by Frost, Ada
“It wasn’t me,” he said brightly. He got out of the car and I grinned; I should have known my brothers would spoil Izzy.
Jack carried Izzy into the house, and when we opened the door we were met with a chorus of “Welcome home!”
Izzy squealed and clapped her hands. I glanced around my living room at all the people standing around, beaming at my baby. I caught sight of Lou holding Alfie; she looked straight at me and tears sprang to my eyes when I saw droplets running down her face. A sad smile graced her lips. Johan glanced at me, then to Lou, and placed his arm around her shoulder and pulled her to him. I couldn’t even find it in me to be angry they were there; to be honest, I was relieved. My stepmother and brothers were there with Hadley and Eve and Dominic and Ellie, who ran up to Izzy and handed her a pink-wrapped parcel. That’s when I noticed everyone was dressed in Christmas jumpers and silly elf ears, Santa hats, and reindeer antlers.
“What’s with the Christmas get up? You do realise it’s mid-January, right?”
“Well, we thought seeing as you didn’t get to celebrate Christmas together this year, we’d celebrate it as a family,” Jack said proudly. I glanced around the room at the expectant faces. Emotion clogged my throat when I realised my friends hadn’t given up on me, even though I had acted like a bitch to them. Castor stepped through the people, wearing a ridiculously loud jumper and Santa hat. He pressed a kiss to Izzy’s head before pulling me into his arms.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered against my ear and I pressed my face against him, hugging him tightly. I wasn’t totally forgiving what Castor did, or how he played me. Basically, I still thought he was a complete dickhead for his idiotic plan. And when I allowed myself to think about it, it hurt a lot. But I’d had too much bitterness in my life; I needed to move past things. Cas and I were nowhere near what we were, and it scared me to think that we never would get that relationship back, but I was willing to try.
“Thank you for this,” I hummed quietly, holding my teary face against his chest.
“W-w-wasn’t u-us,” he stuttered. I knew from the tone in his voice he was concerned I was about to kick off again. I looked up into his worried face. He turned his head to look into the kitchen. I followed his line of sight to catch the glorious view of Will, standing there in an even viler green jumper.
“Who the heck bought all the horrible jumpers?”
Everyone turned their attention to Will, whose ears turned a bright red.
“Have you ever tried buying stylish jumpers for Christmas in January?”
There was silence until I burst out laughing; well it was more of a laugh/cry, seeing as tears were running down my face.
“I even made Egg Nog,” he pronounced proudly.
“But I wouldn’t touch it if I were you, not if you want to live,” Johan inferred, curling his lip.
“Hey—”
“One year he gave us all the runs, and that ain’t pretty,” Ryan added, bringing my attention to his massive frame behind Will. I hadn’t realised he was there, too.
“Okay, now y’all are just being mean. It wasn’t the Egg Nog; it was Mom’s turkey.”
Ryan and Johan glanced at each other and in unison laughed. “Egg Nog.”
Warmth spread through me as I stood watching my giant, my eyes never leaving his as I stood rooted to the spot staring into his emerald eyes twinkling at me. He was absolutely breathtaking. I took a step toward him, my body’s natural reaction to him, but then my mind started screaming at me to halt. He wasn’t my giant any longer. I pulled back and glanced around the room, trying to find anyone to latch onto. My stepmum came up to me and wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly.
“Good to have you home.” She cupped my face. “You’ve lost weight, darling; we need to fatten you up.”
I laughed and hugged her again, loving the feeling of being home surrounded by the people I loved most in the world. “I’ll just nip to the bathroom. Won’t be a tick.” I turned and left the room, feeling seriously overwhelmed. I could hear the chatter and Izzy’s sweet laughter as I ascended the stairs. As I reached the top step, the voice that haunted my dreams, especially the erotic ones, called to me.
“I hope you don’t mind everyone being here. We… I was looking forward to seeing Izzy and – okay, I was shitting myself you wouldn’t see me, so I dragged everyone into it.”
My lips twitched, but I fought against a smile. I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to appear nonchalant as he slowly climbed the stairs.
“I was scared you wouldn’t let me see her, or you. I desperately needed to see you both. I thought if there was a party you were less likely to kick me out.”
