NEW!! Bria and the Billionaire’s Kiss – Sweet Romance FULL Audiobook by Catelyn Meadows

Bria and the Billionaire’s kiss a once upona billionaire prequel written by Caitlyn Meadows narrated by 11 Labs the princess shall indeed prick her finger CS Evans the Sleeping Beauty chapter 1 Bria Secrets held power especially those that were kept the longest I didn’t exactly know how long gray had

Been keeping his particular secret or if he was keeping one at all the truth was I hadn’t known him that long period but I liked him I mean I really liked him how could I not with the wrapped attention he gave me whenever I spoke or

The way his touches lingered or the way the sweet things he said permeated my thoughts which by the way had centered on him taking up every microscopic second I spent thinking after our last interaction he’d acted so aloof so distracted my roommate insisted nothing was wrong but the ants would be far less

Biased than she was I had to run my suspicions past them and see what they thought might be nice if they knew about him in the first place an anxious Buzz frayed my nerves I hadn’t been home in about 2 weeks and I was both excited to

See the ants and nervous about their responses once I told them the reason for my visit pausing at the side gate I gripped the white pickets pointed tips and took a steadying breath a tiny thrill whispered up my spine I entered the gate and followed the paved Stone

Pathway as it wound in between flower beds bursting with newly blooming tulips and anemones birds chirped in the tops of the flowering almond trees and the scent of pollen and Blossoms inoculated the air with Springtime in the Chicago suburbs as I got closer to the back door

Which was used more frequently than the front by anyone who was more than an acquaintance the smell of chicken sauteed vegetables Rosemary and time struck I drank in the Aromas relishing them as they teased my stomach home-cooked meals such a contrast to the fast food and bagels I’d been living on

I turned the knob and entered kenza’s back was turned her attention on the soup podt on the stove she was Stout with dark skin and wiry curls cut short y’all better not have come back without my favorite chocolate she turned her severe expression shifted in an instant

Oh you’re not who I thought I’m fresh out of chocolate I said but I’ll be sure to grab some the next time I come whatever irritation she’d been ready to lob melted away credenza face split into a smile and she rested a hand on her hip there you are Bria been wondering what

Kept you away so long student teaching taking up all your time these days clearly I’d get no reprimand here I rested my hip against the counter beside the stove heat from the pot wafted in my direction I have 2 months left to go before graduation day day credenza

Interrupted lifting her spoon into the air in Triumph graduation day I echoed raising the roof with both hands what then credenza turned back to her soup I opened my mouth to reply when the back door slammed open and felicity’s tall lanky form trundled in got a bar of it

She shouted her attention on the door as it hit the wall she grimaced then fiddled the door closed with one foot while balancing on the other impressively managing the grocery bags lining her hands took me nearly half an hour to track down the manager but he finally graced me with his presence and

I got it I rounded the corner eager to ease some of the bags from her grasp before any real danger came to whatever was contained inside ficity was sweet but either she didn’t realize how long her limbs were or she was naturally clumsy I hadn’t figured out which thanks

Bria Felicity said and then stopped short her eyes gaping at me Bria you’re home her smile stretched as wide as she was tall I matched it I am just for a little while you have anything else out there you need me to get I reached for

Several of the bags in her arms she shifted evading my grasp don’t you worry about it with the door now closed and blocking out the brisk Spring Air Felicity ambled to the counter and clunked her bags at top it with a thud then she positioned herself in front of

Them and braced her hands on the counter since when do you not want me to help I asked attempting to peer behind her she shifted using her body to block my view since your birthday is in 2 days her blue eyes flashed and she shuffled

To the other side as I attempted to peer in that direction I couldn’t help the excitement you’re saying all of that is for me credenza clanked her spoon against the pot and rounded on Felicity with her hands on her generous hips come on on now really what Felicity stared at

Her she knows her birthday is almost here well don’t you go spoil nothing I’m not spoiling a thing Felicity returned her attention to me and beamed a spotlight of smiles you just sit your cute almost 21-year-old butt down and tell us why you dropped by and why

You’ve been gone so long credenza added footsteps and humming preceded maryanne’s entrance into the kitchen from the sides stairs my smile widened at the sight of all the ants together in the same room these three women looked nothing alike with cadenza’s African-American Heritage felicity’s flaming red hair contrasting her pale

Freckled skin and MaryAnn’s Brown locks they weren’t related a fact they admitted themselves and they weren’t in a polyamorous kind of thing either a fact that more than one person had assumed more than once just three friends who were out to make good on childhood promises they’d made to grow

Old together they had their quirks that was for sure I loved those quirks I loved the Adoration they’d blazed at me every minute of my life for as long as I could remember I loved the warm welcome they granted me treating me as though I’d been gone for years rather than a

Handful of days I couldn’t wait to see what they would do once I told them about him I was also eager for whatever advice they might give hi Bria Maryanne greeted sh credenza said she was about to tell us something then she turned to me come on and spill I know you’re not

That busy what have you been up to Maryann gave a serious nod and folded her arms planting her attention on me with patient expectation something fluttered inside my chest I took a breath but the additional air only exaggerated the quivering taking place inside of me I guess my afternoons have

All been taken up lately some after school programs for the kids you’ve been helping with Felicity suggested reaching up to help credenza get the cornstarch from an upper shelf my cheeks heated more like an after school program of my own making credenza turned off the stove all right then tell us his name

Already the other two ants froze mouths dropping before they released gas of incredulous laughter I couldn’t help laughing too it helped ease the tension looping in my shoulders and stomach it wasn’t every day I told the ants about men I was dating probably because I didn’t date that much make that ever I

Dreamed of finding a man who liked me who treated me like I was the reason for the sunrise a man who ignited a Sizzle inside of me from the sparks in his eyes every time they caught mine i’ tried I’d made it almost all the way through

College without much luck but now I’d finally found him gray was the one I knew it we just had to get this whole pesky not telling me things out of the way my roommate had insisted I was seeing things that weren’t there maybe I was maybe this suspicion was all in my

Head I didn’t want to come across as the clingy type and push him away not happening not if I could help it how can you read me so well I asked you used to drop by every day credenza said we’re the most important people in your life I

Figured only a man could get in the way of that I placed my hands on my stomach but the action didn’t quell the butterfly swarm in there his name is gray Phillips squeals shredded the air all three of the ants looked my way now Delight in their faces and Illumination

In their eyes Felicity clutched a wrapped sausage to her chest forgetting all about the fridge door hanging wide open credenza shuffled over took me by the shoulders and plunked me into the nearest chair tell us everything he cute very treat you good so good much better than the last guy I’d liked Chris

Hunsaker from my botany class had been flirty he’d asked me out at the time I couldn’t go but I decided to return the favor as soon as I could I mean a guy had finally asked me out right I couldn’t let that go to waste the next

Week I asked Chris to go with me to a concert and he said no he’d informed me he had a girlfriend and had only asked me so I could go with his roommate whose date had bailed last minute I didn’t want to be someone’s last minute Resort

I wanted to be someone’s first choice and with gray I was it made me giddy inside just thinking about it with gray I was credenza was a master at the art of the single brow Rays that’s good cuz he’s going to deal with me if he don’t I

Placed a hand on one of hers how I loved these women how’ you meet him Maryann asked taking the chair opposite from me and resting her chin in her hands a dreamcloud gaze drifted over her eyes he’s a student at the University of Chicago too but we didn’t meet there he

Works at that bike repair shop free rain bikes a friend from work asked me to go with her while passing out flyers and he was there we HIIT it off he’s asked me to stop by every day since a communal sigh gusted from Felicity and Maryanne a scoff scratched from cen’s throat you’ve

Been dating him how long she asked in her no-nonsense way I fidgeted in my chair her question punctured the giddy thrill ballooning in my chest every time I stopped in to see him gray asked if I’d be coming again the next day being near him was high voltage it conducted

Enough energy to make me breathless and to make every one of my nerves stand on end and crave being closer he was scattering and exhilarating I was beyond crazy for him the man occupied all of my thoughts and his request to see me told

Me he wanted to be around me as much as I wanted to be around him but credenza question altered things slightly we liked each other but we weren’t exactly dating yet that was one reason I’d come over I intended to change that fact but I needed some advice I wanted more with

Gray but how could we take it further when he was keeping things from me I couldn’t start with that though they’d think he was a creep or something which was so not the case he’s taken me out for a few rides rides creden Interruption was insistent rolling her eyes Felicity nudged her bikes

Remember my mouth Twisted to fight another smile just through the park nothing drastic like mountain biking which I know he does we’ve held hands but I’m really hoping he’ll kiss me soon a kiss might make things more official the aunts immediately buted in with suggestions don’t let it move too

Fast take your time hun get to know each other better first just enjoy the new that’s what I’m saying it’ll move faster when you’re both ready arms folded credenza pursed her lips her expression remained sassy and she watched the other two until their advice died off once they were silent

She gave me a Curt nod easy you kiss him problem solved more laughing and gfas ensued but I couldn’t join in this time the truth was the thought had crossed my mind more than once gray was completely gorgeous his brown hair did the most adorable swoop above his brow he had inquisitive

And attractive eyes a perfect nose and the most incredibly kissable mouth his jaw was a work of art and his tall lean body was Temptation itself everything about him was appealing and when he touched me when he stood close my entire body both weakened and ignited as though

I was the powder and he was the flame the problem was I was a hopeless romantic I wanted a swept off my feet plunge head first kiss I wanted the kind of Kiss I’d never forget the kind that wound into me and worked its way into my finer Parts rearranging them to weave

Into me I’d never been in love before not that a kiss was a prerequisite to love but my romantic heart wanted it to be with the chemistry that charged the air every time I was around gray a kiss was completely possible which was why I couldn’t let it happen until I made sure

I wasn’t overreacting what’s that look for credenza asked the last time we talked he got a text I said knowing how Petty this was going to sound I’m not his girlfriend yet so he technically doesn’t owe me any explanations but it just seemed like something bothered him about it when I

Asked he didn’t really answer I just don’t want anything between us you know Felicity fidgeted her pale freckled skin splotched in a condemnatory way I narrowed my eyes at her was she keeping something from me too she shuffled to the bags on the counter and then Clarity

Came oh right my birthday moving on he’s entitled to his life Maryanne said smiling kindly once the two of you get closer then I’d be more worried about things like this the other two nodded their agreement and that settled my unease significantly getting closer to gray was definitely something I wanted

But it had to happen under the right setting stars aligning elements combusting Hearts thuing senses attuning all the essential pieces in their proper places not rushing experiencing sharing thriving acting on it because confiding in one another kissing each other was the most natural thing to do next

Because neither of us wanted to exist any longer without that connection I was getting fluttery just thinking about it easy you kiss him an entirely new scenario played out in my mind mind in seconds hadn’t the Stars already aligned the day gray and I met and every day

Since he needed to know I was someone he could confide in maybe then he could feel comfortable enough to tell me about things my heart thudded anytime he was near I was insanely aware of everything about him from the shape and breadth of his shoulders to the way he twirled his

Keys around his fingers to the line of his mouth and the way his upper lip moved when he spoke my breath bottled in my chest the ants chittering broke through my thoughts they were reminiscing about each of their first kisses about how romantic MaryAnn’s was and what a letdown felici was apparently

The boy had a runny nose and when he’d moved in her perfume had made him sneeze all over her the story earned another round of laughter we’re so happy for you Maryanne said once their mirth died down as though I just announced my engagement or something something the others nodded

Felicity chewed her lip a Telltale sign that she had something to say but was keeping it in since you’re here I’m assuming you haven’t seen gray yet today Maryanne asked gray even the sound of his name sent explosives twirling beneath my skin not yet I usually drop

By after student teaching but I wanted to tell you why I haven’t been by for a while credenza directed a nod at Felicity and then one to Mar an they then huddled around me I was hauled to my feet before I could finish what are

You we’re so glad you came by don’t stay away so long next time Maryanne ordered pushing me toward the door that’s right credenza said now get on over to that bike shop and get your kiss she swatted my backside as though I were still the child they’d raised instead of an adult

And hustled me out into the sunshine I lingered only moments before making my way to my car walking on a full charge could I do it walk into the bike shop and kiss him just like that I guess there was only one way to find out chapter

2 gray I balanced the bike on its back wheel and bounced several times locking my feet into place on the pedals and straining my forearms I maneuvered the bike with control pedaling forward slightly and then stilling I exhaled through a small part in my lips staring at the handlebars readying myself doing

Tricks like these took an insan amount of control pulse ticking I tightened my hands on the rubber grips tensed the muscles in my legs and pumped with the exertion I hefted the bike up onto the rail only to slip right off the other side dude Adrien said as I shredded my

Elbow against the sidewalk my bones vibrated beneath my skin on impact the bike skidded a few feet away it wasn’t the first time I’d Fallen while attempting a trick I should be used to it by now but pain lanced through my arm and hip making me winse several of the

Guys clapped their hands in mockery of my spill good thing you’ve got those braces ol said indicating the pads I’d secured around my elbows and knees he’d uprighted my bike and wheeled it to where I lay on the sidewalk the sun blazing overhead wasn’t the reason my

Face was hot rri laid the bike against the tree nearest to the frat house and then offered me a hand thanks bruh I took my brother’s offer of help and then examined the blood streaking from the wound on my forearm unlike the other guys here at the fraternity rri was my

Actual brother Adrien approached casually drinking from the bottle in his hand before gesturing toward me with it never fight with the sidewalk it always wins tell that to the bike I said wincing sharp pains jabbed up my leg with every step I took but I staggered

To retrieve my trick bike and with both hands on the handlebars I wheeled it toward the garage though several of the frat brothers were out front and the likelihood of my bike being stolen was slim I still didn’t want to risk it two of the brothers stood off to the side

While another slack lined on the tether they tied between the two large trees on the lawn others lounged drinking beers and laughing together Adrien stepped away from them and stroe with me toward the garage he was one of the leaders here at Sigma and I was relieved that we

Got along as well as we did especially since he was an upper classman with his dark hair and trimmed Scruff with the confident Swagger and Stern expression he gave off a don’t mess with me vibe that I tried to imitate though I’d never admit as much to anyone at least I

Wasn’t filming when I biffed it I said leading the bike into the Large Garage behind the house I guided the wheel into the rack and secured my lock around it the leaders ensured that the garage and sheds were locked at the end of the day

But I still didn’t want to take a chance I’d had this bike since I was 14 I knew its quirks like a hunter knew his gun is that what you’re working toward Adrian asked you still trying to post videos yeah I said I have a few on my

Channel but it’s pretty new the better I do in the videos the more views I’m hoping to get even though I was going to school at the University of Chicago and working toward my business degree a huge part of me hoped I’d never have to use

It YouTube was a big deal and I wanted to be a big deal on it I’d been biking since I was a kid both trick and mountain biking I’d started posting tutorials about m ing tricks a few months ago and had a small following but

With that start I figured I had as good of a chance as anyone at being a YouTuber as my profession someday I’d get there I don’t know Adrien said I think people might like seeing the screw-ups maybe I said securing the bike and ambling back out into the sunshine

So many of my afternoons were spent at skat parks on this bad boy on sidewalks and stair rails and anything else I could find that was stable enough to support my weight the bike definitely showed signs of scratches in use I fingered the handlebars where the grips

Were all but crumbling you working today Adrien asked closing the garage door behind him yeah I’m starting to think you’d go to the store even if you weren’t on the schedule for today she’s coming isn’t she Pete filled my chest at the thought of Bria the brick frat house

Had three levels pointed rooftops and a tower in front the name Sigma fyo was declared in bold lettering above the front door and the Greek letters were painted on the side as well I climbed the front steps and Adrien entered the house first I don’t think so I said Bria

Had told me she had something else to take care of today and wouldn’t be stopping in even so I couldn’t help the anticipation that maybe she would stop by anyway too bad you won’t be able to show her your battle wound Adrien indicated the arm I cradled blood caked my skin

She’d make a hot nurse he smirked at this before ambling toward the stairs to the left she would I said picturing Bria in one of those hot nurse Halloween costumes and chuckling she had the legs for it that was for sure Adrien had seen her when

He’d stopped by the bike shop during my interview process before I’d been inducted into sigy row as one of the officers he’d had a hand in my selection I wasn’t sure if that was what made him so interested in me but whatever it was we’d become friends since that process I

Sauntered into the bathroom and dug through the cabinet for the first aid supplies that was the cool thing about a fraternity something I hadn’t expected everything was extremely organized here they definitely took good care of us udora kept things stocked and Essentials in place she was the fraternity grandma

Or so we all teased I wasn’t sure but I’d heard this colossal house used to belong to her and she donated it to Sigma FY when her sons had gone to college a thousand years ago let’s just say it she was old I wasn’t sure where her sons were now graduated and long

Gone with their own lives probably I did what I could to clean up the blood the wound was smaller than I expected a gashing scrape on the forearm I’d landed on my bones achd as well as though they’d been bruised on impact maybe they had been the front door crashed open and

Feet stampeded through rumbling as though an entire football team caremed into the house here toss it here someone shouted turning to face the door and running backward as he lifted his arms in expectation of the catch the guy near the door aimed the football in his hand

And tossed it just before he was barreled into by two others not in the house boys Adrien called from above with a smirk in his tone save the fooling for tonight laughing breathing hard the guys clapped one another on the back and marched toward the kitchen I chuckled I

Loved the energy here at Sigma fyo it felt like something was always happening and I thrived on that my home life had been a drag with just rri and me my parents worked multiple jobs to make ends meet and our atmosphere hadn’t exactly been loving it’ been begrudging

Like our parents blamed us for having to work so much feeling wanted feeling like I belonged that was everything after dashing up to my room and changing into a clean shirt checking my hair and teeth in the mirror I hurried out to my car and drove across Hyde Park to Fifth

Avenue where free rain bikes was located the sidewalk bustled as usual with homeless people Shoppers or those on their way to the bus stop to head into the city as soon as I entered the shop a tiny ache ped in my chest Bria had said she wasn’t coming in today why did I

Hope she would anyway hi gray Kiara said smiling at me her silvery brown hair was pulled tightly back in a simple ponytail she stood behind the register and tapped a few times on the device’s screen hey I said passing to the back where my name tag and the time clock

Were located once clocked in I meandered back out to the floor the cool thing about working at a bike shop was that the boss didn’t mind if I messed around in fact he said he preferred it because my goofing often caught customers attention I wheeled one of the used

Models parked to the side of the newer versions slung my leg around the rim of the bike placed my feet on the pedals and balanced it upright bouncing the tires a few times pain from my fall earlier resonated slightly but I ignored it if I could have my way I would do

Nothing but bike all day long did you have class today Kira asked she circled around and leaned against the front of the counter folding her arms and watching me yeah I said this morning I balanced on the back wheel and spun the handlebars a few times some

Tricks I’d worked so hard to master now came as easy as breathing I let the front wheel touch the ground with slow control business and accounting I added does that mean you have a lot of homework this weekend why do you ask Kiara smiled I wondered if you’d thought more about

That blind date Saturday I withheld a groan and dismounted the bike against my leg about that Kier was old enough to be my mom she’d been my manager for months now and we had a pretty good relationship so of course she’d want to see me settle down and happy with someone she’d mentioned

An old high school friend who wanted to set her daughter up with someone handsome and reliable against my better judgment and the advice of the frat brothers I’d agreed wouldn’t you know it the very next day I’d met Bria Cox Bria and I had hit it off she had blushed and

Flirted and completely took over me the minute I met her I knew I couldn’t let her walk out the door without asking her to come back and see me and she had now she stopped by the bike shop every day every day my interest in her reached Sky

Level I just hadn’t told Kiara as much Kiara had texted me about the blind date yesterday while Bria had still been here I’d spent too long staring at the text I knew from the Curious way Bria had watched me from the Curiosity in her eyes I knew she wondered what the text

Had been about I wasn’t going going to tell her I’d been set up with anyone else not when she was all I wanted don’t tell me you’re backing out now Kiara said reading whatever hesitation was on my face her comment made me realize I’d never replied it was now or never The

Floodgate was open might as well let it all out you know I’ve been seeing Bria lately seeing her yes but you two aren’t seeing each other are you she emphasized the word I supposed I’d give her that talking every afternoon and taking the occasional bike ride didn’t constitute

Dating but dang I liked Bria she was addictive sweet and totally reeled me in in fact I wasn’t sure I’d ever met someone who disarmed me the way she did she’d struck me from the start the fact that she had a personality that only illuminated her attractive features like

A ray of sunlight on water ratcheted my attention higher every time we were together and made me crave her company when we weren’t I’m not interested in meeting anyone else I said I could ask Kiara to butt out but she was kind as far as managers went and helpful and I

Knew she had my best interest in mind she was also right about one thing nothing had happened with Bria yet while my mind strummed the thought my heart sang something else I missed her I missed bria’s bright eyes and tinkling laugh I missed her recap of her day and

The way she found ways to stand closer to me I was torn about finding the right way to word things with Kiara when the bell to the shop chimed my heart stuttered I blinked a few times to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating my Palms went clammmy the strength left my knees

I couldn’t remember the last time a woman had this effect on me to make me rail at the side of her but she did Bria Cox was in the store and she was a freaking goddess her long flax and hair spiraled in ribbons down her shoulders

And the green sweater she wore not only accentuated her in a way I could stare at all day long but it was also a stunning addition to her creamy skin and matching eyes traces of pink splotched her cheeks Chicago had embraced the springtime earlier than usual this year

With daffodils and tulips sprouting all over the place but the air was still brisk and the thought that she was cold made me want to warm her up the flush on her cheeks was also possibly thanks to her excitement at seeing me too and that filled my chest

With satisfaction and made me want to wrap her in my arms either option left me with an excuse to hold her and that was fine by me my manager made a little noise that sounded like clear ing her throat and she busied herself with something I didn’t really know what

Guess that ended that conversation no big deal if it came down to it I could get the blind date out of the way one night a few hours of making nice and then I could take things with Bria to the next level if she was open to that

Man I hope she was open to that the fact that she was here now when she’d said she wouldn’t be dropping by spoke volumes I wheeled the bike back to its place and leaned it against the wall from how still Bria remained I wondered if something was wrong her eyes glistened with

Exhilaration that gave her features a vibrant appeal almost as if she was having a hard time staying so motionless as if she were fighting herself though for what I couldn’t tell what had her energy so pent up like that hey beautiful I said dusting my hands to

Remove a few flecks of rubber I didn’t think you were coming by bria’s chest Rose and fell and the pink flush still hadn’t left her cheeks she seemed frantic and stressed what had her so agitated without a word she snatched my hand and yanked me past the counter and

Through The Swinging Doors what are you doing I asked she’d never acted this sneaky before it was mysterious it was attractive who was I kidding everything she did was attractive the storage area in the back held cardboard boxes waiting to be unpacked Hardware waiting to be sold and accessories and other

Merchandise the sense of metal and oil were strong with this one Bria didn’t stop until she tugged me halfway down the aisle with tubes pedals and replacement hand grips are we alone back here she asked she was breathless why was she breathless mostly I wasn’t sure where Kiara had gone to her office

Probably she could handle the register for me if a customer came in I couldn’t take much time back here but a minute or two with her wouldn’t hurt bria’s teeth trapped her full bottom lip she peered from one side to the other almost almost guiltily you

Won’t lose your job being back here with me will you I think we’re good on that score I said what’s up I was immensely aware of just how alone we were every molecule in the air around us droned with Flare and sensitivity to that fact her body was warm alluring and I

Couldn’t keep myself from touching her the skin of her forearm was soft beneath my fingertips awareness flickered in her eyes and she gnawed her lip again I need to talk to you and she tilted in her chest pressed against mine shooting my blood into hyperdrive her gaze flickered to my

Mouth and lingered there so long my breath hitched my hands settled on her hips that sweater was just as soft as I imagined then her eyes trailed back to mine I need to do something before I lose my nerve she finished on a whisper oh man the lack of sound in her voice

Undid me the way her eyes kept darting to my lips and the increased desire there poured the same desire down the center of me I’d imagined kissing Bria countless times the fact that she charged in Full Steam and appealingly confident swayed my yearning for her all

The more I hooked my hands behind her back tugging her closer against me letting her know I was okay with where she was going this beautiful woman was going to kiss me had I ever felt my pulse pound like this before her chin angled up her lips parted her eyelashes

