Call You Mine (Servite Academy)

Chapter Twenty

WYNTER

T wo weeks. That’s how long Damon and I have been in this stage of our arrangement . It’s felt like an eternity since the moment he agreed to my renegotiation of our contract terms. After our first night together—when he ran out on me in the middle of the night, clearly thrown off kilter by how intense the sex between us had been—I truly thought this would not work in my favor. If one night by my side made him bolt, then what did that mean for my plan to get him to see we are meant to be together.

Because despite my desperate need to have him again, my goal continues to be to make him see that this thing between us is so much more than some ploy to fool anyone. It’s more than a distraction from the life I lived before coming back home, or the nightmare I continue to deal with daily. It’s the realest thing I’ve ever had in my life.

Ever since the night at The Silver Wolf—when Damon stood up to my brother, defending me when it wasn’t asked of him—well that was the first sign of hope that it meant something real to him too. Since then it’s like this thing between us took a turn, only I’m not sure in which direction.

For one, we’ve spent every night together in his bed, fucking till the sun comes up. It’s been incredible, the way our bodies fell into such a rhythm like we’d been doing it our whole lives. During the day, we’ve spent time apart, him at the office and me killing time at home waiting for him to arrive. On nights I’ve worked, he’s come into the bar, and sat at the counter watching me, and although he refuses to admit it, scaring off any jackass who even thinks about making any sort of flirtatious move on me.

The nights we’ve both been off, we go out to dinner, and he’s paraded me around town like I’m his actual girlfriend, and to be honest, it’s felt like I am. We aren’t trying to fool anyone behind closed doors, yet his attitude toward me remains the same. I fall asleep in his arms, my head resting against his chest, as his fingers trace hearts around my cheek.

But on some days, he wakes up distant—like the past and secrets between us are too much to ignore—and today is one of those days.

In all honesty, I feel it’s the fact that we’re going to be hanging around friends today—not to mention we’ll be around my brother which continues to be an awkward situation—has something to do with his shift in mood. Jade invited us to the welcoming party they’re throwing for Stella and baby Ember, given her high-risk pregnancy prevented them from having a true baby shower for her. Until today, I thought we were excited to be going.

It’s been some time since he’s been able to hang out with his friends, specifically because Malachi’s been fitting into his new role as a father and husband. Jade and Bass have their hands full with the bar and the twins, and while he’s not as close with Scarlett as he used to be, she’s been focused on spending the most time she can with Caeli as they prepare to welcome their second child.

But when the sun came up this morning, and I woke up in bed, alone for the third time this week, I just felt it in my bones. Something was wrong, and Damon was trying to avoid dealing with it.

Leaving his room and heading down the hall to mine, I head into my bathroom to take a quick shower, slipping into a pair of white lace panties and a matching bralette when I’m done. Not bothering to get dressed yet, I slip on a bathrobe before heading downstairs to find Damon. Though just before I step out of my room, a black box sitting atop my dresser catches my eye.

Though I don’t remember it being there last night. Panic floods me at the thought of Damon finding it, opening it, and getting a glimpse of what’s inside. Yet even more horrifying is the thought of someone else, someone like Enzo, breaking into my bedroom and setting it there.

I brush off the thought, knowing well enough this house is a fortress and no one could break in without Damon’s knowledge. However, that doesn’t explain why he’d just set it on the dresser without opening it or questioning me about it.

Two weeks ago, the same night we ran into Ace at the bar, a delivery driver dropped off a package addressed to me—a small black box with a red bow. I panicked knowing Damon was near and watching me, so I quietly hid it underneath the bar and acted as if it never happened. Two nights later, one of the new girls Jade hired found it and turned it in. Jade of course called me into her office and gave it to me, though her questioning stare at my sudden anxiousness left me uneasy.

Regardless, Jade didn’t ask, and although I brought it home with me, I still refused to look inside for fear of what I’d find. But now that it’s here, staring at me, haunting me, I know Damon must have found it and this is surely the reason he’s acting distant.

