“Don’t know,” he said, kissing my lips before drawing the shirt over my head leaving me naked. “Don’t care.” He bent down, taking one of my puckered nipples into his hot mouth and sucked. “You’re here, and I’m taking advantage of it.” He finished, taking my other nipple and swirling his tongue around it before nipping at my breast. I gave in when he took the pebbled peak into his mouth, and I arched beneath him, my mound coming in contact with his boxer covered erection once again. He let up and made his way downwards under the covers until all I saw was part of his blonde hair under the tent my knees made. He pressed kisses down my stomach.
“Kayden,” I moaned when I felt a kiss at my thigh then another closer to the juncture of my hip. “Please.”
He grunted, then sucked that spot. I whined, lifting my hips, showing my desperation, which earned me a bite.
“He-hey!”
The meanie chuckled, licking the spot which spread warmth and arousal like a spiderweb of desire throughout my body. Kayden was such a tease.
“Mm-hm. Salty...,” he whispered before spreading my folds and licking me, “and sweet.”
My hands clutched the bedsheets as a small moan spilled from my lips. Kayden really didn’t play fair as his velvet tongue stroked me again and fingertips spread my labia further.
He teased and toyed with me until I was tight as a wire. My clit he had been strumming had a beat of its own, swollen and tender. I felt raw, like just one more touch or stroke would break me into a million pieces of pleasure. Kayden kept me on edge, avoiding the hot spots he had previously paid attention to, trying to make me beg.
“Kayden,” I pleaded, pushing at his head. “Please.”
“Ok, Sweetcheeks,” he chuckled, rubbing my stomach up toward my breasts, grazing them before bringing his hand back down and gripping my hips. “Spread them wider so I can hold on to you when you buck.”
Knowing what he wanted, I spread my legs wider, and Kayden took mercy on me. His lips closed around my sensitive clit as I was teetering on the edge of an unmistakably powerful orgasm. When the bedroom door creaked, my eyes widened. I found Tyler there, confused. Then shocked registered on his face. My breathing accelerated as Kayden increased his attentions. Two fingers prodded my entrance, and I watched as Tyler's gaze wandered over my exposed peaked nipples. He shut the door, folded his arms and leaned against the jam, watching once he realized what was going on. A slow grin appeared on his face, and my breath caught.
The beat of my heart hammered in my chest as Kayden’s tongue loved me just right. It set off an explosion. I closed my eyes, arching and firm hands kept my hips in place as I kept coming. I let out a moan, Tyler's name, as a warning for Kayden but he didn’t seem to care. My world had been rocked, and now I was coming down. Taking in my first deep breath and relaxing, I peered back over to see Tyler's eyes had darkened with lust. The emotion they held caused my chest to squeeze.
Kayden was tense as he crawled back up my body looking miffed. His hands cradled my head as heated eyes blared at mine.
"What's my name, Daniels?" he demanded.
I was confused but answered anyway, "Kayden."
He nodded, his mouth kicking up a little bit in a smile at my annoyed tone. "Who has your ass naked beneath him?"
Uh-oh. "You do, but I was trying to warn—"
“Nu-uh,” he uttered. His hands tightened on my head as his hips pressed into mine, halting my protest. I gasped. "What name should you be calling when I have you underneath me?”
I pouted, my hands landing on his shoulders irritated. "Yours, Kayden. I was—"
He lifted an eyebrow and a smug smirk appeared before he kissed my lips, silencing me. "That's right, Sweetcheeks. Don't forget which brother you’re under when calling out our names.”
I twisted my lips glaring at him and captured his ear giving it a tug, so his eyes pulled away from mine toward the door.
“Ow-ow-ch! Jeez!” Kayden cried, grabbing my hand then his eyes widened when he saw his brother standing there with a shit-eating grin. Tyler waved.
“O-h,” Kayden realized.
“Tyler,” I growled, “is watching.”
“Well,” Kayden drawled not at all bothered by his brother being there, “are you just going to stand there or are you gonna come and play?”