Fluttered it took all of my self-control not to lay one on her and claim her mouth like I was yearning to she’d initiated this I’d let her see it through besides I was enjoying the buildup more than I ever thought I’m waiting I muttered with a smile I wasn’t just waiting I was

Craving her mouth on mine for some reason this seemed to be the wrong thing to say the charge between us dowed bria’s gumption deflated my heart collided against my ribs and yet instead of seeking impact she retreated just enough to lift her lap es and display uncertainty this isn’t romantic at all

Is it she asked the low secretive tone in her voice made waves inside me actually it’s pretty sexy her fingers found the hair at my nape she lowered from her toes breathing hard and staring at my collar bone as if sense wormed its way through whatever impulse she’d been

Acting on I held tight now that she had instigated the moment I was ready to see it through Kiara’s blind date be hanged I was ready to kiss Bria until her to curled is something wrong I asked a sense of defeat crashed over her she backed away farther and though I wanted

To keep her close I let her go I I’m sorry the pink in her cheeks deepen to Scarlet don’t be I let some bad advice get the better of me this was interesting what advice my aunt told me to kiss you I nearly laughed but I could

Read the conflict in her demeanor I’m not seeing the she couldn’t be more wrong and I had to make sure she knew as muchh do you say we go out tonight I said maybe we can give whatever almost happened back there another try her smile was The Dawn I wanted to

Hold her against me for as long as she’d let me but I had a few things to take care of first I’d canel that date Kiara had set up for me and I still had to figure out the best way to go about this because I knew one thing kissing Bria

Was going to be amazing if only I’d known it wasn’t going to happen like we both thought chapter 3 Bria I hardly recognized myself what had I been thinking I couldn’t believe I trooped into the bike shop and thrown myself at gray the aunts had given me a dose of

Their crazy that was all it was and yet gray hadn’t been put off in fact looking back and remembering the sultry need in his half- lited eyes and the way he’d held me the things he’d said part of me wished I’d followed through my nerves worred with anticipation tonight he was

Going to kiss me tonight I twisted the flat iron through a lock of my hair and let it fall feeling its heat through my shirt and then selected another strand where was he taking me I should have asked more questions but I’d been too stirred up by his suggestion of

Replaying Our Moment I was like this every time he was around though dizzy shaken up flirtatious and certain I was dreaming a man like gray couldn’t be interested in me he was confident handsome funny and he always showed a genuine interest in the things I had to

Say I loved watching him talk and laugh with customers who came into the shop in fact I’d worried about visiting him there as often as I did while he was working it’s not a big deal he’d insisted the first few times I’d stopped by to see him after sad and I had popped

Into the store to post flyers for a thing at the school I worried what his boss might think of my taking his attention away from work especially when he was on the clock he’d insisted my visits were fine regardless I always bought something every time I went

Usually a candy bar just to ease my guilt I also made sure to only stay for 10 15 minutes tops that left us enough time to chat about my student teaching customers who popped in how the day was going and other pleasantries I love those tidbits of

Time together but I wanted more I was so ready for more once my hair was curled I set the flat iron on the counter and I replayed Our Moment In the stacks the heat of his body against mine the way his hands had fully welcomed my advances

He was completely gorgeous even in my memory I’d met his manager Kiara as well as a few other associates he worked with a sick feeling swelled in my stomach what if one of them had seen us what if his boss had chosen that day to stop in

What if a customer had needed a part that was located in the same aisle i’ dragged him to I also hadn’t mentioned mention anything about the text he’d been so absorbed by maranne was right he was entitled to his life hopefully after our kiss our connection would deepen as

Well and he would open up to me a little more my phone vibrated startling me and Searing me with relief all at once I leapt to answer it the screen displayed an image of my three favorite eccentric women oh no too soon my stomach sank they were probably calling to follow up

On that kiss what was I going to tell them that I wimped out at the last minute I tapped video chat and propped the phone up on my counter so I could finish getting ready hey you three what’s up I’d never known who my real parents were one of

The aunts adopted me when I was a baby though when I’d asked which of them it was they claimed they all did to this day I didn’t know which of them it was though the ants were all special to me and were the best Mothers a girl could

Have hoped for I still couldn’t help but wonder who my real parents were especially with a milestone like turning 21 coming up did my birth parents know where I was did they ever think about me like I often wondered about them you took off before getting details about

Your party Felicity said I couldn’t help but laugh you kicked me out remember after several seconds I prodded so there’s going to be a party Felicity ignored this Saturday Senior Center 2 p.m. hence the bags of goodies and Auntie Liss was trying to hide from me I

Was wondering if you were throwing me a party what with all that paraphernalia you brought home while I was there nothing gets past you Maryanne said with a laugh we were going to keep it a secret but how many times does your favorite niece turned 21 my thoughts strayed to the sketchy

Way Felicity had acted time to do some digging why keep it a secret I asked what aren’t you telling me nothing Felicity said too quickly Auntie Liss you’re terrible at keeping things in it’s just don’t you dare spoil it Maryanne interrupted flinging her hand in front of the others the girls got to

Have something to look forward to she’ll never expect this credenza said in the background I smiled and then parted my lips leaning closer to the mirror to dab on my rose-colored lip gloss my lips budded like apple blossoms by the way how’d the kiss go Maryanne asked there it was I took a

Steadying breath that didn’t work in the slightest it didn’t I said tightening the lid oh honey one started with sympathy but credenza cut her off that’s just as well because your hairbrained Aunt over there did a fool thing she only told us after you left it’s not a

Fool thing Felicity argued it’s romantic I didn’t know she already had someone my heart caught I set down my lip gloss and picked up my phone the ants faces were wedged into the screen and staring back at me what are you talking about I asked is this part of the surprise it was

Supposed to be but I think you need to know under the circumstances don’t say a word Maryanne warned this guy she told us about isn’t even a sure thing she set you up on a blind date cedena said my mouth dropped blind date no I’m saying no cancel it

But I thought the kiss didn’t go well it felt like I was trying to hold ice cubes underwater how could I help them understand it didn’t happen yet I’m going out with gray tonight and heat flushed through me it’s a possibility please cancel the blind date Felicity muttered something that sounded like how

Rude would that be but Maryanne spoke in my favor if she doesn’t want the date she shouldn’t be forced into it but we had this setup before we knew about him technically we have dibs dibs there were no dibs in my dating life if there were gray would have them already credenza

Turned on Felicity Would You Let It Go please an argument broke Out Among the three of them one that I couldn’t help but be amused by how they’d ever managed to live together for so long and not kill each other was a small miracle and yet at the end of the day someone

Compromised put the other first and it ended up being cupcakes and rainbows among them again I glanced at the clock it was almost 7 which was weird because I hadn’t heard or seen my roommate at all yet my date was soon I needed to cut this short I’m

Sorry to ruin your surprise I said the ants turned to the screen instantly derailed oh sweetie Maryann began you didn’t there’s still would you take the phone away from her before she goes and ruins everything credenza snapped the girls got to have something to keep her

Hopping still what I asked I should have known they always planned big bashes for my birthdays not laurelai Gilmore big but outstanding enough to make me feel like I was their whole world whatever you’re talking about no blind dates felicity’s features fell but Maryann and credenza nodded their

Agreement I didn’t want them to think I was ungrateful but I knew when it came to these three sometimes a girl had to be firm to make sure she was heard I summoned a smile thank you for the party I’ll come but do you mind if I bring

Gray with me the ants hesitated Felicity wrenched her hands credenza nudged her with a glare before smiling at the screen no sugar you bring him all you want we can’t wait to meet him the clench in my chest released its hold I grinned gray was going to love these

Three eccentric goofballs I couldn’t wait for him to meet them more than that though bringing gray would mean exactly what I hoped for things between us were getting serious a quiver filled my lungs first I had a date with him tonight and then my birthday party would he agree to

Come thank you all I’ll let you know how tonight goes Puck her up Maryanne said a round of Giggles erupted from the others and I ended the call hugging the phone to my chest lightness fluttered inside of me and I relished it picturing just how tonight would go gray would pick me

Up knowing him he would have bikes ready for us to ride through the park like we’d done a few times before we’d stop beneath a cluster of trees and he would rest his bike against the tree trunk and Swagger over he’d wrap his strong arms

Around me it would be my first kiss I couldn’t think of anyone better to share that with the door crashed open and I jolted my pulse bolting like a racehorse gray wouldn’t barge into my apartment it had to be sad she appeared in the opening between the hall and the sink

Area of the bathroom s’s blonde hair was bobbed short and flared up at the ends behind her ears we worked together at the elementary school though stie was an actual teacher there she taught third grade I student taught in the room across from hers we’d become roommates a

Few years ago when Sati first started working at the school and I’d still been in my elementary Ed classes and we’d hit it off and become fast friends are you just getting back from the school I asked her if so she’d been working late I was helping helping a few of the

Teachers and parents plan the school carnival stie said slinging her bag on the floor and resting against the wall as though she were exhausted she probably was after working all day and then staying after for several more hours to help that was what she got for being on the PTA board you’re looking

Foxy stie said got a hot date as a matter of fact I do and a car pulled into the vacant spot in front of our unit and excitement lurched through me I’d never never seen Gray’s car before was that him if so his wheels were nice how did a college student who worked

Part-time afford something like that too soon the driver stepped out it was an older man with graying hair hm not gray a little warning lodged itself into my chest but I brushed it off and peered at the time on my phone sad rested a hand on the wall and peered past me toward

The door not him he’ll be here soon he’s picking me up at 7 sweet stie trudged past her discarded bag and into her room I’ve got to throw some items together for the craft we’ll be doing next week what’s this one for The Tale of Peter

Rabbit she grinned I would have loved to have Satie as my elementary school teacher stie did these picture book studies where she centered the kids activities around a classic story the activities she came up with were epic and engaging bringing the book to life in a completely different and memorable

Way that the kids went nuts over they know I love it I really don’t mind doing something special for them I know how hard they work and how much they adore these books I sort of heard everything she said I was a bad friend and distractedly

Kept glancing at my phone it was a few minutes past 7 that wasn’t like him I didn’t even realize stie had gone into her room until she popped her head back out of it again everything okay she asked stepping out in a pair of sweats and a t-shirt there was nothing like

Changing into something comfortable after being DED up and tense all day I’ll give him a few more minutes don’t want to seem too eager why not she grinned again you like him be eager I smirked at that and typed out the text I’d been dying to send me you

Coming I waited and waited he didn’t reply the warning that had been circling behind my sternum took hold with full force was something wrong it wasn’t like gray not to reply without fail since we’d met he always responded almost instantly whenever I texted I sank onto the couch

Feeling as though I had just stepped into a booby trapped burial chamber pounds of sand poured in on every side wedging me down keeping me from moving Sadie sat beside me watching me with concern want me to drive you over there she offered maybe he’s had some kind of

Emergency I shook my head worded off my disappointment and sent another text me is everything okay the wait for a reply was Agony I couldn’t help but file through various situations that could be keeping him from seeing my messages maybe he’d left his phone at the shop

Maybe he’d gotten in an accident on the way home and was in the ER or the worst one maybe he was deflecting because he didn’t want to date me after all that last notion was ludicrous anyone who THS together could tell from the way he looked at me that he was into

Me he’d even told me he was he’d called me sexy I’d never been called sexy before he wouldn’t have said that if he didn’t mean it which meant something had gone wrong and I was dying to know what it was chapter 4 gray I couldn’t see much

With the bag over my head my shift only lasted 3 hours once Joe arrived and clocked in I left him to handle the evening and stepped outside to my Toyota with the intent to drive home as quickly as I could and get ready for my date with

Bria except I never made it to my car men wearing white masks of what looked like mythological creatures stalked toward me the horned masks covered everything but their mouths giving me full view of their derisive Smiles not so fast one of the masked men said my pulse hammered my fists clenched

And blood sliced through my veins like knives I didn’t doubt that I could handle one or two attackers but 10 I could hold my own in a fight if it came down to it I’d gotten jumped at the skat Park once and stood my ground until the

Mugger who had attacked me had a few more guys flank him at that point all I could do is give up and hand over my wallet I lifted my hands back off I told them making my voice as assertive as possible one of them laughed before I could think another lunged for me

Grabbing my arms and securing them behind my back back I fought I wried against his hold but two others joined him helping him hold me and someone else slipped a cloth bag over my head and here I was sitting in the vehicle they’d shove me into air was limited beneath

The fabric I strained against the bands securing my wrists behind my back but movement was impossible dread gripped my lungs making them pump faster I wasn’t sure I’d ever felt this helpless before my attempts to fight back were useless anxiety stitched through my thoughts the longer the drive continued who were

These guys what were they doing why had they targeted me I could only hope someone had seen them abduct Me but even if they had what good would that do these guys were masked wary my pulse thuing harder than was healthy I sat in the vehicle and molded through my

Options I had nothing to barter with them for my family wasn’t wealthy heck I wasn’t sure the last time I’d even spoken to my parents parents it had to have been before R and I had left for college I’d put off pursuing a higher education until rri 2 years my junior

Began looking into it his interest lit a fire under me as well and when the two of us had both been accepted at the UFC that conversation had ended with Dad voicing his pride in our going to school as a reflection of his future security rather than

Ours two boys going to college my retirement’s looking better already I wasn’t sure what he expected that olrick and I would hit it big and then support them maybe I’d probably help them out if I had to but still The Parting thought was insulting to say the least considering the little interest

Dad showed in our lives at any other time my thoughts strayed back to my kidnappers I was a poor college student I had nothing to offer these guys it was the whole reason I joined a fraternity like Sigma FY because they offered financial assistance to their freighter

Maybe these guys belong to a competing fraternity maybe they were going to use me as a bargaining chip of some kind I wasn’t sure it would work though I could hear the men around me breathing and laughing no one else in the vehicle said a word what are you doing I asked

Once the vehicle slowed I couldn’t be sure but it felt as though we’d changed Direction Where are you taking me no questions will be answered one of them said the voice stilled me I couldn’t be sure slid open and after the sound of several people exiting someone grabbed my shirt

And tugged me when I didn’t move as quickly as they wanted they clapped a hand behind my head and pulled me out forcefully my shoes struck gravel from the change in the light that I could discern through the fabric over my face the sky was darker outside dis quiet

Filled my stomach that couldn’t be the last I saw of her I had to get out of this let me go I said giving it another attempt no one respond responded but footsteps sounded on the gravel and then I was herded along with them the fact

That no one said anything the fact that so many others were with me gorged me with a new kind of suspicion that helped to ease some of my worries the likelihood of a group of men kidnapping me after work was slim one or two men maybe but I knew just where to

Find a group of dudes it could have been a competing fraternity but if it was wouldn’t they have indicated as much some somehow no something told me this had to do with Sigma row we entered a building where the air was musty and cool the silence continued as they conducted me forward

And then I was told to step down the stairs continued and my apprehension gave way to curiosity and irritation if this was the fraternity what were they thinking here we are the same voice said before I knew what was happening the bag was removed from my head I shook took my

Hair from my eyes and gulped in the uninhibited air taking in my surroundings we stood in a dark room that looked to be built of stone and was lit only by candles positioned behind a half circle of the masked men I squinted attempting to orient myself from the

Look of things I wasn’t the only one who’d had his head bagged several others stood with me including my brother olrick and Wesley a man with glasses who joined the Frat around the same time rri and I had if I had to guess I’d say these two were abducted the same way I

Was which sucked I fought against my restraints what time was it did I have time to message Bria and let her know what was going on with my hands still tied behind my back I couldn’t reach for my phone ol’s eyes were wary and he looked pale and almost sick I couldn’t

Miss the fear shellacking his expression where had he been when they’d found him dude you okay I asked him silence one of the masked men said before ol could answer each of the men’s masks was identical white with horns a ribbed forehead and a sharp nose leaving the mouth uncovered

One man however wore a different mask his was black and covered his face completely he stepped forward and lifted the mask from his face I recognized the thin eyes and narrow features belonging to the president of the fraternity Shawn Wesley muttered on my other side Shawn Let The Mask drop to the floor

It clamored and echoed in the stone room now that the mask was removed his dark hair was visibly disheveled one at a time the others lifted their masks to reveal their faces as well though I didn’t yet know all of the guys at the Frat I recognized many of them including

Wills Adrians rivers and Hawks ol peered at me wearily they’d better not Haze us he muttered I think that’s exactly what doing I said though I had to agree with him I’d heard of the unsavory things other fraternities did to their members some of which endangered men’s lives I

Wasn’t too Keen to complete challenges that included drinking games vandalism or gang beatings that was one reason I’d chosen Sigma fyo rumor had it that they refrained from that kind of crap if they are I’m out Wesley said his glasses were skewed he wrinkled his nose and managed to write them since like

Olrick and me his hands were bound I couldn’t say the same I’d worked hard to get accepted here there had been an application and interview process that had been a pain to go through one of the enticements of being a member of Sigma row was the financial support the

Fraternity offered udora Wilson the woman who owned the house we lived in made significant contributions to scholarship opportunities for those of us who participated in the fraternity my YouTube channel wasn’t doing much yet I’d monetized it but it wasn’t making enough to pay for school I needed that

Financial support if I wanted to get through school without a heap of student loan debt when I finished I wasn’t about to go crawling back home to my parents Sigma fyo is set apart from other fraternities Sean began as president he often took charge and had

The final say in a lot of decisions we don’t adhere to the hard partying and hazing the shenanigans that potentially endanger you not in this Brotherhood I waited for one of the other upper classman standing behind him to make a snide statement about that but they stood with their shoulders straight

And their heads High their posture declared pride in Sigma fyro and that fact made me respect them a little more academics are Paramount for Sigma fyo Shawn went on his hands clasped before him academics come before anything else family friends jobs even women someone in the lineup behind him

Whooped I suspected it was Adrian I smiled at that Adrien had just ended a relationship with a girl he dated back home I assumed the whoop was in response to the fact that he was now a free man it’s why your scholarship opportunities with Sigma row are unrivaled olrick and I exchanged a

Glance that was exactly why we were here we’d both had the grades and the right essay and countries to win us a spot in fact I’d worried with rri’s intellectual prowess that mine would be overlooked the guy was a mathematical genius and had been in every AP class our high

School offered fortunately though openings had been limited I’d been selected too I wasn’t going to blow that chance your position at Sigma fyo is not guaranteed it requires dedication if you want to stay we need reassurance and additional proof of your commitment we need to see that you’re all

In I didn’t like the sound of this beside me olrick and Wesley shifted as though they had similar thoughts what do we need to do I asked pulling at my arms and wishing I could free my hands the restraints were starting to wear on my wrists my arm was

Already sore from biffing it earlier you’ve got to prove your falty Adrien said with a smirk standing behind Shawn Adrien crossed his arms over his chest and tossed his chin up beside him will another upper classman nodded in agreement I braced myself what could they require of us I wasn’t

Willing to break the law for this was I what would they want us to do chapter 5 gray Shan began to Pace in front of the half circle of upper classmen the clap of his footsteps on the stone elevated my unrest udora Wilson had two sons he

Began Finn and Richard they were among the first members of Sigma fire row when the fraternity was founded the two brothers were born Rivals it seemed to Finn as though Richard got everything he set out to achieve while Finn struggled to keep his head above water in many

Aspects of his life including academics including love several of the guys behind him sniggered Sean’s lips turned up at the corners and he continued pacing I didn’t know the frats origin story and couldn’t help my curiosity what did this have to do with why we were here Finn struck out in every

Relationship he was in Shawn went on meanwhile Richard seemed to strike gold he found Lauren more whooping broke Out Among the men along with several bouts of laughter their reactions lightened the mood considerably some of the tension eased from my shoulders though I still wish they’d release my hands Lauren was a be

She was easy on the eyes and had all the guys salivating over her every time she was around but that wasn’t enough for Lauren of all the men she could have gone with she picked Richard Sean clapped his hands together in contemplation we all know Sigma fyo

Was founded as an institution to support students that’s how it was then too Richard had it made he and Finn’s father passed away leaving them with a substantial sum in addition to what they’d left as a legacy to members of Sigma fyo as the eldest Richard’s portion was larger than

Finn’s this was another fact that made Finn wrie with jealousy it caused a fair amount of Discord between the brothers to the point where good old Richie was tempted to write Finn off one of the upper classmen tised Shawn went on well Lauren caught wind of The Inheritance and she was hot right

The guys laughed again sea chuckled she had Richard so wrapped around her finger he was whipped even though he was in his 20s she convinced Richard to create a will and to make her the sole beneficiary the men behind Shawn began making grunting noises in their throats

The noise was soft as though the sound were some kind of buildup to the point of his story I had to say the effect made an impact anticipation strung through the room as their grunting echoed behind Shawn Finn saw right through her he warned Richard not to do

It Richard didn’t listen the men added a pitiful noise of disappointment before returning to their chanting grunts which gradually became louder with every word Shawn spoke a short time later Richard was found dead behind the Frat House the men gave a final heaving Grunt and then silence followed chills swept over my

Arms in the resulting hush no foul play was found Sean said breaking the Grim silence Lauren was suspected but they found no proof of her guilt so she disappeared taking good old Richard’s inheritance with her he remained silent for several more seconds I wasn’t sure I believed the

Story but if it was true that was twisted sick and twisted Finn was left to oversee the fraternity and ensure it didn’t fall into disrepair though Lauren had ditched taking a significant amount of the Wilson inheritance Finn still had his portion udora had made the Legacy money untouchable

And Finn invested his portion of the inheritance into that fund to ensure it would be protected with this investment he also took a greater interest in those who attend Sigma fyo while increasing the fund that has helped countless students obtain their education in the years that have passed before he died Finn also

Increased his standards for future freighter to enjoy the investment and donations the fraternity continues to receive hm Sinister history unease snaked in my stomach for another reason though I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what the standard for future freighter was apparently rri had the same question

What standard he asked Shawn lifted his chin and angled his head back as though the question were directed at those behind him the men began parting they Sid stepped separating just enough to create a full circle around Wesley rri and me their Bor order enclosed Shawn in

With us as well so he stood much closer Shadows hinted at both light and darkness in Shawn’s face Finn knew love was Every Man’s downfall for the first time since he could remember he no longer envied Richard I mean he was dead right several men chuckled I couldn’t

Give in to the levity my guard was still up I still wasn’t sure what he was getting at Finn instigated what is known as the PCT a life long vow to never let a woman influence you the way Lauren did to Richard a pledge of permanent bachelorhood an oath that you’ll never

Fall in love hands behind his back Sean stalked until he stood directly in front of me I lifted my chin my defenses going on alert that is what is required of every member of Sigma fyro he stared me down and because he had a few inches on me

The effect had an authoritative impact my skepticism came in hard and fast was he for real so in order to stay in the Frat we have to promise never to fall in love I asked bria’s face instantly flashed before my mind I didn’t love her but I

Could he couldn’t tell me that every man who’d ever participated at Sigma FY had remained unattached the rest of his life this couldn’t be legit who made this kind of pledge the Brotherhood requires total compliance if you wish to remain at Sigma you will make this ultimate pledge never

To fall in love as well as we have Shawn and the others surrounding us lifted their chins and tucked their hands into their pockets well I’m out Wesley said he glanced around the room at the men with their faces lit up by flickering Candlelight which reflected in Wesley’s

Glasses I’ve got me a girl and I’m not letting her go if you want to leave we won’t stop you Shawn said gesturing to the stone steps leading to the exit behind us but if you leave tonight go straight to the house and pack your things I don’t want to see your ugly

Face when we get back Wesley hesitated only a moment his gaze tripped across the lineup of upper classman Shawn and then it wandered to ol at me slowly as if waiting for someone to contradict our president no one did Moment by moment the resolve in Wesley’s posture sharpened Hazel is my

Girl he said again by way of explanation I’m going to ask her to marry me I love her and everyone knows it she’d kill me if she heard I promised something as stupid as this the word stupid struck like a Gong beside Adrien Will’s fists clenched while the others simply looked at

Wesley’s departure with curiosity will was the only one who seemed upset by it the upper classmen lifted their chins but Adrian and Hawk stepped aside not barring Wesley’s way as he soldered toward the stone steps we’d been been ushered down I wondered how he was planning on getting back without a ride

I wasn’t sure how far out we were from the city but the drive had taken some time were they going to give him a ride back or would they expect him to make his own way and you the question wasn’t voiced by Shawn to my surprise and everyone else’s apparently judging by

