Briar
The car is quiet as we make our way up the winding driveway. Kai pulled into a small, almost hidden entrance, entering a code before passing through ornate, wrought-iron gates that I’ve passed a dozen times. I always assumed this was a park, or some kind of private land. But I never imaginedthis. “I didn’t even know this was here.”
A different world, set in the middle of the city I’ve lived in for my entire life.
Kai glances at me with a small smile, one shoulder shrugging up as he pulls around a beautiful, white fountain to park the car in front of a set of carved dark wooden double doors.
When the engine is off, he signs.Welcome to our home.
Ravenhall. I understand the name now.
He circles the car to open my door, and I fight to regulate my breathing as I step out and look up at the building that towers over me.
Ravenhall is… acastle. Or close to. Gothic architecture is everywhere I look, from the steeple that rises up above us to the gargoyles perched, staring down at us with eerie expressions. Even the walls are made from a beautiful, dark-colored brick. “This is beautiful, Kai.”
It almost looks like a church. Huge, stained windows with pretty arches that must cover two floors sit either side of the entrance. Warm light shines through both of them, scattering shades of color on the sandy gravel at my feet.
It should feel intimidating. But instead, it feels… warm. Inviting.
Kai holds out his hand. There’s a question in his eyes.
Ikissedhim. Pressed my lips against his, full of emotion I couldn’t have voiced if someone had tried to beat it out of me.
At least I can say I’ve kissed someone before we do this.
And it was… perfect.
The familiar nerves spring back to life in my chest as I take his hand. It covers mine, my fingers finding their way through his as he takes my small bag from my other arm and turns, leading me up the steps.
They’re not going to know.
How could they, unless I tell them? The thought of what Jenson would say if he knew that I’m lying has my entire body flinching, and Kai squeezes my hand gently as if mistaking it for nerves.
The guilt snakes around my throat, threatening to strangle me.
They’ve gone out of their way to make me feel at ease. To put any worries I have at rest. And maybe they’ve done a little too good of a job at it. River’s humor, Kai’s shy kindness, Jenson’s firm authority. It’s painting a picture that I’m leaning into a little more and more, every day.
It’s why I said yes to this. To them.
And if I’m going to lose my virginity, I want it to be with these men. Even if I’m not awake to experience it.
Better them than Philip.
Maybe there’s no love here, but there certainly wouldn’t be any there, either. The argument I had with my father before I left rings in my ears as Kai pushes the door open.
You will marry him.
No discussion. No options. A shouted, angry demand. Followed by an announcement that I’m to be fitted for mywedding dress. Tomorrow.
No, I have no regrets, aside from the lie. Gripping Kai’s hand, I stare up with wide eyes at the vast, cavernous space. A huge wooden, elaborate staircase stretches out in front of me, the wide oak splitting into two sides that curve up and around to reach the second floor. I was right about the stained windows, each of them stretching up to the ceiling.
And in front of me—
“Briar.” Jenson’s eyes look bright. He doesn’t smile, but that feels… normal, for him. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Beside him, River grins broadly. “I thought you might have thought better of spending an evening with us.”
Behind him, I glimpse an open doorway to the right of the stairs. A table, set with silver. “I can’t be put off quite that easily.”