Walking over to the box, I slowly take the satin red ribbon in between my fingers and pull it, undoing the bow that’s holding the box together. The moment it comes undone the box opens and I’m startled when a soft tune plays. I don’t recognize it immediately but regardless it sends a chill up my spine. In any other situation it would be a beautiful sound, a soft melody on a piano, like those musical birthday cards that play on cue. The box falls flat and in the middle is a small silver flash drive.

I immediately know what’s on it without having to plug it into my computer. This has to be from that night—the night I murdered Enzo. Or attempted to murder him if in fact it’s he who is sending me these threats. Though as each day goes by, it becomes less likely to be him.

There’s been no real danger to any of these threats which leads me to believe it’s just likely some asshole trying to mess with my head. It may be foolish of me to ignore the threats but I have way too much indulging the fucker and play any of their games.

I don’t bother reading the note, instead I shove the flash drive into my lingerie drawer, tossing the now empty box into the trash bin.

Deciding I’m not ready to face Damon like this, still shaken up by everything that’s happened thus far with my tormentor, I step back into the bathroom and give myself a quick blowout, spending a little extra time on my bangs to add some extra volume. I start on my makeup, needing a full shield in place if I’m to face Damon and pretend I am not utterly mortified by what I saw this morning. I choose to go full glam—a full base along with a light bronze shadow, thick coat of mascara and my current favorite lipstick in the shade Pillowtalk—if you know you know. Slipping into a pair of jean cutoff shorts and a white tank top, my white lace bra visible beneath the almost see through fabric I grab my shoes, purse and cell phone before heading downstairs for some much needed caffeine.

The house is quiet, and though it usually is given, it’s just us two in its enormity, something today feels different. Maybe it’s just my own nerves about hanging out with everyone now that this relationship between Damon and I is more real than it was before. Not that anyone doubted us before but I can’t help but wonder how he will act now that he doesn’t have to worry about how well he’s pretending to be attracted to me.

I make my way down the staircase and step into the kitchen but find it empty. Walking over to the fancy new espresso machine I forced Damon to purchase, I brew my usual, a double shot blonde iced latte with oat milk, two pumps of white chocolate syrup, and a heaping scoop of whipped cream.

The aroma of coffee fills the air instantly as I quickly gather all the ingredients to make my decadently sweet drink. I brew another double shot, deciding to search the house for him and take him his usual boring morning espresso. I have yet to convince him to try one of my many specialties, but he swears all that sugar is going to rot his teeth.

Making my way through the rest of the house, I try his office first, but find it locked. No sign of him having been in there today. Turning the corner, I walk down to the end of the hall to his home gym and find him lying on the bench press at the end of the room. Looking through the glass double doors, I take a moment to gawk at him, his bare tattooed chest glistening with sweat as it drips over every inch of muscle. I reach for one of the door handles, pulling it open with such carefulness, in order to not give away my presence. If I could get a few minutes of gawking at his figure without him realizing I’m here, I’ll sure as hell take advantage of it.

As I step in further, I can see he has his headphones in, his eyes shut tight as he grunts and groans with every rep. His muscles flex, his knuckles white under the black gloves he wears as he tightens his hold on the bar. He’s wearing nothing but a pair of black gym shorts, currently tightly fitted around him in such a way that his cock is clearly visible, pressed against the thin fabric.

My mouth waters, and it’s not because of the delicious coffee currently in my hand. No, I’m salivating at the mere thought of having him in my mouth once again. Of bringing him to the edge, watching him come apart as he fucks my mouth. I’d take him deep, so far back his piercing would hit the back of my throat. The way he’d look as he had my hair fisted in his hands, his cock thrusting in and out of my mouth as he fucked me. The desire I’d see in his beautiful green eyes as he shot his cum down my throat and watched me swallow it down, licking at any excess that fell against my lips.

That constant ache in between my legs makes its long-awaited appearance and the moan that slips out of me as I press my thighs together startles him, jolting him out of his concentration.

“Fuck,” he groans, setting the bar back on the barbell rack before it falls and crushes him beneath it.

“Shit, I’m sorry,” I say, realizing he could have really gotten hurt by my surprise arrival. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“It’s fine,” he says, sitting up and reaching for a towel hung on the edge of the bench. Swiping it across his face, he wipes away his sweat before setting it back down and looking my way. When he finally meets my gaze, he observes me carefully, his dark eyes trailing my body as he takes in my full appearance. Unlike him, I’m fully dressed and ready for a day out, though there’s really not much he has to do to look good.