The startlement on their faces will stepped out of the lineup to approach rri as though he had the right to olrick shuffled under the weight of Will’s Furious scrutiny Will’s jaw was tight his eyes shadowed and irate he breathed heavily his shoulders agitated his fists clenched at his sides

As though ready to lay a punch at the slightest provocation was he that bothered about Wesley leaving his intensity compressed the air compacting the lighter mood that had settled during Shaun’s story dude seriously rolling his eyes Shawn interceded he stepped between will and rri tapping will on the shoulder and

Indicating with his head to step back chest rising up and down breathing hard will peered at Shawn with neon hatred in his eyes was he really that enraged righto for what tension between the two strung through the entire room Adrien inched forward as if to intervene on

Shaun’s behalf will slid him a glance and then as if thinking better of it sense seemed to override his Fury his shoulders slackened his chin lowered with shuffling steps he muttered an apology and retreated to where he’d stood before Wesley had left that was interesting Shawn took several moments

Along with a few cooling breaths before lifting his head and approaching not olrick but me it was almost as though he were exerting his authority by not questioning rri first as will had done something was going on between those too a power struggle of some kind

I wondered if Will was like that all the time did he think he should be president or something and you Sean said standing before me and stealing my attention I thought this was a fraternity not a monastery I said I couldn’t help the derision in my tone were they taking

Vows of celibacy too this was absurd we never said you couldn’t date Sean said from his smile I could tell he was trying to ward off the tension that had taken place moments before he crossed his arms over his chest as cocky as ever you just can’t fall in

Love I waited for the ball to drop this couldn’t be serious dating was still a distraction to our academics sure falling in love was even more of a distraction but the threat was still thinly veiled I glanced the men’s faces their expressions were a mixture of solemnity Challenge and in Adrian and

Hawk’s cases bemusement this had to be a joke they’d all entered this I asked Sean straightened his shoulders every man here has made the pledge was that why will was so angry that Wesley had chosen not to though will had returned to his place in the lineup his nostrils flared with every

Breath I narrowed my eyes and took in the other men here wondering what their stories were Adrien I knew had been dating a woman named Danica Foster for years before coming to school he’d recently broken up with her was this packed why do we have to decide tonight

Olrick said Shan lowered his hands the offer is before you you won’t leave this room until we have your answer in addition to its initial investment over 50 years ago the donations received by Sigma fyo are part of the fund Finn started this fraternity has devoted money into a huge treasury to

Potentially pay for your education and the pacta is a way to ensure you keep your mind and time focused on academic a pledge to Never Fall in Love while we were at school maybe but promising as much lifelong there was no way besides what did they do to enforce it kick us

Out I thought again of Bria she was an electric shock to my existence I didn’t want to stop seeing her but I needed the scholarship from Sigma FY and it sounded like this packed was the way to get it this was a joke it had to be that was

What all hazing was wasn’t it sure I said I’ll do it they couldn’t possibly hold us to this for our entire lives even if I did fall in love with Bria the guys wouldn’t have to know there was no way to monitor someone’s feelings I needed the money to help pay for my

Schooling I could still date her graduate move on and marry her if we wanted the whooping started again both low and high-pitched cat calls resonated through the room as the upper classman cheered on my decision me too all said beside me he lifted his chin I’m in their cheers escalated I hadn’t

Noticed Adrienne step away but he returned now with a tablet in hand he passed it to Shawn Who removed a stylus from the side and handed both stylus and tablet to me sign then brother sea said with superiority join our Brotherhood fighting the temptation to

Roll my eyes I took the stylus from him and examined the single line below the sigma r logo I had to get out of here I still needed to text Bria so she didn’t think I’d completely ditched out on her tonight tipped to the screen I scrolled out my signature gray Henry Phillips

Olrick signed too and then we were granted masks like those the others wore as I slipped mine on my chest undulating with satisfaction had being fully included a sliver of worry sank in as well though I knew it was all a joke I I hoped I hadn’t just made a

Mistake chapter 6 Bria I clutched the bowl of popcorn to my chest and shoveled handful after handful into my mouth its buttery sweetness the cushy comfort of my favorite sweats and slippers and the image of the actress trying to hack into a block of ice with her heel to get her

Credit card from inside in one of my favorite movies didn’t do their usual job I couldn’t stop thinking about gray what had happened was he okay the least he could have done was call to cancel on me rather than just ghosting me his lack of communication made me

That much more worried we can drive to his bike shop STI suggested apparently the worry I experienced was interesting enough to distract her her attention was on me rather than on Confessions of a Shopaholic I shook my head it’s closed do you know where he lives maybe

We could go to his house I have no idea that’s the worst part of this how much I don’t know about him maybe there’s some way to look it up she said feebly I gave in to the fears crushing my lungs what if he got in an accident

On his way home what if he’s bleeding or dying on the roadside somewhere I wouldn’t even be able to help him if he was my stupid condition would make me pass out before I could give him mouth to mouth I so wanted to give him mouth to

Mouth you and your passing out stie said with a little smile she was well acquainted with my unique condition I’d never met anyone who had a similar difficulty anytime a person bled it didn’t matter whether the site came from a movie or in person one view of the

Viscous red Life Source made me topple faster than a Fed tree it had only happened once in front of her I told her about the other times the sight of blood had gotten to me I pounded a fist against the couch in frustration H I should have just kissed

Him earlier maybe tonight would have gone differently Maybe would still be together now and he would never have driven off without me to leave me in the dark maybe my phone vibrated I stared at the rectangle on the couch beside me my heart climbing into my throat his beautiful face filled the screen

Gradually a tick at a time my eyes lifted to meet sades it’s him she said he’s not dead on the roadside no I said all kinds of relieved and yet a new kind of dread filled me too I couldn’t seem to get my fingers to move I couldn’t get

Anything to move you’re killing me here stie said I stared at the screen it continued buzzing aren’t you going to answer it I don’t know I said meeting her blue eyes which reflected the glow from the TV what if I don’t like what he has to say what if he’s calling to say

He changed his mind and doesn’t want to date me anymore what if she groaned and rolled her eyes picking up the phone and slamming it into my hand I nearly dropped the bowl of popcorn I’d been devouring and hugged it to my chest inhaling The Buttery scent answer it she

Said or better yet call him back because you waited too long sure enough the call had ended my screen was dark pause the movie I said with purpose swiping open the phone and finding his number my blood marched through my system jacking everything up to Monumental speed my heart and lungs

Were in a sudden competition to see which of them could pump faster hey Bria gray said his voice was the most incredible sound I’d ever heard compound that with him saying my name the sound trickled through me embedding itself into my brain and making me fire on all

Cylinders I couldn’t let him know that though I had to play this cool his lack of communication had not unhinged my existence hey I paused and then it gushed out of me where are you okay so desperation W out over my logic so much for not letting him know I’m at the

ER I bolted upright this time the bowl of popcorn crashed to the carpet leaving a mess I knew I’d regret later you’re what I knew it I’ve been so worried about you what happened I’m okay I’m which hospital are you at I’m coming are they helping you are you there alone

Bria just let me me find my shoes I’ll be with you through this you shouldn’t have to Bria it’s not for me it’s my brother oh I sank onto the Couch’s armrest and stared at the glow from s’s fish tank near the hall entrance my heart was pumping far too fast the usual

Fainting symptoms I dealt with when being caught off guard mostly by the sight of blood started to show their colors my head was turning light my vision grew hazy I slipped to the couch cushion and waited hoping I wouldn’t lose it this time like I had many times

Before who was I kidding I couldn’t go to the hospital with him what if someone was bleeding what if his brother had been in an accident and was covered in blood there was no way I could handle that my presence there would do more harm than good the last time I’d gone to

A hospital had been during a field trip back in high school and I’d ended up having to be accompanied out by one of the teachers vaguely I remembered gray telling me about his brother rri who was also going to school at the University of Chicago were they

Roommates is he okay are you okay I’m fine he said and he sounded like he meant it we were out with some friends and on the way home my brother passed out I’m so sorry I didn’t call to let you know oh my goodness so you took him

To the ER yeah they’re getting him some fluids now the doctor said he was dehydrated he the guys I think they’re Antics were too much for him or something really why what Antics what had happened I don’t know they played a joke on us and took us to this remote

Place and I think the surprise was too much for rri I just I wanted to let you know what was going on I’m sorry about our date I was really looking forward to seeing you again my stomach squirmed at that I sank deeper into the couch I was

Too I’m just glad you aren’t dead on the roadside somewhere he chuckled like the thought of him dying was laughable me too I’m sorry I made you worry thanks we dithered in communal silence on the call for several moments Sadi remained on the couch movie paused and stared at me as

Though trying to glean answers from the air like some kind of audible osmosis I want a rain check gray said but it might have to wait until I get olrick back on his feet again until until I prodded what was wrong he sounded as though something more was going on than he was

Letting on did it have something to do with the guys they’d been hanging out with nothing he said sounding tired and defeated stupid Secrets why wouldn’t he tell me what was going on waiting is the worst I said deciding to let the matter go for now once we were together I’d ask

Him I know he said especially when you came at me like you did earlier I I’ve been looking forward to more of your company all night I shivered loving the sound of that I’d been anxious and unsure before but those uncertainties were fading fast rain Che it is I said I

Could come over keep you company while you help him we would have plenty of time together then I also wouldn’t mind seeing where he lived he hesitated too much for my liking ol is and the guys I’m not sure it’s a good idea you’re not why not I’ll talk to you

Later okay it looks like he’s coming too I wanted to protest no it was absolutely not okay don’t drop vague hints about your friend’s Antics being the reason your brother passes out and then leave me hanging but if his brother needed him I had to let him go oh okay sure I’m

Glad he’s getting some help and that you were with him me too sorry about all of this it’s okay I began but he hung up before I finished staring at my phone I released a sigh and all the pent up worry along with it stie eyed me with

Concern so she said his brother was hurt could you hear our conversation only bits and pieces stie said too bad you don’t know where he lives I know I’d go out there anyway I’m not scared of his brother except I suspected Gray’s hesitation at having me come over had to

Do with something else what had him so reserved all of a sudden I thought again of the secret I thought he’d been keeping from me before the ants had implied I was overreacting Maryann had said he was entitled to his own business which of course he was I

Just wanted to be included in his business gray had claimed it was nothing but was it was he hiding something else that prevented him from telling me where he lived why was I being so skeptical about this maybe you could find out stie began man how are you at

Sleuthing I rubbed my chin sitting up straighter and liking this more and more I can’t say I’ve ever really done it much before do you think his address is online somewhere a lot of business owners have to list their information on certain sites I’m not sure about

Employees or students though I bet you could find it giddy I went for my laptop and opened it I typed in the words gray Phillips and free rain bikes I expected a few hits some featuring men named gray Phillips and their information before finding the gray I knew at the top of

The search engine several pictures also appeared as did a handful of YouTube videos whoa Sadie said sidling in closer to me is that him I felt as though I was out of my body as though I was watching myself see what I was seeing why would gray have his picture all over the

Internet free rain bikes was popular but it wasn’t that popular these YouTube videos the these comments women gushing over how hot he was and how badly they wanted to be a guest on his channel he has a YouTube channel I said stie and I exchanged a glance didn’t you know no I

Said shaken though I wasn’t sure why was this his secret it couldn’t be having a YouTube channel wasn’t that big of a deal and it certainly was no reason to act all shady like he had on the phone we started clicking and searching one link led to a video featuring him on a

Trick bike scene by scene flashed of him in City settings balancing both tires on a rail riding another rail down a long set of stairs hopping the bike from one platform to another parkour style or soaring Sky High and flipping in midair while Landing flawlessly on the bike

Once more check him out stie said sounding impressed are you sure that’s gray I inched in closer eager for a glimpse of his face which was hard to see beneath the helmet and at all the different angles my finger tapped the space bar pausing the video at just the

Right time there I said pointing shaking disbelieving I’d know that face anywhere I saw it nightly in my dreams I pictured him constantly reliving his sweetest smiles and the glimpses of light in those eyes his jawline his straight nose my Palms clammed my body hummed we tapped on another video

This one of him shirtless and broadcasting every beautiful muscle on his defined tanned glistening torso a video I’d have to revisit when STI wasn’t around I was salivating that’s him I said oh my gosh he’s amazing Sadi indicated his Channel’s identity Philip’s bike flips and beside

The image of a trick bike as his icon it indicated over 8,000 subscribers he is I said but that still doesn’t tell us where he lives or what he was hiding from me I couldn’t be sure but from the additional comments he’d made during our conversation and the ones he refused to

Elaborate on there was something more to the way he ditched out on me tonight I wanted to know what that was because as much as I liked gray I didn’t want to be with someone who couldn’t confide in me chapter 7 Bria I knew it was stupid

But I couldn’t help but feel the slightest bit insulted how long have we known each other how long have I been going over there to see him and he’s never told me he’s like famous I mean 8,000 subscribers wasn’t a lot compared to the bigger channels but

It was enough maybe he didn’t know how stie said hugging a pillow to her chest and eating popcorn as though I were now the show you saw all the cool things he can do how come he’s never shown me that we’ve been out riding a few times and he

Just acts like a normal guy that’s that’s probably how he wants to be seen by you she said taking another handful of popcorn he probably wants you to treat him like a normal guy because he gets so many others fangirling over him you read some of those

Comments heat exploded in my face and a small twinge of jealousy twanged like a melody Out Of Tune yeah I did I was surprised YouTube allowed women to say that kind of thing to him so publicly I had the sudden stupid urge to reply to all their comments and tell them he was

Mine talk about possessive we hadn’t even kissed yet I had no right to go all territorial he is gorgeous I added thinking of the video of him shirtless I’d always found him attractive but after seeing that my mouth was still watering and he’s all yours stie smirked

I paced all over again and ran my hands down my face I don’t know about that I’ve been hoping he would be but this you’re not mad at him for keeping it a secret are you I no I’m not mad I’m just I wish he

Would have told me this is a huge part of his life that he’s kept from me I was hoping he and I were getting closer I he kept implying things during our conversation tonight on the phone what kind of things he’d said his brother was

In the ER but he also said it had something to do with the guys he was hanging out with you think his friends did something to his brother I rung my hands together he’d mentioned something about his friend’s antics had they done something I don’t know I’m probably just jumping to

Conclusions gray wouldn’t hang out with anyone if they posed a threat to him or his brother would he he didn’t seem like The Reckless type then again after seeing him do some of those tricks maybe he was a little bit wild that thought hiked his attractiveness up a few more

Notches all the more reason to figure out what the heck was going on are you telling him everything about you STI asked what do I have to hide I said with a scoff I live here I room with you I student teach at the elementary school and I’ll be graduating this spring once

The semester ends there’s not a whole lot to tell the ants she suggested I’ve told him about them or I thought I had and the hidden origins of who your parents really are I don’t even know that I don’t know why it would be a big

Deal to him I huffed in frustration it was no secret to Satie that I wanted to know who my birth parents were I hadn’t wanted to hurt the aunt’s Feelings by asking so I’d started doing some digging on my own though I hadn’t made much Headway telling anyone else I was

Looking for more felt Beyond selfish I’d been raised by wholesome kooky lovable women who had treated me like I was there everything I shouldn’t expect anything else but I did want to know I like him stie I know you do a lot no kidding she tucked her feet beneath her

Thinking it over over then she tossed a hand in my direction hey what about you fainting at the sight of blood have you told him about that we haven’t gotten around to that truth be told I hadn’t wanted to lay out all my problems to him from the

Start was he simply doing the same with me I’d fainted once in front of Sadi when she’d gotten a bloody nose that was exciting let me tell you this condition had plagued me my entire life and had made things like scuffing my knee when I was a kid a little more difficult I’d

Figured my issues would come out all on their own as time passed so I hadn’t wanted to bring it up and ruin anything STI had a point maybe that was exactly what he was doing with whatever personal details he’d been keeping from me too it

Might be good if he knew what to expect from me I didn’t want him to be completely thrown most of the time people couldn’t really plan when someone would bleed that was part of my problem I never knew it was coming until it was right there gray should probably know

About that Minor Detail I nudged her foot with my toe we still didn’t find his address no but I’d say you found a whole lot more I certainly had holy cow gray was a ripped talented YouTube star who could trick bik it with the best of them

And he’d asked me to come see him at his work not just once every day since we’d met he’d asked me to come back the next day I quivered at that what are you going to do she asked I settled back onto the couch if I had any clue where

He lived I’d go over there right now I tapped my phone against my leg I think I’ll text him and say what hey I just saw you on YouTube why not stie rested her wrist across the top of her popcorn bowl he probably has a good reason for

Not wanting to tell you he’s a hot soon to be famous YouTuber maybe he’s planning a cute way to let you know so so don’t take that away from him if it were me I’d say let him tell you in his own time you don’t want to make things

Awkward or anything right right I said although I was tempted to ask him what he hadn’t told me how would that make me sound though right like a clingy possessive girlfriend I almost kissed him today I said he asked me out so we could try again for our first kiss then

Let the kiss happen in its own time see if he tells you afterward and by the way you two are adorable does he know you’ve Never Been Kissed I chewed my lip thinking it over the normal Chagrin I felt over that fact didn’t make itself known for which I was grateful I

Wouldn’t have virgin lips much longer not if I could help it we’ve never really talked about it it was why I couldn’t see it through I guess I’ve always pictured My First Kiss being different being something he leads out on not me see you have things you

Haven’t wanted to share with him either I snorted yes yeah because how would that sound by the way just so you know I’ve Never Been Kissed even though I’m turning 21 it would just make me sound pathetic and desperate yeah you’d sound like you were asking for one which I did already today

Her mouth Twisted he didn’t seem to mind though did he I peered at her no he didn’t in fact he seemed to really like it the memory of his drowsy lorish expression made my entire body tingle what would it be like to kiss gray to have him look at me with pure undiluted

Devotion like that again this silence was killing me I whipped out my phone and tapped out a text me I can’t stop thinking about you gray I’m having the same problem I bit my lip warding off my smile Q squirmy Happy Feelings me how’s your brother gray better they got him

Hydrated and I just got him home about that rain check how does tomorrow sound uh tomorrow was too far away what was wrong with making a Mad Dash to meet up right now I mean besides the fact that it was 11:00 p.m. and we both had to

Work the next morning or at least I did sleep rest might be good me tomorrow feels like it’s in 20 years gray I know I don’t want to wait that long to see you either seconds passed if he was going to invite me over now was the

Perfect time this F ction of the University of Chicago’s campus was in Hyde Park he couldn’t live that far but he didn’t say anything impatience wo through me I nearly asked if I could come over but with his brother in the ER he had good reason for not presenting

The idea himself being in hospitals was exhausting Aunt Felicity had a heart problem a few years ago and the other aunts and I had taken turns sitting with her until she was released I wanted to ask him about his Channel about his seemingly secret life but everything I

Tried fell flat it sounded wrong it sounded insensitive under the circumstances sad was right I needed to let him tell me in his own time just as I would with the suspicions I’d had earlier I just hoped he would open up to me sooner rather than later and I hoped

Whatever he had to tell me wouldn’t ruin everything we had going between us chapter 8 gray what did I do conflict tore through my chest the minute I woke up I had a hangover though it wasn’t from drinking too much alcohol this residue plagued me to the bones as I

Replayed everything Shawn had said the night before everything I’d done with this level of remorse you would think I’d cheated on Bria I hadn’t but it felt like I did I didn’t have to work until that afternoon and I needed something to focus all of this pent up energy on I

Made my way to the gym located in what used to be the garage of the Frat House the setup out here was pretty sweet with treadmills a rack of dumbbells and a few weight benches after working up a sweat liting weights and doing some cardio I still

Wasn’t able to burn through the conflict ravaging me why should my pledge to The Pact bother me so much it wasn’t like adhering to it was licensed or legalized it wasn’t like I’d broken the law I texted Brio the way I did every morning showered and headed to the dining room

Spring Sunshine Shone through the bay windows giving a cheerful vibe to the dining table the sound of sizzling bacon filled the space and its Aroma tantalized my empty stomach there was nothing like waking up to bacon several of the guys were already sitting at the table laughing about something on one of

Their phones Charlie the fratz cook housekeeper dished a scoop of eggs onto a plate and set it beside her on the counter morning Charlie I said sinking onto the table and setting my feet on one of the metal chairs that smells amazing morning you know if I were your mother

I’d tell you the chairs are for sitting on good thing you’re not my mother despite my snarky response I sat on the chair and beamed at her as she placed the plate she just dished in front of me it was smothered with pancakes eggs and several slices of

Bacon she was a good sport to put up with all of us cleaning our messes and cooking food at every meal for anyone who was interested everything she made was delicious speaking of my mom I hadn’t let her know about ol’s trip to the ER last night Mom

Wasn’t as cynical as dad was she’d care but she’d probably freak about the expense too she’d probably harp on me for taking him to the ER at all I could just hear her now why not take him to one of those after hours places instead like her son’s passing out could

Wait nah I’d tell her maybe the next time we talked I still wasn’t completely sure what had happened just after we’ pledged our commitment to The Pact rri had passed out on the melum stone floor had the pressure been too much for him I hadn’t had the chance to talk to

Him privately since we’d gotten back after being in the hospital last night the doctor had said dehydration was the cause but whether that was true or not remained to be seen why would he be so dehydrated he wasn’t one to pass out over stress though vowing not to fall in love for

The rest of my life had certainly caused me a heap of it I glanced at my phone Bria still hadn’t replied to my text this morning I wondered if she was sleeping in briefly I opened my channel to check the analytics I was nearing 9,000 subscribers the goal was to hit

10,000 before the end of the year and it looked like we were well on our way to that I’d have to roll out a giveaway or something to celebrate growing up my family wasn’t what you’d call well off I’d worked my way through high school

And I’d do the same through college if I had to I was determined to make something of myself working so much would limit the amount of time I could devote to my studies having Financial backing from Sigma row would come in handy until YouTube took off Adrienne swaggered into the room

Wearing jeans and a t-shirt looking cool and confident as always dude River said rising from the table to approach Adrien he had dark hair and olive skin and he held a paper for Adrian to Pru your suggestion worked River went on my teacher considered this and gave me

An extra 10% for broadening my view sweet Adrien said clasping River’s fist in a show of camaraderie before sitting at the table though he took a chair in front of the window his presence in the way River Maddox and Knox all responded to him made it seem like he sat at the

Head why wasn’t Adrien president not even Shawn had this kind of rapport with the other guys it seemed as though Adrien got along great with everyone but also demanded enough respect from others that they didn’t dare disagree with him he had a commanding presence but he didn’t let it override his good manners

Either which he flashed at Charlie as she brought him a plate this looks incredible Adrien told her making her blush rri appeared at the dining room opening wearing the Freer reain bikes t-shirt and sweats I given him his dark hair stuck straight up he and I were of a similar build though he

Had a few inches on me he looked infinitely better than he had in the hospital last night a shower and some clean clothes worked wonders where Adrian’s presence garnered acknowledgement and respect no one responded to ol’s entrance even after his emergency last night I was the only

One who appeared to be aware that he’d come in at all good to see you on your feet I said he grunted sorry about what ever happened what did happen I kept my voice low the others seemed unfazed by rri but that didn’t mean someone wasn’t listening in

Though I’d been with him at the hospital we hadn’t been alone long enough for me to ask then when we’d gotten back ol had gone right to bed I don’t know I had a lot going on yesterday and was outside for the majority of my geography class I think I wasn’t drinking enough

Water H I wanted to ask what his thoughts on The Hazing last night were but that conversation might have to wait until we were alone was the Pledge we’d made eating at him the way it was at me laughter and commotion broke out toward the northern part of the house

Where the front door was those of us at the table exchanged curious glances and then a woman with flaming red hair and tight clothes emphasizing her curves strutted into the dining room her heels clacked on the lolium every man in the room responded to her in one way or another their gate

Haes showed approval and even desire in rri’s case hey Adrien greeted Scarlet nox’s exuberance was a little over the top beside me oric tensed was he bothered by the other men’s reactions to her when a woman dressed like that she did it to snatch men’s attention and Scarlet had

Hit the bullseye I’d seen her around here before Scarlet was the fraternity sweetheart she stopped by a few times a week flirted unabashedly with every guy she encountered and then left other than that I wasn’t really sure what her role as the sweetheart entailed I could smell this food all the