Without missing a beat, Tyler strode over toward the two of us like a man on a mission and nudged his brother’s head away to claim my lips for his own. I guessed he was playing.
A groan escaped when I felt hot lips surround one of my nipples. An opportunity Kayden didn’t pass up. My nipples were going to be sore from their attentions.
Another round of making me hot and bothered had started, only to get cut off abruptly when Aunt Marlene called out for us down the hall.
The three of us froze, and I thanked all that was holy that the door was closed. I’m sure Aunt Marlene would have been shocked to see her nephew's tag teaming their girlfriend in her guest room.
I huffed, thinking back to just moments before Aunt Marlene called out. It was only then that Tyler informed us he had come to say that breakfast was ready. Obviously, he’d never gotten that far.
Meanie.
After that, Kayden stalked out the room and across the hall to the bathroom while Tyler stayed, pulling out a pair of gray sweatpants and a red shirt from one of their gym bags. He then dug into his pocket, pulling out a phone and strode over to me, holding out the clothes and phone.
“Lincoln just put your clothes from yesterday in the washer, and I got your phone from my dad.”
I slid out of bed, taking the clothes as well as my phone, as I wrapped the flat sheet from the bed around my body, trying to keep myself somewhat decent. Tyler's eyes roamed.
“Thanks. Did they find out anything?”
He shook his head as he reached over. He tugged the part of the sheet by my breast that I held onto, pulling me into his arms. “They went to track it, but the signal feed just bounced everywhere. My dad’s pretty sure it’s someone that has the equipment to do that, or someone who’s using the equipment illegally. Either way, the specialist at the precinct thinks it’s a professional.”
I nodded, taking in what he said as my head rested on his shoulder. Tyler stroked my back in a soothing manner, trying to settle my obvious nerves before his hand curved around my neck. He rubbed my muscles there, trying to ease the tension.
“They’ll get him, Baby.”
I sighed. “I know.” Then I changed the subject. “Any chance I can grab a shower?” I eyed him, curious if he’d send me in with Kayden or if there was another bathroom I could use.
“Yeah,” his voice rumbled in his chest, “you can.”
Not even moments after he said that Kayden was walking back into the room with wet hair and a towel snug on his hips. A grin appeared as a single brow rose. “Next,” he tossed out, as if this was not out of character for us. For me to be standing naked in a sheet, wrapped up in Tyler’s arms as he sauntered in the room as if this were an everyday occurrence. I rolled my eyes, stepped away from Tyler, then grabbing the clothes and phone before I made my way into the bathroom. Guys.
When the door was locked, I set the clothes and my phone on the sink and took in a deep breath. The scent of unmistakable masculinity that lingered in the bathroom from Kayden’s use. Peppermint teased my nose as well as an undertone of spice. I groaned, wondering what in the world could have made that scent. I pulled back the wet curtain and saw on the ledge a square green bottle with a picture of a leaf on it that was obviously shampoo. It could only be a mint leaf, I surmised as I lifted it to my nose and took a whiff. Yep. I put it down. That was definitely what he used. Sighing, I reached in and turned on the shower, thinking about what the date meant to me.
It was the anniversary of my parent's deaths. Almost mine too. Thinking about that night gives me an ache in the head as well as one in the heart, I thought as I loosened the sheet and stepped inside the shower, thinking of everything about that night.
My body shook as that last part rang through my head, and the soap dropped. A stupid text. A stupid text. My heart hammered in my chest. A text. From who?
Could it be that all of this was about the person texting? I shook out of my thoughts, trying to slow my heart. No, it couldn’t be. The person harassing Linc and me was someone new and totally not related.
I got my hair wet and picked up the same peppermint shampoo that Kayden used and proceeded to wash my hair. I was surprised at the tingling sensation that started on my scalp that felt refreshing and soothing all in one. I liked it. I rinsed my hair, more determined to searched the news archives and see what I could find.
