35. Leah
Leah
Eager to feel a sense of normalcy, we unpack the rest of my gear and Tally’s supplies in a hurry.
Easy jokes float in the air, tender touches as we pass each other bring beautiful smiles to everyone’s faces.
Each of them stops occasionally to kiss me, basking in the freedom to do so without fear of being caught.
It’s so natural, being us, out in the open, no looming threats or looking over our shoulders.
Before I know it, we load into Parker’s car.
I make quick work of finding a place nearby that sells dress clothes for big and tall men, since Grady’s shoulders need their own zip code.
When we pull up front, the standalone boutique almost feels out of place for the part of town it’s in.
Not that the surrounding buildings are particularly rundown, this place is simply spectacular.
Perfectly trimmed hedges, onyx doors shining in the Texas sun, windows spotless to allow perfect views of the immaculately styled mannequins inside.
Grady holds the door open, and we enter, immediately feeling out of place. The polished marble floors and golden etched shelves almost come off as performative, but the luxurious clothing on display says otherwise.
Warren turns to me, brow quirked. “These shirts are almost two hundred dollars.”
“And?” I match his expression in playful challenge.
“The pants are, too,” Quincy speaks up, holding a pair of navy slacks.
I stroll over to him, lay my palm against his chest, and lean in close to whisper, “Those bring out your eyes, buy them.”
His mouth falls open, searching for a rebuttal.
They all come from money, except Parker, so I’m not entirely sure what their hang-up is. Based on how guilty Grady looks—staring at the price tag on the shirt he’s holding—I can draw a few conclusions.
“Okay, here’s the deal. Each one of you buys two or three full outfits.
Don’t look at the tags, just find things you like.
I’m not gonna be a Henrietta and give you the bare minimum.
Treat yourselves and don’t feel bad about it.
Get what you want for once. Enjoy a little autonomy,” I announce, loud enough that they can’t even think about ignoring me.
Like a shark drawn to the smell of blood, one of the personal stylists decides we’re worth addressing, having undoubtedly heard my speech. She struts over, polished red-bottom heels clicking on the floor. Her veneer-clad grin is nauseating as she fixes her bleach-blonde hair.
“Why, hello. Welcome to Brighton Boutique. What a stunning collection of handsome men.” She drags her predatory gaze over their bodies, slow as molasses.
Without missing a beat, Warren wraps his arm around my waist. “Yeah, we’re lucky to have such an amazing woman to call ours.”
She wavers, eye twitching. “All of you?”
I bite back a smile at the shock on her face, staring victoriously.
Parker steps to my other side, kissing my cheek. “Yup.”
“I-okay. So…”
“So, her opinion is all that matters.” Quincy flashes his perfect smile in her general direction, not bothering to give her his full attention.
“Very well,” she grumbles, face scrunching with pure contempt. “If you need anything, I’ll be around.”
Grady snorts as she skitters away.
“I’m pretty sure you guys just cost her a hefty commission bonus for her ‘consultation’. We’re about to spend at least five grand in here. She was definitely going to up-sell us.” I chuckle, but their faces don’t reflect my humor. “What?”
“Five grand?!” Parker barks out, as if he can’t fathom the thought. “For what?”
“Well, there are five of us…” I shrug.
Quincy tilts his head, eyes bulging. “You think we’re going to spend a thousand dollars each?”
“No, I’m telling you to. Two or three shirts and pants will break a thousand easily, and then shoes are another story. Hell, we may get closer to seven grand.” Clearly, my nonchalance is hard to understand, because they’re all frozen in place, like gargoyles in the daylight.
“Leah,” Warren eventually mutters, voice shaky.
“It’s not a big deal.” I smile and usher them back to the shelves.
“I love this peach color for you, Parker. The way your eyes will pop against it like the ocean and coral.” I sigh dreamily.
“And this one for you, War.” I hand him an emerald shirt with a navy paisley pattern.
“Blonds look great in green, in my non-professional opinion.”
He holds it up, turning toward a golden-framed, floor-to-ceiling mirror. My heart stops while I drink him in. By the smirk he gives me, he’s well aware of the effect he’s having on me.
Parker fans his face. “You have to get that one.”
“You’ll all need some basic white and maybe a powder blue, but these fun colors are a must. Q, let’s find a nice mint-colored one for you. I think that’ll make your complexion pop.” We peruse a few options until the perfect one jumps out. I hand it to him and move on like a woman on a mission.
Last but not least, we travel to the big and tall section to help Grady. He stands before the rack, expression filled with wonder.
I love that we get to show him the world. One simple luxury at a time.
“What about this plum color? I think it will complement your eyes perfectly.” I hand him a buttery-soft button-up.
Brushing his fingers over the fabric, he swallows hard.
“Go on, Hulk, hold it up for us.” Parker’s voice is soft, eager as I am to see.
Grady’s face brightens, shoulders a little higher as he looks at himself in the mirror. Gentle and sincere, his smile could melt the coldest heart.
“Damn, if she doesn’t fuck you tonight, I will.” Parker bites his lip.
Shoving him, I hold back a snort. “We can take turns. You all owe me at least one orgasm.”
“How about we go to the women’s section, and you give us some eye-candy now?” Warren asks, hungry gaze gliding over my body.
“I’m thinking something simple, elegant, easy to take off.” I wiggle my brows, and they nod in unison. “Perfect, easy as pie.”
A sleek velvet evening gown—deep green with a corset top, sweetheart neckline, and a dangerously scandalous slit up the left side—jumps out at me immediately.
Polished dress shoes for each of them and simple black heels for me round out our haul.
Almost six thousand dollars later, and I’m satisfied with our bounty.
