by K. L Hart
"ok". I hang up without saying another word. I get changed into jeans, sneakers and a crop top and head downstairs to drive to Ash's house as it would take me a good twenty minutes to walk up and down our long-ass drives.
When I pull up outside Ash's house, which is three times bigger than mine I can see all four boys are waiting for me at the front door. I jump out of the car and join them. They all are staring at me again but with loving expressions "guys you are going to have to stop gawping at me it's creepy". "sorry" they all murmur at once and I laugh at them. Kade's eyes fill with tears "I Never thought I would hear you laugh again" before I could blink he wraps me in his arms and twirls me about. He drops me slowly but I'm still caught in his muscly arms and I snuggle into him "KassII've missed you so fucking much" he says as he chokes back his tears. "kade I can't breathe" he laughs "don't care I don't ever want to let you go". "did he just laugh" shock evident in Brix's tone. I manage to turn in kade's arms to face the others and they are staring at Kade now like they have seen a ghost. Kade finally lets me go "why do you all seem so shocked at Kade laughing?" I ask confusion obvious in my expression. "Kade hasn't cracked a smile let alone a laugh in nine years, Kassi, none of us has really." Ethan murmurs. "well that's stupid." I say rolling my eyes. "none of us could let ourselves be happy even for a second without you babydoll, we adore you." Brix added. "ok well, you all have got to change that, I can't be hanging around with four lads that are boring as fuck and can't have fun." I say. Kade looks down at me "so you want to be around us?". "I Mean how can I not give you a chance when you wrote them letters?" I say sincerely. "ok, well we have a surprise for you, you still like surprises right". "hell yes, gimme now," I say nearly jumping up and down. "follow us," Brix says chuckling.
I follow the four of them through Ash's gigantic old money style mansion and out to the guest house at the end of the garden. "this guest house has been on lockdown since your ninth birthday baby doll" Ash opened the door and the huge open plan kitchen/living area is full of presents and I mean stacked taller than me with no floor space to be seen. "what the fuck". I gasp. "we have not opened one Christmas, birthday or any other occasion present since you left, some are ours, most are yours". Ash says with a worried expression. "we got you presents every year for every occasion, wrapped them and stored them here waiting for you when you came home" Kade added, "do you want to rip through nine years of presents baby doll". Tears are rolling down my face now "you didn't forget about me" I state disbelief etched in my face. At once all four boys have got me trapped in a group hug. "we would never forget about you, you are the best of us" Ethan said wiping my tears from my face. "ok, let me go I want to have these opened before school tomorrow" I sit on the reclining chair at the front of the guest house. "chop-chop give me some presents" I say rubbing my hands together. The boys waste no time in piling present's around me and watching while I open them. "get yours I'm not doing this alone" I say. The boys started opening some of their presents but I noticed they aren't bothered about theirs they are more interested in watching me open mine.
Two-thirty in the morning I finally get into bed opening nine years of presents took a hell of a long time but we made it through, Ethan's going to bring all my gifts round tomorrow after school. I feel genuinely happy right now I have my family back but I know to be guarded at all times a small part of me knows they could screw me over again.
I head out of my gate the next morning headed to school as I get to the compound gates I see all four of the boy's cars parked there. I jump out and head to Brix's car, he rolls down the window "why are you all just parked here?" "We were waiting for you babydoll," he says with a smile plastered on his face "you will never be alone again, we will always be behind you, having your back". His face serious now "I Don't need your protection" I growl "we know but we need you to let us follow your ass around like lovesick puppies at least for a little while, OK?” “fine” I roll my eyes and head back to my car. As I head into the school parking lot followed by four crazy obsessive dudes the stares from other students intensify. I jump out of my baby and lean against her while the others park and join me. “so you all gonna be pains in my ass from now on then huh?” I remarked. "we just need this for a while, Kass, I can't believe you're really here yet!" kade says sincerely. "ughh fine" I moan.
