53. Klaus #2
“I’m sorry I was ever a dick to you. I know you’re good to Rosalie.
And our daughter. I was hot-headed and hurting back then.
Possessive. Obsessed with her and the prospect of building a better family than I ever had.
Rosalie always sees the good in people. It’s probably what kept her with us so long, despite our sins.
I knew we let her go, but deep down, I never did.
I never fucked another woman. She was all I ever wanted.
Then. Now. Forever. I know I was given an ultimatum, but it’s not just black and white.
There are a lot of moving pieces on the board, Seeley.
It’s my entire life I’m being asked to leave behind. My brothers. It’s hard for all of us.”
“I understand,” I murmured. “I walked from mine once upon a time too.”
“Yeah, well, Matteo is dead, and where the hell even is Alessio?”
I chuckled softly. “Around.”
He grunted at that but didn’t push it.
“How did you do it? Leave?”
“I fell in love and knew I wanted a better life,” I said.
“It was a no-brainer. Rosalie offered me something I’d never had before.
Love. Family. A second chance. I was someone similar to you.
I craved the acceptance. The family. The love.
In fact, I wanted it so much that I nearly tore her and Anson apart.
I was willing to sacrifice it all for her. ”
“Ass Hat,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Guy sure can fuck.”
I laughed softly at that. “He does know his way around a mattress and pussy.”
“Pretty fucking prick. I hate that he fucks so good, but I also like it because Rosalie likes it.”
“Funny how that works, huh?”
“It is,” he murmured. He was quiet for a moment. “I’m going to hurt my own feelings here, but do you and him…?”
I raised my brows. “Do we what?”
“You know. Fuck together. Kiss.”
“I do not kiss my brothers,” I said, amused at the question.
“We have never gone that far. Anson and Evan are cousins. Be a bit weird, although they fuck her together so I suppose many would consider the relationship odd. And Ryder, well, I haven’t had the pleasure of fucking her with him just yet, but I’ll let you know if I cave in and end up letting my cock slip.
I don’t kiss my brothers. Why are you asking? ”
Cole’s leg bounced, and he cleared his throat.
“No reason.”
“Don’t lie, Scott. I used to interrogate liars. You’re a terrible one, by the way.”
“I’ve kissed him,” he mumbled. “That’s all.”
“Yeah?” More amusement swept through me. “Everything you hoped for?”
“Fuck you, man. No. I just wanted to fuck with him. Didn’t know if kissing was part of you guys’ dynamic in the bedroom,” he said.
“It’s not, but if you enjoyed yourself, and he didn’t break your dick off, I’d say you’re OK to do what feels good. He’s not gay, though.”
“Neither am I.”
“Sure.” I pulled out a cigarette and got to my feet. “Smoke?”
He eyed me for a moment before following me to the balcony. We stood outside, and I lit the cigarette and took a deep drag before handing it to him.
He frowned for a moment before smoking.
“I’m not gay,” he repeated.
“That’s my bad, Scott. I meant bi.”
“I’m not bi either,” he muttered, handing the smoke back to me. “I just… love my brothers. I like feeling good. I like them feeling good. It’s not like I’m out on the street, checking out dude ass or anything. I’m just… fluid, I guess. If everyone is down for it, then I am too.”
I took the cigarette and let out a soft laugh.
“It makes no difference to me what gets you off. Just treat my wife right, and we won’t have any problems.”
He winced at my words.
“Wife.” He sighed and shook his head. “Fuck, she should be my wife. Do you have any idea how many times I’ve proposed to her? How many times she’s told me no? Shit starts to chip away at the old self-esteem after, like, the fourth no.”
I took a hit off the cigarette, the cherry glowing brightly in the moonlight. I blew out a cloud of smoke and handed the cigarette back to him.
Sighing again, he took it.
“I’m going to have to get nicotine patches if I keep hanging out with you dickheads,” he muttered, taking another drag. “Going to give me a fucking addiction.”
I chuckled at that. “Yeah, Evan got me started again on them. It’s stressful right now, so I’m letting it happen. We’ll quit once shit is over. Takes the edge off. As for Rosalie, give her time. She’s scared,” I said.
He nodded glumly. “I know she is. I’m not that piece of shit guy anymore though. I love her. Like I deeply fucking love her. I want her. I’m just trying to navigate a really shitty situation right now. So please, give me some time.”
“Time is yours,” I said, looking over at him. “Take what you need. I have a feeling it’ll all work out in the end.”
“Yeah?”
“Sure. I’m already married to her. I know I’m not going anywhere.” I clapped him on the back and took the cigarette from him.
“You really are a prick,” he said.
“I am.” I grinned at him. “But I love her endlessly too. Be nice to Ryder, would you? He’s a good guy.”
“You’re trying my patience.” He groaned. “I’m already struggling with Ass Hat, you, and now Ryder? Fuck, I’m going to go insane.”
“Heard your family specializes in insanity.” I winked at him.
“Fuck off,” he muttered, snatching the cigarette back from me and finishing it off. “God, what a fucking nightmare, man. Damnit.”
“Could be worse.”
“How?” he asked.
“You could be without her. Practice gratitude. It’ll get you further.”
“Gratitude.” He scoffed. “You’re right. Fuck. You’re a nightmare too.”
I laughed. “Am I?”
“I always thought you were a prick. You’re actually… nice.”
“Thank you. I try. But I’m still not going to kiss you when I have my cock in my wife.”
“Man, fuck off.” He laughed, and that made me grin.
“Take my spot in bed tonight,” I said. “You’ll have to fight Ryder, but I think you deserve to be at her side.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll take the spare room.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
He hesitated for a moment before smiling at me and leaving for the bedroom.
Cole Scott wasn’t so bad. Of course, now that I knew he had a vow to follow through on, I was a little on edge.
But who knew. Maybe his bitch mother would catch a bullet with her teeth before it came back to bite us all in the ass.