like the hurt look on Christa’s face. He could see a myriad of emotions pass—hurt, disappointment, sadness, and finally anger.
She didn’t bother responding, just grabbed her little drink with the umbrella in it and stalked to one of the tables filled with a handful of dudes. Turning back around, Rys rested his elbows on the smooth glossy finish of the bar and glanced at his watch again.
Forty-five more minutes.
“Damn, dude.” Jaxx stopped in front of him, a grin on his face. He shook his head a few times and glanced over his shoulder. Rys could hear Christa giggling and presumed Jaxx was looking at her. “That girl wants you for more than a piece of ass.” Rys looked at the bartender.
Rys shrugged and downed the rest of his beer. He pulled out his wallet and fished out a twenty. Slapping it on the counter, he stood. “Nah, man."
“How you doin’?” Jaxx questioned.
Rys exhaled and ran a hand through his hair. A smile spread across his face as the image of Jane passed through his mind.
“That good, huh?”
He would have told the whole damn world about Jane and their relationship, but until she was more comfortable with it, he’d keep his mouth shut. She was gentle, even if she was tougher than nails at times. Jane Silver was his and Will’s fragile little thing, and he would do everything to not hurt her, even if that meant keeping their relationship quiet.
“Where’s your twin?” Jaxx stacked the newly dried glasses on the counter. Rys wasn’t in the mood for small talk, not when he was itching to go see Jane, even if she still had over half an hour to go. He would sit in her section at Slick’s, order the pie and a cup of coffee, and just watch her. He loved to do that, just watch her work. Well, he liked to watch her ass in that tight little uniform. Damn, now his cock was starting to get hard.
“He’s good. Working late going over some new blueprints.”
“You didn’t want to work on them? I know the two of you can kick some serious ass when you work together on shit like that.”
“Nah, gotta go get Jane in a few.” He started to turn and go, but it seemed Jaxx wasn’t done with the conversation. He liked the dude well enough, but he was still in a shitty mood after hearing about Jane’s past a week ago. He didn’t know if he would ever be able to move past that. She had been hurt, and they hadn’t been there. Will was dealing with the revelation on his own terms. Rys was just beating the shit out of inanimate objects to get his frustration and anger out. He had the raw knuckles
to show for it.
“Jane’s doing good? Idiots aren’t giving her a hard time, are they?”
Rys turned back around.
“Have you heard anyone say shit?” He was getting angry just thinking about someone saying anything about her.
“When I hear a conversation going in that direction, I kick their drunk asses out.”
Rys nodded his thanks. “Yeah, Jane’s something special, and William and I don’t take shit when it comes to her.” Jaxx watched him for a solid minute, and Rys didn’t know if Jaxx knew the underlying message. They looked after her before, but things were different now. She was theirs. At least Jaxx was smart enough not to say anything. He smiled, nodded his head, and went back to his work.
Rys left Rowdy’s and climbed into his truck. Slick’s was only half a mile from the bar, and just knowing he was going to see Jane had his dick hard as hell. Adjusting himself, he knew he should have rubbed one off earlier because he planned on being between her sweet thighs before the night was up. At this rate he’d come like a damn teenage boy.
Chapter Twelve
“Order up!”
Jane picked up the two plates of burgers and fries, a common order when the drunks stumbled in and needed something greasy to soak up all the alcohol they consumed. Her feet were killing her, and once again she cursed herself for working these damn doubles. Of course, she always thought that when her shift was about to end. She set the plates in front of the two clearly inebriated guys in her section. The little bell above the front door chimed, alerting her of the arrival of most likely another drunk customer. Without looking her shoulder, she called out, “Just take a seat anywhere, and I’ll be right there.”
After picking up two more plates that the cook slid under the warming lights, Jane deposited them at another table and headed to her new customer. Head lowered as she dug in her pocket for her pad and pen, she stopped in front of the booth. When she lifted her eyes and saw who it was, a smile spread across her face, and her heart skipped a beat. Rys leaned back in the booth with one leg stretched out, the other bent at the knee. One of his arms was slung over the back of the seat, and his grin was wide. He was gorgeous in a black T-shirt that stretched over his wide chest and a pair of low-riding, worn jeans that encased his muscular thighs. Her traitorous body decided that was the best time to become aroused, and she had to force herself to calm the hell down. She was at work and needed to act somewhat professional even if all she wanted to do was pounce on the customer.