Way outside and I had to get some she said olrick muttered under his breath I nudged him though I didn’t miss his inappropriate remark what was she really doing here what’s new she asked shoveling a fork full of Pancakes into her glossy pink mouth we’ve got two more official entrance this morning Adrien

Said gesturing to olich and me with his bacon before taking a bite you mean the pack Scarlet said swapping her gaze from Adrien to rri to me and back again this surprised me scarlet was in on it you know all about that don’t you Adrien said with a sneer his question implied

Something else but I didn’t know what her Rose Bud mouth Twisted are you kidding it’s the only reason I feel safe around here you mean you entered the Packa too I couldn’t hide my disbelief had they kidnapped her and taken her to that stone room too the very term

Fraternity suggested women were left out of it Scarlet lifted her chin in a show of smugness wouldn’t want to go giving my heart away to all of these handsome men they know that even if something does happen between us it won’t mean anything that keeps me safe she winked at rri he

Squirmed in his seat I knew from things said before my brother found Scarlet attractive a guy would be an idiot not to she was pretty with her Fair features and full lips she didn’t cut it for me though Bria had snagged my attention 1,000% my thoughts drifted in her

Direction I checked my phone again still no reply what would Bria think if she knew of what I’d pledged last night the same squirming Chagrin I’d been fighting all morning returned I made the pledge so you’re you’re safe with me olrick said eyeing Scarlet she winked at him and strutted

From the room leaving her half-eaten food on the table oric drooled over her until she was out of sight I had to say the way her hips swayed was something I looked away sooner than he did though and smacked his shoulder what ol said in response to my

Glower I need financial backing just like you do besides Sean said we can still date now Scarlet knows her heart is safe with me she and I can have all kinds of fun without any strings attached the notion disgusted me our father’s downfall wasn’t only his poor financial management he’d also been

Unfaithful to our mom something I’d found out in the worst possible way when I’d confronted him about it Dad had told me I’d be the same way when I got older I swore I’d prove him wrong dating someone long enough leads to love I said the only way to really control what

Happens with your heart is to keep your distance I wasn’t willing to do that not with the promise of bria’s Kiss I knew when I’d finally kiss her once wasn’t going to be enough my conscience came into play yet again reprimanding me maybe I shouldn’t be as disgusted with my brother after

All at least he and Scarlet would know what the expectations of their relationship were right off the bat it’s just a joke I told myself that was the only reason i’ agreed even if no one else here saw it that way it was how I saw the pack and that was

Enough for me I don’t know oric said peering back in the direction Scarlet had gone she was in the backyard now visible through the window laughing with several of the other guys I think I could keep my heart out of things with a woman like her he added that sounded

Like a terrible way to live if you asked me how was that fair to the woman who was involved on the other hand from the sound of things Scarlet didn’t care and in fact preferred it that way but not every woman would while ol and Scarlet wanted a no strings attached

Relationship I didn’t it was just a joke you’d have to be straight up with the girl from the start I said you’d have to tell her your heart was off the table and you were only in it for the physical satisfaction there are women out there who’d be interested in something like

That Adrien said with his arm draped over the back of the chair beside him I turned to him and you you’d want want that no he scalled at the door leading to the expansive backyard though he’d greeted Scarlet he showed no interest in her now that she was out of the room I

Have no intention of dating Adrien said not after Danica played me what happened with her anyway I asked Adrian had mentioned the story to the guys before but I’d never heard the details she knew what I was doing here he said lifting his arm from the chair

And resting it on the table I’m building a business now not waiting until I get my degree I needed to be right here to see it Thrive she wanted to hold me back he pointed his finger toward the table she didn’t support you running a business ol R asked taking his last bite

Of eggs not in Chicago where are you from I asked Adrian took a drink from the cup near his empty plate little town in Montana she wanted me to give this all up to leave my life behind and start one with her I can’t be with the woman who won’t

Support me I left and I’m Not Looking Back so you did it then I said you entered the pact Sean had said so last night but I wanted to hear as much directly from Adrien outside Hawk jogged up the back steps and walked in just as I voiced my question Adrien raised a

Brow at me but Hawk laughed slightly breathless he gripped the back of the chair nearest to the door what do you think got us the honored position of being your kidnappers last night we both signed it he offered a fist in Adrian’s Direction and Adrien bumped his against it before taking another drink

And turning back to me you entered in front of the Brotherhood Adrien said Darkly and they take it very very seriously what would they cap our knees if we broke it how can anyone really promise that though I asked thinking of Bria she texted me last night and every

Interaction we had only made me want her more how could I choose between her and the financial help I needed I was so close to hitting 10K subscribers but even then it would take time to build up My Views and begin earning what I’d need

To live off of then again I could always move out and get a student loan couldn’t I but I was settled here the guys were awesome I’d never had friends or connections like this before Adrian Hawk River ol rck Shan this was where I wanted to be while

I finished school if I left I’d have to find new housing new financial support frustrated I pushed away from the table and took my plate to the sink rather than leaving it for Charlie to clean up as others head placing it among the other dishes I

Stared at the lawn out back at the chairs on the patio at Scarlet sinking on maddox’s lap and showering him with smiles a sense of foulness simmered Wesley had been right to leave when he had maybe may I should have joined him I could have walked away then I wouldn’t

Be having this wrestle inside by the time the rest of us had gotten back last night Wes and his things were gone if I hadn’t made this pledge my whole life would have been turned upside down but if I Liv The Pledge by the letter I’d lose Bria her

Name popped onto my phone screen along with her reply to my earlier text Bria morning I can’t wait to see you today just the thought of seeing her inoculated my bloodstream sea had said we could date dating wouldn’t mean I loved her at least not from the outside looking in even if I

Did fall in love with Bria the guys wouldn’t have to know once I graduated the PCT wouldn’t matter then me me too I’m working later can you meet me at the bike shop around 5: let’s grab some dinner Bria I’ll be there our date me our date my chest swelled at the

Prospect I smiled at the the screen and lowered my phone to find olrick eyeing me pocketing the device I stro from the dining room doing my best to play it off I couldn’t ask her to have an unattached non-committal Friends with Benefits relationship with me frankly I didn’t

Want to not only did she deserve to be with someone who would love and adore her I wanted to be that someone I just keep that little fact to myself chapter n Bria every step I took had a nervous bounce to it the distance from where I’d parked to free rain bikes

Wasn’t far but it was just enough for me to notice the bless of the sky the brightness of the Sun the birds serenading and the chill in the air free rain bikes was fast becoming my favorite place in the world I clutched the door handle with anticipation the Bell that

Tinkled to announce my entrance sounded high-pitched and tinny like the one I’d had on my bike with its pink tassels spewing from equally pink handlebars when I was eight I inhaled the pristine scent of rubber tires and scanned the rows of bikes segmented in the open painted concrete floor each bike stood

On one wheel supported by a rack encasing the other my pulse pedal in anticipation the way it had been doing the entire time I’d been student teaching earlier I scanned the shop floor greedy for the sight of him I was seeing gray today I was getting kissed

Today the same scent of rubber and metal hit my senses I glanced around the shop at the lines of bikes in different colors stacked in neat rows at the tires and rims hanging on the back wall behind the register and at the stands offering smaller bike parts in their packaging

Gray stood in front of the register there she is he said his voice trailing to me he always wore jeans a T-shirt and skater shoes but today he burned the lolium and khakis a button-up short sleeve shirt and white sneakers his dark hair was Tangled to Perfection and the

Second my eyes clasped his I was a goner he stro in my direction seizing all of my attention his fingers skimmed mine lacing through the touch held traces of heat that skewered through to my stomach you look good I said his mouth curved his gaze skimmed to my face you don’t

Look so bad yourself ready where are we going not biking not today I thought I’d take you to one my favorite places he gestured to the door and opened it for me momentarily I wondered if he needed to clock out for dinner but he probably already had we walking it’s just up the

Street about a block away confused but willing I fell in beside him I was hyper aware of our steps of our hands threaded together of the drift of musk wafting from his Direction with the gentle Cool Spring Breeze you never told me why you weren’t wen’t going to stop by yesterday he said

What were you up to it took effort to remember anything about yesterday aside from the almost kiss and his vague disappearance I hadn’t been to visit my aunts for a while and I thought I’d better stop in ants he asked he sounded surprised had I not told him about them

After all yeah ants how many do you have three I grinned they’re not exactly related one of them adopted me and they’ve all helped raise me just a group of friends banding together for the sake of Sisterhood and you call them ants because because they didn’t want me to

Call them mom because that would be confusing so I’ve always just called them by their names gray considered this as we passed by a group of kids waiting on the street corner he and I waited with the others for the walk symbol to appear the light changed and we stepped onto the

Crosswalk so you were adopted he asked you don’t know who your real parents are they’ve kept the story from me does that bother you I kicked a rock sometimes I don’t know I’d like to know my true story but at the same time the ants have showered me with so much love they’ve

Been the best friends and the best family I could ask for I’ve never really felt like I was missing anything that’s dope he said what about your family I asked as we approached the next corner and turned toward another line of shops you said you’re from St Paul right is

Your family still there it was a detail he’d mentioned when we’d first met just my parents his answer was clipped short almost angry had I struck a nerve I changed the subject you’re studying business right any particular reason are you wanting to start your own I was

Eager for his answer would he tell me about his YouTube channel gray Shrugged and rubbed his thumb along the back of my hand I’d have more freedom to work and to ride if I had my own business that’s all H I so wanted to blurt that I

Knew but I wanted him to tell me do you mean bikes I prodded yeah I’d like to own a shop like free rain you know free rain sold mountain bikes not the smaller trick one he’d ridden in his videos why did he want a mountain biking store why

Not trick bikes what made you like mountain biking I asked I’d WR my bike around the neighborhood as a kid but once driving became a possibility my bike had become scaffolding for spiderwebs I started out on trick bikes but some buddies and I decided to hit up

A few trails and that had its own rush to it before I knew it we were trying every marker and taking on as many as we could that sounds amazing you’ll have to take me sometime aside from our ride to the park which had only been a crosh high Park I

Could only imagine the beauty of scaling a trail in the mountains had he done any mountain biking videos or was it all tricks it’s a deal he said he altered our Direction and turned toward an abandoned lot beside the gas station the tantalizing smells of cooked meat and spices drifted through the

Afternoon and a long white bus adorned with sombreros and chalkboard signs indicating the menu greeted us a Taco Bus I asked that’s your favorite have you ever eaten here never I said then you’re missing out out my excitement thrived off of his enjoyment emanated from him in the way he tightened his

Grip on my hand and the way he quickened his step toward the line of people dripping out of the bus’s Open Door the back of the bus had been sectioned off a woman stood at an open window where several people were placing their orders what’ll it be he asked when we

Approached if this is your favorite place I’ll have whatever you love two orders of carnas per favor he said to The Woman Within I watched him admiring his jawline impressive features and easy use of Spanish food ordered we sat at one of the tables in the open lot

Huddling close together in the icy Spring Air I didn’t mind the cold sitting here with him made any price worth the cost we exchanged small talk and waited for the order and then the woman called Gray’s name be right back he said leaving for a moment and then

Returning with two plates I salivated over the delicious Aroma of seasoned meat gray and I dug in and I let a moan slip out with the first bite good right he said mulling through his so good we ate in silence for a few moments I was brimming with questions about him about

His Channel about his videos and why he’d never told me about any of it but he spoke first tell me something I don’t know about you he wiped his mouth with a napkin as he finished off the last of his Carn something I’d never guess I racked my brains remembering my

Conversation with STI last night and trying to think of something quirky something that was interesting enough to answer his question I’d been a cheerleader in high school I decided to go into Elementary education because I’d loved babysitting and wanted a way to help kids and make a difference in

Someone else’s life but my thoughts went back to sti’s suggestion from the night before it was something that if we were together he should know I have a condition called vasovagal Syncopy it’s a fancy way to say that I faint at the unexpected sight of blood I held my breath waiting for his

Reaction he sat down his soda a look of concern on his face faint like you get lightheaded no faint as in I pass out completely my blood pressure plummets so fast I lose all control and just I I made a noise and gestured slapping my hand against the other gray

Winced kind of annoying when you think about it I can imagine might need to make sure you don’t see any blood while doing something important like you know driving I caught the tease in his tone and nudged his knee with my own very funny in all seriousness he said resting

His hand on my wrist whether he’d meant it as a comforting gesture or not my pulse spiked at the sudden nearness at the earnest expression in his hazel eyes those eyes were all Serenity they reminded me of walking through the woods during a fall afternoon where the colors

Gleamed with shades of fire and gold and the smallest traces of lingering green that sucks how long are you down for when it happens only a few minutes I said once I rest I recover pretty quickly the conversation halted while we cleaned up our plates I got a piece of

Gum from my bag and handed one to him as well and we began Meandering back toward the shop he still hadn’t said anything else had I shared too much maybe he didn’t know what to say I wanted to ask him to return the favor to tell me something about himself too maybe that

Would be a good opening for him to bring up his Channel or whatever it was he’d kept from me last night he slowed at the lamp post on the corner several Birds cheered in the tree near us and my heart caught gray was acting so quiet so

Reserved what’s the matter I asked he jerked as though I’d pulled him from his thoughts sorry what it seems like something is bothering you does it have to do with what happened last night his brows Drew together but he quickly smoothed the expression out and looped his fingers through mine it’s nothing

I’m just I live at a fraternity did I ever tell you that you do on campus yeah it’s near campus I knew of a few sororities that women in my classes belong to I assumed his fraternity was located near one of them the guys you were with is that what’s bothering you

He puzzled through his thoughts for a few more moments before he shook his head as if deciding on something he guided me to a sequestered bench in front of one of the stores I’ll tell you what’s bothering me he said his tone turning secretive I haven’t been able to

Stop thinking about you coming on to me yesterday Heat slammed into my cheeks I wondered when you were going to bring that up I’m crazy about you did you know that my heart gave a little hiccup we’d flirted we’d bantered and joked and talked for days now is that your

Confession the thing I don’t know about you part of it I wanted you to know before I shared the rest I trembled all over share the rest of what tenderly looking at me through his lashes he brought my hand hand to his lips the soft pressure of his kiss against my

Knuckles sent my pulse skittering you’re the first thing that pops into my mind when I wake up in the morning he said his voice low and husky I think about you all day and then I hang on the clock until 4:30 when you get off at the school because I’ve

Gotten used to you stopping by but it’s not enough I was a torrent of pulses what was he saying it’s it’s not enough I want more afternoons like this I want to see you all the time I want to know everything I can about you and I want

You to know everything about me too if you’re okay with it I’d like to finish what you started yesterday my mouth opened but my words caught on the way out I’d been hoping for this wishing waiting for this moment to happen heat flooded through me and my heart pounded

As gray slid his hand to my cheek the touch sent my heart into a frenzy it thudded against my sternum so hard I began to grow lightheaded I was completely flushed in fact I could barely breathe through the anticipation he guided me closer one hand SPL across

My low back the other gliding from my cheek to my neck I placed my hand on his chest and he brought his mouth to mine in a tender deliberate touch my lashes fluttered heat scorched my lungs and I faced him all the more responding with fervor my knee crashing against his he

Beckoned for more his mouth coaxed mine centering me on him my pulse picked up speed so fast I gripped his shoulders to keep from tilting my fingertips tingled something strung between us a connection a Oneness it was soft and yet intentional too a give and take that sent my blood spiraling and caused

Warmth to pull from the core of my chest up to my ears that warmth spread the light-headedness that had been building was too much I clung to him fighting the sensation but too soon I lost myself completely until I knew no more chapter 10 gray I startled at the

Break in our kiss and then Bria slumped against me suddenly lifeless fortunately my arms were already around her tilted toward me as she was I caught her before she tipped from the bench and face planted to the cement whoa I said breathing hard and waiting for my brain

To catch up I was too Delirious from the heat of her from the taste of her to grasp anything else her hair splayed across my lap her cheek was warm her body heavy against mine and I held her limp form trying to grasp what had just happened here I’d been worried about the

Repercussions from the Frat for kissing her she’d mentioned fainting at the sight of blood but a kiss not what I’d expected something told me that wasn’t typical or she would have told me so readjusting her weight for a better grasp on her I lay her

Across my lap and gazed at her face she could be sleeping and she was so beautiful what was I supposed to do now the entire duration of our date I’d been Waring with myself I’d been completely torn unsure of what to do because the more time I spent with Bria the more I

Wanted to be with her I’d never considered anything like this might happen I could call 911 I’d already done that the day before after ol had passed out at this rate I’d get to be on a first name basis with the responder I stroked her back and placed

A finger to her mouth to feel for breath her lips were soft stirring through my unease the gentle movement of her chest allowed me to sink back in relief still breathing I said thinking of her confession not half an hour before she’d said she recovered quickly did that mean I just needed to

Wait kissing certainly affected heart rate and blood pressure mine had elevated that was for sure had my kiss affected her that much split between pride at having that kind of impact on her and concern over her well-being I stroked her back maybe this was evidence this was proof that

She and I weren’t a good match together she was going to get hurt from kissing me how could I let it happen again hang in there I said come back to me what would I do if she didn’t wake would this happen every time I hope not her lack of

Response was unsettling just as I began to panic she stirred she pushed up from my lap with a hazy moan her brow was bent and she stared at me as though wondering where she was my heart leaped I smoothed her hair from her face I did

My best to remain calm and allow her time to reorient herself where are we she clung to my shoulders as if for balance I breathed in her scent of coconut and lemon relieved that she was okay on the street I said not far from the bike shop she peered around several

Cars passed and a woman across the street entered the boutique store there what before she could finish the question she planted her Palm against her forehead and groaned oh my gosh I fainted usually a kiss wakes the beautiful Maiden I said with a smile I’ve never had my kiss put anyone to sleep

Before her eyes widened her cheeks blanched gray she said gripping my hand I’m so sorry I can’t even believe I did that she buried her face in my shoulder older I breathed her in stroked her hair and tried to figure out what to say she’d fainted she’d actually fainted

When I’d kissed her would it happen every time what was I going to do if it did I could keep my distance from her if I had to if it meant her wellbeing Bria was more important to me than anything it was the whole reason I’d intended on telling her about the

Pack I’d been trying to brace myself for her response to my idiocy once she learned the truth truth she may want to break up with me for both of our sakes I wasn’t sure how intim me she was but it wouldn’t be fair to let those feelings get any deeper than they were

But now with her condition the way it was how could I let this thing between us go any further the timing was terrible I meant what I said you know I told her I want to know more about you maybe you could tell me everything that

Makes you pass out so I can be ready the next time it didn’t make her smile as I’d hoped instead she looked stricken it’s only ever been blood I’ve never had a kiss knock me out before I mean I’ve Never Been Kissed so I didn’t know oh man that changed things too this

Was her first kiss the thought of letting her go the possibility of her sharing moments like this with someone else pinched in my chest you’ve never you mean that was your first kiss still gripping my shoulders she lifted her gaze to mine yes and it was amazing I

Laughed uneasily I’m glad to hear it though I don’t want you getting hurt I was so conflicted how could I let this be our only kiss if I had to let her go I wasn’t sure I could I think I was just so overwhelmed by everything by you your talk of

Confessions and then I’ve been looking forward to that moment for so long and such a romantic setting it was amazing that was was a compliment if I ever heard one but I didn’t want her to get hurt I took her face in my hands her features were Exquisite from her long

Dark lashes to her creamy strokable skin to the soft pout in her mouth I want to kiss you again I began not only tonight but as often as I can she had no idea how much a warning settled into my gut if I went through with this and then

Broke up with her she’d hate me even more I’d hate me too the same battle raging in me since last night’s hazing charged in with full force what was I doing I had to comfort her the Packa was nothing and right now I had to let her

Know what just happened didn’t bother me I had to let her know how much she meant to me her attention was fixated on me there was a hungry gleam in her eyes as though she longed to hear acceptance and words of Solace I hope this isn’t heartless of me

But will it be too much for you if we try it again I asked the sweetest color flushed in her cheeks she dipped her chin but not enough to hide the blush accompanied by a minuscule tantalizing smile I think I’ll be better prepared for it this time she fastened her Gaze

On my mouth longing seared through me longing and warning the two feelings were Waring wolves I didn’t know which one to let win you sure I asked I’m sure it would be nice to know if I can keep myself together around you could get dangerous the way she chewed her lip was enticing

I couldn’t help myself danger is my middle name I said shut up and kiss me I angled in and pressed my mouth to hers once more she allowed the contact to linger for several delicious moments and then she clutched my shoulders and welcomed me closer heat spread through

My entire body I angled my mouth taking in more of her careful not to be as insistent as I wanted in case it was too much the secrets between us weren’t enough to dousee the fire she ignited in me I allowed the kiss to wander to Quicken its pace and then slow before

Gradually I pulled away my hand rested at the back of her head in case I needed to catch her again but to my relief her bright eyes were Sultry and alert with heightened attentiveness and traces of lingering desire the look was enough to unravel me but I didn’t dip in for more

Like I wanted to work that time I said resting my nose against hers what a relief she was breathing hard and she curled her fingers through my hair at the back of my nape though you might need to check again one more time if you insist her mouth was tender against mine

The kiss wasn’t as urgent this time as though she wanted to take me in slowly I matched her Pace holding her feeling her hair spill against my hands as I stroked her back I’d intended to tell her everything my YouTube channel Sigma fyo the packed but she’d fainted at the

Buildup to my kiss I’d have to tread carefully and make sure I didn’t overwhelm her again today I couldn’t throw everything at her at once especially not after how the surprise and Romance of the afternoon had been enough to make her pass out gray she said once our kissing

Slowed H it’s my birthday on Saturday I backed away to see all of her face Stardust danced in her eyes a result of the Enchantment of our kisses I suspected has the same soaring feeling surged through me too it is instantly my brain wandered to possible gift options what could I give

Her what could I do to make the day as memorable as I could would a gesture like that look like I loved her the guys weren’t going to start tailing my every move now were they her smile was fire she tucked a hair behind her ear my

Aunts are throwing me a party that day I’d love it if you wanted to come Saturday my stomach wrenched I still hadn’t worked through the blind date mess kiar had gotten me into she hadn’t answered any of my texts about it and I hadn’t been able to Peg her down

To make sure it was cancelled and what about the pack I’d love to be anywhere with you I said hating the hesitation in my voice but I have something to clear up on Saturday first her brows gathered she recover recovered quickly but not fast enough to mask her disappointment you have something going

On I couldn’t exactly tell her Kiara had set me up on a blind date yeah but I’ll get out of it no worries this seemed to appease her though the light didn’t completely returned to her eyes as she smiled speaking of Kiara my thoughts returned

To the shop just before I’d left for my date with Bria an emergency of some kind had thrown my manager off she’d asked me to cover for her that evening I told her I wouldn’t be long I’d probably already taken too much time as it was I should

Probably get back to the shop I said pulling away I didn’t want to I didn’t want to leave her she hugged her arms around her stomach oh right how long is your dinner break I’m covering for Kiara tonight I better get back before I’m late it was all true Bria and I strolled

Back to the bike shop together in uncomfortable silence I kept my hands in my pockets to keep from reaching for her like I wanted to something I’d said was bothering in her either that or it was the fact that she’d fainted one of the two we made it to free Reign’s glass

Door and I paused with my hand on the handle thanks for meeting up with me I said this was the point we broached every single day this was where I’d always ask her to come see me the next day I wanted to expand what we had she’d

Asked about where I lived I wanted to invite her over but what if the guy said something about the packed to her I couldn’t invite her over until I had had more bases covered she knew nothing about the pack with my luck one of the

Guys would tease the two of us about it and undoubtedly that would open a can of worms I’d have to argue my way out of I also needed to know the full parameters of what I’d signed Scarlet had flirted and sat on maddox’s lap and no one had

Thought anything of it but I didn’t want to give the impression that Brio is just a fling like that she meant something to me though I thought I could hide as much now I wasn’t so sure I’d have to keep her in the dark a little longer I’ll let you know about Saturday

I said will you be coming by the shop between now and then bria’s face fell I suspected she wanted the same thing I did for us to have more going on than these occasional visits but I needed to feel like I was on steadier ground first