Damon’s naturally sexy. From the muscular form of his body, to the daunting alpha demeanor of his personality that is every woman’s weakness, to the sheer beauty of his features, the man was a reincarnation of a deity. And the way he’s currently looking at me, like he’s imagining undressing me and bending me over the bench he’s currently sitting on, makes my legs quiver.

“Is that for me?” he asks, pointing at the espresso in my hand. I nod, unable to speak as I hand it to him. I take a sip of my own, hoping for the slightest bit of distraction to regain my footing. This man throws me so off my game.

I was always confident in my body and with my sexuality. Mind you, I was never the friendliest of people, but if you were part of my inner circle, you knew the real me, not the facade of I put on for everyone else. And Damon has always seen that side of me, given our unconventional friendship we kept hidden from everyone.

It was always so easy. The way we’d tease each other, play our little games in order to seduce one another. Damon and I were always incredibly playful with each other, and I miss that. Now, it just seems like I have to be incredibly cautious around him. That might be because this is no longer just some game. What we’re feeling now is real, at least it is for me. Yet something in me is telling me this is real for Damon too. He’s just too afraid to accept the truth and admit it to himself.

What would that mean to him? To admit he has feelings for me. That for the first time since Scarlett, he’s willing and ready to have a relationship with someone. How would he even do it if he’s had no role model of what a healthy relationship entails? Everything between us changed when I left with Enzo, especially after Enzo had him attacked.

We became strangers. Two people who once knew each other, not the friends we used to be, who became so intimate with one another it’s as if we lost a part of us when I distanced myself from him.

Looking into the depths of his eyes, I see the truth he’s not willing to accept. It’s written in the dark green shade. It’s haunted my nightmares for so long, the thought that my true happiness has always been so close yet just out of my reach. Because he’s always ensured he could pull away at any moment.

I’ve never felt this vulnerable around any man. But Damon, he’s not just any man, he’s the most intense and frankly intimidating type. Everything about him calls to something so deep inside of me, so primitive and natural. It’s like being around him is equally disconcerting and calming. Like there’s nowhere else I should be, no one else I should be with yet being with him feels so feral.

A fervent need to have him close, to feel his body beneath me, to touch him in every way possible.

“Princess,” he growls under his breath, and I nearly come from just the gravelly low tone of his voice breaking me out of my own thoughts.

“Yes,” I squeal, my voice cracking. I clear my throat, nonchalantly tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, and he just laughs.

A devilishly wicked smirk appears across his lips. “Your horny is showing, Wynter.”

I lick my lips, not trying in the slightest to hide how I’m turned on I am. “Is it now?” I ask, my voice now low and seductive.

Damon stands and slowly heads my way, drinking the espresso in one gulp and handing me the empty cup. Unable to speak without my voice sounding like I’m a young man going through puberty, I take another sip of my drink to keep my mouth busy. Leaning forward, Damon joins me, taking a sip from the edge of the glass, and though I know it’s not to his liking, he licks his lips before swiping his thumb over my bottom lip. Bringing it to his mouth, he licks clean the small drop of whipped cream that was there, making a satisfied sound before he cups my chin and brings his lips to mine.

“So fucking sweet,” he whispers against my mouth, his hand gripping my waist and holding me in place. Though just as I’m about to deepen our kiss, he releases his hold on me and walks around me, heading straight for the door.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I shout out, without thinking twice.

Damon laughs, a full-blown hysterical laugh emanating from his ribs as he hunches forward. I’m not in any way amused by his teasing. My hands rest on my jutted-out hips as I stare at him, waiting for some form of explanation or apology.

All the fucker does is turn and wink at me, that sinful smirk still teasing me with what could have just happened between us if he wasn’t such a fucking asshole. “I gotta get ready, baby. Don’t we have a party to get to?”

I’m pouting.

There’s really no other word for what I’m currently doing, sitting silently in the passenger seat of Damon’s car, staring out the window like there was something fascinating on the other side, all to avoid his triumphant smirk.

