Sammi POVWe've finished eating and are simply talking now. I don't like the idea of him telling the guys he's dating a woman. Yes, it would stop them from questioning if we disappear at the same time, but I know what it also means.I know that Grayson will have to actually spend time with her around them and pretend to be dating her. That's where it gets weird and awkward."You're thinking about it again, right?" He sighs and grips my chin. "Everyone is going to think you two are dating Gray while I'm hidden behind a door that hides the truth." I don't like it."I said I would fucking tell them. You said no. Give me another idea Angel, as I'm fucking stuck on how to make this work without telling them everything." He waits, but I don't have a response. His hand rubs across his face. "Fine, do you know a guy who would pretend to date you?" Laughing, I stare at him. Is that a joke? "Gray, no," I whisper, my head shaking. "Come on, I want to take you somewhere," he says, standing and
Grayson POVI sit feeling annoyed. There’s a lot about me that Sammi doesn't know. Well, didn't know. She looked off when I walked in, and the more her brothers joke about me cheating and fucking a random woman, the more I see her worry grow.Nothing I say will ease that worry and doubt that anything I do will. Even I know that. Every part of me wants to grab her, kiss her and reassure her, but I can't. Well, I can, but she will hate me for it, as it means telling her brothers I'm fucking her. Olivia hugs me, and I glare at her; I fucking told her not to touch me. She chuckles and moves back."We're out tomorrow night. Are you coming?" Zade looks at her. I go to answer, and she speaks."Yes, Gray already offered me to join him, didn't you, babes?" She leans forward to kiss my cheek, and I almost flinch back, but Zade watches, so I fucking let her while swearing to shout at her for it after. To be fair, she has no idea I'm fucking and dating Sammi. I didn't want to risk telling her."I
Grayson POV My day drags on, and I can’t stop myself from spamming Sammi’s phone. She has to talk to me eventually, right? She can’t just erase me like I don’t exist, though she’s doing a damn good job of it.I’ve been drinking more than I should, trying to numb the ache, but it’s not working. The way she’s shutting me out, ignoring me like I never mattered, it fucking hurts. Zade’s talking about plans for tonight, something I’ve already decided to bail on. What’s the point? I just want to be here, maybe break into her room if I have to, force her to hear me out. She can’t keep avoiding me forever.Then, I hear the sound of heels clicking on the floor. My head snaps up, and there she is. She doesn’t even glance my way, just walks right past me, sits down, and starts eating. She’s right there, and it’s like I’m invisible. I can’t tear my eyes away, waiting for her to look at me, to acknowledge I’m standing right here, breaking apart. But nothing. She talks to Zade like I’m not even in
Sammi POVWhat my brothers said won’t stop echoing in my head. They know Grayson, really know him, so for them to think he’ll cheat... it just confirms everything I’m afraid of. I’ve been trying to hold it together, but it’s slipping through my fingers, especially after seeing them—Grayson and Olivia—sitting together. It felt like a punch to the gut.I wanted to believe he was different. I needed to. But then Olivia starts talking, spinning her little story about how she knows exactly how to keep a man like Grayson faithful. The way she got all graphic about how she used her mouth on him before they got here... it was like she was twisting a knife into me on purpose. She knew what she was doing, smiling at me like she was enjoying watching me break. I couldn’t take it.When she mentioned a picture, bragging that she was about to show everyone, I couldn’t breathe. I bolted. I couldn’t handle hearing any more of it.Maybe I’m a coward for not confronting him, for avoiding him, but I can
Sammi POVI know what he wants. It’s not hard to see, but can I really give it to him? Every part of me is terrified. My feelings for him are already spiraling out of control, and if I give in, if I take that risk—what then? I’ll be shattered. And no one will be able to put me back together.But it’s not even the thought of being broken that scares me the most. It’s him being the one to break me. And if my brothers found out… Oh God, if they knew he was the one who did it, there’s no doubt they’d kill him.I can’t stop thinking about my brothers. And he’s their friend. What kind of man would risk everything, including his own life, if there wasn’t something real between us? He wouldn’t do that to me, would he?“I’m sorry, Sammi,” his voice is soft, a whisper that clings to the air between us. His hand stays gently on my neck, waiting for me to say something, anything. But I can’t. “I should’ve been honest. I should’ve told you everything about my past. But if I did, you’d know it all,
Grayson POVI wake up with Sammi still wrapped around me, her warmth soothing but reminding me of just how much I’ve messed up. I’ve made so many mistakes, and I know it.Fake dating Olivia was beyond stupid, and all of this—every ounce of pain and confusion—wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t dragged her into our lives. That’s done now. No more lies, no more pretending. I’m with Sammi. Even if we have to keep it a secret for now, I’m not going to fake date anyone else. Ever again.Her fingers softly trace the tattoo along my neck, her touch like electricity dancing over my skin. She doesn’t realize it yet, but I’m already thinking about getting a tattoo for her, something that will show her I’m serious—that this isn’t just about sex for me. But how could I do that without her brothers noticing? I can’t exactly get her name inked across my chest without raising suspicion.My fingers brush over the heart necklace she’s still wearing. She didn’t take it off. Even after everything that’s
Sammi POVMy day has disappeared in the art room, and I hate to admit it, but I’m struggling. It’s not like I expected this to be easy, but today feels like a losing battle. There’s something missing, and I can’t figure out what it is. Every sketch I’ve started has ended up crumpled and tossed aside like trash. I glance at the clock. Three O'clock. Three, and I’ve got nothing to show for it.With a frustrated sigh, I throw another piece of paper onto the growing pile when my phone rings. Grateful for the distraction, I grab it quickly.“Hello?” I mutter, glaring down at my latest failed sketch.“Sammi, are you busy?” Willow’s voice sounds hopeful on the other end, but I’m so desperate for a break that I don’t even care what she needs.I am busy, but not with anything worth sticking to. “No, what’s up?” I ask, trying not to sound too relieved.“Can you come to mine?” Her voice has a hint of urgency, and I don’t even think twice before agreeing.“Sure, I’ll be right there. See you soon.
