"I have no idea. But, I went into the bank and along with a shitload of money, there was the keys to the Hilux," I tell them. I remember being totally stunned by it. I don't remember too much of my life with Mum but we lived pretty modestly. There was no sign of money like the that when she was still alive.
"Your mum was an architect, wasn't she?" Jace says, leaning around Luc.
I nod. "Apparently she was good too. When my father found out, he was furious. When I told him about the mystery guy though, he backed off. I didn't see him for a week after that."
"Why a Hilux?" Mason says, coming back to the car.
"Declan," Jace says out of the blue. I lean forward and see the calculating look on his face.
"What about Dec?" I ask him. He turns to me.
"Declan always said he wanted a Toyota. Specifically a Hilux. No fucking clue why, honestly. He had shit taste in cars but Dec told me when he got enough money he was going to buy a black Hilux," Jace says thoughtfully.
"So Mum bought him a car for when he would be old enough and when they both died, the car went into my name?" I put the dots together. Jace nods.
"It makes sense," Maverick adds.
"Butwhya Hilux?" Mase says like he just can't get past that.
I sigh and shake my head. "I have no idea, Mase."
"It doesn't matter." Jace sighs. Pain lingers in his eyes as he stares at a spot on the wall.
I look back at Alec who nods sadly, telling me to go. I entangle myself from his arms and rise from the couch.
The guys knew Dec for a while but he and Jace were friends for years. I don’t remember them not being joined at the hip.
I sit on J's knees and his arms immediately hug me against him. I put my hands on his. He gives me a faint smilethat doesn't reach his eyes. Sensing he just needs the comfort, I don’t say anything.
“What do you want to do for your birthday, angel?” Mason asks from beside me.
“Nothing,” I tell him.
He pouts. “That’s boring!” He whines. “Come on, surely you want to do something.”
“I really don’t. I haven’t celebrated my birthday for three years.” I tell them and their faces fall.
“You shouldn’t have said that. It will just encourage him,” Jace whispers loudly in my ear and a slap rings out.
“Be nice,” I scold Mase playfully. He gives me a determined look and pulls me out of Jace’s lap so I’m between them.
He nuzzles his face in my neck and I squeal when he blows a raspberry on my neck. The guys burst out laughing.
There’s a loud knock at the door. Everyone freezes. I've been here a few days now and no one's ever come to the house.
The guys look around at each other. They seem to hold a conversation with their eyes before they all nod. Dom, Maverick and Jace get up, leaving the living room. The others stand and I scramble to follow them.
Luc grabs my hand, silently telling me to stay. There’s a controlled, dangerous look in his eyes that has my objection dying when I see the sliver of fear in them.
“What do you want?” I hear Dominic say coldly.
I don’t recognise the voice that follows.
“Bennett, polite as ever.”
Alec tenses beside me. His head drops briefly before he straightens, a blank expression taking over.
“Don’t come out,” Alec tells me quietly before his eyes flick to Luc who nods slightly. Alec seems to ready himself before walking out.