The entire drive down to Sebastian’s beach house has been torture. He knows he won that round earlier this morning in the gym, but my man has no clue what’s in store for him tonight.

Damon is back to playing games, though instead of avoiding me like I assumed he would do, he’s taunting me. Back in the gym, he left me wanting and waiting, only to walk away like it was no big deal. Then he dressed in the most sinful of outfits—dark ripped jeans and a black T-shirt so tightly fitted around his chest and abdomen. I could practically see the outline of his muscles beneath it. The black ink snaking around his neck and over his arms was enticing to say the least and I’ve wanted to trace every single inch of it with my tongue since the moment he walked out of his bathroom freshly showered. His hair is still wet and disheveled, how it would look if I’d run my fingers through, while his perfectly groomed beard is long enough to leave a mark if it were to rub in between my legs.

Wishful thinking.

Pulling up to the driveway of Sebastian and Jade's house, Damon parks the car, exiting and making his way around to open my door, though I don’t give him the time to do so. Instead, I hop right out as soon as he does, slamming the door shut just as he reaches my side. Without warning, he presses his body into me, pushing me up against the car door as his arms come around on either side of me, caging me in.

“You’re supposed to wait in the car until I open your door like a good little princess,” he says, and I can’t help but roll my eyes at his possessive tone. Yes, sir. Though that’s not what I say.

“I can open my damn door, Damon. No need to get your panties all bunched up.”

He scoffs, a sharp chuckle leaving his lips as he sucks his bottom lip. “The only panties that are about to be bunched up and shoved into my pocket are yours, Princess.” He says the endearing nickname with a bit of edge, so I give him a little attitude of my own.

Leaning up to meet him, I whisper in his ear. “That’s if I were wearing any, baby,” I murmur coyly, though I am in fact wearing some. He doesn’t have to know that.

“Holy shit, get a room you too,” Jade calls out as she opens the front door. “Preferably not one of ours,” she jokes, coming out to meet us. I can’t help but laugh at the deep growl Damon lets out. Guess someone is feeling a little sexually frustrated.

I take advantage of the distraction to push Damon off of me, straightening myself as I head up the steps to the front porch, present in hand. “Thanks again for inviting us, well for allowing me to tag along.”

Jade reaches her arms out and brings me in for a hug. Very unlike her, but given the last few weeks we’ve spent pretty much every weekend together, I’d say we are friends now. “Of course, girl. I’m sorry, but you’re one of us now.”

Damon groans in response as he follows behind me, and I can’t help but notice the way he has to adjust himself as he steps up to Jade. Hmm, looks like someone is finally getting a taste of his own medicine. He embraces his best friend in a hug, though he doesn't look happy by her insinuation that I’m here to stay.

“Oh, quit your pouting, Dragon,” Jade tells him, playfully pushing him off her. “I’m sorry but you have to share your girl with us today.”

I smile at her comment as she urges us to follow her inside to find the rest of the group all gathered in the wide-open living space. They renovated the beach house within the last year or so, and it looks quite different from back when we were all at the academy. Bass’s beach house wasn’t used as regularly for the Servite Academy parties as ours was, but we had a few here from time to time. The home I’m looking at now is nothing like the nautical beach home it once was.

For one, the white walls are now a deep gray, a large accent wall in a darker shade of teal holds an eclectic fireplace and a large media console with built-in shelving in black. A large charcoal gray sectional sofa sits in the middle of the living room, flanked by two smaller armchairs in a gray and white striped pattern. The pillows continue the pop of color in various shades of teal, but it all seems to mesh very well.

The kitchen is just as expansive, with black cabinets and marble countertops with silver furnishings and lighting fixtures. It definitely has Jade written all over it and although it’s unique and eccentric, it totally works.

“I love what you’ve done with the place. It looks way better than how Eliza had it styled,” I say, mentioning Sebastian’s stepmother, who was the one who originally had the house designed and furnished.

Bass nods his head, throwing his arm around Jade. “I was all for tearing it down and starting from scratch, but with two little ones, Jade figured redecorating and some minor remodeling projects was the more logical option.”

