by C B Jean
“Well it’s like looking at a menu. You can’t get in trouble from looking at the menu, just don’t order anything from it. That’s what my dad always says… Anyways… shall we go?” Luke intertwined my arm with his when he held it out and I accepted, as his promise to keep me all night from falling over. Killian led the way in the front, Jackson slightly behind us watching our backs. Let’s get the show on the road.
Chapter 23
LUKE
Hot. Fucking. Damn. This girl was going to get me killed one day. She was wearing a hot smoking little red dress Jackson picked out and did his magic whoohoo shit on and it was fucking perfect on her. The heels went flawless, extending her legs and showing off the toned muscle in her cafes and thighs. Her collarbone and breasts were exposed to me, not that she wasn’t indecent, it was just very tasteful as I towered over her and had a clear shot down the front of her dress. Fuck. We had all decided to pick her out something from each of us to wear tonight to this dumb fucking thing, earlier she had been so excited but now she was practically oozing fear and worry and I wanted to know what was making her beautiful face furrow with stress. She was grasping onto my elbow like her life depended on it as we led her to the giant set of red double doors we saw earlier down the staircase, and all I could think about was sliding my hand up her leg, wondering if she was wearing anything underneath, and teasing her wet folds. The little sounds she would make. Fuck. I cannot be prancing around sporting a stiffy at a time like this. I discreetly tried to adjust it as we walked, to my failure. Jackson behind me gave a little snort, which meant he knew what I was trying to do. I turned my head and glared at him, telling him to shut it. Luckily Remi didn’t notice a single thing, her attention glued to her feet as she walked.
This was a bad fucking idea, we had no idea what to expect at this “ball” thing. The only reason I agreed was when Killian implanted the idea of Remi in a dress and heels. Heels she would be wearing later tonight, bent over the bed as I slammed into her tight heat. Fuck! But seriously, we could be going into a trap for all I know with the other players in the game. From the way Remi explained it to me was that our clan was on our own little “server” when we were doing our own thing in the game whatever that fucking meant, but there would be other clans or parties at this ball as they all converged into the same server like how the towns here operate. Then she explained it in dumb dumb words for us after seeing the confused looks on our faces, imagine driving onto a dirt road, all of us in the same car. Eventually we would merge on to a freeway, lots of other cars each in the same “region” joined up. I do guns and tattoos and fights, this computer, virtual, hashtag shit I didn’t fucking understand.
Breathe, man. Calm down. I was way too wound up and I needed to keep my head clear to protect my Cub. Was it terrible to admit I had a bad feeling something rotten was going to happen tonight? My bothers also expressed similar thoughts as well. Plus, with the news of Remi’s body being kidnapped, we were all on high alert. That fucking fuck. I was going to kill him when I got my hands on him. It was only a matter of time when something big was going to happen with Remi and all I hoped for was that we could protect her and keep her safe, no matter the cost. She was worth everything. When I caught her in the stables earlier this morning, she looked distant, lifeless, afraid. It was a full half minute I didn’t have on my eyes on her and it terrified the hell out of me. I knew she was hiding something from that moment on, I just didn’t know what it was. I wanted to know. I kept asking her, wanting her to confide in me, to trust me. She refused and shrugged me off each time. I didn’t take it personally, I just wanted to know what was in that pretty little head of hers. I didn’t want her afraid or scared anymore. I wanted her to feel safe and I felt worthless when I couldn’t even do that to help her.
