Chapter 20 Fallon #2
I huff a disgusted laugh. “It's not about need. He always craves more. He grew up with nothing, and mom came from money, so once he got a taste for making it, there was no going back.”
“Did the rest of the family seem more like your mom? I can’t see a decent father approving of a match like that.”
“No idea. Mom really kept us away from her family. She always told me it was for the best and that they were not the kind of people she would raise her daughter around.”
“So she moved you away from them? I thought you were born here.” Matteo’s head cocks to the side, genuinely curious about my life. What in the group bonding is going on?
“No, they live here too. Or, at least, they did. I don't exactly know much.”
The guys exchange a look, and Akio is the one to speak whatever telepathy just took place. “Didn’t you think it was odd that your mom kept you away from her own family? I mean they were in the same city and she didn’t give you an actual reason?”
“I told you the reason.” My irritation is rising.
“Poison, no one is attacking you or your mom here. It is clear that the two of you were close. It just seems like there’s more to the story.”
“She was always honest with me. She didn’t keep secrets if that’s what you’re implying.
” But my brain is already calling me a liar.
She kept my secret. I will never forget the crack of his skull, the blood.
How mom made it go away; then she went away.
“That’s why, deep down, I can't believe Dad. She wouldn’t just leave me, especially without saying something.
I think she might actually be dead.” I can't bring myself to voice the second part of what I really think happened to her.
The part where I think my dad is involved in mom being gone.
Guilt and shame coil in my belly. I set the ice cream down on the table, having lost my ability to eat any more.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Akio says, putting an arm around me.
“We don't need to go digging at this right now.
If you want answers, we can find them. And if not, well, we don't have to deal with it tonight.” I know that means they believe I will eventually have no choice in the matter, but Akio is giving me an out here and I take it.
While this deal I made with Cerberus finally gives me the chance to get some much needed answers, right now they seem to be digging at the wrong darkness in my life. The one that would end me if it came to light.
“Okay.”
He nods at that, but I don't miss the look that the three of them exchange before we all settle in for the movie.
I lean into Akio’s side and feel Declan’s feet nudge my own.
My eyes meet his as his toes slide under the blanket and the game of footsie continues.
I can’t help but note both guys being comfortable with my attention being split between the two; as if sharing me is completely normal, and fuck if I don’t want to fall headfirst into that reality.
My heart catches as I glance over at Matteo.
His eyes are zeroed in on the physical connection, however innocent, that is taking place between me and his brothers.
An inscrutable expression crosses his features, and I find myself worried he will never be open to whatever is growing here, much less interested in being part of it.
I refuse to over-analyze what I am feeling, and let the contentment wash over me.
Several hours later, Akio nudges me awake.
My feet are tangled with Declan’s while he sleeps, and I’m snuggled against Akio’s chest. There are definitely worse places to be.
Bleary-eyed, I glance around the dimly lit room, my gaze connecting with Matteo’s.
The only word I can use to describe the look he’s giving me, as I am clearly connected to his brothers, is warm.
Maybe I just need to accept that either I can’t read him because of the mixed signals, or that he has no idea what he wants here.
With a soft smile, he says, “I think it’s time to get you to bed, Menace.” He jerks a nod to Akio as he rises, stretches and leaves the room. Declan is still out cold in the chair as Akio and I stand and stretch out our limbs. Akio thumps him on the leg to wake him up.
“Go to bed. We have a busy day tomorrow.” With that, Akio slides his hand into mine and leads me from the room.
We move slowly as we make our way to my room. Once we arrive, we both hesitate, reluctant to let go. I turn to face him as I lean against the door frame, our fingers still linked.
“We’re going to leave this unlocked from now on.” He nods at the open door.
“Oh, yeah?” I arch a brow.
“Outer doors stay locked unless you’re with one of us, but that's more for your safety, so try to behave.” He gives me a pointed look.
“Did you ask Daddy’s permission to unlock my tower?” I can't help but smirk, knowing Matteo would be irritated if he heard me call him that.
I see the shift in Akio’s eyes as they darken.
He steps closer, crowding into my space.
One arm braces against the wall above me, while the other hand slides up my arm and eventually circles my throat.
My pulse spikes in anticipation, and by the glint in his eyes, he’s well aware of the effect he has on me.
“I don't need anyone’s permission, Siren.” His voice is husky as he leans in, his lips grazing my ear, sending chills down my skin with his hot breath.
“I do what I want, when I want.” He pauses, nipping my ear.
My heart races in my chest as I lean further into his touch, feeling the grip on my neck tighten.
“And I take what I want.” He finishes his statement with his eyes searing into my soul a moment before his mouth crashes into mine.
The hand that was around my throat now slides to the back of my neck, and his fingers thread into my hair.
He tilts my head back to give him better access as his tongue sweeps past my lips, tangling with my own.
His other arm wraps around my waist, pulling my body flush with his.
I can feel his erection pressing into me, and I’m desperate to relieve this tension.
Teeth and tongues clash as he dominates this kiss. This aggressive side of him has me grinding against him, ready to submit. His teeth tug on my lip, drawing out a moan from me. He pulls away far too soon, releasing my hair from his grip.
Inviting him in to finish what he just started is on the tip of my tongue when he steps away, his voice huskier than before. “Goodnight, Siren.”
I bite my lip then respond, “Goodnight.” Clearly he kissed me senseless because not a single witty quip comes to mind as he strides away. There’s no denying it now: I want him. I crave all three of them in a way I know I shouldn’t.
Fuck me, where is my vibrator when I need it?