“I agree,” Scarlett says, making her way over to me with a glass of something that looks awfully delicious in her hand. “When Ace tried to convince me the rebuilding of your childhood home was in the best interest of our family, I couldn’t disagree more. Moving with a kid is bad enough, but having to deal with a construction crew in your space, it’s a no from me.”

“Hey Scarlett,” I say as she reaches in for a hug. It’s awkward, to say the least, but there’s no going back now. Her round bump gets in the way, so it’s more of a one-armed hug either way. It feels good to not have that hostility between us anymore.

I’m not sure at what point all between us was forgiven, especially since I am the one who needed the forgiveness for being such a total bitch to Scar and Jade when they did nothing to deserve it, but it warms my heart to see that they could move forward. It really puts into perspective the enormity of what my relationship with Damon really stands for, and also terrifies me to think what they would think of me if they ever found out it was all a ruse.

My stomach drops at the mere thought of how they’d take my betrayal of their friendship, of how they accepted me into their little family with not so much as a second thought. Or worse, the way I convinced one of their best friends to fool them in such a way.

“Look at her face,” my brother says as he comes over to hug me. “All of this getting along is really confusing the hell out of my little sister.”

“Oh fuck off,” I scoff, trying to distract myself from the dark thoughts currently clouding my brain. “You can’t blame me for not being all mushy feely. It’s not like any of us had that growing up, but at least you all had each other.” Pity flashes in their eyes as the entire gang looks at me and my declaration that I had absolutely no one in my corner, not even my brother. “Trust me, I know most if it is my fault, but…”

“No,” Stella interjects, suddenly appearing behind me with Kai by her side. “You are not at fault for any of the choices you made as a teenager. If any of us were to take responsibility for any of that, we’d be so screwed.”

The tiny baby in Stella's arms, dressed in a beautiful yellow summer romper with little embroidered daisies, smiles wide as she looks at me. The small sprinkling of auburn hair atop her little head warms my heart.

“Oh Stella, she’s beautiful,” I tell her, walking toward her.

“Ember sweetie, meet your Auntie Wynter. She may be new to our little family, but she’s always been a part of it, even when she didn't feel like she belonged.” Tears prick my eyes at Stella’s kindness. The girl I treated so horribly after we were such good friends as kids, all because I thought it was what I was supposed to do, is looking at me with so much love in her eyes, I can hardly handle it.

My heart aches for what I’ve spent so long missing out on. What would my life have been like if I’d have confided in someone, anyone, when Enzo came for me? Would they have helped me, stood up for me, protected me the way they are now? I can’t torture myself with questions of how things could have been if I’d had anyone to rely on. Especially when the lack of is my fault. I should have been strong enough to have my own thoughts, to figure out by my merit what was right and what was wrong. I let those around me influence me, brainwash me into thinking in a way I never should have.

I missed out on so much because of it. I’m in this whole mess because of it, and I don’t know how to get out.

“May I?” I ask Stella, reaching my arms out to the gorgeous baby girl in front of me.

“Of course,” she answers, and I take Ember into my arms, cradling her with such care, I almost don't recognize myself.

I hear someone behind me gasp and when I turn around to look at them, big fucking mistake. My eyes immediately find his, and what I find in them nearly breaks my resolve. Damon’s watching me with such an unreadable expression. His eyes are almost devoid of all emotion, except for one I can’t make out. My eyes burn with tears threatening to spill at the slightest push, and the way he’s staring at me carrying a baby in my arms is that push.

I swallow the lump in my throat when he looks away from me, unable to hold my gaze any longer. Whatever was transpiring between us, the unreadable message we just gave one another was too potent, too much for either of us to handle.

“Ahem,” I clear my throat, and that seems to bring everyone back.

Scarlett is the one to speak first, full-blown tears coming out of her eyes, but she has her excuse and it’s nearly seven months in the making. “Come on, now that we’re all here, let’s head out back for some food. I’m starving.”

“Of course you are, baby,” Ace says, taking his wife’s hand in his.

