Second Sets Omnibus

Forty-Nine - River

The sun beats down, warming us on one of the last September days. September 29th. The most special day in history. On this day, five years ago, I was blessed with the most beautiful surprise. My baby girl. The one being who majorly helped me through my depression and rage. It’s because of her that I’m living.

Every morning, she brings a smile to my face. Every question she asks or piece of vital information she thinks I need brings joy to my life.

This is where I’m meant to be. Right here. Right now. At Lyric’s ultimate unicorn dream.

The boys really came through when they promised they’d rent out the entire East Point Amusement Park. With little to no bribing, they were able to procure it for us at the last minute. Although the bastards refuse to tell me how much it cost them. Stating they were paying for the entire thing, and that I had better just smile and take it like a good girl.

Okay, that last part may have been during one of our few sessions in the bedroom. I may have thrown out the whole going slow thing, because it’s not really working out for me. I’ve never been one to hold myself back from what I want. Or what my body craves.

My heart soars with what they’ve done for Ly already. And for me. They’re proving themselves over and over again. Making me proud to have forgiven them completely and given them a much-needed second chance.

We’ve been happier than ever, figuring out our new life together. Slowly, of course. I’d never jump into this without caution. Only idiots repeat their mistakes.

Happy children’s laughter echoes through the festive air only amping up at the promise of cake amusement park rides later. Family and friends gather around in large circles, catching up with soft drinks in their hands. As the kids play in a circle in front of us with glee.

Nothing beats today.

“You invited your mafia sister?” Rad hisses, not so discreetly staring at my sister, Journey, with wide eyes.

I snort, stepping into his side with a shake of my head. The four of us stand in a little circle on the blacktop, watching the chaos unfold.

The moment my brothers tracked each of us down and handed out our inheritances, we started a family group chat. Some participate fully and others don’t bother at all. The ones who do respond to the texts have really become our family through blood and bond.

“She won’t hurt you. She’s harmless.” I shrug, grinning when Rad shudders. From disgust or fear, I’m not sure.

My sister, Journey, may be a little out of her mind sometimes, but she wouldn’t start anything here. Not at her niece’s birthday party. Who she adores, by the way. Besides, I love Journey. Despite only knowing her for two years, she’s become someone I can talk to and depend on.

A sister.

I have my brothers, but she gets me. Like really gets me. I would never tell my guys she threatened to come here and slice their toes off as a threat after she learned about what they did.

“You told me her and her boyfriends?—”

“Husbands. They’re her husbands.” My eyes cut to her three husbands surrounding her like a protective wall, not permitting anyone from getting too close. Especially people they don’t know. Liv casually hugs Journey in a tight embrace, rubbing a hand over Journey’s engorged belly with a grin. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but they all seem to be smiling. You’d think three mafia kings wouldn’t want a Veritas agent in their midst. And that’d be true if Liv wasn’t their cousin.

What a weird West web we’ve created. It’s gotten so big my damn head hurts just thinking about my siblings. All fourteen of them.

“That’s Arrow, Jericho, and Shepp. And yeah, they’re in some sort of mafia type thing.” I shrug; I’m not sure what they actually do. I’d rather stay ignorant if they’re committing crimes. Especially if they’re sinking people in the river with concrete shoes.

They’re family. That’s it. They’ve never threatened us. Seger and Zepp seem to like them, too. So, that’s a plus. Even Carter tolerates them to an extent. And he doesn’t like anyone except his wife, Kaycee.

I point each of them out to Rad, adding in a little wave when Jericho narrows his eyes at me and then grins, waving back. See? For being the head of a gang, he sure is pleasant and polite. Maybe a little crazy, but that’s a whole other book I can’t dive into right now. Too much to tell and not enough time to explain the dynamic between my sister and those three. Let’s just say they purposefully got her arrested, then bailed her out, and then… Handcuffed her to them so they could keep her forever.

Totally normal stuff. But she’s happy. Even when she tells the story, she laughs her ass off.

“I’ve heard stories from that town…” Rad trails off when Callum snorts.

“Are you afraid of the Briar Cove Devils?” Callum asks in a soft voice, leaning in to kiss my cheek. “They’re nice. You should talk to them.”

