Chapter 63
Alyssa
The next morning, Zuri and I are moved into our “temporary” room in the clubhouse. It’s bigger than I expected, more like a mini–apartment with a bedroom, kitchen, and attached bathroom. They didn’t skimp on making it feel comfortable, bringing in new furniture since Zuri’s room is still intact at King’s house. But despite the effort, it’s not home.
Or at least, what was starting to feel like home,
Eve barely spoken a word to the guys since they decided to bring me to Gray’s version of Fort Knox, Fm too upset to say anything nice, so I just don’t say anything at all. Niko tried explaining in the car that they’d see me every day, that, no matter what, I wouldn’t be alone. But the words feel like empty promises now.
I was safe with them. How could they let Gray convince them otherwise!
Once everything is set up Gray’s smug satisfaction radiates off him as he pushes the keys into my hands. My eyes meet his, but there’s no gratitude
just daggers. He raises a brow, his face deadly serious.
“Careful, linte sk. If you keep l
looking at me like that, I might actually catch on fire.
Good, I think bitterly. He’d lacking deserve
Without another word, Gray leaves, nodding to the three guys who betrayed in leaving us in a room heavy with unspoken words. Niko is the first to step into my line of fire, his stormy blue eyes searching mine for something I won’t give him.
“I know you’re mad at us right now, but you bratting like this is hot,” he teases with a slight grin. “I’ve been fighting a hard–on for the past four. trying to make sure Gray didn’t mosien.
He tries to reach out and touch me, but I push hard on his chest, frustration mounting when he doesn’t even budge an inch.
“Don’t fucking couch me. Niko,” I snap, folding my arms over my chest. “I don’t want any of you touching me ever again!”
The words hurt to say, but the rage bubbling within me overrides the sting. I wish I could rewind time to before last night, when we were okay, but I can’t. We’re done, whatever it was we hud. My heart aches at the thought, but I remind myself that I’m glad this happened before I made the mistake of telling them I loved them.
Niko tilts his head, amusement flashing across his fare. “You hear that, King?” he says, glancing at him. “She thinks she’s breaking up with us. Lil that was ever an option after she became murs.”
Do they really chaink I’m theirs after all of this shit?
My lips tremble as I stare at hun, my tury raging. It is over. All of you betrayed me. Even Mason. Honestly, fuck you guys trusted you.”
My voice cracks as I shout at him, and I hate that I can’t hide how badly they’ve las me
Emotion flashes in Niko’s eyes, but I can’t tell if it’s fear or regret. Maybe both? “Do you want to hit us right now, sweet girl? Would that make it
My chest heaves as I shake with barely restrained anger, but I stay rooted in place.
I’m pissed, but I wouldn’t physically assauh any of them.
Even if I know they wouldn’t hit me back.
Niko sighs after a moment, as if he’s actually disappointed I didn’t attempt to hit him, then grabs my wrist, his thumb tracing my racing pulse. His gaze locks on mine as he raises my hand to his lips, “We can grovel for you later, baby. But right now, he murmurs against my skin, “all that matters is keeping you safe. Even if it means our family has to be separated for a while.”
My breath hitches. Family! He thinks of us as a family?
I quickly shake my head, dismissing the urge to instantly forgive him. “If you really cared, you wouldn’t be throwing me away like this”
As he opens his mouth to respond, Zuri pokes her head up from her crib. Shit. I probably woke her up with my shouting. Niko quickly asks if she wants up hefore scooping her up in Iss arms.
“Sorry, princess. Did we wake you?” he coos, “Why don’t t
take you downstairs and find us something to cat for breakfast?”
His eyes meet mine, asking for permission, and ler ou a heavy sigh, nodding.
1/8
Chapter 63
As he passes me, he grabs my hand again, placing a soft kiss on it. “Fix this,” he hisses to King under his breath before leaving the room with Zuri Mason catches my eyes briefly before following after them, leaving me alone with King.
The air between us.
us turns thick with tension. A long moment passes, neither us saying a word. I start to question if he somehow disappeared into the wall or some shit. I lift my head, catching his intense gaze.
“Why don’t you just leave already?” I sneer, venom lacing my voice.
Out of all three of them. I’m the most pissed off with him. He’s the ringleader. He’s the first one who agreed with Gray to lock me away here.
He says nothing. Instead he crosses the room in a blink of an eye, his hand snaking around my throat. “I can still punish you, he growls. You’re not immine to getting spanked just because we’re here.”
I scowl at him. “We’re not together anymore. I don’t want anything to do with traitors.” I siseer the last word.
M
His grip tightens just enough to remind me who’s in control, but when I gasp, his eyes flicker with something else–something softer, almost hesitant. But just as quickly, the mask is on, and he growls. “You’re safer here, kitten
“No. I was safe with you guys. I reiori.
He sighs heavily, his minty breath fanning against my face. “I wish that were true. If Isaac’s watching my house, it was only a matter of time before he found an opportunity to grip you. And Bones? We can’t trust a single word that motherfucker says. I’d rather you be here and hate us than lose you.”
Tears blur my visit as the weight of his words sink in. Maybe he’s right. Maybe they are really just trying to protect me, and I’m too fucking tramatized to see it. But it doesn’t stop the hurt and panic that tightens my chest. Who knows how long I’ll be locked away here, forbidden from doing anything my brother doesn’t approve of
A single tear slips down my cheek. The second it does. King lets go of my throat, his eyes flashing with something raw. He turns, locking the door before sitting down beside me on the bed and pulling me into his lap. The fire in his eyes makes my heart lurch.
“Fuck, kitten. I can deal with you being pissed at me. But seeing you cry? That’s a different story.”
“You didn’t care about that when you betrayed me, i matter, even though I can’t resist nuzzling my face into his neck.
“Don’t look at this like it’s the end,” he says in a low, rough voice. If you actually think for one goddamn second we’re walking away from you and Zuri, you’re out of your mind. I’ll miss sleeping beside you. Being inside of you. Miss the way you look at me, fourly me like you never wanna let me go. This isn’t goodbye, baby. Not even fucking close. We’re just making sure you and Zuri are safe first, then I’m dragging your ass right back where you belong…back to us
A rock forms in my throat at the conviction in his words. T’m going to miss you too,” I admit softly, kissing his throat. “I don’t know how to do this. without you guys.
“I know, baby. But it’s only temporary”
I close my eyes, trying to swallow down the hope creeping in,
I shouldn’t be sucked back in so easily, but I can’t seem to help myself
I love him, I love them.
Toi assuming no conjugal visits while I’m here?” I joke, trying to lighten the mood. I sense that they’re going to leave soon, and I’m glad our last conversation wasn’t me admitting that I wanted to stals them for betraying me.
King chuckles, shaking his head. This is Gray’s territory, he’ll be watching how we interact with you closely. So, our naughty little girl needs to learn how behave.”
in this is over?
1 pull away to look at him. “And when
His gaze darkens and he smirks. “We’re going to worship every inch of your body right after I claim you as my of lady?
A genuine smile creeps across my face. You promise?”
“Burn right, kinen.”
I readjust myself so that I’m straddling him and kiss hum, slipping my tongue into his mouth. He sucks on it, while his mouth greedily moves
against mine.
“Fuck, he rasps once we’re panting. “When 1 finally kill your fucking husband, I’m going to chop off his dick and gift–wrap it for you. It’s only fair considering Tim not going to feel your incredible pussy until this is over”