The morning flew by with classes, every class I have had so far Ethan, Kade and Brix have had too so, of course, I am now sitting at the back in the middle of them. I don't think they are ever going to let me out of their sights again. We meet Ash in the cafeteria and sit at the table smack bang in the middle of the hall, no one else sits with us though. "do you not have other friends?" I ask jokingly "yeah but no one can sit with us it's a rule only the heirs". "oh" I mutter. "rumours are spreading about KassIthat I do not like" Ash States. "what rumours?" I ask "that you're banging all four of us and that's why you are sitting with us". Ethan added. "what! Eww, dude, my twin is sat right there" I say disgusted, I love attention and speculation but Jesus that's a bit ott. "half the school Is here now and we are going to fix it!. Ash states I'm about to ask how when Ash stands on the table and yanks me up with him. Everyone is silent and staring at us instantly. "I've heard some rumours about this girl standing next to me and I don't like made-up bullshit so here are the facts," Ash announces. This is Kassidie Buckley she is the adopted daughter of William Buckley which makes her a storm Corp Heir, not only that but she and Kaden Reyes are twins so she is an heir to two portions of the board, she deserves the same treatment as us, she is above you in every way and if I hear one more bullshit remark or rumour about her I will personally end you". Ash gets down and then helps me too, "thanks Ash, now I'm the fucking queen bee bitch, its not like I care what people think but I could have done that myself". "people need to know, I'm not having one bad word said against you" he states while I glare at him. "careful Ash, she might finish the job and break your nose this time". Brix whispers. I don't join in the conversation for the rest of lunch I just play on my phone until it's time for class. Being crowded by the boys is starting to wear thin already and I can't wait to go home.
My phone buzzes on the kitchen counter while I make coffee. The afternoon has drained me, I didn't know I liked my own space so much until the four most possessive idiots on the planet decided to be no more than two inches away from me at all times. I sit with my hot black coffee and read the text.
Ethan: on my way with your stuff
Me: ok the code for the gate is 7499217 the doors open I'm in the kitchen.
Ethan: ok, I don't know where your kitchen is?
Me: shout and then follow my voice.
A few moments later Ethan's voice echoes through my foyer into the kitchen. "in here" I shout back. "found you" I force a smile at him. Where do you want me to put all your presents I doubt Buckley will be too happy if he sees finds it everywhere in his house. "this isn't his house it's mine, he refurbished it to how I wanted it and then moved out." I say "oh, so your all alone here too", "yeah but I kinda like being on my own" I say truthfully. "put it in the living area door on the left-hand side of the foyer, can you manage on your own I have a headache and need a nap". "yeah sure, are you ok? Do you need me to get you anything" worry evident in Ethan's tone. "no I'm fine, I just need some space" I try not to sound pissed off. I get up and he follows me to the foyer, "thanks Ethan, see ya later". I smile and then head to bed.
I wake up at one in the morning needing to pee, nap my ass, when I am about to head back to bed I notice a figure sitting on the end of it, its dark and I can't see who it is I grab the gun I keep on the side table "who the fuck are you, and why are you here". I snap gun pointed at the fuckers head "fuck! KassIits me Ash" I put the gun down and toss it back on the side table "what the fuck Ash" I say switching on the lamp by my bed. "Ijust needed to see if you were ok, headache and all" I roll my eyes at him "Ethan that little fucker, did he give you my code?" "yeah, I made him" he shrugs his shoulders. "I'm fine, you can leave now" I snap as I get back under the covers an
d switch the lamp off. Ash doesn't move so I decided to ignore him and go to sleep. After ten minutes I feel the bed dip and Ash wrap's his arms around me and pulls me into his naked chest. "Ash? What are you doing?" I turn around in his arms to face him and my stomach knots as I stare into his eyes, the emotion there is whirling around I can't tell what it is. "let me do this, Kassi, I can't sleep knowing you can disappear, let me hold you tonight." he whispers. I try to say no but I just can't seem to find my voice so I just nod and he pulls me closer to him so my face is buried in his rock hard chest. I don't know why but I like this, I feel all tingly and I have butterflies in my stomach. Having Ash wrapped tightly around me quickly sends me into the deepest sleep.