“Yes. Yes, I am. I’ve heard what they do. They…they…pluck eyeballs, remove fingers, and?—”

“Shut up,” I mumble. “They’re here to enjoy Ly’s birthday party. They brought their kid.”

I swear Journey hasn’t been not pregnant since I met her two years ago. Including now. Her guys make a circle around her as she sucks on a large, chocolate ice cream bar like a protective entourage. They watch her every move with love in their eyes. Every once in a while, they gaze at their two-year-old toddling around, following his older cousins—Roman, Axel, and Dash—around with a grin. Ly giggles as the boys chase her, squealing when one of them taps her shoulder. Grabbing her cousin Maggie, she drags her away with a loud yelp as they all continue to run around.

“Miss West!” Kat, my assistant, calls out from behind me, hurrying along at a quick pace.

Turning, I raise my brows as she saunters forward with a grin on her face, holding tight to a large white box filled with Lyric’s cake.

Perfect.

It’s amazing to see how well she’s come into her role as my PA. Not even a few months ago, I wasn’t sure if she was going to make it. I’m not sure what happened in her life, but she was a trembling mess. Now, I’m more confident than ever that she’s going to continue to help me in my department as the Fixer.

“Kat,” I laugh, shaking my head. “Please, I’ve told you a thousand times to call me River.”

She blushes when Rocco saunters up to her side and carefully helps her with the white box filled with Lyric’s sparkly unicorn birthday cake.

“Hello, Doll,” he says, kissing my cheek. “Mullet. Cal,” he says, nodding a greeting.

“Rad. It’s Rad. Hell, call me Ashton. But don’t disrespect the mullet,” Rad quips, fluffing his curly hair in his hands. “The mullet is sacred, dude.”

“Sacred in the early 90s, maybe,” Callum quips quietly under his breath.

“Heard that!” Rad hisses, lightly shoving Cal as he belts out a laugh while stumbling over his feet.

“I’ve got the cake,” Kat beams, tapping the box. “It’s perfect. Just like you ordered. Ly is going to love the unicorns!”

“Thanks so much for picking it up for me,” I say with sincerity.

“It was no problem. Now, where do you want me to put it?” Her eyes dart around the enormous amusement park we’ve rented out. The only people admitted are the ones standing around this large, open courtyard.

The park graciously supplied a few security guards at the gates, turning around customers trying to enter. And keeping us all safe. Not to mention the plethora of Veritas agents wandering around and enjoying the party. They’re no doubt packing heat under their shirts just in case anything happens.

Large roller coasters sit off in the distance, darting into the clouds and then plummeting to the earth. But those are off-limits with no attendants running them. The only rides we’ll have access to are the small ones for the kids. Unicorn planes, the carousel, the fun house, and a mini-roller coaster make up our little Unicorn hell hole.

I’m not sure what it is about these magical horses with horns on their heads. She loves them, though. More than loves. She’s mildly obsessed with them. Even that’s putting it lightly. So much so we’ve had someone redecorate her room with the exact colors and unicorns she wanted as part of her birthday present. The moment she sees it tonight, she’s going to flip her lid.

“We have a spot over there,” I say, pointing toward a group of picnic tables nestled under a large pavilion.

“Thanks! I’ll get it over there. Trevor is in the parking lot, grabbing the cooler of ice cream treats.” She shyly grins, looking away at the mention of his name. Her boyfriend. The one we’ve only heard about and never seen.

My brows raise. They must have made up from the last time he went away without a word.

She’s never brought him around. He’s always working or busy when he’s invited to places. Office Christmas party? He was out of town. New Year’s party my brothers threw? Sick. The list goes on.

He’s so damn elusive, and we’ve never even seen his picture. According to Kat, he hates having his photo taken. Seems odd to me in this day and age. Who hates their picture being taken? Or who doesn’t have social media?

Joe from You , that’s who.

“We finally get to meet the ever-elusive Trevor,” Rocco quips, with interest flaring in his eyes as he walks in front of us.

“Yes,” she blushes, ducking her head and taking off toward the pavilion without another word.

“I didn’t think we’d ever get to meet him,” I say, watching as she happily sits the cake down.

“Me either. Hopefully, he’s a loser,” Rocco quips.