Fuck, I wanted to smoke. I just wanted her to know she wasn’t alone anymore. I wanted a lot of things. One nasty foster family I lived with when I was a child, young teen, always said, “It’s nice to want things,” after I asked the wife of the household for food or a glass of water and she scoffed in my face. “You get what you deserve,” she had said, refusing to feed me properly saying kids didn’t food constantly or they would get fat and she refused to have an overweight child in her house to tarnish her image. It wasn’t like a sandwich was going to tip me up thirty pounds, I was just hungry like any other growing boy. She even had the nerve to keep the fridge and cupboards under lock and key. I of course retaliated, playing pranks on her, bringing mice into the house and leaving them in her bed, filling her special makeup face cream with mayo, and even starting a rumor with her knitting and book club ladies, almost getting her divorced and exiled from the church. Almost. That was a good one, a proud achievement. The bitch deserved it. Suffice to say I didn’t last long there. I did learn a lesson or two from her, not a punishment, a lesson. From that day on, I knew whatever I wanted, I had to work and earn myself because people rarely gave you freebies in life. Part of the reason I got “STAY TRUE” inked on my knuckles, a reminder to work for what I wanted in life and never let anyone take parts of me away.
With her attached to my side and my brothers on look out, we made our way to the doors. We nodded to the fellow standing there by the open door, no acknowledgement we were even there. He acted like one of those… what were they called? NPC? We passed inside and I heard a small gasp from the woman on my arm. It was a giant ass ballroom, I shit you not. There must have been close to a hundred people here, some talking in small groups, some by the banquet and refreshment tables and a few doing a spinney waltz dance in the middle of the floor, dancing to music played by a nonexistent orchestra. It was decorated way too extravagantly for my tastes, the room too bright. Like us, there were other players dressed in ball gowns, men in suits and butlers holding platters of drinks and food. I immediately looked for any access points into the room, just in case we needed to make a quick exit. The room was lined with tall glass windows, they looked breakable if needed. There was a servant door where NPC walked in and out of casually like they belonged there, returning with more platters of food and drink to hand out to the guests. There were several knights in fully decked out armor and swords that looked like decorations, but unless you had a trained eye for it, they swayed gently side to side or shuffled their feet on occasion. NPC or something entirely else? It didn’t make me feel any safer. Doubtful I would be able to wrangle a sword from them. I cursed mentally, wishing I had my axes on my back.
At the front of the room sat a giant golden throne, empty. Two more soldiers stood by its side at attention. It gleamed in the light, bejeweled with rubies and diamonds. Who would waste money like that on a fucking chair? Glorified highchair. I huffed, annoyed. Remi patted my arm and smiled up at me, trying to calm me after sensing my irritation. It sort of worked and I saw Killian rub her lower back, giving her comfort as well. I couldn’t tell if she was uncomfortable being surrounded my so many people or if she was in shock of the grandness of everything here. Her eyes darted across the room, searching every face.
It seemed although we were early to the event, we were late compared to everyone else already here mingling and we were already gaining attention as we walked. The normal conversation that had been going on before we walked in died down and everyone turned their heads our way. It was fucking eerie. Women flirted glances our way once they spotted us, hoping to catch our attentions and fanning themselves giggling amongst their lady friends. The males here almost seemed to scowl at us, sizing us up then soften and looking lustful when they laid their eyes on Remi tracing over her body. Fuck. Yeah this was a terrible fucking idea. A fucking circus.
Again, Remi rubbed my arm trying to rub away any tension as we continued to walk into the sea of stares and glares. Her hands were so delicate and small compared to my arm, bronzed and covered in ink. Her white ivory skin was a nice change to my sun glow or other women I saw who looked like yellow leather from their fake spray tans and burnt skin, and I liked hers immensity. My hard contrast to her soft.
Damn. She sure did know how to calm the beast inside me.
Jackson lead us to the refreshment table, as food and a fuller stomach always could make any situation better, Killian followed behind as Remi nervously held onto me. Slowly, the voices returned, but more fervently and demanding as people continued to gossip and whisper. Every person here was another player it seems, groups all in numbers of four. I heard whispers of people still worried about the game and their lives outside here and bad mouthed the admins for not getting us all out of here yet. I wanted to growl something at them but Remi got my attention and shook her head.