Scarlett rolls her eyes at him, and he kisses her neck, visible since her black hair is not in its usual style down her back but in a messy updo. “The kids are already out there with Ruby. She’s the fun aunt to be around,” she tells me. “Always comes bearing gifts, but they are so excited to see you again Wynter. I’ve been telling them about you and Caeli can’t believe her daddy has a twin, just like Sapphire and Onyx are twins, and Aunt Ruby and Uncle Damon.”

“Yeah, it’s crazy,” Jade adds, grabbing a bowl of pasta salad from out of the refrigerator. “We have so many twins in the family. Bass and Stella’s dads were twins, Ruby and Drake, you and Ace, my twin babies.”

“Do you need any help with anything?” I ask her, as the rest of the group, all except Damon, who watches me cautiously, heads outside. “You can grab the green salad that’s right over there on the counter. Oh, and that drink is for you,” she says, pointing at the glass on the kitchen island, similar to the one Scarlett had in her hand.

“Thanks.”

“They’re mocktails,” she says, sounding annoyed as I take a sip. “We’re all swearing off alcohol today in solidarity with my very pregnant sister.”

I laugh, knowing it must be hard since this group has an indulgence in alcoholic beverages.

“Got it, no alcohol.”

“But the twin thing,” she continues, her voice lowering so only I can hear as we walk, Damon following closely behind us. “Makes me wonder if Drake and you are due to have some twins of your own soon.”

I nearly spit out the drink in my mouth the second time she brings up the idea of Damon and me having children. Anyone else probably wouldn’t have heard her, since she tried her best to whisper it, but the growl I hear coming from behind us assures me that Damon heard everything and he’s not thrilled about it.

“I am so full,” Stella sighs, after finishing her last bite of red velvet chocolate cake. This was a party after all, and since there are children—and hungry grown ass men with an incredible sweet tooth—there had to be cake. Delicious cake baked by Scarlett herself, who has somehow taken to cooking and baking this pregnancy.

Trust me, it was a shocker for everyone.

“I can’t believe you made this,” Ruby says in between delicate bites of the deliciously moist and decadent dessert. Of course Ruby’s slice of cake is a tiny sliver with no frosting, since according to her, she’s not regularly indulging in such sinful temptations in order to keep her figure.

Ruby’s always been incredibly fit. Model thin, yet with curves any runway model would be incredibly jealous of. Her long legs, slim waist, and round hips give her the perfect hourglass figure. Especially now that she’s recently gotten her boobs done. I didn't think she needed it, but as she let everyone know, it wasn’t a necessity—it was an indulgence.

Regardless, her already decent sized breasts were now a full size larger, perfectly propped up on her chest under the thin silk camisole she’s wearing. Jade made a comment to me earlier that it was a delayed reaction to finally—once and for all after years of back and forth—breaking up with Jaxon, one of the other guys who grew up with them at the foster home. His lacking presence here today is a clear sign she won custody of their tight-knit family over him.

Scarlett settles into one of the outdoor loungers under the covered patio deck we’re currently on. Sighing, she sets her hands upon her bump, “You’d be surprised Ruby, pregnancy makes you do some crazy shit you’d never imagine yourself capable of.”

Ruby makes this awful expression, a combination of horror and disgust. “And that’s why I never plan on experiencing it.”

I can’t help but laugh at the camaraderie between these women. They're not in any way nice to each other all the time, teasing one another and even throwing insults every so often, but their love is something so incredibly potent you can almost physically feel it.

I want that. The comfort of family, the feeling of someone else having your best interests at heart, no matter what. I feel it all around me and it makes me hopeful, optimistic that I can be a part of it if I really wanted to. As I look around at everyone, I realize it’s exactly what I want, and I will fight like hell for it.

Caeli, Sapphire and Onyx have been running around all afternoon, all the adults taking turns trying to keep them entertained and, frankly, just keep up with their energy. Children are exhausting and both these girls are about to have two each. With the way Kai watches Stella’s every move with such love and adoration in his eyes, if it weren’t for the possibility of another high-risk pregnancy, I’m sure he’d get right to work on making another one with her.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing you around here,” Ruby says as she creeps up behind me. Her voice is low, but I don’t think it’s hiding what she’s saying from the rest of the group. That’s not like her. Ruby isn’t the type to cower down if she has something to say. “Especially not on the arm of my brother, who you seem to avoid today?” she asks, a clear insinuation that she still doesn’t buy into our relationship clear in her tone.

