Xander: Fuck all of you. I’ll see you tonight.
But first, I’m going to bed until this hangover doesn’t make me want to gouge my eyes out.
My moodand hangover are only marginally better by the time I pull into Cash’s stone driveway. I need a fucking drink. I’d betterplan to catch a ride home with one of my brothers, since I’m heading right to the bar.
Jordyn smiles as soon as she sees me. When she steps up and wraps her arms around me for a hug, I freeze. Part of it is because I’m not used to being touched by women anymore… but the other part of it is because it feels wrong to touch a woman who isn’t Quinn. Like I’m cheating on her or something.
Jordyn is my sister-in-law, though. Which makes it okay because we’re family. And it will upset her if I don’t return her affection, especially since we didn’t start off on the right foot.
Slowly, I close my arms around her and shut my eyes.
“I’m really glad you’re here.” She gives me a gentle squeeze before releasing me and taking a step back into Cash’s impatiently waiting embrace. “And the charcuterie board you had delivered is beautiful.”
I grin. “I told her to include pairings that go well with cherry mojitos.”
Jordyn laughs, and it reminds me of Quinn’s when she giggles. Sweet and melodic. I could listen to Quinn laugh every day for the rest of my life, and I’d never get tired of it.
Our dad used to tell us that his only job was to keep our mom happy because, in return, she made everything in his world better. When I see how my brother looks at Jordyn, it’s obvious he’s taking that seriously. Even though their fairytale started off with him kidnapping her and placing hidden cameras in her bathroom. At least I can say I’m not that twisted. The thought has crossed my mind a few times in the past week, though.
“And you just became my favorite brother-in-law,” she says with a huge smile.
Kian and Beckett stride in, Beckett glaring at me. “What? How did this weasel get promoted to favorite?”
I laugh, and Jordyn rolls her eyes, though they’re sparkling with amusement. She wants to hate Beckett, but just like the rest of us, she can’t help but love him.
“Anyway, I’m glad you guys are here. The steaks are in the fridge and ready to be cooked. The game room is set up.” She grins, moves to one of the tables, and picks up her purse that I hadn’t noticed before. “I’m going out with one of my friends from work.”
Cash’s eyes grow wide as he steps forward, like he’s about to pounce on her. “What? No, the fuck you’re not.”
She raises her eyebrows, though I don’t miss the way she shifts slightly. Jordyn isn’t afraid of Cash, but my brother also isn’t opposed to holding her against her will.
“Daddy, we talked about this. You need guy time with your brothers, and I need to hang out with someone other than you. I love you, but I need time with my girlfriends. Besides, I’m going to Velvet Sins to meet her, so your casino security will be there. And Caleb is going with me, so I’ll be perfectly safe and sound.”
My heart pounds at that word.Daddy.Fuck, what I would do to hear it come from Quinn’s lips while she looks up at me with those innocent doe eyes.
“Jordyn Elise Savage, you better not fucking walk out that door,” Cash growls as he follows her toward the long hallway.
I glance at Beckett and Kian, all of us trying not to laugh at the scene unfolding in front of us. We’ve seen it more than once. Our brother, trying to control Jordyn. He’ll end up crumbling, though.
She spins around so fast that Cash nearly crashes into her, but he stops just in time. They stare at each other for a long moment before she rises onto her tiptoes, whispers something into his ear, and gives him a kiss. When she pulls away and looks at him again, he gives her a single nod and lets her go.
As soon as the front door closes, everyone but Cash bursts out laughing.
He glares and flips us off as he makes his way out to the patio. “Fuck you all. Grill your own steaks. Assholes.”
I snort and go to the bar, seeking out a bottle of whiskey. Kian joins me, and Beckett heads to the kitchen.
When Cash walks back in, I hand him a glass and then take one to Beckett so we can toast as a family before we take our first drink together. It’s something we used to do with Dad, and it feels good to do it again as the delicate sounds of crystal touching fill the silence.
“I can’t believe you let her go to a bar by herself.” Beckett’s voice is full of disbelief. “I mean, I know Caleb is with her, and he’ll protect her with his life, but still.”
I swallow my drink and glance at Cash. Honestly, I’m surprised, too. There’s no way I’d let my girl go drinking at a bar without me.
“Where did she say she was going to?” I ask, trying to remember what Jordyn had told Cash.
“Velvet Sins,” Cash answers as he looks into the bottom of his glass like it might have the answers he’s hoping for.
I don’t have to pull out the three schedules I have saved in my phone to know that Quinn is working there tonight. One thing I do know about her life is that she works too damn much. And she is making a decent amount of money between all three jobs, so why is she so broke?