Fortunately, our hotel isn’t far. Once we’re all changed, I strongly consider ordering in. This dinner is going to be a test of my willpower. Every one of them looks delectable, and I’m a starved woman. But the rumbling in my stomach makes a valid point—actual food first, tasty men second.
Deciding that the high-end wine the steakhouse offers is a must, I spring for a limo rental. I don’t want anyone feeling obligated to be the designated driver. Growing up, I had to do it too many times for my brothers and know exactly how lame it is.
I spend the entire ride switching laps to steal kisses and attention. Am I supposed to be wearing a seatbelt? Probably. But I’m just a girl in a limo with four gorgeous men who happen to love her. Who can blame me?
Pulling up to the front of a rather inconspicuous building, the driver gets out and opens the door.
My guys let me exit first—I’m pretty sure it’s to look at my ass, but I can’t prove it—and file out behind me.
Warren and Parker each bend an elbow, and I lace my arms through them. Grady and Quincy follow close behind.
I give them an impish grin as we enter the building. “I have an extra special surprise.”
“Miss Porter, party of five?” the host asks over his tablet.
“Indeed,” I respond with a nod.
“Right then, the balcony has been cleared for you. Follow me.” He turns on his heel, guiding us to the rooftop.
The private terrace has an overhead trellis, scattered with flowering vines and fairy lights. Along the horizon, the setting sun is in clear view from the table we’re seated at. Four sets of love-filled eyes watch me peruse the menu, like a queen, surrounded by my adoring retinue.
We place our orders and watch the sunset together, sipping the finest Cabernet this place has to offer. Before long, baskets of artisan rolls come to our table.
“How much is all of this costing you?” Parker asks, eyeing the second bottle of wine as our waiter steps away.
“Us,” I reply simply, “and it’s nothing. Never worry about money. I’m a little flashy sometimes, but not irresponsible.”
“It’s… your money. Feels strange having you spend so much on us. I looked this place up. The steaks are ten dollars an ounce,” Quincy says, voice tight.
Grady stiffens. He ordered a massive wagyu tomahawk. I immediately decide not to tell him it costs three hundred dollars.
“You all come from a wealthy family, never having to worry about anything. Why is it an issue now?” I’m sure I already know the answer, but a small part of me needs to hear it from them directly.
“You think we ever had nice things?” Warren lifts a brow. “Quincy and I were just inconvenient baggage. Grady is still nothing to Henrietta. The spoiled life Bridget lives is so far removed from the way we were raised. Forgive us for having reservations.”
There it is, the full truth. Suspicions confirmed. All the more motivation for me to destroy Hartbrook. Or, at least, beat them.
“Let me lay this out. Okay?” I straighten in my seat, squashing the anxious flutters in my gut. “We are a package deal. What’s mine is yours, and that includes the seventy million in the bank.” I pause, giving them each a chance to process the atomic bomb I just casually threw at them.
None of them says a word, but their expressions are deafening. Lips parted as they struggle to breathe in the thick, tense air.
“It’s a shocking amount of money, I know.
But there’s no time to dwell on that,” I continue without a second thought.
“I trust you. Each of you.” I slather a toasty piece of brioche with butter.
“Don’t try to fight me on this. We’re all about to be business partners, as well as life partners.
What kind of relationship would this be if I gatekeep our money? ”
“B-but…” Grady sputters, eyes still bulging.
“Noooope.” I take a big bite, groaning as my eyes roll back. “This is to die for, y’all had better get some before I eat it all.”
“Leah,” Warren speaks up, unflinching as I shoot him an annoyed look. “That’s so much money and, realistically speaking, you barely know any of us.”
“Yeah, what if this is some elaborate ploy by Henrietta?” Quincy offers.
“Then I’ll live and learn. It’s no more my money than anyone else’s.
I was just lucky enough to win part of a massive jackpot.
I love you guys, so in the spirit of easing your worries, how does a joint account for all of us sound?
One where I put a set amount in it each month, and that’s it?
I want you all to live for once. Spend the money, I make more in interest by the day, I’m really not that bothered. ”
“You’re too good to us. We’ve done nothing to deserve any of this,” Parker mumbles to his lap.
“You’ve all been there for me. That’s more than my own family could be bothered to do, and I’ve spent millions on them.
You’ve each supported my dream, shown up every time I’ve needed you, let me be me, and never once made me feel dumb for my unrealistic goals.
Don’t you understand that I value you far beyond whatever money I might spend? ”
The moment it clicks for each of them is obvious. Their faces fill with warm recognition, silent devotion flooding the space around us.
The twisting in my stomach subsides. “I’d go bankrupt any day for the lot of you. So please, enjoy this dinner, enjoy the wine, and enjoy the life we all get to live together. Because I love you.”
Grady moves to kneel at my side, wrapping his arms around me. “I-I love you t-t-too.”
I fan my face in his hold, determined not to ruin my makeup. “Always the big softie.” I chuckle.
“You’re the most stubborn, difficult, ridiculous, perfectly amazing woman ever.” Warren comes over and places his palm against my cheek as Grady keeps me close. “I didn’t mean to upset you.” His eyes sparkle, thumb stroking small circles over my skin.
“None of us did,” Quincy agrees.
“Yeah. We’re all just fucking windblown by the number,” Parker mutters.
I laugh around my sniffles. “It’s okay, my delivery could have been gentler.”
Extracting myself from Grady, I give them all a sweet smile. “Let’s eat some delicious food and then get freaky in the limo on the way back to our room.”
A chorus of eager groans echoes through the cool night air.
Soon, they’ll see just how much I mean every word I spoke tonight.