Chapter 20 #2
I can't help but grin quietly, watching Mam's effortless ability to wrangle the chaos while making it feel warm and alive—and all the while, Willow stands there, catching the full brunt of our family madness.
They all drift into the kitchen, and River brushes past me, shoulder bumping mine. “Mum wanted me to tell you she’ll be back tomorrow morning, ready for some meal. I didn't know we had anything planned.”
I grit my teeth. Fuck—tomorrow. “I’ll tell you later,” I mutter. He shrugs and walks off, leaving me with Willow.
All I want to do is pull her close, kiss her, lose myself in her. My eyes wander over her, slow and appreciative, letting her see me drink in every curve of her body.
“How did it go?” I ask.
She twists the daisy ring on her finger, a little smile tugging at her lips. “I signed up for ballet and contemporary. I was thinking of trying pole dancing too—it helps with the flexibility.”
The excitement that practically sparkles around her when she talks about dancing is intoxicating.
“Pole dancing, huh?” I move closer, checking over my shoulder to make sure nobody's around. “Can I watch?”
Her brows lift. “You want to watch me?” She seems surprised by that.
I reach out, pinching her chin and tugging her bottom lip playfully. “Do I want to see your beautiful body bend into shapes I plan to bend you into?” I tease, a cheeky grin spreading across my face. “Of-fucking-course. Next time we’re alone, you'd better give me a private dance.”
Her eyes flick behind me, but I don't miss the shock and excitement that crosses her face. “You can't flirt like that with your family around.”
The hell I can't.
I chuckle, stepping back before looping an arm around her and pulling her just under the cove of the stairs. “Take your knickers off,” I whisper.
Her flawless, mischievous face flushes, lips parted as she exhales. “What? I can’t do that here.”
“Nobody is watching, so hurry up, princess.”
She blows out a breath, sliding her hands under her dress, tugging them down. I catch them, taking a subtle inhale before slipping them into my back pocket. She smells incredible
“Good girl. Now go mingle.” I brush a strand of hair from her face. “I’ll be back in a sec.”
Willow blinks, a mix of admiration and playful exasperation, as I head upstairs, my cock already hard, knowing she's wearing nothing but that pretty dress.
It's been an hour since I came back downstairs after stealing Willow's knickers, and the thought of what she's wearing—or rather not wearing—keeps circling my head and quietly torturing me. Every time I picture her body beneath that dress, my patience wears a little thinner.
I've only crossed that line once, unfortunately, but the way she reacted to me lingers. I replay it all the time, and I can't wait to have her to myself again, finally.
She's been speaking to my mam for a while now, looking completely settled. Comfortable. Like the nerves she was feeling before have totally vanished.
This is what she needs. A family like this.
I don't miss the subtle shift of her hips when she catches me watching. A quiet reminder that she remembers and can feel exactly what she's walking around without… and that she's doing it right here, surrounded by my family.
Emmet had a few beers, which means I finally managed to get him talking. It's not that he's difficult, just rough around the edges. Crowds aren't really his thing. Neither are people, if we are being honest. He hates small talk, avoids it like a disease, and only makes the effort for family.
Emmet owns his own tattoo shop, which is perfect for him. No forced conversations, no pointless pleasantries. Just shows up, puts his head down and does what he loves.
“I’m here!” A squeal bursts from the back door.
My niece comes hurtling down the steps, a glittery purple dress catching the sunlight, her blonde hair streaked with purple like the character she adores from K-pop Demon Hunters that she makes me watch on repeat whenever I go round to see her. She tackles me into a hug before I can even react.
“There's my favourite niece! Cutting it a bit short, aren't we?” I lift her. “I’ve already had to tackle Uncle Ez and Em off the cake, even River.”
She releases my neck but stays close, her blue eyes sparkling under streaks of purple glitter.
“I’m your only niece,” she points out, full of attitude.
“True, how could I ever forget?”
She's a proper little Madame, but I love her to pieces.
“Did Nana get the wooden spoon out?” she asks me.
I hear her mum, Aria, laugh as she steps over beside us, splitting from my brother, Elliot, who goes to greet Willow.
They've been married for a few years now—first love and all that.
She's sweet, easy to talk to, and fits in with the family seamlessly.
Not like Rose.
How I missed it through all these years pisses me off. I have wasted so much time of my life with her. I want what Elliot and Aria have, or more.
I bop Millie's nose. “Did you get me presents?”
“Millie,” Aria chides, shaking her head, but she smiles anyway. “Where are your manners?”
She scrunches her nose, undeterred. “I’m just asking, mummy. I am the birthday girl, after all.”
I sweep my hand toward the mountain of gifts. “Surprised you missed that.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Willow taking a slow sip of wine, looking at my niece as Dad goes over to tend to the BBQ.
“Who's she?” Millie whispers, loud enough to make me wince.
I crouch down and set her on the ground. “That's Willow… River's sister.” I start to explain, but before I can finish, she darts over to her, bouncing on the spot.
“You're really, really pretty,” she gushes, holding out her tiny hands.
I’m quite impressed. Millie usually doesn't warm up to new people this fast. Willow kneels, lightly touching the ends of her purple hair, letting the little whirlwind gush.
“Looks like someone's got a fan.” Elliot elbows me lightly.
She has more than one fan.
“Looks like it,” I say, unable to tear my eyes away from her.
“She fits in. Hard to tell she comes from that ex of yours.”
I hum softly as Aria drifts over to join them. “Just… be careful,” he adds.
I tilted my head at him. “Be careful?”
He runs his fingers through his tousled blonde hair, the soft breeze playfully tugging at it. “Yeah, just make sure you don’t get tangled up with her. I’m not blind, Elijah. I noticed the way you looked at her the other night, how you froze when you saw her standing outside in the cold.”
I can’t say I’m surprised it’s him trying to unravel what’s happening between us; he’s always been the perceptive one.
It’s part of what makes him so good at his job in the police force.
Scowling at him, I don't let him carry on.
“I care about her. That's it. She doesn't have anyone else, so mind your own business.”
He's not wrong. I’m already in too deep. As much as Ezra and I butt heads, I trust him more than anyone to know the truth.
“Just saying, tread lightly,” he warns.
I find myself watching them instead of listening to him; I’m not keen on letting him dampen my mood. Aria and Willow are chatting animatedly, with Millie nestled on Willow’s knee as she excitedly unwraps a present.
There's no turning back now. I'm already captivated. And truthfully? I wouldn’t dream of pulling away, even if I had the chance.