Sammi’s POVWe’ve been sitting for hours, and I’ve filled her in on every insignificant detail of my life. I won’t lie—I distanced myself. After losing my job, I became so focused on the new one and Jake that I barely spoke to her. I know that now.“Here,” she says suddenly, tossing something at me. I catch it instinctively, confused, before looking down. “You know my work schedule. I’m on from eight till six most nights. If you and Grayson need a place to fuck each other into oblivion without worrying about your brothers, use this.”I stare at the key in my hand. “Are you serious?”She smirks. “If I can’t help you get laid with the guy you’re in love with, when can I help?”“I’m not in love with him,” I mumble, trying to convince both her and myself.Her eyebrow arches. “You are, or you wouldn’t be this scared of getting hurt,” she says, her voice softer.I shake my head, refusing to agree. I haven’t said it to Grayson, and I’m sure as hell not admitting it to her.“Come on, let’s ge
ZadeI knew if I waited, things would go wrong, which is why I proposed to Izzy sooner than I had planned. Good job I did as if I hadn't. I was meant to be proposing right now, which isn't ideal.The room is buzzing with controlled chaos. Nurses move efficiently around us, murmuring instructions and checking monitors. Izzy lies in the hospital bed, her face flushed, hair damp with sweat, and hands clutching mine like a lifeline. Her grip is strong—stronger than I ever expected—but I welcome the pain. It’s grounding me, keeping me in the moment when I feel like I might lose my mind.“Zade, breathe,” Izzy groans, her voice strained as another contraction overtakes her. “You’re supposed to remind me to breathe, not forget how to do it yourself.”I snap out of my daze, nodding quickly. “Right. Breathe, Izzy. Deep breaths.” I mimic the motion, inhaling and exhaling like I’m teaching her something she hasn’t been doing perfectly for hours.She glares at me between breaths, sweat beading on
IzzyI can’t help but smile at Zade as he drives, his hands steady on the wheel, his profile glowing in the soft morning light. Time has slipped by so quickly. It feels like only yesterday we were grappling with fears and uncertainty, and now here we are. Zade has been by my side so much more than I ever expected. He still works, but not nearly as much as he did before. Somehow, he’s found a balance, and it’s brought us closer in ways I didn’t think possible.While he’s working, I spend most of my time at home with Sammi and baby Emmerson. It’s been heartwarming to watch Sammi and Grayson navigate parenthood together, their bond strengthening with every passing day. Watching their joy gives me hope—hope that Zade and I can have something just as beautiful with our baby.Zade has been going to counseling regularly, and I see pieces of the real him emerging more and more each week. The man beneath the armor he built to survive, to lead the mafia, to bury his pain—that man is someone ext
Zade POVI lose myself in her, time slipping away as I drink her in, the salty-sweet flavor of her flooding my senses. She collapses into the bed eventually, her body limp, a satisfied sigh escaping her lips. Even now, her walls quiver, her body still coming down as I lick the last remnants of her release.When I finally pull away, I move up her body and kiss her with a desperate need, our lips crashing together in a possessive claim. I’m hard again, painfully so, but there’s no rush. Tonight, there’s no clock ticking down, no interruptions, just us.“Alright,” I say, standing to strip the last of my clothes, my eyes devouring her sprawled form. “Let’s keep going.”She whimpers, weak from the relentless pleasure, and reaches for me, her hands trembling as they find my shoulders. “Zade,” she murmurs, but I’m nowhere near done.Izzy tastes like heaven, pure and raw, a flavor I never want to forget. My lips return to her swollen clit, teasing and tormenting her again. Her body jerks as s
ZadeAs I help Izzy into my car, her radiant smile reminds me just how much I’ve been neglecting her. I’ve been so consumed with making sure Grayson is home with Sammi and the baby that I’ve failed the one person who needed me most—her. The guilt eats at me as I start the engine, and I steal glances at her, soaking in her beauty, her strength, her unwavering patience with me.She pulls something from her bag and holds it out to me—a scan image. My heart twists as I take it, running my fingers over the black-and-white lines that outline our baby.“I’m sorry I missed it,” I whisper, the weight of regret heavy in my voice.Her smile is soft, understanding. “It’s fine. You were working and making sure Grayson was home for Sammi and the baby.” Her words are kind, but they cut deep. Missing this moment wasn’t fine, and I can’t let it happen again.When we arrive, I park and immediately step out, going to her side and lifting her into my arms. She laughs lightly, her arms wrapping around my