“Pfft. With the way she’s been getting happier, I think they’re getting serious. Back off, Roc.” I raise a brow when he pouts.

“Fine,” he grumbles, pulling away. “Time to say hello to my Godchild. Oh, Lyric!” he shouts, jumping into the fray of kids and hoisting her into the air. She squeals at his antics, kicking her feet as they spin in a circle.

“I like him,” Asher says, cocking his head and watching Rocco play with Lyric.

I snort. “You might be the only one.” I point to Callum, Rad, and Kieran standing side by side with their arms crossed over their chests, watching Rocco’s every move.

Fucking cavemen. They should know by now Rocco is nothing more than a very important friend. To me and Lyric. Besides, he’s married to Christian and on the prowl for Kat’s undying love.

“I need to make you another shirt,” Rad grumbles, wrinkling his nose. “Property of Callum, Rad, Asher, and Kieran.”

“Good idea,” Kieran says with a smirk. “We’ll force it over your head any time you leave the house.”

“Everyone will always know who you belong to,” Rad adds with a grin, high-fiving Kieran over their oh-so-brilliant idea.

I roll my eyes, raising my middle finger to them. “I’m not your damn property. I belong to no one. If anything, you’re mine. Maybe I should make you a shirt that says… River’s Boys. See how you’d like that.”

“You’re under the impression that we wouldn’t wear a shirt with your face on it,” Rad says, raising a brow. “I would, in fact, wear a shirt that says I am your property. In fact…”

Well then. That didn’t hit like I thought it would. Who am I kidding? Of course, they’d want a shirt with my name on it. That wasn’t a proper threat.

“We’ll get them made,” Callum snorts, covering his lips with his fist.

“Hell yeah! We’ll wear it at our wedding. Speaking of… Will you marry us, Pretty Girl?” he asks, smirking at me.

I huff. It’s been like that for the past week or so since we got home. Every morning, I have a text asking if I’ll marry them.

“No.”

“I’ll ask every day until you say yes,” he reminds me, kissing my cheek. “I’ll wear you down, Pretty Girl. Then you’ll be all ours. Forever and ever. I can’t wait to stick a ring on that finger.” His arm wraps around my shoulder, pulling me further into the side of his body. “Do you think anyone would be offended if I took my shirt off? It’s fucking hot.”

“Keep your clothes on, Cowboy. This is a children’s party.”

“Make me those fancy sleeves again, Pretty Girl. Or I’m going to drown in my sweat.” Rad pulls his T-shirt away from his body, wafting air on his face. His tongue flops out of his mouth as he huffs. “I don’t even care if you cut me with your knife. In fact…cut me a lit?—”

“Kids party,” I hiss, covering his loud mouth with my hand.

“He’s going to start having to pay a fee every time he runs his mouth.” Kieran side-eyes him with a smirk.

“Thirty thousand dollars!” Lyric says, passing by, doing a twirl in her pretty, multi-colored unicorn dress. Quickly, she darts off, laughing through a candy sugar high.

Lord help us when we have to tame this baby tonight.

My heart hurts as I watch her carefree smile light up the party. She’s five now. Practically a teenager. Just yesterday, I gave birth with my brothers anxiously awaiting her arrival in another room and Kaycee generously holding my hand as I screamed. Even though it made her light-headed and awkward feeling. She stood by my side, knowing I didn’t have anyone else to help ease the pain of having her and losing my boys.

My baby is growing too fast. And there’s nothing I can do to stop it.

“Thirty thousand,” Callum confirms, holding out his hand expectantly.

Rad licks my palm with a chuckle until I rip it away, wiping my hand down the front of his T-shirt.

“Fine. I’ll keep my shirt intact,” Rad harrumphs, pouting a little until his eyes fall on my face. “Pretty girl, what’s wrong?” he asks, squeezing me tight.

“She’s five,” I groan, swallowing my emotions. “She’s so big.”

“She is,” Kieran agrees, watching her with a big grin.

“That’s a good thing, right? We want Little Pretty Girl to get bigger and grow older.” Rad watches my glossy eyes, softening his confused expression. With ease, he pulls me into his side and kisses my temple. “She’ll always be our baby.”

