Page 44 of Brazen Obsession

“Do you want us to put a sock on the door?” Dante’s voice is blasé, like he really doesn’t care if Tom sees us together.

Tom uncovers his eyes, but we haven’t moved from our intimate position. He squints and sighs.

“We’re buying a new fridge this weekend. Then the sock won’t be necessary.” Tom walks into the kitchen and passes us on his way to the fridge.

Dante doesn’t release me or move away. I don’t know how to feel about this. I don’t want to hide what we have, but this is my brother. I don’t need to flaunt it in front of him either, but with the way he acts, he kind of deserves it.

Tom grabs a few drinks and a bowl of something before shutting the refrigerator door. He sighs and turns back to walk the other way. His gaze settles on us.

He pauses and opens his mouth.

“No, Tom.” Dante clutches my hips. “You don’t get to say anything to make Sara feel bad for loving us.”

His expression falls into regret. “I wasn’t going to.”

“Sure you weren’t,” Dante says.

“I wasn’t.” Tom steps forward but stops. “Sara is lucky to have all of you. There’s a reason I kept you as friends all these years. You’re loyal and protective. I’m lucky to call you my friends. I’d be even luckier to call you my brothers. Was I a little disturbed to discover your relationship with my sister?”

That day in the garden flashes in my mind. He pauses for almost too long before releasing his breath.

“Anyone dating my sister would make me defensive, but you guys… I didn’t handle it well. I don’t know what I would have done if one of you was dating her when I got back, but all of you?” His eyes widen as he looks at Dante. “And Drew?”

I duck my head against Dante’s shoulder. Not to hide in embarrassment, I’m just tired. Tired of always ending things in a fight with Tom. Is this how it’s going to be from now on? With Tom? With Mom? Outside of this house, in the real world? A fight to make someone else understand that what we have isn’t wrong? That it works because it’s all of us?

Dante presses his lips to my temple, and I lift my gaze to find his steady on me.

“I’m saying this all wrong.” Tom shakes his head.

I meet his eyes, so like mine. “They’re everything I’ve ever wanted, Tom. They love me more than anyone else ever could. They’re mine. Nothing’s going to change that.”

His eyes soften. “Whether you believe it or not, I do understand.” He glances toward the basement door. “Love can make you crazy sometimes. Reckless. But it can also make you strong.” His steady gaze returns to mine. “I’m glad you have all of them, Sara. They’re the best guys I know. And I’m sure if they accept Drew, he must be one of the best too.”

Dante’s fingers relax against my hips.

Tom sighs. “I need to get this down to Natasha. The cravings are real and weird.”

I glance in the bowl and see a mixture of mayonnaise and sliced pickles and red grapes.

“Tomorrow afternoon.” Dante draws both of our attention. “We’re going to the gym.”

Tom straightens. “All right. I’ll let Tasha know.”

Chapter 15

Research and Development

Sara

At least the movie we’re watching is from the most recent decade unlike at the hideout. I snuggle in against Dante with Finn next to my feet on the couch as we watch the action unfold on the screen. Wyatt and Drew took the two armchairs to either side of the couch and closer to the TV. I’d love to cuddle against all my guys, but I can only snuggle one or two of them at a time. This having to pick and choose thing isn’t going to be fun.

Especially when it comes to bedtime this week.

We haven’t really discussed it, but just like before, I don’t want to be the one who chooses. That’s kind of the point of this whole arrangement. I didn’t want to choose. I wanted all of them and they were cool with that. When it was a limited time. Now it might be forever.

Do I want to spend time alone with each of them? Hell yes. Just thinking of the times I’ve been alone with Drew, Wyatt, Dante, and Finn sends anticipation floating through me.

Dante trails his fingers over my arm, giving me a little buzz as my head rests back against his chest. Warm and safe. Last time, the guys decided on who and when, but the rules have all changed. We’re in love. We’re living together. There is no end in sight.