If I couldn’t tell her about the pack I certainly couldn’t have her coming to the frat house she needed some warning first I needed some time to figure out the best way to do that I’d talk to Kiara and get the date cancelled I’d talk to Adrian about the pact’s

Parameters part of me still couldn’t grasp the fact that it was legit that everyone of the Brotherhood agreed to never love anyone for the rest of their lives it seemed too far-fetched to be real they were probably all sitting around laughing at how gullible I was but what else was I supposed to

Think once these things were all cleared up I’d bring her home I’d tell her my schedule for Saturday worked out after all she’d passed out at being so overwhelmed I didn’t want to do anything to upset her after that I wouldn’t rush things not when it affected her well-being she’d be understanding about

It all once I explained everything wouldn’t she chapter 11 Bria gray was hiding something I hoped he might invite me over or suggest meeting up for our next date I mean things were moving on between us weren’t they only to have him invite me to see him at the bike shop

Again it was the let down of all letdowns probably because this wasn’t the first time I’d suspected he was doing so I thought we were making progress I told Aunt Felicity as I sat at the table in their dining room I’d gone straight to the aunt’s house the

Morning after my date with gray I had to fill them in on the kiss and the fact that I’d fainted because of it now that’s a kiss Maryanne had said with stars in her eyes Felicity took a sip of her tea and set it down her orange hair

Stuck out at all angles and the look only endeared her to me that much more I’m sure he had good reason not to invite you to his house she said I feel like he’s embarrassed of me or something like he’s trying to keep me a secret why would he Felicity asked after telling

All three of them about the kiss credenza had to meet up with a friend and MaryAnn had to go to work leaving just Auntie Liss and me I don’t know I said why is it B Bing you so much I mowed over this question and stared at

The muffin she’d offered me that I hadn’t yet touched should something like this not bother me was I supposed to be okay with the fact that he wanted nothing more to do with me than to see me for a handful of minutes before or after work every day I wanted a

Boyfriend I wanted to mean something to him I wanted him to want every second of his day to be spent with me I wanted to be adored and desired I wanted every romantic moment we only had glimpses of to become the view did that mean my thoughts scattered warmth radiated

Through my body and I couldn’t get a grip on the way my heart drummed in my chest how early is too early to know you love someone I asked Felicity smiled at me with a knowing glint in her eyes she’d been in love before but that relationship hadn’t worked out the man

She’d fallen for had abandoned her to marry a younger woman his betrayal had devastated Auntie Liss and I sometimes overheard her talking to maranne about it wondering what might have happened if her life had gone differently the heart knows what it knows she said I don’t think there’s an

Exact timeline for that realization to take place the heart knows what it knows mine throbbed that much harder at the statement it throbbed and burned and resonated with confirmation of the question I couldn’t bring myself to ask did I love gray could I love him already the burning in my chest only increased

The edges of the kitchen blurred I lost all awareness of the moment as cognizance of my rapid pulse my tingling frame dominated oh my gosh I muttered Aunt Felicity slid her hand to clasp mine the touch startled me jerking me out of my thoughts I met her lovely freckled face

Her wiry carrot colored curls you love him she said knowingly I don’t know I said maybe the admission was an open gate I took a large savoring breath as a smile spread across my face pausing I gauged the fluttering taking place within my stomach the racing inside of me the

Overwhelming Insight making every inch of me tingle did I love gray infatuation definitely attraction unquestionably interest respect admiration resoundingly but love I feel like it’s too early to tell I said there’s no rush to these things you know Felicity said you can give it time to Blossom Bria in order for

Anything to Blossom we need openness honesty maybe that’s why it’s bothering me I’ve never liked anyone keeping anything from me maybe it was because I’d been the butt of a cruel joke back in high school but having the sense that others knew things I didn’t had always left me feeling exposed and

Uneasy don’t I know Felicity mumbled tracing her thumb along the edge of the table I tapped my fingertips on my legs what does that mean Felicity fidgeted as though an itch bothered her between her shoulder blades the others don’t want me saying anything about this she hedged I

Slid to the edge of my seat Felicity had tried to tell me something several times before but every time she’d been silenced by the others now that we were alone was she going to spill whatever it was tell me I said I want to it’s just it’s like you said I hate secrets

Honesty is so important what secret I asked are you guys keeping something from me is this about my birthday her eyes glistened you’re turning 21 you should know the truth the air left my lungs in a rush I couldn’t do anything else but draw it back in are you talking

About my birth parents her teeth trapped her bottom lip she reached across the table as if to take my hand I lifted it from my lap and accepted the gesture she applied the gentlest pressure to my fingers and gave me an apologetic Grimace I can’t tell you

Without the others but just know we have something to tell you I I don’t know what to say the Curiosity about my birth parents had always been there I’d resigned myself to the fact that I’d never know the truth but even that forbearing hadn’t been enough to wedge

The question from my mind I pushed away from my seat and threw myself at at Felicity she laughed welcoming My Embrace and hugging me back just as tightly I love you so much whatever you have to tell me won’t change that she stroked my back that’s good to hear by

The time I pulled back we were both crying thank you Auntie Liss for what all I’ve done is left you in even more suspense this time I didn’t mind it so much I smeared a hand across my cheek you’re the best mom but I’ve had this

Question my whole life and it will be nice to know I haven’t wanted to ask but I’ve always wondered I figured she said smiling we basked in a moment together and then I rested my hip against the table Saturday I said you’re really going to tell me on

Saturday she swatted my arm don’t you dare tell the others I said anything I won’t Felicity inhaled and straightened so what are you going to do now you mean besides die of Agony because I have to wait a whole day Felicity rested her elbow on the table I mean about

Gray I stared out the sliding glass door to the backyard the white picket fence surrounded a small patch of grass and was bordered by more flowers than any one person should rightly grow casting thoughts of gray and my birthday aside there was one other aspect I needed to

See to graduation was coming soon soon I had to go talk to my counselor on campus and make sure everything was in order so I could walk I’m heading on to campus I said and then she lifted her brows expectantly resolve settled in and then

I need to talk to him Felicity was right honesty mattered communication was important maybe if I told him how I felt about things about him it could help my openness could be a shot in the dark it could be too much too soon to tell especially since we hadn’t known one

Another long I wasn’t sure this was love yet but it sure felt like it I tried to downplay the burning sensation coursing through me but it wouldn’t simmer down if anything the more I thought about it the stronger the feeling swelled even if I didn’t admit what I thought I felt I

Had to be where he was and I definitely needed a distraction while I waited for the truth bomb Felicity promised me on my birthday I gave her another hug thanked her for listening and then skipped out to my car the drive to campus didn’t take long I spoke with my

Counselor as planned and placed my order for a cap and gown thoughts from my conversation with Aunt Felicity made my entire frame thrum with every step Saturday was only a day away I could wait until then couldn’t I there was no way I could wait that long to see gray

He still hadn’t told me whether he was coming to my party or not yet another reason I was eager to pin him down as I was leaving the sight of a familiar face of his dark hair and self- assured build nearly tripped me I wasn’t the only one leaving the administration

Building of all the times for me to bump into him this was no coincidence gray I said to myself and then raised my voice gray what were the chances he didn’t hear me he was already halfway across the parking lot I hurried my footsteps but I wasn’t close enough

He’d already climbed into his car stopping in a sea of vehicles I considered texting him but a new wave of curiosity swept over me was he heading home with a rush of adrenaline I dashed back to my car and tailed him as he was leaving the lot doing my best to keep

His back lights in my sights I tracked him until he ventured past the sororities i’ thought of earlier he took several more turns and then pulled to a stop in front of a beautiful Brick House the words sigy row were in b old lettering above the door I waited for

Him to stroll up the front steps and go inside I considered leaving things be but after my conversation with Felicity I was eager to see him to talk about Saturday deciding on it I exited my car and broached the house several men were outside on the lawn they peered in my

Direction but I did my best to ignore them as I climbed the front steps and knocked a few moments later the door opened the guy who answered came close to make making me lose control of my jaw he was tall Broad and wearing jeans in a tank top displaying impressive muscles

His chin was covered by Scruff and his dark hair swooped into his eyes making my knees embarrassingly weak I had to literally shake myself to whisk away the effect he had on me wow but he was goodlooking can I help you he asked I’m looking for gray I said does he live

Here the man’s lips crooked up at the edges he stepped back to make room for me to enter and then called to a blonde man with a deep Gruff voice Hawk you seen gray in the garage the blonde man said in passing on his way to the stairs

He winked at me and then began to climb I shook myself again Adrien heads up Hawk called from the landing above the guy who answered the door looked up just in time to catch the football Hawk lobbed at him Adrienne caught it and then chucked it back up again before

Turning back to me sounds like he’s in the garage you’re welcome to head on over he indicated a paved Pathway to the neighboring garage and its open side door holding my breath I beamed my thanks in his Direction and forced my steps to remain at walking speed rather than barreling over like I

Wanted to I followed the path between the house and the garage the backyard was big enough to hold a bonfire in men lounged back there sitting on the porch or swinging in a hammock strung between two trees gray I called stepping through the side door this space looked as though it was

Used for recreation rather than a place to parked cars shelves lodged Sports items bikes lined up in a rack along one side and what looked like a home gym in an adjoined room with glass walls I raised my voice you in here Bria over here his voice was a rich strum that

Struck all the right notes the tension in my chest loosened I quickened my Pace toward the open area where a bike was upturned and missing one wheel with metal pieces scattered on the ground beside it gray rose from a Crouch and made his way toward me the combination

Of confidence Swagger and dark hair falling across his forehead made my mouth go dry what are you doing here he asked my excited anticipation to see him began to waver I saw you on campus I thought I’d surprise you a line appeared between his brows you followed me

Yeah what’s wrong I asked with a nervous laugh you don’t seem happy to see me why was he acting like I’d caught him cheating was he upset that I’d come I considered heading back to my car when his expression smoothed he took my hand and guided me toward the bike he

Was fixing nothing he said and then as if remembering he should he smiled of course I’m happy to see you the look didn’t completely appease me what was wrong Why didn’t he want me here I did what I could to brush off my discomfort and pointed to the bike he was working

On upturned as it was missing one wheel it resembled something like a spinning wheel from a fairy tale what did that bike ever do to you he rested a hand on his hip this bike will thank me once I’m done with her I tilted my head and

Pouted my lips she looks so forlorn upside down missing a wheel it’s the only way I can replace the Cog set it also needs a new tube his eyes collided with mine and I was caught in a snare the uncertainty ID suspected between us vanished in an instant gray closed the distance between

Us his hand found mine and the touch seared into my fingertips the air between us sparked and flashed like two exposed wires being tapped together this this was the response I’d hoped for from him gray shifted so his chest was to my back he slid his free hand around my

Stomach holding me to him then he guided my hand toward one of the metal curvatures see this his voice trailed across the bridge of my shoulder and slithered up my neck tingling all the way until it reached my ear this is broken his fingers coaxed mine but they

Didn’t lure me into touching the bike I couldn’t think with him holding me like this and you know what needs to be fixed he spoke low in my ear I know exactly what to do my heart Gump pumping blood faster and faster through my veins I

Surrendered my hand to his his gaze was steady and fixed on me for several delicious moments before he turned back to the bike I’ll do this he said though his attention returned to the spokes I couldn’t watch the bike any longer I was en raptured by his fingers guiding mine

Toward the bike’s exposed framework sound clamored from the open door behind us loud enough to startle me I jerked and grasp not seeing the stool situated between me and the bike I tripped gray tightened his arm around my waist keeping me from toppling onto the upended bicycle but not before my hand

Grazed the framework something sharp bit into my finger I jumped back wincing and crying out at the sudden shock of pain just as soon as he’d entered one of the guys pushed his way back out into the yard leaving us alone again gray red me holding me to his chest making sure I

Could stand are you okay he asked I blinked a few times and then looked at my finger and the bubble of blood Welling there my eyes widened lightness struck my head in an instant look at me gray said his voice turning from silky to insistent Bria eyes on me focus on me breathe

Breathe it was too late my body responded my heart rate triggered plunging my blood pressure Heat overwhelmed my torso and just as the light-headedness clouded my mind my vision blurred altogether chapter 12 gray bria’s body wilted like wet lettuce the color paled from her cheeks and I caught her before

She crumpled to the floor whoa I said in shock with a small grunt under her weight I wasn’t exactly sure what she’d cut her hand on it could have been the exposed cogit or possibly the chain in any case blood smeared on her jeans I inhaled the smell of coconut and lemon

In her hair and attempted to readjust my footing not again I muttered I never thought she’d cut herself on the bike or I never would have brought her closer to it idiot I didn’t think there was any danger her finger was still bleeding I had to get that under control I also

Needed to get her lying down that would help get the blood flowing back to her brain faster than anything else I wasn’t about to lay her here on the filthy concrete floor though I lifted her with one hand beneath her knees and the other at her back her head

Hung limply and I hurried to the couch across from one of the weight benches on the other side of the garage carefully I lay Bria down and knelt at her side she didn’t stir as I put her hands delicately on her stomach quickly I retrieved the small first aid kit from

The cabinet by the door and bandaged her finger I didn’t want the sight of the cut to affect her again when she came to come on I muttered to her stroking her hair she remained motionless a veritable Sleeping Beauty in her perfect undisturbed Repose what could I do a

Horrible thought struck what if she didn’t wake this time I’d have to let someone know but who out of bria’s acquaintances or family could I call she’d mentioned her aunts but I didn’t know their names how could I look up their numbers if I had to I could search

The contacts on her phone I considered calling 911 again but I wasn’t sure a small cut was enough to Warrant a trip to the ER if she didn’t wake soon I’d take her there at least none of the guys had come in again that was the last thing I wanted I hadn’t

Been able to hide my surprise at the sight of her I didn’t think she’d known where I lived the last thing I wanted was for her to feel like I didn’t want her here even though I kind of didn’t at least not until I got things sorted out

Which I hadn’t had the chance to yet why had she come here my gaze drifted over her lovely features her long lashes were black feathers against her pale cheeks her nose was delicate and per and don’t even get me started on her lips on impulse I leaned in to press a kiss to

Her mouth gratified to feel her breath on my mouth because it told me she was okay I’m here I whispered against her tender lips please wake up Bria inhaled sharply her eyelash es fluttered against the soft cream of her cheeks and then opened revealing The Drowsy glitter of her

Eyes hey I smoothed back her hair it worked that time I doubted she got the joke woozy as she was she blinked her hands clasped together as she waited for thoughts to resettle in her brain oh my gosh gray it happened again didn’t it I’m so sorry she attempted to

Sit but I gently coerced her to remain down the last thing you should be is sorry I said just lie there get your bearings again where where are we she rested back against the cushion I hesitated did she not remember we’re in the garage at my fraternity the garage she gazed up at

The ceiling I stroked her hair from her forehead you said you saw me on campus and followed me here remember she lifted her hand to her forehead and looked at me that’s right I did and then your bike she shifted uncomfortably as if ready to

Bolt out of here as quickly as she could I placed a soft but firm hand on her shoulder keeping her in place she clapped a hand on her forehead and groaned again sh I said stroking her hair it’s you I’m worried about are you okay is there anything I can do for

You she blinked a few times slowly she lifted her hand to examine the cut I was glad i’ put a bandage on it you pricked your finger on the bike I was working on do you remember that vaguely she said blinking through her thoughts I inched

In I slipped my hand to her stomach to link with her fingers there and hovered my face above hers did you know my kiss had magic oh you were out for several minutes longer than last time my kiss woke you light and amusement flickered in her eyes you put the fairy tales to

Shame I aimed to please her breath mingled in my open mouth tormenting me I couldn’t stand it anymore I closed the distance between us completely her lips were warm and responsive she brought her hands around me keeping me in place as our kisses cranked up the heat she was a temptress

Sultry and irresistible and she pulled away too soon I got you all cleaned up but unfortunately blood still got on your pants that won’t bother you will it I gestured to the dime-sized spot above her left knee she Drew in another long breath and sank her head back against

The pillow again no and thank you I’m she ran her hands through her Tawny hair they shook her chest Rose and fell and she sank her head backward closed her eyes and bent one of her knees are you okay I asked again I’ll be fine I just she slung her arm across her

Eyes I can’t believe it happened again I’m so embarrassed don’t be I said I’m just glad you told me about it so I could know how to help you she closed her eyes this happens sometimes when I wake up I’m always a little disoriented be disoriented all you want

I said she lay for a few more minutes breathing resting voices and footsteps resonated from outside I peered behind me hoping praying none of the guys decided to come in again not because I didn’t want anyone seeing her I didn’t care about that it was more so because I

Didn’t want anyone mentioning the pack to her before I had the chance to explain it considering how things had gone during breakfast with Scarlet the other day the pack would probably come up in conversation do you not want me here I jerked Bria sat up on the couch her hair

Draped over one shoulder as she peered down at me crap I suppose I was acting like a spooked cat I grabbed her hand hoping to soothe her I the guys are weird about girls coming over I said unsure of how to proceed should I tell her then why is she

Here she gestured out the garage door to Scarlet sitting on Will’s lap in the Gazebo Scarlet threw her head back and laughed at something will said she that’s Scarlet she’s always hanging around Bria narrowed her eyes she watched me for several moments I feel like you’re trying to

Hide something or that you don’t want me around Bria I want you I always want you it’s just she took my hand in both of hers is it the fraternity I don’t know much about how organizations like this are run but I assume they have rules the attendees

Have to follow does this one have a rule against women coming over or something I glanced toward the house uncertainty made a meal of my insides I had to tell her but not here not like this I Rose to my feet and was relieved

That she let me take her hand I let her pass my bike to the door and out to her car parked on the street the afternoon had warmed slightly the sun baking against my skin it’s the fraternity I said once we were out of earshot what

About it I scrubbed a hand behind my neck I’m not sure I’m even supposed to be telling you this but then again they didn’t say we weren’t allowed to just that we weren’t just that you weren’t what she prodded I swore under my breath I glanced around to ensure the two of us

Were alone and then lowered my voice can you trust me do you trust me she was so beautiful in her confusion I was sure what I was about to say would sound ludicrous forehead crinkled she glanced at the house and tightened her hold on my fingers as she leaned in

Killing me with her sweet scent gray if they’re doing illegal things you don’t have to live here I’ve heard of The Hazing these places do you don’t have to be a part of that just to be a student here I rested my hand on the hood of her

Car it’s a packed okay what pack Sigma fyo has a seriously impressive scholarship fund they’re able to offer it to the guys who board here it’s how I’m able to pay for college at all but they have a catch one I didn’t know about until recently what catch

My teeth gritted I grimaced and smoothed my expression once more I was told in order to access the funding and be part of Sigma fyo I had to pledge that I would never fall in love saying the words aloud made me want to scrape my tongue it was Madness pure

And simple bria’s eyes widened fractionally before a disbelieving laugh Broke Free a fraternity is making you promise that how can they even control something like your feelings exactly I grew more agitated that’s why I agreed I didn’t think it could possibly be serious you agreed her voice Rose too

High they kidnapped me after work the night we were supposed to have our date they threw a bag around my head gray and took us to this clandestine place they told us we couldn’t leave unless we gave them an answer and if I said no they

Would have kicked me out of the Frat I didn’t think it was legit I thought it was a joke I thought it was their way of hazing but now they’re controlling you so much I can’t come visit you here she released my hand I reached for her but

She kept herself from my grasp I don’t know I said dejected I stepped away from her car closer to her this was the reaction I wanted to avoid Bria gazed at me as though she’d never seen me before I hated that look I reached for her again but again she

Retreated Adrian didn’t seem to mind that I was here she jutted a hand toward the house Adrien was he the one who answered the door he wouldn’t care the others though her voice elevated so tell them your heart is off limits tell them you’re committed to your education and

Your heart it’s not that easy brow pinched she turned away resting her body against her car mulling this over tell me what you’re thinking I said please I think this is stupid she said with a scoff I think I’m tired of you keeping secrets from

Me it was it was one of the stupidest things I’d ever done and she was so right I should never have kept this from her it’s just a signature I said desperate needing to help her understand it’s not what it sounds like and it doesn’t represent how I really feel

About you I don’t know what’s going to happen but I she stopped me with a hand don’t don’t say you love me what if I do I couldn’t deny the strength of this emotion vibrating Within Me reality strummed along with it resounding and making the very air Shimmer Bria had

Overtaken my thoughts she made my skin flush she made my knees weak I was dazzled by her Smile by the Things She Said by her stories about her ants and the kids she student taught I hung on every hour of every day until the time

Finally came for me to see her again it was too late I already loved her I loved her and I could do nothing about it that’s something you’ll have to figure out I guess she said what if you do fall in love with me are they going

To Haze you some more kidnap you torture you for going back on your word it was all a big joke I said again sounding frantic I even laughed as if to make light of this her eyes turned glossy I can’t be with someone who pledges his life away so

Carelessly Bria I said don’t do this you’ve given me no choice she said did you ever think about my feelings I told Aunt Felicity that I was falling for you gray I’m not sure it’s love yet but what if it is what if I say that I love you I

Don’t know what you feel but I know how I feel I felt it dang it I felt it and this she gestured to the fraternity the disappointment on her face was profound I’ve always felt like you were keeping something from me Bria she sniffed and stared up at the

Sky I don’t like Secrets I won’t keep any anymore I I guess I’ll see you around sometime don’t go I thought you didn’t want me here she said opening her car door and slipping in behind the driver’s seat she slammed the door closed and started the ignition time stopped spots

Flashed in my vision I wanted to stop her to take it all back and insist the pack didn’t matter my mind dredged up the events of the past few days I wanted to go back to last week to tell her the truth of what happened or better still to leave the

Fraternity behind when I’d had the chance but I couldn’t helpless and defeated I could do nothing but watch as she drove off chapter 13 gray I stalked back into the Frat with powerless angst on a leash no scratch that angst was in total control and I was the dog being jerked

Around on its tether the emotions stayed with me all that night all while I checked my phone hoping that she would text or call when I attempted to focus on my schoolwork when I went to bed powerlessness and despondency clogged my chest the following morning

Too I didn’t know how to dispel it we’d only just had our first kiss but the connection between us was undeniable Bria might love me I loved her too and I couldn’t say it I couldn’t do anything about it I staggered down to the basement where a large room was

Situated with a projector and screen for watching movies a pool and foosball table and plenty of seating for us to hang out on Adrien and will were facing one another at the pool table a woman with dark hair held a pool queue of her own running her fingers down adrianne’s

Arm doesn’t mean I’m not good at it he said to her earning a Gale of laughter will didn’t seem to like that response much I wondered what the statement had been a counter to Adrian and I had always gotten along I wished will wasn’t there but I wasn’t going to let that

Hold me back I had to talk to someone she was right I had kept things from her well one thing really I hadn’t told her about the blind date Kiara had invited me on I should have said something at the time but I hadn’t known how to

Handle that and now this this PCT was the worst secret I’d ever kept who was that girl will said beating me to the punch his dark hair was buzzed as though he were training for the Army though as far as I knew he had no military Ambitions the one who came over

To talk to you my insides tightened Bria Cox I said she your girlfriend will gripped his pool CU and glared at me as though he wanted to stab me with it she’s stunning Adrienne said keeping his attention on the game the woman beside him frowned jealousy was

She jealous how could Adrien not see it will stalked around the table as well eyeing the collection of colored balls and analyzing his next move yeah I said sinking onto the leather armchair across from the pool table it wasn’t until I sat that I noticed rri on the other side of the

Room he lounged on the love seat beside Scarlet his arm was slung around her shoulders and they leaned toward one another conspiratorially my brows lifted that didn’t take long I thought I’d seen him kissing her in the Gazebo when I’d been outside with Bria but my thoughts were

Too disjointed to care at the time Bria knew the truth and she hated me for it what had I done and what was I going to do about it now you’re having regrets aren’t you Adrien said smirking using the pool queue he tipped it behind himself to tap the woman’s backside with

It when she turned around he bent to take his shot the woman laughed and shoved him throwing him off his game Adrien smiled and regained his footing lifting a fist into the air as his ball hit the corner pocket despite the distractions the packed I said is it for

Life For Life Adrien said winking at the woman standing next to him she fluffed her hair back and gave him a koi expression that made me wonder what their relationship was was she just someone he was flirting with was she like Scarlet a woman who was in on the pack

