29. Parker
Parker
Two weeks of radio silence from Henrietta. Every day feels like doomsday. I’m still training Bridget, even though we all know she’s not making the World Cup and has a zero percent chance of going anywhere near the Olympics. Why has there been no ass-chewing? Who knows.
Quincy and Warren are convinced that Henrietta is plotting our collective downfall.
They still report to her, and apparently, the last couple of times since Alabama have been strange.
What would normally be concise, formal meetings with weekly task lists have been replaced by awkward interrogations.
She definitely knows I’m going behind her back, so I should probably be more careful.
We all should.
I’ve found two more cameras in the stables, tucked into corners for better viewing angles. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s got one somewhere in the storage room. Just because we can’t see it, doesn’t mean she’s not watching, listening, gathering more ammo for her attack.
“You’re worrying again.” Quincy wraps his arms around me from behind while I wash our dinner dishes. His lips find my neck and, for a fleeting second, the static fades.
Our dynamic has blossomed into a beautiful thing. Sure, we all have varying personalities, but our mutual love leaves no room for argument.
“You two are gross,” Warren walks into the kitchen, grimacing with a mirthful glint in his eye.
He presses his lips against my cheek as he passes by. I still blush every time he does that. He’s far more affectionate than I was prepared for. It’s a very welcome surprise.
“Bring your asses to the couch, it’s movie night, and I’m not getting stuck next to Grady again. He’s a furnace.” He grabs a bowl of popcorn, jerking his head toward the couch.
I titter. “Why do you think Leah loves curling up on his lap?”
Quincy flashes a magazine-worthy grin. “I’ll sit next to him, that way I can kiss her the whole time.”
“How considerate.” I roll my eyes, grabbing a bowl of kettle corn for myself.
Leah is—exactly as predicted—in Grady’s lap. They’re stealing small kisses and fawning over each other. Love looks amazing on them, on all of us. As Quincy settles next to them, she leans over and kisses him softly.
“Get a room,” I poke, taking a seat beside Quincy.
Warren drops down in the last spot on my right. The four of us barely fit on this couch, which is Leah’s excuse for always finding a lap to sit in, as if she needs a reason. Every one of us is a willing throne.
“What’s tonight’s movie?” Warren asks, tossing a handful of popcorn into his mouth.
“Flicka!” Leah blurts, full of a child-like glee. She practically bounces in Grady’s lap.
He flushes, gripping her hip, already struggling. I bite back the coy grin on my face, scooting closer to Quincy.
Warren likes his personal space, not that there’s a lot to go around at the moment, but I’ll give him as much as I can.
The movie starts, and Leah is the only one fully focused on the screen. Quincy, eyes soft in the dim light, leans my way for a gentle kiss before curling into Grady’s side. Leah immediately runs her fingers through his shaggy hair. The way he hums under her touch fills me with warmth.
Without fail, he’s the first to fall asleep. That man can never make it through a movie. It has to be the way he thrives with our shared attention.
“You look lonely. Come here,” Warren whispers, arm outstretched.
I fight the flutters in my chest and lay my head against him.
I’ll never admit it, not even on my deathbed, but he’s secretly my favorite to snuggle with.
Whether it’s because I can’t have him, or his constantly increasing comfort levels.
It may be his dominance. Whatever the reason, when he asks, I obey. The duality makes my heart race.
Will we ever have sex? Doubtful, but moments like this are special.
A kiss against my head brings my body to life. I bury my face against him out of instinct. Realizing what I’m doing, I pull away, swallowing hard. My brows pinch together, hoping he can see the sincerity in the apology on my face.
We’ve come a long way in the past several weeks, but I don’t know if he’s that comfortable.
“Don’t act shy,” he murmurs just loud enough for me to hear. “You’re too adorable when you get shy. Makes me want to bring out your naughty side.” A low, slow growl rumbles in his chest, stopping my breath in its tracks.
Is he dirty-talking me right now?
“War.” I drink him in, eyes dancing across his expression, unsure what I’m even searching for.
“Less talking.” He slips his waistband down, and holy shit, he’s hard—throbbing and glorious, looking at me. “Don’t wake my brother. I want you to myself.”
“Y-you want me?” I blink, mouth watering as his heated gaze locks with mine.
Holy. Fucking. Shit.
I have to be dreaming, that’s the only explanation. Just gotta wake myself up before I come in my pants. No problem.
Warren swallows hard, doubt flickering across his face.
“I do want you, but I… I don’t think I can reciprocate.
If that’s too unfair, I understand.” He runs his fingers through my hair.
“I know you’ve wanted this. If my not being able to…
touch you is a deal-breaker, we can forget about it. I won’t be upset, promise.”
Instead of answering, I bend down and take him all the way to the back of my throat.
A shuddering gasp escapes him. “Fuck, Parker.” Raspy, louder than intended, his voice cuts through the room, waking Quincy and alerting the others.
Three sets of wide eyes snap to us, expressions equal parts shocked and aroused. I’m fairly certain Grady moans as he watches me trail my tongue over the barbells I’ve fantasized about time and time again.
The movie is paused a second later, I’m not sure by who, but nobody argues. Quincy slides his shorts off, shifting closer.