“They don’t need to know about Aiden and him taking control over, it would create mass panic and hysteria if people found out the creators didn’t have control over their game any longer.” She whispered into my side as she eyed the assortments of food on the table. I let out a defeated sigh, she’s right of course, too damn smart for her own good. At the refreshment table, we let her get her plate loaded while me and my brothers stood around her protecting her from all sides. People would think she was the freaking president if they didn’t know any better by the way we glared at anyone who dare get to close. I kept my arms cross and puffed my chest out, I mean come on, I was already built like a house and intimidating all the time but now I just plain ol’ fucking petrifying like any moment I might snap and rain destruction. I think I may if we don’t get out of here soon.
I heard the giggles of some women nearby at a table, stealing glances at us while holding glasses to their lips to hide their words looking shyly away. They wore long and slim ball gowns, some with deep V’s reaching their navels and others with slits in the back and thigh showing way too much skin that was just border line cheap as they attempted classy. From my own experience, men liked to be teased and as such a woman should not be willing to show that much… goods, as we liked to play the game and unwrap it ourselves. From one I caught the words “open season” and another saying “Hottie McBody.” I suppressed an eye roll, we aren’t just pieces of meat. A tall brunette came over in a deep blue, silky dress and approached Kills walking, or swaying profusely I should say, holding a drink in a crystal glass in one hand raised and placed her other hand out so he could take it. He took it shaking it softly, but he looked very uncomfortable, which was fucking new coming from him. God damn, wouldn’tcha know?
“Do I know you from somewhere?” She purred then took a small sip from her glass. “I’m certain I have seen you on TV a couple times, are you an actor?” Her voice was sultry, and yes she was very beautiful woman but I felt threatened as I felt Remi stiffen behind me, now pausing in her quest for food listening to the exchange.
“Sorry to disappoint ma’am, but I’m not.” Killian said curtly, but politely trying not to encourage her further. That fucker looked horrified right now, and I’m pleasantly surprised because usually he will flip on the charisma charm to the max to impress the ladies. It seems our little Cub has changed him. Time he grew up.
“Shame, you would be very appealing on TV as I wouldn’t mind watching you every night.” She let out a little laugh and placed her hand on his forearm stepping in closer. I let out a little eye roll this time at her theatrics. Who was this woman? She turned to look at Jackson, who looked amused, then to me raising an eyebrow her interest peaking further.
“I’m sorry I didn’t get your names. You can call me Nevaeh. Its heaven spelled backwards because I’m always told I’m a missing angle who fell from heaven.” She hummed pleased. I hid my scoff as a cough. Tacky fucking name, her parents must have hated her and decided “attention whore” was already taken.
“My name is Killian, this here is Jackson, that is Luke, and behind him is-“ He was interrupted when Remi stepped out behind me, stretched out her hand to the woman and smiled as she finished brightly for him, “I’m Remi. Please to meet you Nevaeh.” The other women looked at it in disgust and hurriedly changed her expression to a strained smile, hiding any shock of now noticing our girl’s presence joining us. She didn’t take the outstretched hand, still looking at it distastefully.
“Ah… hello. You must be a sister of one of these fine gentlemen correct? Family friend perhaps hm?” Her tone was too snotty for my liking and wanted to growl at her to tell her to get bent. Before I could, like a champ Remi shut her down.
“Oh no I’m afraid not Natalie. Killian here was the first to break my resolve to marry him, shameful boy. He was very handsy on our first date... and our wedding day. Jackson and I also got married shortly after, after it turned out I was pregnant and he wanted to do things right. Luke... oh where do I start with him? He was the first who I fell in love with… and he was the first one to break that hotel bed when he ruled my body.” She turned and looked at me thoughtfully and she placed her hands on my chest, a grin teasing the edges of her lips up.
“Cub.” I bent down so I could place a kiss to her lips, my hands tangling in her hair. She moaned when I deepened the kiss, bending her backwards slightly. I heard the woman choke on her drink after hearing Remi speak and watching us make out. Damn, she sure did know how to push people’s buttons at times. I released her after a moment, the both of us breathing heavy.
“Sorry about that, even after years my men still make my toes curl. Can’t get enough of them” She panted apologetically looking smug as hell to Nevaeh who looked like a fish out of water. I bet she wasn’t even a bit sorry about that.
