I chuckle, stepping back before looping an arm around her and pulling her just under the cove of the stairs. “Take your knickers off,” I whisper.
Her flawless, mischievous face flushes, lips parted as she exhales. “What? I can’t do that here.”
“Nobody is watching, so hurry up, princess.”
She blows out a breath, sliding her hands under her dress, tugging them down. I catch them, taking a subtle inhale before slipping them into my back pocket. She smells incredible
“Good girl. Now go mingle.” I brush a strand of hair from her face. “I’ll be back in a sec.”
Willow blinks, a mix of admiration and playful exasperation, as I head upstairs, my cock already hard, knowing she's wearing nothing but that pretty dress.
It's been an hour since I came back downstairs after stealing Willow's knickers, and the thought of what she's wearing—or rather not wearing—keeps circling my head and quietly torturing me. Every time I picture her body beneath that dress, my patience wears a little thinner.
I've only crossed that line once, unfortunately, but the way she reacted to me lingers. I replay it all the time, and I can't wait to have her to myself again, finally.
She's been speaking to my mam for a while now, looking completely settled. Comfortable. Like the nerves she was feeling before have totally vanished.
This is what she needs. A family like this.
I don't miss the subtle shift of her hips when she catches me watching. A quiet reminder that she remembers and can feel exactly what she's walking around without… and that she's doing it right here, surrounded by my family.
Emmet had a few beers, which means I finally managed to get him talking. It's not that he's difficult, just rough around the edges. Crowds aren't really his thing. Neither are people, if we are being honest. He hates small talk, avoids it like a disease, and only makes the effort for family.
Emmet owns his own tattoo shop, which is perfect for him. No forced conversations, no pointless pleasantries. Just shows up, puts his head down and does what he loves.
“I’m here!” A squeal bursts from the back door.
My niece comes hurtling down the steps, a glittery purple dress catching the sunlight, her blonde hair streaked with purple like the character she adores from K-pop Demon Hunters that she makes me watch on repeat whenever I go round to see her. She tackles me into a hug before I can even react.
“There's my favourite niece! Cutting it a bit short, aren't we?” I lift her. “I’ve already had to tackle Uncle Ez and Em off the cake, even River.”
She releases my neck but stays close, her blue eyes sparkling under streaks of purple glitter.
“I’m your only niece,” she points out, full of attitude.
“True, how could I ever forget?”
She's a proper little Madame, but I love her to pieces.
“Did Nana get the wooden spoon out?” she asks me. I hear her mum, Aria, laugh as she steps over beside us, splitting from my brother, Elliot, who goes to greet Willow. They've been marriedfor a few years now—first love and all that. She's sweet, easy to talk to, and fits in with the family seamlessly.
Not like Rose.
How I missed it through all these years pisses me off. I have wasted so much time of my life with her. I want what Elliot and Aria have, or more.
I bop Millie's nose. “Did you get me presents?”
“Millie,” Aria chides, shaking her head, but she smiles anyway. “Where are your manners?”
She scrunches her nose, undeterred. “I’m just asking, mummy. Iamthe birthday girl, after all.”
I sweep my hand toward the mountain of gifts. “Surprised you missed that.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Willow taking a slow sip of wine, looking at my niece as Dad goes over to tend to the BBQ.
“Who's she?” Millie whispers, loud enough to make me wince.
I crouch down and set her on the ground. “That's Willow… River's sister.” I start to explain, but before I can finish, she darts over to her, bouncing on the spot.