I slowly wake up and my brow creases when I open my eyes, I'm in my bed but my legs and arms are tangled in Ash's. After a moment I remember Ash being here in the middle of the night, thinking about how I felt then and now I'm trying to make sense of it all. Am I attracted to Ash? No, I can't be? But why else would I feel tingling sensations when he touched me or butterflies when he held me tight. Is it wrong that I feel this way? Its a phase Kassidie it will pass its just because you have never been held by a boy before! My inner self tells me, so I chalk it up to that and relax into Ash's arms. Half an hour later my alarm goes off and I turn over and turn it up, I sit up when I'm pulled back down and turned back to face Ash. "morning Kass" he smirks as he kisses my forehead. "yeah morning" I say my tone edgy. "can you leave now I need to get ready for school" I say. "ok Kass, your uncomfortable, I get it". He smiles as he lets me go and gets out of bed. I find myself gawping at his back, I don't think I've ever seen so many rolling muscles and them damn butterflies return. He turns and sees me staring "like what you see?" he smirks. "no" liar my inner self shouts. He pulls on his t-shirt, sock and shoes and heads for the door. “I had the best sleep I have had in years Kassi, I think I might have to come back again tonight”. He smiles and the leaves my bedroom. “fucker” I mumble as I head to the bathroom, butterflies hit me full force and I smile at the thought of him coming back tonight. Confusion hits me full force and I decide to just roll with whatever this is for now.
Chapter three.
I'm sitting in my kitchen waiting for Ethan so we can start our Disney movie fest which I reminded him he promised me. Its Saturday morning and the last few days have been much better, the boys are still by my side every moment we were in school but the staring has stopped and the atmosphere is more relaxed. Ash hasn't come back to my house since he stayed on Tuesday, neither of us has mentioned it either, I think he knows I was a bit uncomfortable with the situation. "Kassi" Ethan calls from the foyer "kitchen" I shout back. "give me a coffee" he grumbles as he sits next to me. I get up and pour him a cup and hand it to him. "let's get this shitfest of a movie marathon started". I mock a wounded chest "Disney is not shit and come on we can lay in bed all day and eat popcorn" sounds like a plan to me
Ethan is asleep within half an hour of the little mermaid being on. He is laying on my huge bed, spread out so I have no space, I stare at him for a moment taking in his appearance, he is wearing grey sweats and a t-shirt which hugs his arm muscles he's bigger than Kade but smaller than Brix and Ash. His dark brown hair has fallen onto his forehead and he looks so peaceful. I nudge him with my elbow "move over" I grumble. "mmmm" I push him this time "wake up, you can't sleep I won't let you." he opens his eyes and sits up giving me some room to lay on my bed properly. "I Need my beauty sleep, we are going to a party tonight" he states giving me a huge grin. "ooh fun, I've never been to one before". I smile. A confused expression washes over Ethan "wait you have never been to a party? did you have anyone growing up, friends?" I shake my head "a puppy at least" he says "no". "Kassi, I'm so sorry". "why? I'm fine with it plus I get to have all my firsts now". I smile at him and he lets it drop. When we put on dumbo the fourth movie into our fest we both fall asleep.
When I wake up Ethan has already left. He left a note on my bedside table.
You looked so peaceful I couldn't bring myself to wake you up.
Ash is picking you up at eight to go to the party.
See ya later
Ethan
excitement erupts through me as its sinks in that I'm going to my first ever party. I check the time on my phone, five-thirty. Ok, I have time, ill go get something to eat and a coffee then get ready. I squeal in excitement and my inner self tells me to calm the fuck down.
I'm in my closet, looking at my reflection in the full-length mirror, I'm wearing a tight-fitting black dress that comes to mid-thigh, the waist is cut out and has been replaced with two thick black straps that cross over and reconnect to the skirt mid stomach. I have my black peep-toe stilettos with the gold heel on, which makes my toned legs look longer. I have curled my hair from the middle to the ends so it falls in waves down my back, I have dark smokey eyeshadow and nude lipstick. I have my big white gold hooped earrings on and they go with the party outfit just right. I pick up my black and gold clutch and head downstairs. I sit down in the kitchen with a bottle of BacardIBreezer to get me started for the night ahead, my phone buzzes and Ash's name lights up my screen. "hello". I say "I'm coming down your drive now we have to leave early I've got to do an errand on the way". He snaps and puts down the phone, charming as ever I think to myself. Rolling my eyes I chug a few large mouthfuls of my drink and head outside. By the time I reach the front steps ash arrives and I get in the passenger side of the Bugatti. Why aren't we leaving I think as I turn to face Ash his mouth is twisted into a firm line and his eyes are scanning my body. "are we leaving or not?" I say with too much attitude. His eyes snap to mine and then to the road as we pull off. I connect my phone to his sound system and put on my party playlist "what are you doing?" he snaps. "putting decent music on, what your problem anyway?" I snap back "nothing" he growls. After a few minutes body by loud luxury comes on and I find myself singing and bopping the seat. I turn to Ash and sing to him doing all the hand actions that match the words. Ash shakes his head but I see a small smile tug at the corner of his mouth "your not right in the head". He says "why cuz I know how to have fun, you should let loose once in a while, people might be able to tolerate you more". I say playfully and then carry on with my singing.