Too maybe that was how Adrien could justify the lack of commitment go from girl to girl without ever allowing himself to feel much of anything for any of them it was very get something for nothing the thought only made me think of dad again of the sick expression on

His face when he’d spoken with the woman he’d gotten pregnant I’d been 9 years old when I’d found them arguing near the fire Hy on the corner I didn’t want to live like that I saw how he put on a farce for my mom how he lied his way

Through every day how Mom wondered where all of his money was going to I wanted the commitment the Fidelity the promise of one woman for life I wanted the family The Quiet Moments the eventual house full of kids who knew I was their dad and didn’t have to wonder

If I love their mom or not that was the only pledge I should have made swearing my heart to Bria and only her for the rest of our lives had I thrown away that chance for good Seated on one of the couches near the Foosball table Maddox lowered his phone and

Called to the woman smiling at us she abandoned her pool queue and strutted to where the other guys sat leaving will Adrien and me you can’t want that for good I said imposing on their game will quirked a brow at me he ran a hand over his buzzed

Hair and then scraped it across his bony jawline and cheekbones a quest for patience admittedly I didn’t know much about him besides his name and that one time he’d overstepped and tried to take over during The Hazing he was also the social coordinator for the Frat but I hadn’t

Been involved here long enough to go to any events why not Adrien asked look at that girl I said jutting my chin in her Direction sure enough though she was sitting by Maddox the woman who’d been at the pool table gazed back at Adrian

With longing in her eyes I bet a lot of girls look at you that way and my guess is they don’t want to be your next flavor of the week commitment isn’t really my thing Adrien said unperturbed a single brow twitched I tried that and she only

Wanted to control me not all women are like that you’re not going to be young and in college forever what do you really want Scarlet joined Maddox and the other woman in her absence ol rck ambled over and rested a hand on the pool table my brother’s eyes narrowed first at me and

Then at Adrien something told me he’d heard our conversation you’re falling for her aren’t you ol rck asked Bria Bria I won’t lie she’s kind of a fox Adrien said keeping his attention on the pool table don’t call her that defensiveness burst through me bria’s

Not a fox she’s a person she’s a woman with feelings and she deserves someone who loves her women deserve to be loved man this pack of yours sucks will paused and looked directly at me and he wasn’t the only one Maddox Hunter Duncan and Knox all stopped what

They were doing and stared at me as though I were an ape who had escaped from the zoo Adrian’s face was the only one that didn’t hold surprise if anything he seemed amused you backing out he asked Will’s approach was less pleased he cracked his knuckles and

Creaked his neck to one side every bone in both places released loud little pops Adrian appeared to be entertained by my feelings will though will acted threatened what had his boxers in a Twist the last person who broke the pack paid for it will said his nostrils

Flaring i scowled what does that mean I thought you just let guys go we do Adrien said if they don’t want in they can walk away it’s different if you’ve already signed you won’t get access to the Financial Funding the Frat provides I knew it deep down I knew I’d

Have to choose the guys are my girl they’d said as much during The Hazing when Wes had walked out this is bogus man I said my voice heated before you kidnpped members and drag them off to your secret room maybe you should share the parameters of a

Contract like this so they know just what they’re agreeing to you knew what you were agreeing to Adrien held his pool queue upright as though it were a staff remaining completely composed all of it will added his voice agitated he threw his Queue at the pool table it landed with a hard

Clunk scattering the balls and causing the dark-haired woman to jump and look back at us we told you what will happen if you break it trust me you walk away now you’ll regret it the veins in his Temple bulged Adrien quirked a brow at will as if surprised by his response but

He didn’t contradict him I folded my arms my breath seething they were backing me into a corner I was so not taking this lying down Sean strolled down the steps Now problem here boys he asked I changed my mind I answered him but kept my glare on

Will I don’t want any part of your packed it’s too late you already signed will pushed past the pool table and rammed his chest against mine I didn’t back down his confrontation added to the angry heat coarsing in my blood and I shoved him away show me I said bracing

Myself for him to come at me again prove it to me Will’s shoulders Rose and fell his hands clenched at his sides and he cracked his neck to the side again ridiculous like anyone needed to pop their neck that much I couldn’t believe he was this bent out of shape about this

I brought my gaze to Shan’s he was the president after all the one who presented the pack I’d answer to him about this not anyone else Shawn nodded to Adrian returning his pool queue to the stand Adrien abandoned the game and stroe toward the stairs with wide strides fists still clenched will

Stalked back to me he got in my space thrusting his chest against mine once more and heaving with stagnant breath that made me want to hurl he stared me down as if he could change my mind through sheer intimidation it wasn’t just bad breath his Bo wafted to me

Rankling my nose get out of my face I told him shoving him back again he staggered but did as I told him the longer we stood in a face off the more I fumed if I’d known this was going to be such a big deal I never would have

Associated myself with this fraternity not ever Hunter Knox Maddox Duncan scarlet and the unnamed woman all stared at me I glared from man to man woman to woman wondering how they could all agree to it how could any of them live like this sure I wanted financial help but I

Wasn’t that desperate there were other places to live there were other ways to fund my education minutes later the sound of footsteps thundered down the stairs Adrien returned and passed the tablet to Shawn Shawn tapped the screen a few times and then handed it to me pulse pumping with Fury I looked over

The document I didn’t recognize any of this and I kicked myself for not being more diligent about looking into what I was signing there were terms to this PCT of theirs and a lot of them many of them were ridiculous there was talk of the loch

Nest monster and Lost Cities of Gold how could anyone put any stock in this whatsoever there were also more serious terms though and like I’d been dead from the neck up I’d signed it blindly I swiped down until there at the bottom was my hastily scratched signature I’d

Never hated the site of my own name more delete it I said I changed my mind I want out Finn targeted the last guy who bailed Sean said referring to the Frat brother who’ founded the paact in the first place he took the device and passed it back to Adrian and he had

Every legal right to do so targeted how I didn’t want to know it didn’t matter no matter what he said nothing they did to me could be that bad besides I seriously doubted anything like this would hold up in court Finn is dead now I said meeting

His glare and the packed can go next an intense hum stirred the air like the charge on an electric fence I glanced from one face to the next Adrien looked concerned Shawn lifted his chin Will’s shoulders shook with rage but no one argued with me when no one gave a

Response I headed to the stairs that was it I was packing my stuff I’d bow out find somewhere else to live you’ll have to pay Sean said to my back the fraternity has already provided funding for your classes that you’ll have to refund in signing this you also gave us

License to do with your belongings what we will I don’t care I didn’t if money was all there was to it it couldn’t be that bad could it my parents had nothing so I already knew I couldn’t rely on them dad worked a dead-end job as an electrician and and had such terrible

Spending habits that the money he did bring in that didn’t go to fund his other family all went to feed his ridiculous Hobbies before it went to paying bills mom took whatever fast food gig she could find until she got fired from that one and had to move on to the next

My YouTube channel would take off I’d find a few more jobs I’d make it work on second thought I paused halfway up the stairs and pointed to the tablet in Adrian’s hand me a copy of that I told him that way I could know just what

Was going on here that way once I could afford to I could hire a lawyer and see if there were any loopholes to guard myself against whatever they had coming I’d get student loans I’d work as many jobs as it took they could rest assured I’d do everything I could to keep Sigma

FY row off my back I stormed the rest of the way up the stairs to the main level and then I rounded the next flight of stairs to the room olrick and I shared pausing I stared at the space I used to feel so privileged to stay in minutes later ol

Entered behind me dude what happened back there will is Raging through the basement he’s got serious anger issues he punched a hole in the wall after you left I was sure Shawn loved that will and I weren’t even close what did he care if I left what did any of them

Care I announced my dissolvement with Sigma FY that’s what and you should too no way he said resting his hand on the foot of the bed I’m happy here I gaped at him how is that even possible you heard them down there you know there’s a cost for anyone who goes against The

Pact whatever it is it doesn’t matter or Rick said I’m not falling in love I barely recognized this impostor this wasn’t my brother he and I had both received the acceptance letter for Sigma fyo at the same time we’d celebrated he’d hardly been able to contain his excitement at being part of the

Brotherhood I wasn’t sure he wanted marriage like I did maybe he’d feel differently when he got older what about Scarlet OIC smiled she doesn’t want love either you know that’s messed up right what’s so messed up about it because she isn’t committed to you or anyone else and neither are you I’ve

Seen her with Maddox too dude so what so you don’t care that she’s with other guys at the same time as she’s with you you both can just do whatever we want yeah that’s what I like about it unbelievable I’d thought maybe R would come to his senses but he was just as

Diluted as the rest of them where are you going to go now rri said as I pulled my suitcases from beneath the bed before I managed to get the zipper open what sounded like a stampede stormed up the stairs the door to my room flew open it

Was Will and a few others Adrien was nowhere in sight and neither was Hawk Maddox Duncan or river I didn’t know all these guys this time they weren’t wearing masks I could see every one of their faces as they circled me my nerves clenched and the bottom dropped out of

My stomach I knew in the same way I’d known back when I’d been jumped at the skate park they were going to Pummel me for this since I was outnumbered and had nothing by way of Defense I braced myself waiting for the impact if this

Was what it took to be with Bria to be my own man so be it I’d take whatever I had to if it meant having her once this was all over to my surprise none of them threw a punch will and another man with dark skin hooked their hands beneath my

Arms and hauled me out into the hall I was ushered down the stairs herded to the door and then shoved out so hard I fell down the porch steps and scraped my knees and Palms on the sidewalk this isn’t the end Will said he looned from his place on the porch

Staring down at me as though he were the lord of the fraternity you can’t turn your back on the packed Palms stinging I pushed to my feet and wiped a hand across my mouth bits of gravel were stuck to my skin I gave him the fiercest glow I could

Muster they couldn’t control me I’d press charges for this I’d see what repercussions I could take they couldn’t treat people this way watch me I said will swore and attempted to charge in my direction the man beside him intercepted just let him go he said Will’s shoulders

Rose and fell he glowed at me with fiery hatred you’re a traitor will spat onto the ground as though punctuating the statement do you have any idea what the rest of us have given up to keep our word you think you can just pansy out whenever you feel like it you better get

Out of here before I get angry he turned around and walked back into the house my blood sped double time through my veins what was he talking about what had he given up to keep the packed or maybe I should say who if Will was stupid enough to let a woman he

Loved go for a piece of paper that was his problem I wasn’t going to do the same I was leaving but not without Gathering my belongings first I need my stuff I shouted hurrying up the porch steps before I made it to the top will slammed the door the lock clicked into

Place and my Panic surged my school books the key to the garage for my bike not to mention my clothes and pretty much everything I had to my name it was all in the room they’d rooted me out of I slapped my open Palm against the door

Open up I need to get my stuff will muttered something through the door but his words were muffled it sounded like I’ll give you your stuff will open the door laughing will said something to the man beside him and then the two of them turned tail and

Booked it back up the stairs agitation swelled in my gut Furious I dashed down the porch steps into the side of the house I made it just as will wrenched the window open this isn’t cool Will I said you wanted your stuff will snarled here stop my words came too late shirts

Jeans socks and underwear all came flying out the window handful after handful drifted down as though he’d opened my dresser drawers and emptied them on the spot I hurried to gather my things and regretted it a book nearly topped me on the head more books came textbooks notebooks pens shoes all of my

Earthly possessions were being tossed one by one as though they were worthless this is bull I shouted swearing at will and the others dashing forward only to get pelted by something small and sharp my stuff just kept coming they tossed everything out blankets pillow more books don’t I

Winced as they vaulted my computer it crashed into the sidewalk without warning small pieces of plastic broke and Scattered on the pavement and from the crackling web across the screen it looked irreparably shattered every bad name and word I knew ruptured in my brain I pictured breaking the glass on

The door and storming my way in there fists blazing knocking their lights out for this but what good would that do in all likelihood it would get me arrested rather than them I suppose I could call the police and report them for destruction of property but I’d sign the stupid p

Which would be held against me I was helpless I had no choice but to stand there and watch them demolish my Earthly possessions until finally the last few notebooks clattered to the ground you guys suck I shouted to the window just as it closed I was fuming anger pumped

Blood through my veins so fast I was ready to run a marathon pathetically as they intended me to do I began sorting through everything lumping it into piles and collecting what I could in my arms shouting resonated from inside the building I couldn’t make out the words

But it sounded like someone was coming to my defense at least there was that I wondered who had the nerve certainly not my brother ol had gone to the dark side I’d hardly recognized him besides that wasn’t his voice doing what I could to curb my frustration I began stuffing items into

My suitcase that had also been flung out clothes shoes everything I could fit in there I hauled to my car and came back again and again and again from the cracked screen of my computer I knew it was toast like I had a thousand bucks

Just lying around to buy a new one how was I going to finish my classes without it would the guys ensure that I got kicked out of school too it took several trips until I had finally collected everything I could including my bike from the garage thankfully I’d put the

Bike all back together and it was small enough to wedge into my back seat there was no hope for my computer which made me seee I sank into the driver’s seat of my car and stared pulsing overtook my body pounding to the tips of my fingers

Emptiness wedged in my rib cage I was in complete disbelief the guys I’d thought were my friends my brothers had turned on me even my own biological brother had ducked his tail between his legs and showed himself to be a coward olrick hadn’t come to my defense

Neither had Adrien none of them had just what was in that contract and what was I going to do about it now my thoughts wouldn’t settle I had nowhere else to go I could drive to St Paul and go home I supposed but that seemed like a last

Ditch option the only person I wanted to see right now was Bria would she be willing to let me back into her life or would she kick me out for good too she’d already fainted over kisses and pricked fingers how would she react once I finally spilled the truth about the

Fraternity chapter 14 Bria 21 felt no different than 20 yet there was a renewed variation inside of me as I peeled myself out of bed and went about my typical Saturday cleaning routine bathrooms vacuuming laundry I should have been happier I should have been gushing about my upcoming party and the

Excitement over reaching this new milestone in my life and especially over felicity’s promise of finding out about my birth parents instead I was dejected I still hadn’t gotten over my disappointing conversation with gray the day before I’d fallen for someone who’d pledged not to love me back that meant his feelings

For me weren’t as strong as mine for him as strong as I’d hoped kidnapping forcing him to vow something this serious those sounded manipulative and controlling why would he even want to be a part of this organization he hadn’t contacted me since our argument yesterday he also

Hadn’t told me whether or not he was coming to my party I felt as though we’d broken up before we’d had a chance to really get going and I was not okay what was entailed in that pact he joined just how big of a commitment had he made to

The fraternity I didn’t hate him for what he’d done how could I I was just at a loss life before I’d known gray was Bleak monotonous going through the motions Bleak my only ambition had been to get my degree graduate and find a teaching job somewhere maybe establish

Myself as the resident cat lady of a new town but once I’d met him my future had begun to Flicker and shift like the turned end of a kaleidoscope suddenly the colors I’d expected to find before changed they elongated and warped into beautiful new twists of possibility now that possibility was

Dimming faster than an unplugged lamp yesterday I’d resolved to let him go but today today I remembered all the reasons i’ thought I loved him and that was adding to my dilemma love didn’t change even though circumstances did it just made loving that person hurt more that

Was all there had to be some way out of this assuming that was what he wanted halfway through folding my jeans my phone pinged I fairly leaped across the room to check the screen and I allowed my heart full rain to gallop at the sight of Gray’s name in the little text

Box gray happy birthday beautiful I hope you’re having a great day gray you were right about Secrets I should have told you about the pack I just didn’t know how Gray sorry I was silent yesterday after you left I’m sorry for so much each text came in one after the other I

Was dying for answers this was exactly what I’d furtively hoped for openness for honesty for him to let me in I had to know what was he going to do about the pack me is everything okay what happened gray the Frat kicked me out I

Need a place to stay can I crash with you for a few days oh my goodness they kicked him out I could think of only one reason they’d do that me my heart took off like a shot me what happened gray I’ll be there in a few minutes if that’s

Okay I’ll explain everything and I have something I’d like to tell you worry skewered through me spearing straight up my spine something had happened but I wasn’t sure what I didn’t know what to tell him of course I didn’t mind him staying here but I had to check with STI

Tell me now I said to my phone with a squeal I was so done with Secrets he was killing me keeping me in suspense after I’d waited in agony for a full day was so not fair me what is it gray I promise I’ll tell you everything he sent a kissy

Emoji that sent my spirits on a whirligig I wasn’t sure how close he was the fraternity was located on the other side of Hyde Park so I figured he’d be here in about 20 minutes or so I finished my and dressed in my new jeans

A shirt with fat gray stripes and a pink cardigan as I was finishing my hair Sadie strolled through the door with the mail tucked beneath her arm happy birthday roomie stie said waving several cards that were addressed to me oh yay I said shutting off the bathroom light and

Taking them from her she slipped into a chair at the table and slid her finger to open the flap on a letter of her own I browsed through birthday greetings trying trying to figure out how to broach the subject of gray staying here for a few days if only I had more

Details what reason could I give her she wouldn’t go for having a man stay here with us unless it was Dire I’d make sure nothing went on between us two a glance at the clock told me it was nearing 1:00 we’d have to leave soon if we didn’t

Want to be late you’re coming to my party right I asked she smiled again and seemed to shake herself once more of course I’ll be there good I said I’d almost worked up the courage to mention gray when a knock pounded on the door my foot caught on the chair leg but

I regained my balance and pushed to answer I wasn’t sure what I expected to find when I opened the door had they hurt him was I going to find him beaten fortunately he wasn’t bruised or blackeyed I expelled a breath he did look agitated though worry rimmed his

Eyes and he hung on the threshold like he needed help to stand he was dressed to kill in dark jeans and and a torso hugging t-shirt that emphasized the shape of him I’d seen from his YouTube video I reached for his arm you’re here what’s going on Sadie brought her hands

To her mouth as gray sank onto the couch he looked wary downtrodden just plain sad as if sensing the seriousness of the situation she Rose and stro toward the hall in her bedroom leaving the two of us alone what happened I asked I backed out he said

Then they threw all my stuff from my bedroom window I gathered what I could and came straight here gray I’m so sorry I said I I’d do it all over again if I had to you would I met his fervent gaze this time the insistence there had shifted to something else

Admiration he slid to the edge of the cushion I have something to tell you something I wanted to say when you came over yesterday something I should never have held back I swallowed and clutched my hands to my chest my entire body was throbbing droning thriving on whatever he was

Going to admit he offered a hand luring me to close the distance between us I took it his warm fingers closed over mine and he tugged me insistently pulling me until I took the open seat beside him gray turned and stroked my cheek I love you briox I love you I love

You and I can’t live in a world where I can’t be with you I couldn’t stay there not if it meant giving you up I was a puddle I was nothing but a pulse I tried to say his name but the sound that left my lips wouldn’t form words a small flame

Flickered in the center of my chest he wasn’t real he couldn’t be every dream I’d had of him had led me to moments like this and yet with every inch closer to him the painting didn’t blur if anything he sharpened even more into Focus until he consumed all of my vision

Why would you do that I finally asked you why you changed my life the day you walked into the shop he said every day since has been my favorite ride you’re my black diamond so much of what he said eded before me not quite settling enough to

Make sense I lifted my gaze to find his intent on me Black Diamond I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen a black diamond before I preferred things a little more on the clear Spark side Diamonds though meant so many things they were rare Priceless Jewels with a singular specific meaning

He couldn’t be hinting at a proposal yet could he I shook the thought away as quickly as it had come I’d only known him for a matter of weeks if he were proposing to me that would be insane but still he loved me he’d left his packed

The guys at the Frat for me gray chuckled bike trails have ratings he said they marked to help people know what kind of Trail they’re in for so people can have an idea of the difficulty before they begin and black diamond is a trail my favorite kind he

Said with a roguish Quirk on his lips it’s a rush makes my heart Thunder and keeps me guessing so I crave whatever the trail is about to throw at me next you keep me on my toes and it’s pretty thrilling the muddied Waters of my thoughts began to clear a small Speck in

My stomach began to burn so many of his words stuck out Rush crave Thunder he felt those things for me my body trembled as though his admission had a charge that had infused into my bone marrow every single particle of me was marked with his name you’re my black

Diamond I’d make the same Choice again if it came down to it I’m choosing you Bria whoa talk about a birthday present my heart thrummed against my sternum I saw you on YouTube I said you you’re amazing on there gray lowered his chin when he lifted his head again his mouth

Did strange things to my bloodstream thank you how come you never told me about your channel he Shrugged I get girls fawning over me all the time you were genuine I didn’t want to ruin that I lost myself in his hazel eyes that look stilled the Earth’s rotation it wo

Through me embedding into me I needed to lighten the moment before it pulled me under he didn’t help matters gray cradled my face in his hands and placed the gentlest of kisses on my mouth how’s the bloodstream he asked with you around I’d like to be around a little longer

Until I find my own place do you mind I’ll be a good boy I promise he flashed me a devastating grin that made me feel like a melted marshmallow I’ll have to run it by Sadi I said trying to keep myself together gray was here he loved me my dreams

Weren’t shattering after all what are you going to do about school about a place to live I’m going to look for other housing but I may have to drop out of school once they pull the funding I won’t be able to attend my classes Shawn made it sound like I’d incur additional

Fees to the fraternity no wonder they have enough to offer scholarships I muttered gray released a humorless chuckle isn’t there anything you can do sue them or something I don’t know he said I don’t have a copy of the contract they made me sign I asked Shawn to email it to me

We’ll see if he does we were silent for a few more minutes and then I glanced at the clock more time had passed since he’d arrived than I thought we going to be late for my party I said rising to stand and smoothing a hand over my stomach you’re

Coming aren’t you did you get what you needed cleared up we should have left 10 minutes ago gray stood as well and then offered me a hand the instant our fingers touched a charge surged between us fastening around my sternum and compelling me to move in closer I

Resisted and wo my fingers through his instead he lifted my hand and placed a soft kiss against it I I did will your ants mind if we’re a few minutes late he asked I fought the flutter from that kiss they’re cool about everything although we’d better hurry they probably

Think I’m trying to ditch out to avoid avoid what I gave him an apology itic Grimace I wasn’t going to say anything but they tried to set me up with someone during this party it was arranged before I met you I begged them not to go through with it but I wouldn’t put

Anything past them gray rubbed his chin he considered for a moment checked his phone and then pocketed it again that’s funny my manager has been trying to set me up on a blind date for a few weeks now too for today I asked was that the text he’d gotten that he hadn’t wanted

To tell me about he rubbed the back of his neck yeah I told her no that I was into you but I’m not sure she ever canel it I guess she’ll find out when you don’t show up then I said giving him a smirk his thumb stroked the back of my

Hand I guess so gray there’s another reason I’m eager to get there Aunt Felicity told me she hinted that they’re going to share who my birth parents are today his eyes flickered with interest really really he kissed the back of my hand how do you feel about that the fluttering

Anticipation that had lodged in my chest since our conversation that day took flight all over again good I said I told her nothing she could say will change how much I love them but I’d like to know all the same you know I can imagine he said gesturing to the door what are

We waiting for then let’s find out I clutched his hand holding mine with my free one let’s find out chapter 15 Bria each of my steps had both a bounce and a stagger my happiness at making up with gray my eagerness to have him meet the ants and especially

The surprise ant Felicity promised me all but sent me into light speed at the same time uncertainty joined the fry I’d thought he was lost to me for good I’d thought he’d chosen his friends his financing his fraternity but he’d chosen me why should I be worried this was a

Total dab moment there were times I doubted him but he was here he’d lost everything and now we were going to my birthday party as though nothing between us had changed yet I knew that wasn’t the case so much had changed sympathy struck me for all he’d given up I felt

Awful for him his friends the men in his fraternity they’d all turned on him I couldn’t imagine how devastating that was he had nowhere else to go I knew he was trying to put on a brave face but occasionally I caught glimpses of sadness in his eyes each time I saw that

Glimpse my heart cracked a little inside I wanted to do what I could to help him get through this gray had a chance to start over he’d lost the support and fellowship he’d found at Sigma row but that hadn’t been true friendship and support and hopefully I could help him

See as much friends didn’t force one another to make promises about ridiculous things and then punish them when the other person disagreed friends were supposed to help one another to ease each other’s burdens to help one another when life got hard not to make one another’s lives harder every time I

Asked him how he was what I could do to help him he gave me a sad smile and told me I was already doing it helplessness cascaded over me whenever I felt as lost as he did I turned to the aunts those three women knew exactly how to cheer me