I jerked, taken aback by his honesty. “Wow, kind of an arsehole thing to do; use people, I mean,” I said snappishly. My voice was totally at war with the giddy warmth spreading through me.
“I’d be an arsehole every second of every day if it meant I got to see you.”
I laughed this time. “That sounds so wrong.”
“Yeah, it sounded better in my head. Sort of like my Egg Nog recipe, and yeah, it was my fault everyone had the runs, so stay away from it.”
I laughed loudly this time. I covered my mouth to hide my smile, but the adorable grin on his face had me mirroring the look. He lifted his hand and pushed a piece of my hair behind my ear, but then pulled his hand away quickly and tucked it in his pocket, as if he realised he shouldn’t be touching me.
“Thank you, for letting me stay. If all I can ever be is your friend, I’ll take it,” he said earnestly, looking at the floor.
“I don’t know what to say to that,” I replied honestly. Because I didn’t know. Could we be friends? Especially the way I knew I felt about him, knowing that one day I would have to watch him fall in love with someone else. I knew I couldn’t do that. I wasn’t sure I could have him in my life if all we had was platonic friendship.
He stepped toward me, caging me against the wall, the heat of his body scorched through me. “I intend for you to be in my life one way or another, pixie-girl.”
I braced my hands against his chest, halting him from moving any closer. His warm, manly scent infused the air around me. I closed my eyes, gathering the strength to push him away. My hands shook against his chest. His meaty fist closed over one of my more petite hands. He pressed a kiss to the flat of my palm and then slowly peppered soft, open mouth kisses against my wrist. Right over my pulse.
“Your heart is beating wildly.” He pressed my hand to his chest, above his heart.“It’s calling its other half home.”
I could feel his heart pounding beneath my palm.
“Bring us home, Pix.” He leaned down, bringing his lips toward mine. I could feel his hot breath fanning over my lips. I closed my eyes; my hand curled into a fist over his heart.
“Will…” my voice came out in a breathy whisper, pleading with him. But I wasn’t sure what I was pleading for, whether it was for him to stop or press his divine lips to mine. “Will –”
“Emily, Izzy wants some chocolate – oh, sorry.” Jack’s voice penetrated through the idiotic fog in my brain. And with strength I didn’t know I possessed, I pushed Will back and glared at him. I glanced down the stairs as Jack shifted nervously.
“She was asking for chocolate ice-cream in the hospital. If you get two tubs, I’ll give you the money back.”
“Okay. I’ll be back soon.”
I turned to fix a pointed stare at Will. “I need to use the bathroom,” I snapped.
“To freshen up,” he said smugly, and turned to walk down the stairs.
“No, I need a pee. There is no freshening up about it.” I turned to go into the bathroom. His low laughter heated my skin and warmed parts of my body I was currently cursing.
“Answer me, you little freak.” The shrill voice cut through me like a knife. I ran down the stairs and into the lounge as quickly as my body would move. I paused at the threshold of the room when I was greeted with the sight of Lou holding back the wall of
testosterone from getting to Rhea. The wall of protective men surrounded Rhea, but being the idiot she is, she had no clue the threat they posed, because I had no doubt in my mind my brothers were beyond the idea of murder.
“Oi, ignorant twat, I’m talking to you.” Rhea poked Izzy hard in her injured shoulder, making my baby wince. I stepped toward Rhea’s back, ready to slap the bitch. I glared at Cas and Acis for letting it get this far. I reached out just as Will’s booming voice cut through the air.
“Back off, Rhea.” His deep voice silenced the room. He stepped forward through the wall of bodies and scooped Izzy up into his arms, offering her a dazzling smile. He looked directly at her face and spoke slowly. “Want to go see your gift?”
Izzy nodded enthusiastically. My heart melted as our hero carried Izzy toward the kitchen. He cradled her in his arms, protecting her from the vile monster before me.
“You need to teach the little freak some manners –”
“Stop calling her that and get the hell out of my house.”
“I will leave when I see my daughter.”
