AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Let's change the subject, shall we?" I interrupt crisply. "We're here to celebrate Annabelle, after all."
Naomi presses her glossed lips together, a look of contrition on her face. But she thankfully lets it go. Under the table, Annabelle squeezes my hand supportively. The conversation moves on, but the subtle power shift doesn't go unnoticed. I may not want to flaunt my fake unconventional situation, but I refuse to be shamed for it either.
My love life may be temporarily complicated, but I know my worth. And it seems a reminder is overdue for some.
Maybe even to myself…
The brunch passes in a blur of small talk and flowing mimosas. Naomi sticks to safe topics like wedding preparations and resort amenities. Sierra shyly reveals she's excited to finally go on a date with a guy she met online, and all too soon, it's time to head back and get ready for the volleyball tournament.
I make sure to give Naomi an extra frosty goodbye, enjoying her flustered reaction. The woman needs to learn to stay in her lane. Annabelle lingers as we leave the dining area, looping her arm through mine once more. "I'm proud of you for standing up to Naomi's nosy judgment."
I wave it off. "She's harmless, just self-important. But thank you."
"I mean it though," Annabelle insists. "You've always been the type to stand up for yourself, but recently? You’ve started letting the gossip columns and public opinion steer your decisions a bit. I was starting to worry about you, but that right there just proves that my brass-pussy-having older sister is still in there. Hurrah!"
I chuckle softly before I let her words fully process and I chew at my lip thoughtfully. She's right. I'm constantly insecure that others are judging or laughing at me behind my back ever since the press started really digging into my life. But the only opinions that should matter are those I care about, like family.
Annabelle playfully bumps my hip. "Keep that attitude up when I crush you at the family volleyball tourney later."
I laugh. "Oh you mean when me and my harem crush you and Ethan? It's on."
Linking arms, we stroll out of the private dining area. For the first time in forever, I feel fully at ease in my own skin. My three boyfriends have certainly shaken things up, but maybe what I needed wasn't a pretend boyfriend, just a reminder of my own strength.
This wedding week may be full of unexpected twists yet. And I'm actually excited to embrace the adventure.
* * *
After changing into my scarlet red bikini, I toss on a pair of short black workout shorts and make my way down to the beach. The warm breeze whispers over my skin as I take in the scene before me.
Wilder stands in the center of a group of my cousins, wearing nothing but a pair of black swim trunks that cling appealingly to his sculpted, athletic physique. He's got a ball cap flipped backwards and an air of cocky confidence that I’ve quickly surmised he just always maintains. When he lifts his arms to gesture animatedly, the defined muscles in his back and shoulders flex in a way that makes my mouth run dry.
Emrys stands off to the side, his massive arms crossed over his deeply carved chest and ripped abs. Intricate tattoos ripple over the entirety of his exposed skin, emphasizing his intimidating physique. I swallow thickly as beads of sweat glisten on the sharp v-cut of muscle at his hips. He levels a brooding stare at anyone bold enough to approach him.
Meanwhile, Wyatt is methodically helping set up for the tournament, providing a soothing air of control. His tall frame is honed strength beneath smooth skin. As he reaches up to secure the volleyball net, the long, lean lines of his torso are impossible to ignore. His narrow hips and strong shoulders perfectly accentuate his masculine shape. I ache to run my hands over every hard plane and ridge of him.
Down girl, I scold myself. Ogling is unacceptable.
But still, the skittering pulse their combined presence creates is getting harder to ignore...
Taking a steadying breath, I make my way over, determined not to let them undermine my composure. I’m a Sharpe after all. Competition is in my blood. Who cares about the eye candy when I have a game to win.
Right?
I make my way over to the group, hyper aware of the three heated gazes that instantly hone in on me, or more specifically, my body.
Wilder lets out an exaggerated wolf whistle. "Well damn, darlin'. It’s a good thing you’re on my team lookin’ like that." His eyes gleam with appreciation as they blatantly admire my figure. Despite myself, heat crawls up my neck.
Emrys says nothing, but prowls closer, his burning gaze feeling like a caress on my skin. Goosebumps prickle over me, and they don’t have anything to do with the ocean breeze.
Even Wyatt seems momentarily stunned, his polite facade cracking to reveal blatant male interest. He recovers quickly, meeting my eyes with a subtle intensity that sends flutters through my core. "Kathryn is on my team," Wyatt states smoothly with a pointed look at the other two.
Wilder scoffs. "In your dreams, pretty boy. The lady wants a real winner on her side." He shoots me a grin dripping with suggestion.
Emrys moves closer to me, tattoos rippling. "She's with me. Aren't you, love?"
Damn. I almost forgot about his British accent with how little he actually talks. That combined with his possessive tone makes my knees weak, but I force myself to shrug nonchalantly. "Who said any of you get to have me?" Their eyes flash with surprise and something far more dangerous. The gauntlet has been thrown down.
Things quickly devolve into heated bickering about who I should partner with. Tension simmers as they all vie for my attention. Finally, Annabelle intervenes. "Alright, here's how we'll settle this. Rock, paper, scissors. Winner gets Kat."