I don’t bother turning to look at her, since I know she’s clearly only trying to get a rise out of me. Ruby’s been the least welcoming out of everyone and I don’t blame her. It is her brother I’m dating and given my past, I wouldn’t be so quick to trust me either.

“Trust me, I’m giving him space for his own good. With Scarlett and Jade talking about babies every five seconds and how adorable one of ours would look, with my white hair and his green eyes, he’s about five seconds from bolting out that door.”

She shifts her position, so she’s now face to face with me, blocking my view of Damon, who is out on one of the beach chairs sitting and chatting with Kai. “So kids are not in your future with my brother? I must say, I always looked forward to having a niece or nephew, since I’m not too keen on having any little buggers of my own.”

I decide to humor her, and play along with this interrogation she’s got going on. The only way to win Ruby over is to show her I’m not at all intimidated by her clear, protective nature. She and Damon are a lot alike, their need to protect one another and those they love and care about. They would clearly do anything for one another, and that stems from them being left to fend for themselves at such a young age. When you have no one else in your corner but your sibling, it’s the two of you for life. Makes me dwell on where Ace and I went wrong, and how long it’s going to take for us to get back there.

Maybe dating his so-called enemy isn’t the best way to start our healing process but, the heart clearly wants what it wants, and all of us here is a testament to that.

“We just started dating Ruby, and although I am taking this relationship seriously, you know your brother better than anyone. He's not quick to trust and open up to someone. I don’t want to do something that’ll eventually push him away or send him running for the hills.”

As I say the words, I get a nasty taste in my mouth at how I’m doing the exact opposite of what I just said to her. Almost everything I’ve told Damon about me is a lie. The reason I’m here, what’s been going on in my life these last three years. I’m keeping secrets, lying to him, when I know it’s the one thing that will push him away.

Only I’m so far into it now. I don’t know how to get out without ruining everything between us and hurting him.

Ruby takes a step back when she notices my mind has clearly wandered off somewhere dark. Behind her, I watch Damon, whose gaze meets mine for the first time in a while. Kai is still talking, but Damon’s full attention is on me. It’s like he knew I needed to see him. I needed the reminder that all I’m doing was because I can’t live with losing him. Not anymore. I’m too far gone, too deep into this relationship with him. I’m willing to risk it all as long as it means I get to keep him.

Even if it means living with this lie for the rest of our lives.

We’re interrupted when Caeli comes running between us, Saph and Onyx chasing after her. Her little arms wrap around my leg, pulling on me to pick her up.

“Up, uppy,” she says, her sweet little toddler voice melting my heart. I reach down for her and swing her into my arms and she shrieks, laughter bubbling up inside of her.

She’s so freaking adorable. Her hair, not as black as her mother’s but still pretty dark, is slightly curly, pinned up into a small half pony, a few stray curls framing her round little face. Two big round eyes, one bright blue, the other a mix of blue and green—heterochromia, they said it was called—framed by long, curly, dark lashes.

She cups my face between her two little hands, her cheeks so rosy from her non-stop running around the yard. “Elsa,” she says, a bright smile taking over her face showing off the two cutest dimples, one in each cheek, and giving me a glimpse at her full set of teeth. She giggles, “Look like Elsa, pw-incess.” I can’t help but smile as she wiggles in my arms, reaching her out for Scarlett as she walks over to us.

Scarlett smiles at me as she takes her baby girl into her arms, setting her down on one hip, her free hand resting against her growing bump. “Caeli has been begging us to take her back to Disneyland, but I just feel so pregnant all the time now. Elsa was her favorite princess, and it was the first thing she said to us when she saw you. I was thinking maybe after the baby is born we can go as a family, but I cringe every time I see people with newborns at the park. I cannot be one of those moms.”

Scarlett’s comment about Elsa being Caeli’s favorite princess warms my heart and I decide to say the one thing I know I’ll later regret. “Why don’t we take her?” I blurt out, not even thinking twice.