“Husbands, shall we dance? Who shall I reward first for pleasing me the most this afternoon?’ The sarcasm dripping off her tongue made me want to groan and kiss it all over again. Fucking hell this woman of ours has some major balls! Jackson linked his arm with hers with a content smile and as he was leading her away, Remi turned back to Nevaeh who was steaming red.
“So nice to meet you Nevada, we should do this again.” And with a little wave Remi turned back to continue walking away. Me and Killian nodded at the now pissed off woman and passed her by without a second’s glance. The now agitated female started spewing some not very proper or kind words behind us and we all tried our hardest not to laugh. Once out of earshot and away from that petty bitch, we let lose. Killian was laughing so hard he was crying and holding his stomach.
“O.M.G. That was perfect. The look on her face.” Then exploded into another round of hysterical laughter. Remi just shrugged her shoulders grinning widely. I was so damn proud of her.
“Just be glad I didn’t slit her throat all over her pretty dress for touching what was mine. She got off easy.”
“So…” I mumbled. “You fell in love with me first eh?” I was ecstatic to catch the heat that rose from her neck up to her cheeks. She stuttered trying to form words. I chuckled and held the back of her neck as I kissed her forehead.
“I feel the same way Cub.” And I meant it. With every fiber of my being I really fucking meant it. I fucking loved her.
“So tonight, we relax, we dance and eat food and rest. Tomorrow we head out early and head towards the second temple yeah? As much as I love being here, we need to get back and out of this game ASAP.” Killian joked. I stiffened. Jackson stiffened. Remi stiffened. All for different reasons. Jackson had caught us up on the whole Remi’s body being kidnapped thing and I was fucking outraged. It had taken a major snowball fight, food, crazy good ass sex and to see my girl dress up for me to relax enough not to punch holes in the walls every ten seconds. Jackson was in the same boat, he was so focused on contacting anyone outside of here to find any leads on where they took her that his need for control overruled his panic by throwing himself into work and getting shit done. We may beat this game, but when she wakes up, she won’t be at her house in her bed anymore. Plus, her dad got shot trying to protect her and we just didn’t have the heart to tell her that quiet yet. They did mange to reach out to us and let us know he had a surgery and was now slowly healing and stable so thank fucking god.
For whatever reason, Remi had stiffened as well. Did she suspect or hear what we had been talking about earlier in the stabl
es? I wanted to sigh, we needed to tell her. Tonight. After I had my way with her in those heels of hers.
“Yes… good plan.” Remi peeped out, her eyes slightly unfocused as she thought about something hard. I noticed. I needed to take that hurt away. Make her talk to me and let me know what was going on.
“Will you fellows get us from more refreshments? I am going to have a dance with my fake wife.” That made her giggle and she took my hand leading us to the dance floor. There were a few other couples dancing around in each other’s arms. I just wanted to hold her and take it slow. To let her know she was safe. We danced for a few minutes, her head snuggled into my chest and I held her and we swayed side to side. Finally, I couldn’t take it any longer.
“Cub… will you tell me what’s bothering you so much? Please? I know your worried about something.” I didn’t dare breathe after asking, my stomach was in a knot, guilt making the taste in my mouth bitter. She was quiet for a long moment, gathering her thoughts. She sighed.
“I’m… worried about my dad. The whole Aiden thing. What if he uses my dad to get to me? Hurts him and I can’t do anything about it. My dad should never be involved with my problems. I don’t want to lose him too.” She sniffled into my suit and I just stroked her hair, comforting her.
“I never had the best examples of a good family or loving parents as a kid… but I do know just from the way you talk about your dad you guys love and care for each other so much. Like a real family. And I can relate to that. I have my brothers. You would do anything for them. Your father would want to protect you and help you no matter what. You’re his child and he loves you. Your problems are his problems. Aiden is a messed-up dude, fucked up in the head, but your dad is smart. You are so smart. He’s going to get put down for a long while and this time, for good. I can promise you that.”