Up they fed me they hugged me they took me shopping or simply sat with me and talked gray needed friends like that too and in that moment I couldn’t think of three better people to start off with than Felicity credenza and Maryanne I can’t wait for you to meet

The ants I told him as we stepped out of my apartment yeah why is that not only are they amazing but they go all out for my birthdays I said as I locked my apartment behind us plus they’re great listeners his eyes registered my statement I know you mean well but this

Is your day Bria I’d really like to keep the focus on you I know but you just lost everything I’ll find it again he said taking my hand bringing it to his mouth and placing a kiss there please I can’t dwell on it now I want to have my

Attention on you I lost myself in his gaze in the sincerity burning there gradually I gave a nod of agreement so tell me he said keeping my hand in his what do they do for your birthdays we strolled down the sidewalk toward the parking lot when I turned 16 the ants

Had invited the entire neighborhood for a party with a live band at 18 they’d set up a scavenger hunt throughout Hyde Park that sent me searching for the keys to the car I still drive gray pointed to my red Ford this car yep I tapped my key

Fob to unlock the doors since his car was full of his belongings we’d be taking mine impressive he said I wonder what they’ll do for 21 I guess it’s time to go and see rather than opening his door he stared at the cars in the lot I followed the line of

His gaze toward where a black car was parked his stuff had been crammed in by the handful it looked like and a twinge of sympathy for him struck through me all over again I couldn’t believe the guys at the fraternity would stoop so low I just hoped this was the end of it

That they wouldn’t pester him any longer I guess only time would tell I wondered if we shouldn’t take his things inside this was Chicago after all suggesting as much he agreed and I helped him haul his things into the apartment including his beloved bike looks like we’d be more than 10 minutes

Late but when I texted the ants to give them an update they said they understood and were excited to see us when we got there eventually we made our way across town the senior center had so many cars parked out front I couldn’t find anywhere close I Eed past at at a slow

Pace both hands on the wheel but no opening showed themselves stop here he suggested I’ll drop you off and then I’ll find a place I gripped his hand there was only one chance for him to make a first impression and I didn’t want to miss the aunt’s reaction to

Meeting him Maryann would coup and gush over how gorgeous he was Felicity would flutter about his physique and good manners and credenza I both chuckled and squirmed at the thought cenza had The Uncanny Knack of pointing out flaws and laying out expectations that came out sounding more

Like threats she was as brisly as a cactus but she also had the Sweet Water inside once a person got through her rough exterior that’s thoughtful I said but I don’t mind walking I’d rather go in together walking it is I crawled at a snail’s pace to the

End of the street parked and together we strolled down the sidewalk past collections of buttery dancing aidil and swaying pink tulips the color of clouds at Sunset gray walked with his head down you doing okay I asked drinking in a breath of cool air and wishing I knew of

A way to help him I am he said I’m still a little dumbfounded I don’t blame you I said not knowing what else to say he squeezed my hand let’s forget about it for now okay today is about you I want to celebrate you the senior center white brick

Exterior was offset by scads of balloons they’re not discreet are they gray asked startled at the centure in his tone I glanced to find him scowling at the decor they definitely not I said gray didn’t seem to share my ease of mind I’m just saying you can’t be too careful

Says the man whose impressively chiseled torso is all over YouTube the smile he gave me ignited a flurry of butterflies in my stomach you liked that didn’t you I admit nothing my cheeks were saying enough for me I was sure I flamed bright red I won’t tell

You that’s my favorite video of yours or that I’d watched it at least a thousand times since stie and I stumbled across it a few days ago the sight of gray shirtless was enough to make anyone Swoon gray chuckled and leaned in to press a kiss to my cheek before getting

The door for me country music greeted my ears along with a wave of Welcome heat that contrasted with the Cool Spring air balloons exploded in every color and over every doorway in the central Hall the senior center might seem like an odd place for a party but the price was

Right and it had the perfect amount of space for our small collection of friends my gaze cast across the Gathering of round tables and balloon rainbows above the refreshment table where a huge unicorn cake took up more room than any cake rightly should my heart warmed to find so many familiar

Faces among the guests too I chastised under my breath I expected them to give him a hard time but death threats off the bat if my inclination to pass out at the sight of blood didn’t scare him away she certainly would noted gray said his smile growing so not the

First impression I was hoping for at least he seemed to be okay with it I decided to step in before things went any farther south than they already had I gave the ants a pointed look that I hoped said I like this Sky please don’t

Ruin this for me this is cenza I began credenza puffed out her chest and lifted her chin I’m the favorite Maran nudged her aside evidence will show that the title favorite ant belongs to me actually Felicity said edging her way in before she could speak her peace gray

Laughed from what Bria has told me you all hold that title Felicity jutted her hand in his Direction nice to meet you even though you ruined my birthday plans oh Auntie Liss I said again with a chastising tone felicity’s attention wavered she caught a glimpse of someone near the door and before the

Conversation broke the last person I expected to find here strolled to join the group gray sounded as startled as I was Kiara what are you doing here I always made sure to buy a candy bar while visiting gray she’d been the one to ring them up sometimes was she here

To accuse me of stealing something you came after all Felicity said in surprise I thought you said you weren’t going to what are you doing here gray asked again Kiara laughed though something seemed off about her smile I didn’t know her well but I detected traces of worry

Behind her eyes I said my friend wasn’t going to come I should have mentioned I was still planning on it except she raised her brows at gray he cast his gaze from Kiara to the ants to me and back again you mean this is him felicity’s Thumb jutted in Gray’s

Direction but her question wasn’t for me it was for Kiara what are you talking about I asked felicity’s long pale face was bright red but her smile soon made it wider than it was narrow Kiara is a friend from high school the two of us got talking weeks

Ago we stuck our heads together and thought it would be a good idea to get the two of you together I gaped at Gray who smiled back at me in return so you were going to set me up with gray why didn’t you say as much when I told you

About him Felicity lifted her long fingers I didn’t know the man Kiara works with was the same guy you’ve been gushing to us about I stared at gray in Wonder but his attention was on Kiara did you know about this he asked I didn’t know it was her his manager said

With an astonished smile what a small world I said Felicity pressed her lips together and lifted her chin turns out my birthday surprise came through after all you two were always meant to meet he had been my blind date that meant no matter what had happened we would have

Met anyway that’s not the only surprise we have credenza said slapping a conical birthday hat onto her head we have something we’d like to tell you but let’s have cake first I caught felicity’s gaze was this it the moment of truth I didn’t care about the cake I

Wanted to whisk away with the ants to hear every detail they hadn’t yet told me to finally finally have the truth but as credenza attempted to tug me toward the table Laden with presents my hand was snared by Grays his fingers tightened keeping me in place he bent

Toward Kiara with an expression of concern as she whispered in his ear and the longer she spoke the firmer his grasp on my hand grew credenza became insistent she pulled that much harder my hands slipped From Grace a line appeared between his brows his gaze locked on

Mine as the throng gathered around me and a bowling ball sank into my stomach at our sudden separation it was like that moment in a movie where two lovers were separated stretching their hands out toward one another as unbeatable odds crashed in Maryann nudged me behind the table while Felicity bent her lanky

Form over the cake and its candles I couldn’t figure out what was going on why did I care that he didn’t come with me me Gray’s attention was on the door I waved him over but he raised a single finger and pointed to the door wait no I

Muttered where was he going what had Kiara said to him what’s wrong credenza asked where is he going I asked make a wish someone from the crowd shouted people cheered and whooped and called out my name credenza placed her hand on my back I searched but with the table

Between me and the crowd and the Ants flanking me I was boxed in then he came back into view lifting his chin he gave me a little nod as if encouraging me there was something else in that look though something troubled and concerned what was bothering him don’t leave him

Burning credenza shouted over the crowd concerned I leaned over the cake over the dots of orange flame flickering from each candle and made the only wish my heart could conjure at this point his face his name everything about gray I just wanted gray I blew out the candles

To rock us Applause seconds later an explosive sound clattered the door was kicked open so hard it smashed into the wall behind it and a man staggered inside though I didn’t know his name I recognized his face he was from the fraternity and he stared daggers at his so-called

Brother chapter 16 gray Kiara had whispered to me that a man outside was looking for me nothing else could have taken me from bria’s side especially not once I realized that man was will I had every intention of subverting him before he made it to the Gathering but I wasn’t

Fast enough he kicked the door open so hard it smashed into the wall people screamed jumping at the noise covering their ears their cheering for Bria dimmed fear struck my chest as the threats he’d made to me came rushing back was he really here to give me more

Crap for leaving hadn’t he done enough in every inter action I’d had with him will had acted like a ticking time bomb as far as I could tell he wasn’t carrying a weapon but I wouldn’t put it past him to have one hidden within his

Jacket I lifted my hands in a show of surrender and approached the best thing to do would be to lure him out of here away from all these people away from Bria he’d been unhinged and cracked the last time we’d spoken for all I knew he

Was drunk who knew what he might do now will I said what are you doing here I heard about the party Bria Cox’s 21st birthday his words were slurred the front of his shirt was smeared with who knew what was he wasted how did he even know about this I hadn’t mentioned

Bria’s party to anyone unless I may have said something to rri had my own brother ratted me out Will’s eyes swept over the crowd and a fist squeezed my heart as his gaze landed on her Bria my Bria in intense protectiveness swept over me I wouldn’t knock him out before I let him

Hurt her I wouldn’t let him near her I stepped between him and the crowd what do you say we go out in the hall and talk will sneered at me before his attention veered to someone behind me I groaned hoping I wouldn’t turn and find

Her closer to us too late there she was parting the crowd with her pretty smile directed at the fathead my defenses were locked and loaded blood pumped hard and fast I clenched my fists ready to do whatever it took I’d Pummel him if he did anything to

Her hi Will is it it’s nice to meet you she said pleasantly he inhaled and tilted his head back as if trying to see her more clearly you can’t mean that you don’t know who I am the scent of alcohol escaped on his breath I saw you at the

Fraternity she said it’s your birthday huh I didn’t get an invitation I rolled my eyes that’s because you weren’t invited he slid a glare in my direction that was sharp enough to cut you should have told me she was having a party I have a present for her that’s

Sweet she said but her words were cut off she’d gotten too close to him he reached for her I dove in but his elbow struck my face and before I knew it he held her against his chest and pressed a knife to her throat bria’s eyes widened

With Terror the birthday girl and I are leaving will said backing with her toward the door oh no you don’t cenza marched forward flanked by Maryann and Felicity nose throbbing where he’d struck me I stepped in to join their ranks you’re not taking her anywhere I snarled working through the scenario in

My brain if I could get close enough I could grasp his hand holding the knife doing so might hurt Bria though I couldn’t risk that somehow we needed her out of the way if you Hur her you’re going down I added you’ve got that wrong the Packa still stands it’s not

Something you can walk away from this will only serve you right the PA this was about the paack I’d always sensed there was something off about will but I had no idea he was this psychotic this is between you and me I said leave Bria out of it he gripped her

Tighter to him a small scared noise escaped her lips you brought her into this he said not me you should have stayed with the brethren the stress of the situation heightened will shifted the knife Point skimmed her jawline bria’s fear-stricken eyes widened the color left her cheeks

Her eyes rolled and then she went limp in his grasp her sudden total weight was too much for him will lost his grip on the knife it slipped to the floor as he tried catching her body and I dove fist clenched I lobbed it against the sight

Of my ex- fraternity brother’s face he knocked backward losing his hold on Bria complet completely credenza and Felicity went to her side and I continued pushing will back out of the room away from the crowd away from anyone else he might be able to hurt will staggered and blocked

My next hit Stars danced in my brain as the force of his punch collided with my jaw I shook it off shook off the pain as quickly as I could but it wasn’t fast enough to stop him will staggered clumsily toward the exit and pushed through to the afternoon outside

Everything in me told me to give Chase to hunt the scumbag down and make him pay for what he’d done to her to me a hand gripped my arm I whipped around to find Kiara’s wide concerned eyes are you okay that glance that question grounded

Me just enough I nursed my jaw with one hand and watched his beat up Range Rover rattle away down the street I released a chain of colorful words he’d gotten away I couldn’t tell if I was relieved or not part of me wanted to go after him to see

That just was done and ensure he never came near Bria or me again but I wasn’t entirely sure how to do that short of having him or me arrested did anyone have the sense to call the police during all of that or better yet take a picture or two of the altercation as

Evidence I’m fine I said nursing my jaw how’s Bria she’s fine her aunts are helping her good still shaking from the fight I attempted to tap my phone screen we need to call the police I already did kiar said the minute he smashed into the party they’ll probably

Be here in a few minutes now that he’s gone I sneered working my jaw to ease the stiffness there I’d never been hit in the face before but it was awful the next moments were a blur bria’s Aunt Maryann got me a bag of ice to hold

Against my cheek I sat on the couch in the foyer with her as many of the gathered crowd offered both condolences and congratulations and then left the police police finally arrived I gave them a detailed account of events with others interjecting their take on things the officer added the notes to the

Report I’d already given them on Will and the fraternity and then told us to call immediately if we saw him again eventually it was just bria’s ants Bria her roommate Satie Kiara and me Bria sat on the couch next to me with her head resting against my shoulder I stared at

Our joined hands as I stroked her fingertips with mine a small Sizzle speared across my skin with every touch I existed in a weird State of Shock and I wasn’t sure what I would have done if he’d hurt her I never wanted anything to happen to this woman

The thought of being without her stabbed like Will’s knife had plunged into me instead I can’t believe I missed it stie said sitting in a folding chair across from us Maryann and Felicity were also in folding chairs beside hers while credenza had scooted the decorative armchair that had been positioned nearer

To the hall closer to our little gathering be glad you did credenza said I thought my heart was going to crash through my chest when he grabbed her then gray saved the day she jutted her chin in bria’s Direction you got a good man there I went nearly ballistic when

He said touch her you die Felicity added Fanning her face with her hands so romantic yes romance was what I was going for I said ively I hadn’t exactly phrased it like that but she had the gist of it bria’s life had been at stake and all she could think of was romance

Bria chuckled and lifted her head to look at me you were pretty hot and heroic that’s better I stroked her cheek gratified that this incredible woman was okay I’m so sorry it happened at all I never thought they’d attack you I’d never have let him hurt

You she leaned in her eyes hazy and press her lips to my mouth that kiss encompassed me it streamed through me injecting her into my weakest parts I responded nearly forgetting we had an audience until one of the ants released a woozy sigh now that’s a kiss one of

Them said Bria pulled away blushing and tucking a hair behind her ear chuckling I leaned in to whisper later she trapped her bottom lip with her teeth gazed at me through her lashes with bashful adorable eyes and nodded y’all better be on the lookout credenza said when we broke apart she

Crossed one leg over the other and peered toward the glass entry doors what do you mean Bri asked yes something tells me heun’s not done with you yet Maran added has that man ever threatened you before I shifted yesterday I said he told me I’d be sorry for going back on a

Promise I’d made what’s the promise Felicity asked up until today I was part of a fraternity I said knowing just how ludicrous this was going to sound I was curious to see what their reactions would be many of the guys there including will agreed to sign what they called The Pact

Vowing that they’d never fall in love I thought it was only meant to be while we were students so we could focus on our studies you know let me guess credenza said this will character took it more seriously than others I think he did I said I

Exhaled thinking it over I never would have thought he’d attack anyone the Frat president told me they were only going to use financial means to get back at me I never thought that he’d threaten my girlfriend bria’s hand tightened on mine what did you say I lifted my lips into a

Smile you heard me her grin widened and the sight gave me wings she leaned in and placed another kiss on my cheek I couldn’t wait until we were alone there were so many things I wanted to say to her so much to tell her several moments passed before the

Feeling of being watched swept over my skin prickles cascaded down my neck and I slowly turned to find bria’s ants and Sadie gazing at us every woman was smiling in a l struck kind of way bria’s cheeks were bright red once more the way they’d been when she’d admitted to

Liking my YouTube video she beamed at me and giggled ducking her face into my shirt credenzas expression fell into a scowl she nudged Maryann with her hand let’s leave these two to talk she said come on now they don’t need us gaping at him Get on Up Maryann Rose followed by Felicity and

Credenza stie stood as well brushing her blonde hair she paused I’m headed home okay Bria said standing and embracing her friend thanks for coming I got you an awesome present stie said so make sure you open it and thank me later Bria laughed now I want to know what it

Is presents aren’t the only thing you didn’t get to I said Rising I hadn’t gotten her anything but I’d remedy that later she deserved a gift after all I’d put her through she deserved so much this has been the weirdest birthday I’ve ever had she said once we were

Alone weirdest is that all her body still trembled as she burrowed her nose into my chest I secured my arms tighter around her scariest craziest my party was completely ruined it was just a weird day it was I said rubbing my hand up and down her back I wish I could do

Something to make it up to you it’s kind of my fault it is not except it is I can’t tell you how sorry I am I said feeling her breath cherishing the fact that she was okay that nothing worse had happened I was still dumbstruck that will had taken the pack that seriously

Who who peed in his Cheerios or how glad I am that nothing happened to you I said you know this is the first time I’ve been grateful for my condition she said with her cheek against my chest you don’t like turning into Sleeping Beauty not before now she said it saved your

Life yeah she said in wonder she pulled away just enough to tip her head back and lift her gaze to mine so did you heat radiated from my chest actually I think you saved mine her brows Drew together not possible you weren’t in any

Danger I was before I met you I told her drinking in the warmth of her eyes in danger of what stupidity I suggested she laughed and rested her head against my chest again I stroked my fingers along the soft skin on her arm did your ants ever tell

You tell me oh realization struck she pulled away so rapidly I gripped her arms to steady her come on taking my hand she pulled me behind her into the reception area the three women were dancing around the refreshment table they’d broken into a goofy song about cake and acted

Inebriated though I doubted they were not like will had been they seemed to be drunk on life from the way these three women leapt to bria’s rescue from the elaborate party they’d thrown and the the way they showered Brio with doting affection it seemed as if these three

Lived every moment as fully as they possibly could cake Felicity announced directing us to the table when she saw us and then we got a gift for you Maryann added the cake was red velvet and my mouth watered over the sight of creamy white frosting separating the red layers in the

Center what gift Bri asked knife in hand credenza concentrated on cutting several pieces she dished them onto hot pink plates and handed them out before the five of us found ourselves sitting around one of the round tables we got something to tell you cenza began beneath the table bria’s

Hand found mine she hadn’t yet touched her cake and so I didn’t either I knew she was eager for this news my birth parents Bria prodded carden’s mouth dropped now how did you then her gaze ROV to Felicity whose face was beat red I figured it out Bria said

Hurrying to pacify them you know who they are don’t you will you tell me chapter 17 Bria Maryanne pulled her fork from her mouth and placed it back on the plate credenza and Felicity gave her encouraging Smiles the three of them huddled in exchanging a few words

Including a few short arguments that I couldn’t completely make out before turning back to me we contacted an AAL adoption agency and the three of us traveled together Tovar to pick you up from an orphanage there einar I exchanged a glance with gray I’m from einar the small European country was

Near Sweden from what I could remember of the last time I’d looked at a map I was from einar I was European what about this orphanage gray asked he thumbed the side of his pink plate did her parents drop her off there or something yes Maryann said up until a

Few months ago we didn’t know who they were but it seems some documentation turned up my heart resembled a drum I couldn’t hold still I wanted to get up and Pace I wanted to run from the room I wanted I wasn’t sure I’d always wanted the truth but I’d never expected to be

From a completely different country I can’t believe this I said who are they the ants watched me with various Expressions on their faces Maryann nodded to Felicity who bent and removed a series of papers from her purse they were white but the content on them looked as though it had been copied from

Another document entirely she slid them on the table toward me what’s this the papers that were left at the orphanage for you I drank in the words hungrily but my anticipation dropped and was rapidly replaced with disappointment it’s not in English I said what language did they speak in

Einar I couldn’t remember I didn’t know much about that country at all the English translation is on the papers beneath Maryann explained but we thought you might like to see their pictures wait pictures I flipped through and there sure enough were two black and white portraits a young woman with

Blonde hair like mine a handsome man with equally blonde hair and a kind smile tears pricked my eyes who were they were they good people were they kind I peered up at the ants to find their eyes glistening as well they smiled at me with understanding and gestured for

Me to turn my attention back to the papers in my hands I scoured over dozens of words I had no understanding of until something resembled familiarity Nan Sonia ver noan Hans ver below their pictures and names were not one but two dates birth and death I gripped the

Paper so tightly that they crumpled in my hands even that that action didn’t stop my hands from shaking they they’ve passed away Angel Baby credenza said her voice uncharacteristically gentle a tear streamed from my eyes I didn’t know these people not really but still the idea saddened me they were both deceased

It was as though I’d lost the prospect of more answers according to the dates they died a few days after I’d been born how did they die what happened gray slid his hand around my shoulders and held me today had already been emotional enough after Will’s attack this news was both

Exhilarating and draining at once they got sick credenza explained it’s all in the translation they caught malaria and it killed them luckily the disease left you alone neighbors heard you crying and took you to the orphanage you were only days old days old when the adoption was completed

Maryanne said we flew over there to pick you up and brought you home with us gray rested his cheek against my hair I wasn’t sure how long I let him hold me before A Pair of Hands tapped my arms before I knew what was happening I was

Being pulled to my feet and embraced by the scent of roses baby powder and the overwhelming flowery perfume Maryanne always wore I buried my face into each of their shoulders I love you I told them each in turn thank you for telling me we sorry it’s not happier news

Maryann said stroking my hair since she’d hugged me last but we wanted you to have the truth I’m glad I said squeezing her tightly I then Dove back in for one more round of hugs in the midst of so much emotion sense washed through giving me a

Nudge I could tell from the worry in their expressions they needed to know I was okay with this I couldn’t have asked for better parents you three mean the world to me thank you for all you’ve done you got it baby credenza said rubbing my chin with her thumb were we right to

Tell you Felicity asked I smeared a hand across my cheek so right I said I’m so glad I know I clutched the papers to my chest thinking over this influx of information and trying to picture my newfound Heritage a scenario flashed in my mind young Sonia and Hans Vern maybe

Newly married maybe not catching an unexpected illness their lives were snatched from them prematurely unfairly had they been sad had they secretly wished they could have raised me I supposed I’d never know gray and I remained at the table and watched the ants stack presence into a foldable wagon as I watched their

Light-heartedness as I thought of their kindness of how difficult giving papers like this to me must have been I realized something it didn’t matter I was grateful to Sonia and and Hans ver for bringing me into this world I was so sorry they’d lost their lives so tragically but they weren’t my parents

Not really not in the ways that mattered eat you’ve been through a lot gray said you probably need something in your stomach I wasn’t sure I could but gray continued to insist he was probably right I blinked and looked down noticing the colorful cake on its hot pink plate

Moving robotically I lifted my fork and dug in carving out a bite and guiding it to my mouth the blend of pastry with buttercream icing was Stark enough to instill some feeling back into me the taste triggered saliva which generated tingles down my jaw I chewed and

Swallowed gray was right I needed this within moments the sugar revitalized my bloodstream if only slightly it was still noticeable I couldn’t believe everything that had happened in such a short amount of time talk to me gray said what are you thinking about out I’m

From einar I said in a complete days you were born there he said finishing his last bite of cake but you’re an American I nodded grateful for his Insight I was I was who was I you’re still you Bria Bria the sound of my name was just what I needed I took another

Bite and brought my gaze up to find gray watching me intently adoringly insightfully I’m sure this is a huge bomb sh he said sort out what you need to but don’t forget you’re still you just with new information I’m still me I said saying it aloud had more of an impact than I

Thought plate empty he pushed it away and breezed his hand to my knee beneath the table what I asked chewing my last bite of cake do you believe in fate fate are you do you mean my birth parents or our blind date I’d almost forgot en about it

In the wake of everything else that had happened a chuckle rumbled in his throat he brushed his knuckles across my cheek yeah who knew we would have met anyway do you want to know what I think hm I concentrated on the plate for a few moments scraping a last bite of

Frosting and licking it from my Fork he watched my lips with Avid attention I stilled I think fate meant for your aunts to find you he said do you know why why not only did they need to be the ones to raise the incredible person that