“You and who?” Ruby asks, her tone cold and almost mocking, like she’s bewildered by the idea I'm speaking of her brother. I know deep down it’s not meant in any way. Ruby’s been cordial, to say the least. She just doesn’t see how Damon would ever be up for such a thing, and I mean, she’s not wrong. I honestly don’t know what I was thinking when I offered.

“Damon and I have the next weekend off. I’m sure he’d be up for it. Besides, I’d love the opportunity to spend some time getting to know my niece better.”

Scarlett’s eyes glaze over, and I’m suddenly terrified she’s going to start outright crying. Ruby feels the same as her face visibly tightens. “Oh Wynter, that is so sweet of you to offer. I’m so glad you’re here and that things between Ace and you are on the mend. That you’re making Drake happy, and you’re willing to be a part of our family.” Jade and Stella join us, gawking at their best friend in the same way Ruby and I are looking at her. “I’m sorry. These freaking pregnancy hormones have me all fucked up.”

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

Ace’s shouting breaks us all out of our conversation, our gazes flicking back to the gate at the far end of the property that grants access to the private strip of beach connecting the houses together. I have to blink a few times to make sure my eyes are not deceiving me, because the nerve of the woman who stands at the edge of the path like she belongs anywhere near us, makes me want to scream.

Without thinking twice, I look over at Scarlett. “Take the kids inside. I’ll deal with her and make sure she never steps foot here again.” Scarlett nods but doesn't move until Ruby practically drags her inside, Jade and Stella following quickly behind her as Bass and Kai collect the twins.

I rush to Ace’s side, though just before I get there, Damon intercepts me. “No,” he demands, a fierce protective look in his eyes as he holds my gaze. He reaches for me, his hands falling to my waist. “Go inside with them. Ace and I will take care of her.”

“No,” I tell him, trying to push away, but it’s futile. “She’s here for me. She came here looking for me and I’ve put my family at risk by being around them when I am still infected with this disease.” I once again try to step around him, but his hands grip me tighter, holding me in place.

He pulls me into him, my chest directly on his. I can feel the rapid beat of his heart as his chest heaves in anger. “Wynter, don’t you fucking argue with me right now. Not about this. I told her to stay the fuck away from you, and she’s not getting the message. Now get the fuck inside and I’ll deal with her. You are not responsible for anything this psychotic woman does.”

I’m stunned speechless, my body trembling from his demanding tone, which is doing all sorts of things to me right now. The way he’s standing here, power radiating from him like it always has, combined with the possessive look in his eyes as he carefully watches me, I’m about to crumble into a pile of mush at his feet.

I’d do anything for him, anything he’d ask of me, and it’s equally freeing as it is terrifying. How does shit man, the God here before me, have so much control over me?

“I have to…” I’m silenced when his lips crash mine, the urgency of his kiss leaves me breathless and I reach out to him, wrapping my arms around his neck to pull him closer to me. His tongue explores my mouth in the best way. The spicy and woodsy taste of the cigar he had just smoked infiltrates my senses and I almost lose all consciousness to the feel of his hands on me and the way he’s holding me like he never wants to let go.

I hear a throat clear and when I take a step back, inhaling sharply like all the air has been knocked out of me, I look behind Damon to meet my brother’s annoyed gaze. Heat rushes up my cheeks in embarrassment, but Ace simply nods, agreeing with Damon. “We’ll handle her, Wynter.”

Daring to look up at my mother, I see something I’ve never seen in her eyes when she looks at me. She lets out a sinister laugh, “My sweet girl. I guess I should be proud. You have this man wrapped around your little finger. Mommy taught you well.”

I can’t stand being around her any longer, disgusted by her blatant disregard for our privacy, so I heed Damon’s warning. Though before I walk away, I reach up to grip his face between my hands and kiss him once more, crashing my lips against his with such a feral need I can hardly contain myself. His lips meet mine just as desperately, his hands still holding me against him though he stops himself from doing anything further now that he’s aware of our audience.

“Thank you,” I whisper against his lips, closing my eyes for fear of what I might confess if I were to look into his eyes right now. That I love him, because that’s what this feels like. But Damon’s not ready to hear that, and I’m not sure it’s in my best interest to say it yet, even if I feel it in my bones.