***
When I got out of the shower, I realized that I hadn’t notified my teachers about my absence and I also needed to let Mr. White know about SSK. I was torn about not going, but I needed this time to see what I could uncover about that night.
I quickly dried myself off and peered at my phone, only to realize that there were some missed calls and voicemails waiting for me. I put my phone on the counter and pressed the speaker button as I let the messages play.
“Hi, sweetheart, I know that today is a hard day for you and that’s why the McGuire boys are taking the day off. Not that I agree with it, but I hope you enjoyed your swim in the lake. That’s what Lincoln said you were going to do for your date. I cleared you for your classes, so you don’t have to worry about it.”
I heard her sigh, and when Sarah spoke again, her voice trembled.
“Let those boys pamper you and have fun with Raina tonight, ok? Tom is still trying to find out who is harassing you and Linc. (Sigh) HotShot misses you. See you on Wednesday, Faith.”
The phone clicked to the next message, leaving my heart tender at Sarah’s simple message. The next message was someone I hadn’t been expecting.
“Hey, Daniels! It’s Talia, you know, from the antique store? I hope you don’t mind, but I snagged your number from your employment file. I wanted to see if you could come in earlier on Saturday. We’re going to be short staffed, and Granny wanted to take a trip into East Roch. Someone is getting rid of an heirloom piece. Anywho, probably could have done without telling you all that. Yeah, well, just let me know if you can come in early. Like seven am. Thanks, bye!”
I saved her message and let the next message roll on. It was Mr. White.
“Hi, Miss Daniels. I received a message from your mother that you wouldn't be in today. Although she is listed as a contact for such things, it is, in fact, your responsibility to notify your professors when you will not be in. On another note, SSK will not be needing you today it seems. Please inform me if you will be absent tomorrow. I will email you a list of today's work. That is all.”
During that message, I started to get dressed throwing on the sweatpants and the shirt that I was given but paused midway gathering up my hair into a pony.
When I heard Mr. White's voice, it was curt and stern. That didn’t seem to be like him. A little worried, I deleted his message and briefly wondered about my kiddos from SSK and why I wasn't needed, conveniently so.
A knocking sound on the door distracting me from my thoughts, followed by Lincoln's questioning voice, "Are you finished, Daniels?”
“Uh, yeah. Just a sec.” I pocketed my phone and balled up the sheet I had walked in with then shoved it into the tall laundry basket before opening the door to Lincoln.
He looked devilish as he leaned against the door frame waiting for me. His hair was all over the place, and it seemed maybe he could benefit from a shower. Immediately, he pulled me into his arms and rubbed my back, soothing my frayed nerves. How did he know?
I felt his sigh before it met the exposed curve of my shoulder.
“What’s wrong?” I was concerned that maybe he was regretting his quick decision about staying here and not pursuing the college in Arizona.
“It’s nothing,” he reassured, pulling away and giving me an encouraging smile. “It’s time to eat.” Curling his hand around mine, he led me down the hallway and toward what I assumed to be the kitchen.
I was little nervous and unsure of how Aunt Marlene and the Uncles would react to my state of dress, wearing one of the guys’ clothes. But my worry was for nothing, because before I knew it, I found myself in the kitchen where Aunt Marlene was setting a plate of crepes on the table, along with a bowl of cut strawberries. None of the Uncles were in sight. I let out a silent sigh of relief, then glanced over to Tyler and Kayden, who already had their plates piled up and were chowing down. It was almost comical. Hungry guys.
When Aunt Marlene glanced up, noticing us, a warm smile spread across her face. “Well, it’s about time you two got down here.” She came over to where Lincoln and I stood and drew me into a comforting hug before she moved on to him. I glanced over to Tyler and Kayden, who both wore secret grins. I rolled my eyes, giving Aunt Marlene my attention once again when she spoke up. “There’s food on the table. I was just going to get orange juice out of the fridge before your brothers came tearing down here and decided to eat like wolves.”
I chuckled as Linc guided me toward the table. “I guess they were ravenous,” I quipped, sitting down.