Oh, swoon. Our baby. Fuck. Don’t tear up. Don’t show them how messed up your emotions are since having her. I swear I’ve turned into a pile of gooey feelings, crying at the drop of a hat. Damn hormones.

“I know. It just feels like yesterday that I went to the hospital and had her.” I shake my head, reliving the memories again.

“Next time, we’ll be there.” Kieran’s eyes fall to the ground. “I promise.”

“Next time?” I ask, scrunching my nose.

“Oh yeah, Pretty Girl! You gave a baby to Kieran. Now the rest of us want a little one. Can you imagine my baby with a mullet? He’s getting a mullet.” He side-eyes the guys. “Don’t laugh at me.” I snort when they start to bicker amongst themselves.

“You really want more?” I ask with slight vulnerabilities.

“Thousands.” Rad waggles his eyebrows.

“Or four.” A slight red tint creeps up Callum’s neck and onto his cheeks.

“We’ll get to that bridge when it comes. In the meantime, we can practice as much as you want,” Asher says with a cocky grin, winking at me.

“We’ll enjoy the baby we have now,” Kieran adds, grinning when Lyric spins in front of him with a giggle.

“Daddies, I wants to go to the fun house,” she says, pointing toward the two-story unicorn house with funny mirrors and bright lights flashing.

“Whoop! Then let’s go to the fun house!” Rad scoops Lyric into his arms, chuckling when she giggles more, and we all head off toward the fun house thirty feet away from the courtyard.

“After this, we’ll do your cake and ice cream,” I say, catching up to her and kissing her cheek.

“Hey, girl! Want me to get that set up?” Olivia asks, running up to my side. “Hey, cutie pie.” She pinches Lyric’s cheeks, much to her disapproval.

“Hey, Liv,” I say, leaning in to hug her with a grin. “That’d be amazing. We’re going there, and then we can do the cake.”

She agrees, rushing off toward the cake as we leave the area, walking to the fun house.

“Wow, this is bitchin’,” Lyric says with a grin, staring up at the house.

“I’m sorry. What did you say?” I huff, raising a brow at my baby girl, who has a knack for saying words she shouldn’t.

“Bitchin’. Cousin Roman says it allllllllll the time.” She raises her chin with confidence, huffing at my downturned face.

“Sorry, Little Blue. That’s a bad word. You shouldn’t say that ever again.” Kieran shakes his head, using his best dad voice to get the desired effect. I can tell the moment sadness crosses his face. He regrets being so stern.

Lyric’s lip pouts out, and she nods, sniffling. “Okay, Daddy. I’m sorry. But you says it all the time.”

I put my hand up to my lips, holding back the laugh that begs to escape. She has them there. They curse all the time without consequence.

“Fuck she’s right,” Rad groans, quickly covering his lips. “I mean, she’s right. No more cussing.”

“I can’t be mad at that,” Kieran whispers in my ear frantically, watching her pouty lip.

“You have to be,” I mumble, leaning into his side. “She won’t learn unless you correct her bad behavior. You did good.” He perks up, kissing me on the cheek when I applaud his effort.

“Let’s go,” Callum says with his eyes lighting up. “I’m going to take her through,” he says excitedly, holding out his hand.

Lyric doesn’t waste a moment, grabbing onto his hand and practically dragging him through the entrance of the fun house, which happens to be a rolling, dark tunnel.

I smile when she falls, giggling as the piece continues to slowly roll them. Thankfully, Callum grabs her and drags her through the curtain at the end, and they venture into the unknown.

“Shall we?” Kieran asks, sweeping a hand out with mischief behind his eyes.

“You want to go?”

“Why not, Pretty Girl? Let’s go through the fun house and look at ourselves in those ridiculous mirrors. I haven’t seen one of these in so damn long.”

Without a second thought, Kieran grabs my hand, pulling me forward. The three of us shake with laughter as we enter the turning tube, losing our balance halfway through.

I fall over my stupid feet, plummeting to the moving ground with a thump.

“Fuck,” I grumble, trying to balance myself to stand, but it doesn’t work.

And wouldn’t you know it? Those assfaces didn’t wait for me either. There they are, laughing their heads off at the end of the tunnel, watching as I continually fall.