I rolled my eyes; she was completely insane. That was the only explanation I could think of to explain her behaviour. Not once had she visited Izzy in the hospital; she hadn’t even sent her a card, and I wasn’t foolish enough to believe it was guilt. She just didn’t give a shit. “Do you know what, Rhea? I’m sick of your shit. Firstly, I’m going to wait for the judge to send you to prison for dangerous driving. Then I’m doing what I should have done years ago.”
“And what’s that?”
“File for custody of Izzy. You don’t deserve to breathe the same air as her.”
She laughed. “With what money, you silly cow?”
“Mine,” Jack interrupted.
“And mine,” called Acis and Cas.
“Us, too,” Lou added, I glanced behind me to see Johan nodding.
“To see your sorry ass kicked to the curb, I'm definitely in,” Ryan added, and at his burly voice a lump caught in my throat. It wasn’t just the money issue that worried me; it was the fact I may lose Izzy completely that terrified me. What if I didn’t win?
Rhea’s horrified expression almost made me laugh. “It takes more than money. I'm her mother. Stop trying to replace your dead—”
“O-o-out,” Castor stuttered angrily as he stepped to my side.
“Oh, God, Elmer Fudd’s decided to have a go.” She placed her hands on her hips like a petulant child.
“Rhea, get out of my house!” I screamed.
“I don’t – oww! Get off me. What do you think you’re doing? Do you know who I am?” Rhea snapped as Lou grabbed her upper arm and yanked her toward the door.
“Please, I eat silly bitches like you for breakfast. Em won’t hit you because you’re a demented cow, and my men here are too gentlemanly to hit a woman, but sweetheart, I am an entirely different story. I will kick your arse in an instant. I’ve had two hours sleep because my son is teething, I haven’t had sex in weeks, my best friend isn’t talking to me, and I’m pregnant and hormonal. So I dare you to try my patience. And if I hear you call that gorgeous girl a freak again, I’m going to yank those pathetic excuses for hair extensions out. You hear me?” Lou pulled Rhea out of the room like a ragdoll; everyone stood staring in amazement. Lou pushed a screeching Rhea out the door and slammed it behind her.
“Christ, that was better than porn for turning me on,” Acis said reverently. I glanced at Johan, expecting to see anger, but he was grinning proudly at Lou.
“I’m a lucky son of a bitch.”
I chuckled as Lou walked back into the lounge. She smiled at me expectantly. I paused, staring at her for a few moments, realising she would never intentionally hurt me, especially if she’d put her vagina on lockdown in protest.
“That was seriously hot, babe,” I said, smiling brightly at her.
Her face split into a breathtaking grin. “I’m a badass motherfucker. Am I forgiven?” she asked quietly, stepping toward me.
I opened my mouth to answer, but Johan interrupted, “Please say yes. I’m on a sex ban until you talk to her again. I can’t take much more of this. I’m prepared to beg.”
The room erupted into loud guffaws of laughter.
I glanced at Lou’s hopeful face. “I suppose I can’t inflict blue balls on my boss.”
“Damn right,” he agreed. I held my arms open and, instantly, I had my friends back, and the comforting feeling spreading through me was euphoric.
“The sooner they lock her away, the better,” my brother muttered as he turned and headed into the kitchen. It hurt my heart to think he heard everything that transpired as the accident occurred, and to arrive on the scene…I shuddered and tried to block out the image.
“What the fuck is that?” he shouted as he stared open mouthed through the kitchen window. Ryan chuckled as I walked by him. I glanced at him and he held his hands up in surrender.
“I’m just the muscle; it was his idea.”
I frowned and tried to peer over the small group collected at the window to a mixture of laughter and shocked awe. I wasn’t not the tallest person. Losing patience, I went to the backdoor, flung it open and coughed out a started gasp.
“What the hell?”
Izzy popped her head out the door, squealing brightly. Ellie peered out too, smiling and shouting to Lou and Eve to tell her mum she wanted one.
And what was I looking at? The biggest play house I had ever seen, and it was pink!
“Mummy, Will said every princess needs a castle.”
I covered my mouth as delighted laughter bubbled out of me. Will’s massive frame appeared in the doorway behind Izzy.
