AlyssaAfter waking up and taking a shower—since I passed out right after whatever the hell last night was—I begin packing up Zuri's and my things. She had stirred some time during the night, but thankfully, I had formula and water on the dresser. To my surprise, she fell right back asleep, allowing me to sleep a little longer.I don't know when Gray's flight lands, but I want to be packed and ready for when he gets here.Finding my way downstairs in the dark with the flashlight on my phone, I head into the living room to search for any toys I happened to leave in here last night."What are you doing?" I jump at the sound of King's deep, gravelly voice, my heart racing. I don't know why, but It takes me back to all those times I tried to leave with Zuri, only to find Isaac waiting to catch me.King, seated in his armchair with a drink in hand, raises a brow at my startled reaction."I-I'm sorry, just let me...catch my breath," I choke out, collapsing onto the couch, clutching my chest
Nikolai"Gray, I want to put a nursery in the third bedroom," Christine chirps from the backseat, her nasally voice grating on my fucking nerves. She's only been in the car for ten minutes, but it feels like an eternity.I've never really been a fan, and neither have King and Mason, but Gray met her at a bar, fell in love with her after knowing her for like two months, and a year later, they got married in a private ceremony the entire club was invited to. We only went along with it just because he's our brother.Gray sighs. "Babe, I told you, my sister might have to stay with us for a while.""But not for a long time though, right? You said you wanted to start trying for a baby right after we got married, and I'm so ready to have a little one running around the house," she whines, her voice somehow climbing a higher pitch.Please shut the fuck up. "I promise you, a few weeks at the most," he reassures her.Gray used to never be such an asshole to his sister, but after their mom died
Alyssa"Where is my Zuri?" Niko's voice fills the room as he strides through the front door, his eyes immediately seeking out the kitchen. I'm feeding Zuri her breakfast, and the sound of his arrival makes her tiny face light up.Sebastian insisted on making sure Zuri had a full meal before everyone arrived. He said it would keep her content while I deal with the mess of reconciling with my brother. My heart pounds as I think about seeing Gray again. It's been too long, and the distance has only made everything between us more complicated. But it's time to tell him what happened with Isaac and introduce him to his niece.When Zuri spots Niko, her little arms stretch out toward him, her smile making my heart warm. Niko looks at me, silently asking permission to pick her up. I force a smile. "Go ahead. She's done eating anyway."Niko's grin widens as he carefully removes the tray from her chair, unbuckles her, and picks her up. Unlike the first time he held her, he seems confident, the
Alyssa"Big brother, can you pass the salt?" My voice is laced with artificial sweetness, dripping with sarcasm. We're all seated around the table, a thick, toxic cloud of tension hanging in the room. Even Sebastian hauled ass after serving our plates.Gray's shock, anger, and betrayal are written all over his face as he slams the salt shaker down in front of me."Thanks," I mutter, forcing a smile that feels more like a grimace."Hey Zuri, let's go upstairs and play with some toys," Niko suggests, standing up after practically inhaling his food. He glances at me for permission, and I give a slight nod."Where are you going?" Gray demands."Anywhere but here," Niko shoots back, darting out of the room with my baby in his arms. Mason stares after him, possibly considering joining, but remains seated.I'm surprised King hasn't left yet either. There's no reason for him to sit in here. It's not like I'm going to decide to go with Gray, especially after this. Honestly, right now? Fuck my
KingAs soon as Alyssa retreats upstairs, I nearly lose my shit. I follow Gray outside, trailing behind him and his annoying-ass wife. I can feel the fury surging through me as he opens the back door of Alyssa's car and ushers Christine inside.Mason's got the unfortunate task of dropping them off. Poor bastard. But better him than me—I don't have the patience for that bullshit.Gray meets me back at the doorstep, still fuming from the conversation with Alyssa.When she started crying—when Gray made her fucking cry—I had to fight the urge to pull her into my lap and comfort her right in front of her brother. I've never wanted to break his jaw so badly in my life, but I guess seeing her in pain does something to me. It makes me want to go on a goddamn warpath.It's not like I'm afraid of Gray, but I know starting shit will only lead to more conflict. I don't have the time or patience for that. Otherwise, I'd gladly tell him I've fucked his sister, and I'm going to keep doing it. His ne
KingI shouldn't agree to this. Gray hurt her, and she's just using me to numb the pain. I didn't come in here to fuck her...at least, I don't think I did. But the thought of using her as a toy sends a thrill down my spine, and I can't fucking help myself."Strip. Now," I order, my voice hard. "I want to see all of my gorgeous toy before I play with her."Her breath hitches, and for a split second, I almost wonder if she's going to change her mind. But then, like the good little kitten she is, she starts to strip, her eyes locked on mine the entire time.Her jeans hit the floor, followed by her shirt and undergarments. I can see the hesitation, the uncertainty in her eyes, but she doesn't look away.I reach out, my fingers grazing her nipples, teasing them until they're hard. "Fuck," I mutter. "Your tits are fucking perfect."She blushes, but stays still as I tug lightly on each nipple, testing her. I hum in appreciation. "Such a good girl. Now, lie on the bed. Don't move a muscle. To
Nikolai"Between you and me...what is King's endgame with Alyssa?" Mason's question catches me off guard as we pull into King's driveway.I glance at him, narrowing my eyes. "Why are you asking?"He stares ahead, avoiding eye contact, his tone uncharacteristically soft. "I can't stop thinking about what she said earlier. I just want her to be...happy."Seriously, what's been going on with him? He's usually so laid back, but lately, there's almost something almost possessive about the way he talks about Alyssa. I'm starting to entertain the ridiculously insane idea that he wants her again."I don't know what his intentions are," I admit, uncertainty creeping into my voice. "But he won't hurt her."King may be emotionally fucked up, but I have faith that he'll do right by her.If not, I'll have to step in.We step into the house to find King on the couch, Zuri nestled comfortably in his massive arms, suckling on her bottle. The sight tugs at something deep in my chest—a mix of envy and
AlyssaZuri's loud cry jolts me out of my sleep, my heart racing as I groggily look around for her. I find Niko standing over me, holding my screaming baby. Her face is red, and she's reaching out desperately for me.I sit up so fast it's like I'm the Undertaker coming back to life. "Oh my god. Is she okay?" I ask, my voice thick with sleep as I pull her into my arms, trying to soothe her."Yeah, I think she just wanted her mama," Niko replies, his tone calm and reassuring.He's right. The moment she feels my warmth, her cries cease, and she settles against me. It feels so fucking good to know that she still misses me, even when she's with her new favorite person."I fed her dinner already and gave her a night bottle," Niko continues, watching me carefully. "Wiped her gums and two little teeth clean too, like I've seen you do every night. So, she should be ready to sleep soon."I blink, surprised. "Wow...thank you."Niko really is amazing with her, and he seems to pay attention to eve