“Crawl to me, Pretty Girl,” Rad quips, wiggling his fingers in my direction as he stands under the black sheet hiding the rest of the attraction.

I grin, shakily moving forward on my hands and knees until Rad’s hands grips under my armpits, and he pulls me into the darkened room, only lit by neon LEDs.

“Holy hell,” I murmur, leaning my front against Rad’s, heaving a breath. “This place is crazy.”

Kieran chuckles, kissing my cheek from behind. “Let’s keep going.”

“Yeah. Let’s… But you guys have to catch me,” Rad shouts, taking off at warp speed out of the darkened room and through another set of curtains.

I blink through the darkness as Rad’s body heat disappears, and he whoops in the distance.

Kieran chuckles, holding me close. “I think he’s having more fun than Ly.”

I grin. “It’s nice to let loose some days and pretend we aren’t adults.” I lean my head against his shoulder, soaking in the warmth he’s offering me in the midst of darkness.

“Should we keep going? You never know what he’s going to do.”

“Yeah.”

Hand in hand, Kieran and I stumble through the dark room, listening to the echoes of giggles from somewhere above us. Callum’s deep chuckle, which I would recognize from anywhere, slips through as Lyric screeches with happiness.

“I’m beyond grateful we’re a part of her life now,” Kieran murmurs, pulling me through the next set of curtains and into a wacky mirrored room looking more like an unsolvable maze.

“Shit. Which way?” I groan, looking back and forth as nothing but mirrors filled with our bodies stare back at us. “And where the hell is Rad?” Who knows where that slippery fucker went off to. Knowing my luck, he’s hiding in the shadows, ready to scare the shit out of me.

“I would have reached out,” I whisper, twisting my face. “No matter how much I hated you guys, I wouldn’t have kept her from you. But the restraining order…and that phone call…I’m sad you missed it all.”

“Well, we won’t anymore. Okay? We’re here.”

“Gotcha!” Rad screeches from somewhere, throwing his hands around me and pulling me back into his chest.

“Ashton!” I yell as the warmth of his body encases me, and the smell of his cologne pulls me in.

“God damnit, Rad!” Kieran hisses from somewhere in the distance.

The mirrored maze disappears completely as Rad drags me into a small room, closing the mysterious door behind us.

Stale air smothers me as I look around at the tiny room filled with excess parts and props. I blanch when a clown in the corner catches my attention, forcing my heart out of my damn ribs.

“Heya, Pretty Girl,” he murmurs in my ear. “Fancy seeing you here…” he trails off with a menacing chuckle, promising me naughty things in the future. I swear my whole body relaxes the second he spins me around and places his hands on my hips.

His eyes darken further when he looks me up and down, staring at me like a delicious meal he’s about to devour. Something I don’t doubt. My body vibrates with anticipation. Not only with what we’re about to do but with the wrongness of this, too. Here we are at a children’s party and funhouse, about to fuck like bunnies.

“Where is here, exactly?”

“Storage closet,” he says, grinning as he slowly backs me up against an oversized wooden box until my thighs slam into it. “I needed—” His brows furrow. “I needed some time with you,” he whispers, kissing my cheek. “I’m desperate for you, Pretty Girl. So fucking needy.”

“You just wanted to take your shirt off,” I whisper, running my fingers through his silky mullet, pulling his curls between my fingers.

“Well, it is about to get even hotter,” he murmurs, licking at my flesh with a satisfied groan.

“Rad!” Kieran shouts from outside the room, oblivious to where we are. “I swear to fuck, dude!” he grumbles, knocking so hard the walls of the storage closet bow with the force. “I’m going to kick your ass when you’re done.”

“Or you could join!” Rad shouts with a chuckle, darting his hand underneath my T-shirt.

“He’s not invited to this party,” I whisper, thrusting my tongue into his mouth.

Our breaths mingle in heavy pants as our tongues collide in a desperate dance of lust. I groan into his mouth, pulling my body even closer to his, feeling every inch of his want.

The warmth of his fingertips pinches my nipple through my bra, causing goosebumps to explode over my flesh. I buck my hips, chasing friction.

“Fuck me, Rad,” I groan as his lips travel down my neck. “Make it fast. We gotta make this quick.”

