Maverick’s shoulders shake as he and Jace laugh.
I just smile to myself before drifting off, surrounded by family.
Chapter 18 ~
Rory ~
A hand clamps down over my mouth. My eyes fly open as I struggle, disorientated by the lack of light. A huge fucking body stands over me, cloaked in darkness.
I fight but they're holding me still, the hand covering my mouth muffles my screams.
“Hellfire.” They growl. The deep masculine voice is quiet in the room.
The voice is familiar enough that I stop fighting. That nickname…
The hand on my mouth disappears. I blink multiple times and squint in the dark.
“Drake?”I hiss, bleary eyed.
Drake motions that I need to be quiet, his eyes moving to the bodies peacefully sleeping around me.
Luc, since he’s with me, is sleeping silently on my left, his arm around my waist. I’m surprised he didn’t wake up with the movement. Mase is dead to the night with his head buried in the crook of my neck, exhaling softly. Jace and Maverick are spooning on the other side of Mase, most likely both thinking the other is me.
Luc, Mase and I had fun giggling over that earlier.
I swapped beds with Luc so now we’re a size up and the guys sleep with me most of the time.
Slowly moving limbs, I carefully extract myself out of the guy's holds. I hold my breath when Luc shifts, exhaling when he just rolls over.
Drake grabs my hand and plucks me out of the bed in one silent, stealthy movement.
Thankfully, the guys don’t wake up as Drake and I slip out of my room.
He storms down the hall and I hurry after him. I snag a stray hoodie off the couch and pull it over me.
I wince at the sharp pain when I raise my hands above my head. The bruising of my ribs is finally gone as well as the constant pain but occasionally I push my luck and it starts up.
Drake stops in the kitchen, turning back to face me. “What—“ he starts but I lift my finger to my mouth, telling him to be quiet.
I keep walking past him and unlock the wooden door. I tilt my head, motioning him to follow me. He silently steps out, shutting the door after me.
My hands burrow into the stolen hoodie’s pockets, the cold air not seeming to lift.
My birthday night was the start of winter and it’s only gotten colder in the last few weeks.
The guys haven’t brought up their proposal again. Regardless, the affection hasn’t left—only growing as we spend more time together. The kisses and blatant shows of affection only heightened the sexual tension between us. It’s fucking painful not to say ‘screw this’ and jump into bed or a relationship with one of them. Or all of them.
But then I remember the reasons why I haven’t said yes. I’ve had this conversation with myself several times over the course of the weeks since my birthday.
I walk to the far end of the porch, Drake trailing behind me. He casually leans against one of the wooden posts.
I can’t help but stare in disbelief. I rub a hand over my face—just to check I’m actually awake. That he’s actually here.
Clearly going for the ‘hiding in the darkness’ vibe, Drake’s donning a black hoodie, dark jeans and black bike boots, covering his fit-muscled form.
He pushes the hood back, revealing his sharp jawline and striking blue eyes. They’re piercing in the darkness, bright against his olive skin. The dark circles under them reveal his exhaustion.
Anger starts to stir in me when he stays silent.