“Wait your turn, Q. Let me—” Warren moans when I change angles, taking him impossibly deeper. “God. Just let me enjoy this. Fuck.” He grips my hair.
“Greedy bastard,” Quincy jokes, sitting back to watch the show I’m putting on.
They’re all enchanted, movie forgotten, as I wreck this man. I don’t stop until he’s a quivering mess, cursing my name with every bob of my head.
Last night blew me away. I’m pretty sure Warren will let me do it again, if his abnormally shy glances at breakfast were any indicator.
We’re all at the stable now. Bridget has her second training session of the day coming up, and I’m dreading every minute of it.
“They really should be more careful,” Warren says, making me jolt.
Hand over my chest, my attention travels to the corner of Tally’s stall. Grady has Leah pinned against the wall, lost in each other. “We all make out in that corner, you know that.” I quirk a brow.
He sighs. “Still, with the new cameras, I’m not entirely sure where the viewing angles are. Henrietta didn’t give us the heads-up this time.”
“You think she knows?” I whisper, scanning the area for any new lenses glinting in the rafters.
“Knows what, that Quincy and I are in on the plan to get the fuck out of Hartbrook? Away from her?” he asks, leaning against the wall, legs crossed at the ankles.
My mouth goes dry as I ogle his form. Conversation forgotten.
“Hey, Earth to Parker.” He waves his hands, breaking the trance.
“Sorry, you’re just hot, okay?” I quip back.
“You catching an attitude? I’ll have to throat fuck it out of you.” His voice drops with a raw edge.
The way my cock twitches is ridiculous. But his threat is a promise—a confirmation that whatever this is between us has transformed.
Breathe, Parker. Remember where you are.
“You can’t talk like that here,” I whisper-yell.
Tipping his head, he gives me a challenging leer. “What’s wrong? You ashamed that you like sucking my cock?”
“War,” I plead, wobbling on my feet.
“You’re so easy.” He chuckles, pushing off the wall to stalk toward me. “I’ll stop being a tease, it’s not fair, I know.” He leans in, ghosting his lips over my cheek.
My hands reach for him on their own, but I’m quick to reel them in. “We’re in the open.”
Impossibly close as he whispers, “Quincy is in the bathroom waiting for you. I promised I’d get you revved up for him. He misses you.”
Jesus, this is maniacal. These two will be the death of me.
Jaw clenched, I stare a hole into the floor. “You don’t do this with Leah…”
“We do, there’s a lot of free time when you’re tied up with Bridget. We need to make sure you’re taken care of, too.” Softness overtakes him, as if he realizes just how much of our relationship I miss out on because of this training bullshit. “Go on, let Quincy make you feel good.”
“W-will you come, too?” I avoid his gaze, immediately regretting the question.
“Is that what you need? I’m sure everyone will join if you’re feeling particularly left out.”
“N-no, it’s okay. It’s too risky here. We can get together tonight if you two are free. I… We haven’t had a ton of time together as a unit in the last couple of weeks.”
“Well, then, go get yourself a pick-me-up with Quincy, and tonight, we’ll make sure you’re fucked silly.
All of us. I care about you, Parker, and I think the others get so caught up in everything that they forget you’re under the most stress here.
I’m an asshole, but I’m not that out of touch.
” He leans away, discreetly tilting his head toward the bathroom.
As casually as possible, I stroll over and open the door.
Quincy is on me an instant later. “I was starting to wonder if you were going to make it,” he says against my lips. “You’re working yourself into an early grave.”
“Just shut up and make me feel good. Please?” I beg.
“So bossy, you’re cut off from one-on-one time with my brother,” he responds, voice light and playful.
“I love you, Quincy.” My jaw ticks, breath catching. “Fuck. I-I didn’t mean to say that here, not like this. I’m—”
His lips slam against mine, giving me every bit of reassurance I need to squash my regrets. His hands find the back of my neck, drawing us closer together. Languid and deep, he shows me his love without saying a word.
Still, when we separate, I open my mouth to apologize again, but he presses a finger to my lips.
“Don’t,” he commands. “I love you, too. Okay? Don’t freak out about letting it slip at a ‘non-perfect’ time.
I don’t give a shit about grand romantic gestures or believe in planning every detail of a relationship.
I live for the chaos, and to see your practiced composure crack for me is so empowering.
I couldn’t have asked for a better time and place.
I love the fuck out of you. Fuck anyone who judges us. ”
My face hurts from the stupid ass smile I can’t fight. “You’re all so good to me.”
“You deserve it, but maybe tell War that you love him with a little more finesse.” His eyes gleam with knowing mischief.
“I—”
“Don’t have to explain it to me. I see the way your face shifts when he’s around.
Sure, your relationship with him is a lot different since he’s sort of gray area gay for you.
Honestly, he must love you too to do half the shit he does.
I’m pretty sure in the beginning, he only put up with you to be with Leah, but that’s not the case anymore.
My brother would have never let another man touch his dick before you.
So, you’re doing something right.” He presses me against the door, clicking the lock shut, kissing me like it’s our last moment on Earth.
If this is the beginning of the end, I’m not complaining.