Izzy POVHis dark eyes burn into mine, a mixture of frustration and desire. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Izzy,” he murmurs, his voice low and hoarse.I lean in, letting my breath ghost over his lips. “Good. I want to play, Zade. And this time, I make the rules.”“You want to fuck me?” His voice is low, teasing, as his dark eyes bore into mine, a smirk playing on his lips. The sight of him, restrained and vulnerable yet brimming with raw power, ignites something primal in me. I chuckle softly, leaning in to capture his lips, grinding against him as I feel him stir beneath me.“Oh, you have no idea how much I want to fuck you,” I murmur against his lips, my voice husky with desire. Pulling back, I let a wicked smile curl on my lips. “You’re all mine now,” I whisper, my words dripping with dominance. Slowly, deliberately, I sink to my knees in front of him, maintaining eye contact as my hands glide over his thighs.His breath hitches when I reach up, my fingers wrapping around his s
IzzyIt’s been two months since we came back, and while Zade and I have grown closer, some days feel like we’re barely keeping our heads above water. The distance that came with my pregnancy has dissolved, and his promise to fuck me every day? He’s kept it. But most of the time, it’s rushed, like an obligation rather than passion.I understand why—he’s juggling too much. He practically ordered Grayson to stay home for a couple of months after Sammi had the baby, leaving him to hold everything together. Sure, his brothers are around to help, but Zade hardly leans on them. It’s as if he’s still carrying the weight of raising them, of being their protector, even now.Today was supposed to be different. It was the scan, the moment I’ve been excited about for weeks. But, at the last minute, he got a call—something urgent, something he couldn’t ignore—and I found myself in the clinic with my mum instead of him. All I got from Zade was a quick message asking how it went. No follow-up, no exc
Izzy POVThe moment Zade walks in, the tension between us hangs in the air like a storm waiting to break. We talk briefly, my voice trembling as I tell him the words that have been weighing on my heart: “I’m keeping the baby.” Relief flickers across his face, but it’s not pure joy—it’s layered with fear, uncertainty, and something I can’t quite place. He doesn’t say much after that, just pulls me into his arms, holding me close. I melt into him, exhaustion taking over as I fall asleep wrapped in his warmth.When I wake, the space beside me is empty, and the bed feels colder without him. Slowly, I sit up, rubbing my eyes. My gaze falls on Zade, seated at the foot of the bed, his back turned to me. His shoulders are tense, and his head is bowed slightly, as if the weight of the world is pressing down on him.I hesitate, unsure of what to say or how to bridge the chasm that feels like it’s grown between us. Things had been going so well before all this, and now? Now it feels like we’ve b
IzzyThe moment Grayson wraps his arms around me, I feel the weight of everything pressing down on me like a storm. For the first time in hours, there’s a flicker of safety, but it’s fragile, like glass teetering on the edge of shattering. Zade’s words still echo in my mind—angry, hurt, raw—and even though I know deep down he would never hurt me, in that moment, he didn’t feel like the man I fell in love with. He felt like someone else entirely, someone I didn’t know.The sound of the door closing behind me sends a chill through my spine. Zade has left. I should stop him, run after him, beg him to stay, but I can’t. My legs feel like lead, and my heart is a hurricane of guilt and confusion.“What’s happened?” Grayson’s voice cuts through the silence, low but laced with tension. His arms tighten around me, and for a moment, I let myself break. The tears come in uncontrollable waves, and I bury my face into his chest as though I can hide from my own mistakes.“I’m pregnant, Gray,” I cho
Zade POVEvery time I close my eyes, I see her face—tear-streaked and filled with anguish. Then the memories hit, unbidden and relentless. Blood. The screams. The bodies. My parents, mangled and lifeless. Her—my ex, so pregnant, so full of life, and then... gone. The flashbacks swallow me whole, dragging me under. My breathing becomes shallow, erratic, and I grip the edge of the table to ground myself, my knuckles white.“Zade,” a voice cuts through the storm in my mind, anchoring me back to reality. I look up to see Grayson sitting across from me, his face a mixture of concern and frustration.I can’t even muster the energy to speak. I just stare at him, then down at the untouched glass of whiskey in front of me.“Did you drink it?” he asks, his tone sharp but not unkind.I shake my head. “No. But I wanted to. God, I wanted to.”Grayson exhales, leaning back in his chair. “At least you didn’t. That’s something.” He watches me closely, his eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re drowning, Za