Rhys finally strides in, his hair a mess as if he’s been running his hands through it, and his jaw so tight I’m surprised he hasn’t cracked a tooth. “Fucking idiots,” he growls before his amber eyes lock onto mine. At once, the tension melts from his body and he closes the distance between us. Without saying a word, he grabs the back of my head and devours my lips, pouring all of his anger and frustration into the kiss.
I melt into the kiss, only just stopping myself from moaning because my brother isright there. But damn, even after over a year of being together, Rhys’s kisses still knock me on my ass with their intensity. I’m practically panting by the time he pulls away from me, gazing at me with smouldering honey eyes.
“Did you behave while we were gone, princess?” he asks with an arched brow.
“Would you believe me if I said yes?”
He huffs. “Not really. I don’t think you know the meaning of the word.” He presses a kiss to the tip of my nose. “It’s part of why I love you.”
Ugh. This man is too sweet for his own good sometimes.
Tobias makes a noise of disgust. “You guys are gross when you’re all lovey dovey.”
I look around Rhys to glare at my brother. “How do you think I felt when I had to endure this type of shit with you and Lauren for over a year? At least there’s enough space to escape when you need to. I couldn’t even do that. Pretty sure I roughly know when Natalie was conceived.”I shudder at the memories of having to hold a pillow over my head so I could drown outcertainsoundswhen we lived in my tiny cottage.
Tobias’s eyes widen in understanding, and Lauren bursts out laughing at his horrified expression. Theo joins her, his silver eyes sparkling with humour, and even Alex and Rhys chuckle a little. Thankfully, the sound doesn’t wake up Natalie, who’s sleeping soundly against her mother’s chest.
“I wish you’d taken that to your grave,” Tobias grumbles, shooting a look of betrayal at his laughing wife.
I smirk smugly at him. “You give me shit, big bro, and I’ll give it right back.”
“That’s my girl,” Rhys says affectionately as he presses another kiss to my nose before moving away.
“Ourgirl,” Theo corrects, having finally stopped laughing. “Sharing is caring.”
Tobias makes a noise of disgust but doesn’t say anything.Smart man. I have a lot of ammunition, and I’m not afraid to use it.
“If you’re done torturing your brother, princess, how about we get back to the cabin so we can pack for tomorrow?” Rhys asks.
“Sounds good. We’ll see you tonight, big bro. Try not to traumatise your daughter,” I say as I give him a quick hug before bending down to kiss Lauren on her cheek and Natalie on her blond head.
“Pain in my ass,” Tobias grumbles with exasperation, although I can see the affectionate smile tugging at his lips. “See you at the bonfire later.”
The guys all say their goodbyes before the four of us step outside into the surprisingly warm spring afternoon. Alex takes my hand while Theotakes the other and, like always, Rhys leads the way. Harlow darts in front of us, nose to the ground and stubby tail wagging as she goes. No matter where I go, Harlow is my ever-loyal companion.
Bean has become more of a pasture pet than a riding horse, which I think she’s more than happy about. Especially when the kids all fuss over her and the ponies and give them treats. There might come a time when I’ll need to ride her beyond the walls again, but I’m hoping that day will never come and she can spend her days dozing and grazing in the pasture with her friends.
Ketchup is probably in the trees somewhere, building her nest for this year. Ever since we arrived at Haven, she’s spent less time with me and more time with the other magpies in the area. Not that I mind, since it means she’s comfortable here and I don’t have to worry about her getting hurt trying to help me in a fight. Hell, I’m pretty sure she had chicks last year from the high-pitched chirping I heard in the tree she roosted in.
The four of us and Harlow weave our way through Haven, the afternoon sun warming our skin. A few people try to get us to stop so they talk to us, but we avoid most of the conversations.
“I can’t wait to get out of here and have you all to myself again,” Theo whispers as we dodge a particularly pushy older man.
I smile up at him. “Me too. Comfy beds, warm showers and hot food are great and all, but I miss it just being us.”
Alex squeezes my hand. “Soon, sweetheart.”
It can’t come soon enough.
We arrive back to the cabin and set about packing our bags, ready for an early start tomorrow morning. Once that’s done, I slip into the bathroom and get myself ready for tonight before the four of us make our way to the bonfire tonight, leaving Harlow behind.
Alex
Isit back andbask in the fun, relaxed atmosphere surrounding us.
The fire crackles and spits, filling the area with the pleasant scent of wood smoke as flames dance across the logs. Various residents of Haven sit around it, chatting and laughing as they hold plates full of food and cups filled with liquor. The sun has just set, making the flickering glow of the fire even more intense.
It took several months for Haven to settle back into the community it once was. People were understandably cautious, not just of their newly elected leaders but also because they feared another attack. Which is why Rhys, Theo, Ollie and I spent our time hunting down all pockets of Scourge or Lodge gang members and wiped them out. All while rescuing those who’d been held captive by them.