“Hey, we’re growing men!” Kayden defended himself good naturally. “Plus, we’re bigger all over,” he said, wiggling his brows at me. “We need to keep up with our muscles.”
“Sure-sure,” I snorted. “Blame it all on the carbs you burn to keep your frames in shape so you can feel better about pigging out on crepes and strawberries.”
Kayden pointed his fork at me chuckling. “Nailed it.”
“Whatever,” I relented. I couldn’t help it when heat spread across my cheeks, causing me to duck my head. I felt embarrassed, knowing Aunt Marlene was witnessing the play-by-play.
Tyler gave Kayden a little shove when he realized what was going on and gave me a reassuring smile. Aunt Marlene came over with a pitcher of orange juice and promptly sat down at the end of the table, while Lincoln took the spot beside me.
“So...,” she started, grabbing crepes off the center plate after I had gotten my fill. “What are you all up to today? Going for another swim or just hanging out?” She glanced over to me for the answer, but I had no idea what we were doing.
In fact, I wondered why their aunt didn’t asked why Tyler and I hadn’t rushed off to class or questioned Kayden and Lincoln sticking around. We were all skipping classes. I mean, I knew what this day meant... I sighed. Of course, they knew. She knew. Was it really only a few days ago at the diner that I’d received that horrible message on my phone? Either way, I hadn’t expected them to just set their lives aside for the whole day to be with me. That they would try and make sure that this day was a good one so I wouldn’t have time to dwell on the past.
Honestly, I had forgotten what the day was until I got to the shower and had a moment alone. “Faith?” Lincoln questioned, laying a hand on my arm and bringing me out of my stupor. “You still with us?”
I gave everyone an easy smile and apologized, “Sorry. I guess I got lost in my own world.”
Their aunt patted my hand reassuringly and with her next words confirmed my suspicions over whether she knew what this day was about. “Everyone's entitled to zone out once in a while. Especially with what you have experienced.” She turned her gaze to the guys who were currently sitting back, silently taking in our conversation. “So what is the plan for today then, boys?�
�
“Well, you did say you wanted to go check out the archives at the library, right?” Lincoln directed the question my way, reminding me of what I had said the night before.
“And you did promise Raina a sleepover at her house tonight,” Tyler put in.
“We also wanted to take you out for lunch after we visit the newspaper archives,” Kayden finished.
I chuckled. They had this day planned from the get go; my guess was they had been gathering ideas on what to do ever since they found out what this day held for me. “Sounds about right,” I stated softly, taking in the three of them as their gazes were locked on me. It was a little intimidating.
“Well, it sounds like a busy day,” Aunt Marlene stated with a tentative smile. Today was a free day. Quite frankly, I was relieved that it was going to be busy. Less time to dwell on the past.
“So you’re going to the archives at the library for what exactly?” she asked, taking a bite of strawberry and her crepe.
“I wanted to search through old newspaper articles and see if it could trigger a memory somehow on who...” I trailed off, glancing down at my plate as my eyes closed. A flash of that day ran through my mind as if I was a ghost outside my body.
I remembered I had woken up that morning with the sun just barely peeking over the horizon and my parents still asleep from their fight the night before.
I’d shuffled my way into the kitchen as my stomach growled in desperate hunger. It wanted to be fed. I’d opened the fridge to see how dire our straights were in regards to groceries when my gaze landed on the three beers sitting alone on the top shelf and the less than a half-gallon of milk that remained from the shopping trip my mother made last week. My stomach turned again as I shut the refrigerator looking for something besides beer that would satisfy my need for food. I went to the next best thing other than the fridge and opened up the cupboards but was met with empty space where food should have been. When did we start allowing ourselves to get so low? Before my brother died? Never. But lately it seemed to happen more frequently along with the drunken stupors. I closed the cupboard doors. I spied a short loaf of bread lying on the counter. I could make toast, I guessed. I’d eat anything to shut my stomach up.
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