“We’re having afternoon tea, care to join us?” He held up a tiny tea cup and pretended to drink. I giggled a whoop as I ran toward the gorgeous princess castle. I jumped on the porch and tapped on the little front door. I heard a few quick footsteps before the door opened. Ellie grinned at me and beckoned me inside. There was a miniature sitting room with actual children’s furniture. I clapped excitedly and touched the lovely little seating.
“Hurry,” Ellie cried, tugging on my arm.
I followed her through a little door that led to a miniature staircase. We climbed the little rungs and it opened up onto a mezzanine floor with a little table and chairs, kitted out with the most perfect dainty tea set you had ever seen.
“Oh, my God!”
“Isn’t it pretty?” Izzy revered, as she poured what I assumed was water into the cups. Will sat on one of the chairs, his knees almost touching his nose as he crouched into the corner. The place looked tiny with him in it, but in actual fact, I didn’t have to bend down all that much. I could hear Lou outside, so I walked out onto the balcony and peered over the edge.
“You want access, m’lady?”
“This is bloody amazing. Johan, I want one,” she shouted as she disappeared under the balcony and a second later I heard the door open. “It has real furniture,” she gasped from below.
I smiled brightly.
“Oh, look at the little curtains.”
I turned to look at Will, who sat quietly regarding me as he sipped his ‘tea’. I stared into his beautiful eyes and mouthed a thank you.
He swallowed, bobbed his head and averted his eyes. As the girls played and chatted in ‘princess’ speak, I looked around the gorgeous little play house. It was the biggest and most luxurious den I had ever seen in my life. I think the furniture in there was better than mine in the house. Lou meandered her way up the little staircase; she huffed as she reached the top step.
“Not really suitable for pregnant sows trying to climb the stairs.”
I chuckled and tugged her arm to help her into the small area. “You aren’t even showing yet.”
“Are you kidding me? I need a shoe horn each morning to even get my fat backside in these things. I’m beginning to think leggings are the way to go.”
I nudged her with my elbow and laughed; she wrapped her arms around me and h
ugged me tightly, as if she was scared to let me go.
“Thank you for forgiving me,” she whispered. I swallowed a lump in my throat and hugged her back.
“I haven’t, yet; I may need Ben and Jerry intravenously for the next month.”
She pulled away from me and tears twinkled in her eyes. “I’ll buy shares in the place.” I slid my hand into hers and we stood watching the girls and Will play their game. Like a brilliant sport, Will pretended he was a fine prince who had come to tea.
“I have ice-cream,” shouted Jack from below. Izzy squealed in delight and hobbled to the balcony.
“Daddy, look at my castle; it’s a real castle. A real pink castle.” She bobbed up and down excitedly, terrifying me she’d fall over the railing or hurt her injured ankle. I crouched behind her and held her around the tummy.
“So, you really are a special princess now, babygirl,” I teased as I nuzzled a kiss into the back of her hair. She giggled and turned in my arms.
“And you are the queen, and daddy is the king,” she pondered for a little while, “but Will is your king; daddy is my king.”
I pulled away as Izzy turned; she smiled at me. “I want to go for ice-cream now.”
Will’s huge frame squeezed through the door and swooped my little girl into his arms. “Your carriage awaits.”
I sat motionless, staring at his back as he carefully carried her down the stairs. Ellie and Lou were out on the front lawn, waiting on them. As he appeared from the small doorway, he stretched, as if his muscles had coiled tight in the small space. Well, small for him.
Jack carried Izzy into the house for ice-cream. Will turned around and stared, his eyes fixed on me as I watched him from the balcony.
“I feel like I should start reciting Romeo and Juliet,” he joked, covering his heart dramatically with his hand.
“We are rather tragic.”
“There’s nothing tragic about the way I feel about you, Pix.”
I was captivated by intense green orbs; the same ones that held me hostage all those months ago. My pulse beat wildly as I was ensnared by him; everything about him was perfect, his strong jaw, stunning smile, enchanting eyes and his body. It was a work of godly art. I shook my head and reminded myself of his smile and eyes and the rest of his body belonging to that other woman for a night. I shook my head and turned away from him. I crawled across the floor before getting to my feet, chastising my body for reacting to him and giving myself a well needed pep talk along the way.