“Anything for you, Pretty Girl,” he hums against my flesh, reaching down to undo my jeans.

His fingers dive into my denim, underneath my panties, and straight into my throbbing pussy, begging for him to fill it up.

“You’re so goddamn wet already,” he groans, hastily thrusting his fingers inside of me.

“Yes. Now, fuck me,” I beg again, sinking my nails into his neck as I ride out his fingers thrusting roughly inside me.

“As you wish, my queen.” Within seconds he removes both our jeans, tossing them to the dusty floor. Another problem for another time. All I care about right now is him taking care of this need brewing deep inside me.

My veins catch fire when he lines himself up with me. Toying with my entrance. The head of his pierced dick moves up and down my slit, teasing me until he’s finally had enough.

Our moans fill the air when he enters me in one quick thrust, bouncing my body. My legs wrap around his hips as I lean back on my hands, letting him pound wildly into me.

My breath hitches when his lean fingers wrap around my throat, gently squeezing until my airflow is slightly constricted.

“I fucking love you, Pretty Girl,” he moans, leaning in to take my lips hostage with his.

“I love you, too,” I wheeze, squeezing my eyes shut.

“Look at me,” he groans, forcing my gaze back to him. “That’s it, Pretty Girl. I can tell how close you are. Your pussy is squeezing the hell out of me. So, cum with me,” he begs, biting into my bottom lip, leaving behind the smallest hint of blood.

“I’m cumming,” I cry out as my pussy contracts over his cock, ending his movements with a loud groan, filling the room.

Whoever else is making their way through the funhouse will know exactly what’s going on inside this little closet. If they could find it, that is.

I shudder against Rad’s hold, coming down from the aftereffects of my orgasm. The whole world tilts as I stare into the darkness of his eyes, reveling in the lust sparking there.

“I’m going to just live in your pussy. Little Rad likes his warm home,” he rasps, brushing his lips lightly against mine.

“No,” I laugh breathily, slightly shoving at his chest. “That’s not going to happen.” I groan, leaning into his kiss as he softens inside me.

“I love you, Pretty Girl.”

I stare into his dark eyes, memorizing the moment. “I love you, too.”

“Come on, asshole!” Kieran bangs against the outside again, still unable to find the door Rad snuck us through.

“Think we should head out?” Rad asks, reluctantly pulling out of me with a groan, pouting as he tucks himself back into his jeans.

“Probably. Ly was eager for her cake.” Shit. We fucked inside a fun house while a whole ass party happened outside these walls. I guess that’s the perk of having four guys in my life. They pick up the slack with the kiddo while I get boned within an inch of my life.

Well, when I put it that way…

I’m a terrible fucking mother. Guilt slams into me. This was supposed to be a quick, fun family adventure. And I let myself get caught up…

“You’re doing something funny with your face, Pretty Girl. The one you do when you’re feeling guilty about something,” Rad says, bending down to grab my jeans from the floor. When he looks up, his entire face softens. “You’re thinking something, aren’t you?”

I wrinkle my nose, stepping into my jeans. “I…guess I feel guilty sometimes when I leave her to—” Do things like this. Drink wine with the girls. Go out with Rocco and leave her with Maggie. If it weren’t for my brother’s insistence I have a social life, I’d be a hermit.

“Pretty Girl,” he murmurs, buttoning my jeans and straightening my bra and shirt. “You’re an amazing mother. Even if you snuck off to have a one-on-one session with your boyfriend. She’s probably having the time of her life. Cal has got her. We’ve got her. Ly will never wonder if she was loved and cared for. Sometimes moms have to take care of themselves. Or, let their boyfriend take care of them.” He winks at me, kissing me one last time. “Now, let’s put poor Kieran out of his misery.”

I grin, grabbing his hand as he pulls open the door to the mirrored room. Kieran stands beside it with a frown, shaking his head.

“Walls are thin,” he grumbles, adjusting himself. “And Liv is looking for you.”

“Okay. Let’s go cut some cake,” I say, leading them out of the fun house.

“Oh, thank fucking God!” Olivia shouts with tears in her eyes, throwing her arms in the air.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, searching her concerned face.

She pales. “We can’t find Lyric.”