Epilogue
LILY
Six Months Later…
I end the call from the estate agent, feeling lighter than I have in what feels like years.
“I sold the house,” I say, still a little surprised. I honestly thought it would take a lot longer.
Mia and I spoke at length about the house and whether to sell it or not. It wasn’t a decision I could or would make on my own. She has as much say as I do. In the end, we both decided that a fresh start was what we needed. I was worried how Malcolm would take the news, but he’d admitted to looking forward to early retirement. He’s only stayed in our employment as a sign of loyalty and respect for our mum, Mia, and me. Although he did say he wished he could have done more to look out for me, the truth is, his presence was probably a deterrent on more than one occasion. That’s the thing with a sociopath and narcissist; they’re good at hiding for the most part.
When Mia returned to school and I returned to the house, I couldn’t bear to be there, least of all in my bedroom. The guys helped me pack all my personal stuff from my room and move it into the guest house. Not that it really mattered. I’ve spent most of my time between their flats for the past few months. I have a room at Jackson’s, as does Mia. It made more sense. They still had a business to run and jobs to do.
I stare at Jackson in the reflection of the mirror as he steps up behind me and wraps his arm around my stomach, pulling me back against his chest, his arousal pressing into my lower back.
“Does that mean we can finally start looking for a place to call our own?” he asks. His piercing blue eyes hold mine captive.
“Yes.”
He turns me in his arms, smiling down at me.
“About fucking time,” he says and pulls me in for a toe-curling kiss.
I’m left a little breathless when we part, and I slap his shoulder.
“You’re going to make us late,” I admonish.
He shrugs. “Worth it.”
I turn back to face the mirror and fix my lipstick again. This is why lip stain is easier when I’m around these men.
“Well, it won’t be if Avery arrives before we do. She hates to be kept waiting.”
I slip past him to grab my clutch, but his hand on my wrist stops me as he locks his gaze with mine.
“You look beautiful, by the way.”
I glance away, my face heating. No matter how often these men compliment me, I still struggle to accept them. It’s warm for June, and I opted for a short-sleeved dress, pairing it with a blazer over the top and the three-quarter-length sleeves to hide my scar, which is still a huge insecurity of mine.
“Thank you.”
His thumb and forefinger grip my jaw. “I mean it, Duchess.”
I swallow the ball of emotion as he kisses the tip of my nose before releasing me.
We arrive at the restaurant just on time. It’s Jessica’s unofficial opening for close friends and family. I’ve met up with her a few times, as has Avery, and we’ve quickly become good friends.
“There you are,” River says, pulling me in for a deep kiss. “Missed you,” he says when he pulls back.
I roll my eyes. “You saw me less than an hour ago.”
“Exactly, too long.” He holds my hand at arm’s length to take in my outfit. “Damn it, Vixen. You know how much I love you in this colour blue. How about we just skip tonight,” he says with a wink.
I shake my head. “No chance, we’re here to support Jess. Besides, they’ve all done so much for us.”
He holds up his hands. “I know, but you can’t blame a guy for trying. I mean, have you looked in the mirror?”
His words heat my entire face, and I worry that I’m about to sweat off my makeup if he carries on like that.
Elliot pulls him back by the neck and gives him a chaste kiss.
“Stop it. Can’t you see you’re embarrassing her?” Elliot steps up beside me and kisses me softly. “Hey, Sweetheart, you look lovely.”
“Thank you.” I wipe my palm over my thigh, feeling self-conscious.
“Stop it, you’re perfect.” He takes my hand and kisses the inside of my wrist.
“Ready?” Jackson asks, his palm going to my lower back.
I look around and smile when I see Tommy heading straight for us.
“Sorry, I’m late, Sunshine. I got caught up in traffic.” He walks straight up to me and kisses me softly.
I can’t contain my smile when he pulls away. He’s so much more tactile with me now, and it’s not something I take for granted. We get the occasional looks when we’re out as a group, but they told me early on they had no intention of hiding what we have, and it only made me love them that much more.
Now we’re all here, and I feel ready to go inside.
No expense has been spared as cocktails and champagne are handed out freely.
This place is amazing. Even after Jessica told me about it, the picture I had in my head didn’t do it justice.
“You came,” she says, approaching us. Caleb and Noah are a steady presence on either side of her. I wonder if she knows how they all move as one.
“Of course. Congratulations, this is amazing!”
She blushes and brings her thumbnail to her mouth, clearly nervous.
“Sweet girl, stop it. Everything is perfect,” Caleb says, with an Irish lilt to his accent as he pulls her hand away from her mouth and wraps her hand in his.
“Thank you for coming. We really appreciate it,” Noah says, his hand on Jessica’s back, much like Jackson’s is on mine, as the rest of my guys surround me in a tangible presence.
“Avery, you look amazing,” Jessica says, looking over my shoulder.
I turn around as Avery walks towards us with a champagne glass.
“You never know, I might meet Prince Charming,” she says, as she leans in and greets everyone with a kiss on the cheek. Even Tommy, yet another thing that warms my heart .
“Oh good, my brothers here,” Jessica says as he approaches. “You can finally meet him,” she says to Avery.
“Mason, you already know everyone else, but this is Avery,” Jessica says as he joins our circle.
Avery looks up with a smile, but it slips the moment her eyes connect with his.
“What the actual fuck?” she says.
“Siren,” he says, his lips tilting into a wicked grin.
Jessica looks as confused as I feel. “Do you know each other?” she asks.
“Unfortunately, yes,” Avery replies, as she narrows her eyes at Mason.
“Careful, anyone would think you had a thing for me,” he replies, clearly goading her.
Woah, what the hell is going on?
“That would require me to know your name is Mason and not, in fact, Daniel. If you’ll excuse me, Jessica, I think I just saw Mr Tall Dark and Handsome with my name written all over him.”
We all watch in shocked silence as she saunters to the bar and immediately starts a conversation with the man himself.
Jessica opens her mouth, but Mason holds up his hand. “I’ll fill you in later. I need a drink,” he says and stalks off in the opposite direction.
I corner Avery in the toilet a few hours later, but she just blows it off. I know better than anyone when she’s ready to tell me she will. Besides that strange exchange between Mason and Avery, the opening goes beautifully.
Later that evening, all the guys return to Jackson’s and grumble over who will stay with me. Sometimes, I feel like a toy they fight over, but at the same time, it’s nice to be wanted.
“When we get our own place, I think we should make sure it has an extra bedroom with a bed that’s big enough for all of us,” River says as she strokes my ankle .
I expect the guys to object, but they all agree, even Tommy.
Jackson laughs as he must notice my reaction to the entire exchange, and he reaches over and tilts my face towards his. “I don’t know why that surprises you, Duchess,” he says, his eyes holding mine captive. “You’re it for us. You’re ours to protect.”
“Ours to cherish,” River adds.
Elliot leans over and strokes my cheek with his knuckle. “Ours to adore.”
“And ours to keep,” Tommy says, reaching for my hand.
Each of them touching me, grounding me.
“And you’re mine.”
“Always,” they reply in unison.
I never thought I’d find love like the one my mum had with my dad; it was only a dream. A fairytale, one just out of reach. But then, these four formidable men came into my life. Their support and love, just like them, is unwavering. They each continue to show me love in their own unique ways, just like the seasons. I’m learning to grow and thrive again, no matter the climate.
I look forward to building a life with them, one free of fear and violence. One where Mia knows what unconditional love is and that family is so much more than blood. With these men by my side, no matter what obstacles we come across, I know we’ll face them together. Because as much as I am theirs, they are all mine—to love, to cherish, to keep.