we pull down a long dirt road I recognise "Ash is this the safehouse where the heir meeting was held". I asked as we pulled up outside the one-story building. "yeah Kassi, our parents have summoned us". "Mr B never mentioned anything" "your father asked him not too". He stated "let's get this over with I want to go to the party" I growl as I get out of the car and slam the door. I realise then that the other boys are here and waiting by their cars. Brix wolf whistles at me and I flip my finger at him. Ethan and Kade laugh as he mocks being stabbed in the heart. I roll my eyes and walk to the entrance of the safehouse the boys fall in line behind me, I notice none of them tries to walk beside me. "Ms Buckley" the guard nods "the board are waiting for you in the meeting room". I nod back. Feelings of the last time come rushing back and I shake them off-putting my blank expression on my face and holding my head high I head straight to the room I last saw my father in. I open the door and stride in like I own the place, the boys follow and I stand behind the chair opposite my father. "you wanted to see us". I say voice void of any emotion, I'm handling this better than I expected even if I do have the urge to put a bullet between Reyes's eyes. "ahh yes, please sit in your chair facing your adoptive parent." a dog from Reyes, pathetic. I slowly pull out the chair opposite Reyes and sit "sorry I like to be in the centre, I'm sure you can understand! You can always swap seats With Buckley". His face flashes with rage and I hear Brix cough over a laugh behind me. "fine we won't be sat for long anyway". Reyes snaps. The boys take the empty seats but they take my lead and none of them sits opposite their parents. So, they have got my back! at least right now I internally smile".
"meeting has now commenced," Reyes says "you have been brought here today to complete your loyalty and capability test, this test is kept a secret from the hei
rs until they do it so I can forgive your disregard for appropriate attire," Reyes says with disgust. I roll my eyes "anything you need me to do I can do wearing this" I reply "we shall see" says Reyes.
“you will be tested in a room down the hall, you must fight your way out, kill the men coming at you but you have no weapons they do”. “great, I love a challenge". I smile sweetly at Reyes and he does not like it at all. "you will be on your own we will all be in the next room watching through a two way mirror, you will be filmed and that will be stored so it can be used against you if you "misbehave". "ok, I have a party to go so shall we get started" I stand up and throw my clutch to Ethan "be a darling and hold this for me". I wink at him. "guards" Huntingdon shouts "pat her down remove any weapons and take her to the training hall". As I'm being pat down I hear Windsor say "useless female won't get out alive especially in those god awful shoes" Buckley answers him "you shouldn't underestimate her" I smile at this, Richardson, Reyes and Windsor laugh.
I'm led into a dimly lit room with one entrance, I can't see the mirror but I figure it's on the back or right wall. There is nothing in the room its completely bare, I assume there is a hidden door as they wouldn't be so stupid to send their goons in from one direction. I see five red dot blink to life on the ceiling, cameras are on time to put on a show. "as I said, Ihave a party to go to can we move this along" I shout. Within seconds two doors open and six large men rush at me dressed in black. I smile wickedly and run to the closest one punching him in the throat he staggers as I jump kick the next one who falls down I fight my way through the six men I manage to get on top of one's shoulders and snap his neck I jump off him as he tumbles to the floor. One rushes towards me knife in hand and I make quick work of disarming him, I throw the knife at another man and it lands in his chest "two down" I chuckle getting the knife out of the dude's chest. Two more come at me at once a spin and the knife slashes both of their throats as I do. Two left I spot them slowly stalking towards me one from behind one in front guns aiming at my head, how cliché, I drop the knife and drop and roll as one of them shoot's I roll towards him and kick upwards, knocking the gun out of his hand I grab the gun and quickly grab the guy so I can use him as a human shield as the other one shoots "only you left, you can run if you like" I say stalking towards him, I can see the slight shake of his hand holding the gun, he shoots and I dodge out of the way making quick work of disarming the fucking pussy I push him on to his knees "they only sent six, what is this the practise run" I laugh throwing the guns to slide to the other side of the room. Grabbing my heel from my foot I slam it into his temple killing him with one blow I snatch my heel from out of his head and put it back on my foot.