You are but they also raised you here in Chicago if you’d been raised in einar if you’d grown up anywhere else we might not have met it might be too soon to say but I think you and I were meant to be he finished my heart responded before I

Could it thundered against my sternum so hard I was surprised it wasn’t audible Gray’s expression grew impish he waited for me to process I think so too I said I hadn’t ever put much stock in fate before but with this turn of events how could I deny it not

Only had I met a gorgeous incredible man who was easy to talk to but that same man had swept in overtaken me saved my life and accepted the quirks of my condition and life that would turn anyone else away if fate hadn’t brought us together I wasn’t sure what had

There’s something else he said tilting in oh I wasn’t sure I could handle anything else gray pressed a kiss to my cheek making my eyelashes flutter I didn’t get you a present he said but that doesn’t mean I didn’t want to I don’t care I said it’s enough that you’re here that

You’re opening up to me and not keeping any more secrets that’s all I’ve wanted from you for me to open up to you I clasped his hand it might sound silly but I’ve wanted this insane connection between us to mean more me too he said stroking my cheek The Gleam in his eyes

Was startling it was Bare vulnerable and Torrid familiar and yet a struck too that expression that look stirred itself into me striking and moving me what can I do for you he said I want to give you something you really want I don’t have much right now but I want to do

Something to show you how much you mean to me I stopped his mouth with my own GR hands clutched my shoulders he tensed for only a millisecond before claiming my mouth deeper I was unaccustomed to the emotional impact a kiss like this would have over me it was intentional

And intermediary and swept away every thought I’d ever had except Gray’s name and just how soft his mouth was against mine just how feathery his hair felt as I red my fingers through it no more secrets I finally said when the kiss broke meeting the Rapture in his

Expressive eyes and collecting my breath Gray’s fingers stroked my jaw no more secrets he agreed after all he’d done for me I believed him chapter 18 Bria he made it look so easy I’d seen gray on a bike before he’d played around bouncing the tires and twirling the handlebars around when we’d

Ridden together but I had no idea he could do this 2 weeks after the Dreadful birthday party disaster we drove to the skate park and I watched him Glide smoothly from one angle of the park curves and jumps to another he did alley oops spun a 360 and removed his feet

From the pedals only to cross his legs and return his feet to the pedals once more I held the camera as steadily as I could I was no videographer but I was really good at looking at nothing but him and I put that skill to good use

Right now he used his body movement to turn the handlebars bringing the bike up one side of him while in the air he even spun the handlebars while somehow maintaining enough height to write them again and make a smooth Landing I’d watched him perform similar tricks in

His other videos but watching him in person now was an entirely different experience this video was celebratory his channel had just hit the coveted 10,000 subscribers Milestone after staying with Sadi and me for a few days he’d found a new apartment where he roomed with a couple

Of other guys he’d had to quit school after the withdrawal of scholarship funds courtesy of Sigma row so he’d taken more hours at the bike shop and was devoting more time to filming as well he returned to the pavement and signaled for me to record him once more

Gray wore jeans and a t-shirt topped with an open button-down collared shirt with his hair tousled his watch at his wrist his hands on the handlebars of a trick bike and the small microphone secured to his jaw he looked completely at ease talking before the camera hey

There it’s gray he acted so casual as though they knew him riding bikes may not seem like a career to some people but it’s going to be mine I started up in a small town like some of you goofing around doing my tricks he paused to balance himself on the back wheel

Bounced it once or twice and landed again my heart lurched though he stood alone with just me I could tell once this video aired he’d have the attention of everyone in the room the energy around him sizzled and entranced me I was dreaming that was all there was to

It he then took several more minutes demonstrating other impressive tricks on his bike he brought it up vertically while somehow remaining attached to it and turned the handlebars in a 180 he followed this by bouncing on the front wheel and then resting both wheels for a

Few bunny hops I tailed him in amazement capturing as much as I could on camera I’m a nobody kid from St Paul he said when he paused I’m proof that you can become anything you want to be if you just take a chance follow your dreams get an education do what you love

And who knows what may come of it in the wake of Silent Applause he led his bike off to the side and called out cut that’s a wrap I tapped the button to stop recording I was so inspired after watching him how could anyone else see

This and not be gray shook his hands at the wrists I walked to him in an otherworldly stuper disconnected drifting he smirked as though one side of his mouth wanted to smile and the other fought against it his hazel eyes smoldered like a forest caught on fire

The heat of his presence filled me from my torso to my cheeks and I placed my hands over my face and stared at him if I were sleeping now would be the perfect time to wake up say something he said his presence filled everything around us he blurred out everyone and everything

Else pinch me I said with a breath I think I’m still dreaming he kissed me long and slow you’re awake he said when the kiss ended I reeled in the undertoe of realization with no hope of resurfacing his chest brushed mine my stomach nodded and I breathed in the

Smell of his husky cologne he held me close his breath stroking my ear he tipped in to kiss me again when the sound of an approaching car made us both step back Gray’s hand found mine together we watched the expensive looking sleek black sports car Karine into a parking spot with Hasty Precision

You’ve got to be kidding me gray muttered what’s he doing here his hold on my hand tightened what who is it he didn’t respond but he didn’t need to Adrien the man who’d answered the door the day I’d come to sigy row stepped out in a pair of jeans and a fitted polo

Shirt his dark hair was careless and his sunglasses shielded his eyes Gray’s body tensed he propped his bike against the awning providing shade over a line of benches and then placed a foot in front of mine as though preparing to guard me with his body he didn’t feel threatened

By Adrien did he was Adrien one of the guys who’d thrown Gray’s stuff out the window gray had only just replaced his computer what are you doing here gray asked sounding none too friendly Adrien lifted his hands I heard you found a place I’ve been wanting to stop by and

See how you were but then I was passing by and saw the two of you here he inclined his head to me as though in greeting why do you care gray asked simmer down Adrien said lowering his hands and coming nearer you may have had

A Fallout with the Frat but not with me I still consider you my friend he removed his sunglasses and braced a boot on the curb yet you stood by and did nothing while will and the others trashed my stuff there was nothing I could do Adrien said with

Remorse it wasn’t cool man I made sure Shawn knew as much has he gotten rid of the pack no and I don’t think he will gray slid me an incredulous look before turning his attention back to Adrien how can you stay there he asked knowing what

They do to people who have a Fallout like I did you’re the first one since Finn’s time Adrien said Will’s always been a little edgy but I’ve never seen him that upset before he’s got a short fuse I never thought he’d take things that far what made him completely unhinged

Like that I asked maybe there was more to his story that they both knew but I wanted in on it Adrien rubbed his jaw will fell in love with a girl during his freshman year of college because of the paack he didn’t pursue anything with her

So stupid I muttered shaking my head so much lost time Adrien hooked his thumb through his belt loop the girl died in a terrible accident the pronouncement struck me will had said do you have any idea what the rest of us have given up to keep our word

This was what he’d given up what he’d lost so he never got to be with her anyway gray said with a frown that’s sad I said he never got to be with the woman he loved Adrien said I think this was his way of taking that fact out on you

And you’re still staying there Gray’s voice dripped with skepticism I agreed with him how could anyone with a conscience condone The Pact or what they’d done to gray because of it part of me felt bad for will at losing the girl he loved so tragically but that was

No reason to lash out and take his anger out on us even Gray’s own brother had written him off gray hadn’t heard from R in the week since he’d left if adrianne’s intentions were honorable and he was here against the fraternity’s wishes that said a lot about him it’s my

Last semester Adrien said either way once I graduate I’m out so there’s no point in me leaving now I don’t like what they did to you and I wanted you to know it gray shoulders lowered as if in acceptance he paused for several moments and I wondered what he was thinking it

Was you I heard shouting when I left gray said as if with realization you were trying to stick up for me Adrien lifted a shoulder I did what I could sha agrees they went overboard will is in jail did you know that he is I said I hadn’t heard though I

Would have been surprised if he wasn’t my relief was Stark being held by a psycho with a knife had given me chest pain for days after it had happened even now the memory of it made my stomach turn rock hard Adrien gave me his attention after a few seconds he stepped

Toward me and offered his hand yeah after attacking you the way he did the police found several other instances of misconduct we never officially met the day you stopped by I’m Adrien he said I’m a friend a friend could I believe that I hesitated and looked at gray Adrien had no knife at

Least gray pursed his lips and offered an encouraging nod moments paused as I gauged Adrien then adjusting my hold on Gray’s camera I accepted the gesture Bria I said we shook and then he released me and placed his sunglasses up onto his forehead to reveal a pair of

Brown eyes which twinkled you must be something else Bria you should have seen how whipped our boy here was over you he flashed gray a smile doing that much more to lighten the mood a little more of the tension that had spurred at his arrival siphoned away gray then slid a

Husky look at me that Tangled my stomach into knots he talked about me to the guys at the fraternity he had to have if they’d gotten upset enough to kick him out he wasn’t embarrassed by this in the slightest in fact the mention of his feelings for me loosened more of the

Pressure in his shoulders and consequently mine as well someday it’ll be you gray offered a hand to Adrien in a gesture of Fellowship I’ll pass Adrien said shaking his hand you don’t want to date anyone I asked Adrien leaned against the side of the awnings post looking casual and carefree I wouldn’t

Mind a date here and there but I’ll never get whipped like your boy here but you’re graduating I said trying to make sense of this won’t you be able to be with whoever you want after that it wasn’t like he was going to keep living at the fraternity for the rest of his

Life I’m leaving Sigma fyo but the paack is for Life Adrien said tossing his keys from one hand to the other I’ve had me a girl before and I’m not going there again not after what happened to gray you can’t honestly think the fraternity will hold you to it once you leave I

Said said Adrien examined the skate park ramps disinterestedly and then sank onto the bench nearest to him I doubt it Adrian said squinting but I’ll still hold to it unless you meet the right girl gray slid his arm around my waist you should get out while you still can

Before they can hold the packed over your head too I don’t need to what will and the others did to you was wrong I don’t deny that but I’m not worried I’ll never let a woman get under my skin not ever again I’ll believe that when I see it

Gray said he made his way to the other side of Adrienne’s bench and sat when I joined him gray slipped his hand into mine and clasped my fingers I squeezed back loving the implication the gesture brought with it I was under his skin and he wanted to keep me right where I was

Adrien smirked as if the notion of him loving anyone again was laughable I’d rather go feet first through a wood chipper than let myself fall prey to a woman’s manipulation again no offense Bria he inclined his head toward me that was drastic I wasn’t offended I just

Felt sad that that was his impression of women who was this girl who’d burned him so badly they’re not all manipulators man gray said there’s a girl out there for you somewhere and I’ll laugh when you fall for her laugh all you want Adrian said smiling he replaced his

Sunglasses it’s not happening it might I thought but didn’t say just because he hadn’t met her yet didn’t mean he wouldn’t Adrien stayed until dark and we talked about how things had been going for each of them since gray had left Adrien mentioned that several of the other guys had expressed their dislike

Of Will’s actions as well at least not everyone at the fraternity was Psycho when Adrien left gray took me home since I still had to be there to teach for a few more days until my student teaching concluded we embraced on my doorstep basking in the Moonlight I loved being

With him but seeing Adrien reminded me of just what gray had given up to be with me gray claimed he didn’t mind the loss that he would do it all over again if that was what it took but he hadn’t just sacrificed a place to live or

Funding for school he’d lost friends as well maybe the others will come around too I said after I mentioned that fact I’m okay if they don’t gray said as long as I’ve got you I can make new friends that’s still can’t make it any easier being with you is just so easy

And natural he said pressing his nose to my cheek his warm breath stroked my skin I’ve never had that with a woman before I’m just a cashier just a bike mechanic I struggled for breath you’re so much more than that then what’s wrong he asked I feel like something is

Bothering you tonight am I overwhelming you is it will from what Adrien said he’ll be behind bars for a good long while I shook my head though his frat brother had terrified me that fear wasn’t enough to keep me from being with gray I had been a little lost in thought

Since Adrien had left though I don’t want things to change between us I admitted unless we grew closer I wouldn’t complain but I still worried gray had given up so much to be with me would it be enough to make what we had last would he come to resent me for what

Had happened me neither I’m hoping they won’t his hand stroked my arm I shivered under the touch his arm swept around me I’m Into You Bria how much so into you your smile your quick mind and determination I adore your gorgeous eyes and I definitely want more of your mouth

I shivered his hands made their way to my low back I’ve always wanted to feel like I belonged somewhere I thought I had found that with the fraternity but the truth is I haven’t really belonged anywhere not with my parents the fraternity not even with my own brother

But you I feel like I belong with you the fact that we would have met anyway even if you hadn’t come into the shop that day tells me Fate has more for us we were meant to be together meant to be the words were everything my hopelessly romantic heart wanted they were

Reassuring promising and thrilling before I could say anything thing I drank in the feel of his mouth molding with mine his arms held me securely keeping me Steady and yet making me sore all at once I kissed my black diamond man exhilarated at that thought because

The truth was he wasn’t the only one I’d fallen for him too and no Packa anyone could make could keep us apart epilog Bria 10 years later walking down the street on a spring afternoon with the man I loved more than anything in the world was the equivalent of pure

Bliss the Treetops chimed with bird song a school bus passed and gray stopped so suddenly I nearly tripped on the stroller he currently pushed is that theirs he asked beneath the hood covering little Chase’s head and shielding him from the Sun a giggle ensued apparently he’d liked his dad’s

Sudden stop from this vantage point I caught sight of his shoeless feet kicking in excitement I told you which number it was I said smiling at Gray’s eagerness sunglasses blocked his eyes I wished they weren’t there I wanted to see them gleam with the excitement I heard in his

Voice how many men got this anxious while picking up their kids from school so that’s a no I hooked my arm through gry and urged him to keep moving that’s a definite no come on the stop they get off at is just up here you walk this

Every day you should join me more often I said I should you need to stop coming to the shop stop coming to see him at his bike shop several years ago after his YouTube channel had exploded he’d opened a string of bike shops throughout Illinois I never thought I’d hear you

Say that I said smiling the bike shop had brought us together after all only because it gets me to come home he waggled his eyebrows I swatted his arm but didn’t bother hiding my smile as I rested my head against his shoulder I am glad you stopped by so unexpectedly

I said and we should definitely make picking up the kids from the bus with you a daily thing but you never told me why why what gray said a lion-shaped rattle fell from the stroller gray stopped to pick it up and handed it back to our almost 2-year-old you said you

Had something to tell me gray pushed the stroller a few more steps he was too solemn considering the afternoon we’d spent together I have something to tell you but I didn’t want to do it on the phone why not he faced me I wanted to be

Here to catch you in case you fell he’d made many many factious references to my condition which after giving birth to three children and dealing with their various scrapes and escapades had eased somewhat thank goodness but this statement was no joke I loved his attempts to prove he was no longer

Keeping secrets from me we were 10t away from the corner where the bus would be bringing our older two kids in a matter of minutes but I placed a hand on his arm gray should I be worried he lifted his sunglasses the last 10 years looked

So good on him he now had the faintest lines beside his eyes and mouth his jaw had grown more defined and he’d filled out in the shoulders a little more too he’d been attractive while in his 20s but now now he made me wish I could stop

Time with every glance will was released today he said the April afternoon took on a January chill I staggered a step and he hurried to grasp my arms with his strong hands hands that had stroked mine that had changed diapers and consoled our children hands that had helped with

Dishes hands that had held me all night long these hands had also defended me I felt that desire Rippling in his strong body now as he drew me in and wrapped me in his arms he’s walking free I said managing to voice my thoughts I hugged him

Tightly leaning on him he is where I asked I don’t know gray said he’s been in the state pen ol R told me he saw him a few days after his release he did why Gray’s chin rubbed against my hair as he shook his head I’m not sure rri doesn’t

Hang around with the best crowds these days he claimed to be talking to someone will was acquainted with and bumped into him several years ago gray had landed a sponsor and his YouTube blew up he invested that money into adrianne’s company and got massive returns while

Gray and many of the frauders he had known at Sigma F had done exceptionally some outrageously well for themselves since graduation rri wasn’t one of them he’d been instated as treasurer of the fraternity only to be caught embezzling funds he’d been kicked out of the Frat

Too but not because of the PCT because of his own stupidity since then he’d bounced from job to job many of which were underhanded what did R have to say I asked several other moms joined us at the corner I waved and then gray turned and lowered his voice he said that will

Borrowed some money and left town did he say where he was going after marrying and helping my husband through school gray and I had moved to a smaller town in Illinois one I was completely in love with our neighbors were the best tight-knit and caring everyone seemed to

Want to help everyone else our community had always felt safe I’d had no problems with the kids riding their bikes to friends houses I occasionally substitute Tod at the school which made our 5-year-old squeal with delight every time she saw me on the playground or in

The hall I was right where I wanted to be he wasn’t going to tell me we’d have to move or something was he not specifically gray said as the bus appeared at the end of the street chase clapped his hands bus bus he cried pointing excitedly and pulling my shirt

Look mama yes I see it I told him smiling and squeezing his hand before turning back to gray then what is it ol said he and will talked about the pack Bria I’m not sure he’s going to let it go you’re kidding after all this you

Never saw him at the Frat gray said the muscles of his throat worked as he swallowed will had major anger issues over that stupid contract he’s not the kind of person to let go of a grudge do you think he’s coming after you gray stroked my arm and directed his

Attention to the bus whose little red stop sign slowly stuck out from its place on the side several cars behind it followed suit slowing and waiting my heart thudded in my chest I’d never been so terrified of anything as I’d been when this lunatic had held me at knife

Point if Will was going to threaten us again after all this time after going to jail for doing so he was more insane than I’d thought No Gray said as the bus door opened and kids began to pile out that’s what he wanted R to tell me he’s

Not holding anything against me I didn’t know my lungs could hold so much air for so long not until it gushed out in a whoosh of breath I placed a hand on my chest and one on Gray’s bicep I leaned my head on him again inhaling the clean

Scent of his shirt thank goodness daddy daddy Lexi’s voice clamored High over the heads of the other handful of children now on the street several walked with their parents who’d been waiting along with us others began the Trek to their homes on their own the stop sign retracted and exhaust puffed

Out from the bus as it continued its slow Trek down the street gray bent to open his arms to a barrel of giggles and blonde curls he picked her up from the ground all worry leaving his expression as he matched her exuberant smile using her fingers Lexi pinched Gray’s cheeks

What are you doing here it’s just Mom sometimes he said I couldn’t let her come without me today though I had to be with my girls and my guys he rumpled Chase’s hair am I your girl Daddy he planted a kiss on her cheek and then

Made a growling sound as he imitated a tiger and nuzzled her neck earning more Giggles you’re always my girl he said lowering her to the sidewalk she then dashed to me for a quick hug Dad what’s up Braden approached next tugging on the strap of his backpack he wore a pair of

Glasses and beamed up at his dad with excited surprise hey bud gray said pulling him into a hug at 7 he was several inches taller than Lexi mom and I thought we’d all walk home together today yeah the two older ones chanted Chase fed off his siblings enthus iasm

Kicking his small legs and laughing from the stroller can I push Braden asked not waiting for a response before taking over the stroller and barreling It Forward not too fast I called not wanting them more than a few feet away from me at this point are you sure

You’re off his radar I asked gray leaning in as he slung his arm around me is he going to care that we’re married now that you have a beautiful family will had better not come anywhere near us if he did anything to hurt our children no gray said he wouldn how can

You know Gray’s hands slid to my waist he roped me to his side and we fell into uneasy steps Braden bumped into Lexi who was also trying to push the stroller at the same time a small battle ensued between the two siblings before Braden relented and gave her a turn but when

She could hardly see over the top of the stroller she let him take steering over once more because that was another reason R called me he wanted to let me know we had nothing to worry about I’d never liked rri much he and I had clashed on more than one occasion I was

Only glad he’ turned out to be something of a Rover never staying in one place long from what I knew he was somewhere in Oregon right now you trust him I asked with money no with this we’re in the clear then why don’t you seem more reassured about it because the kids

Veered in the wrong direction and gray called out to guide them back toward our house we passed another home where our neighbors stepped onto the porch and the two of us waved and continued walking rri implied will had a sight set elsewhere oh my gosh I stopped

And stared at my husband do you mean the other frers was will seriously going to go after the others for breaking The Pact I was sure most of them had by now no one in their right mind could keep from falling in love this long not unless they lived in in a

Monastery gray rubbed his jaw I’m going to call Adrien and see if he’s heard anything from will he may not even know he’s out of jail yet you haven’t spoken with him in a while have you it’s been a few months gray admitted since gray had invested in Adrian’s business and received Financial

Counsel from him the two of them spoke pretty regularly but I thought I’d start with him and just see if he’d heard anything our house came into view it was cute too levels with white picketing around the porch with Gray’s income we could definitely afford something a

Little grander but we decided to keep the kids expectations low we didn’t need a mansion sharing less space was Far preferable because it meant the less we had to cross to be together Lexi and Braden pushed the stroller onto the grass and then Lexi shouted I’m going to

Win and darted up the steps first oh no you don’t Braden said darting after her and leaving the stroller behind I stro to the stroller where Chase beamed up at me with bright hazel eyes just like his dad’s mom mom chase repeated over and over reaching for me

With his two small hands I’m here I said unbuckling him and pulling him into my grasp I cuddled the toddler as long as he would let me before he wriggled out of my arms I managed to set him on the grass before he tottered after his two

Older siblings gray stroked the small of my back I rested my cheek against his chest soaking in the sound of his heartbeat do you think Adrien and the others have lasted this long I asked we don’t really get into his personal life gray said but Adrien is the last person

I’d expect to break it as far as I know he’s still single Never Falling in Love what a miserable way to live I hope they can last I said resting my head on his shoulder for me with gray by my side the past 10 years had been the best of my life

The future was filled with hope years earlier at the skate park there had been a moment where I’d caught Adrian’s eye it had gleamed with sorrow with loss I suspected despite his bravado deep down he wanted a relationship of his own was he really still single after all this

Time Gray’s insistence that day had been spoton Adrien still could find someone who would appreciate him who wouldn’t manipulate or misuse him something in my chest flickered with with pity with hope for the other men at the fraternity for Adrien I hoped he could find what gray

And I had a Love Worth defying everything for I may not know Adrien as well as gray did maybe he had stayed true to The Pact but I didn’t see how anyone could sustain lifelong bachelorhood not forever life was meant to be lived with connection friendship love relationships we weren’t here on Earth

To be alone we were meant to help one another support and lift each other love each other and I wanted Adrien and the others to find that out for themselves will needs to butt out of their lives I said I agree gray said but I’m not sure

He sees it that way I think he’s out for revenge and he’s willing to get it in whatever way he can it sounded like he’d done all he wanted to against me and is determined to make someone else answer for their supposed actions this time I’ll call Adrien I’m not sure there’s

Much more I can do other and warn him no wonder gray was on edge about this hopefully it’s enough I said shaking my head at the idiocy of it all was there nothing else we could do call the police that wouldn’t do much either not when nothing else had happened yet goodness

That word yet it was too bad will couldn’t stay behind bars and leave well enough alone the others deserved to have a chance at love at the wholeness and happiness I felt with gray they each deserve to feel this too somehow I doubted will saw things the

Same way or that he would allow the guys who broke the pack to either he was going to go after them and if Adrien wasn’t careful he would be next the end for now thanks for listening thank you so much for listening to Bria and the Billionaire’s

Kiss this is Caitlyn Meadows and I just wanted to jump on here and let you know coming up next you need to see what happens when Adrien breaks The Pact after after breaking into his cabin A desperate woman Bargains with billionaire Adrien bear to avoid trouble the deal play the role of fake

Girlfriend for one week Sparks and all their week together is a fairy tale with an impending end because Mr billionaire bear Harbors a dangerous secret making their love impossible and putting them both at risk can a feisty blonde and a billionaire find happiness or is their connection doomed from the start brace

Yourself for a week of steamy kisses Danger and a love that can never be oh my gosh you guys you’re going to love Goldie and the billionaire bear with over 30,000 more words added you need to discover the unexpected twist in Goldie and the billionaire Bear right here on my

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And the slightest hint of mystery and Intrigue too take care thank you for listening this has been Bria and the Billionaire’s kiss a Once Upon a billionaire prequel written by Caitlyn Meadows read for you by 11 laabs project copyright 2024 by Courtney Pearson production copyright by Courtney Pearson

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