AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, Mum,” I sigh walking over and pulling the blanket from the back of the sofa before laying it over her. I consider cleaning up, but I don’t want her to know I’ve been here. Instead, I walk to the kitchen, which is covered in dirty dishes, and old food, the bins are overflowing with gone-off contents which smell so bad my eyes water and I have to hold a hand over my mouth and nose. I hold my breath and head straight for the back door. Slowly I open it, not wanting to wake Mum and head out into the garden. As quickly and quietly as possible I jump the fence and head down the alleyway, away from Mum and the house I should be living in.
7
Jasmine
“Jaz!”
I turn to the sound of my friend’s voice to find her pushing her way through the crowd of dancers.
“Jaz! There you are! Oh my god!” Verity stops beside me and grabs my shoulder for support as she catches her breath.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I laugh as I shove my makeup and spare clips into my make-up bag.
“What’s your secret girl?” she gasps.
“What are you on about?” I ask looking at her in the reflection of the mirror.
“Four very hot men are waiting for you in the entrance hall! Who the hell are they?”
I spin around and stare at her.
“Four? Are you sure?”
“Of course, I’m sure! I can count!”
“Fuck, I didn’t expect them to come!” I start throwing everything in my bag quickly and check my makeup in the mirror. Trying to ignore the fact that my stomach is now full of butterflies.
“Who are they?”
“My stepbrothers,” I answer as I reapply my lipstick.
“Holy shit, you lucky cow!”
“I have to go,” I snap as I throw my bag over my shoulder. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I add kissing her on the cheek before pushing my way through the crowd and rushing towards the door.
I rush to the exit before taking a deep breath, to calm my racing heart, slow my pace and head into the foyer.
There stood together are the four O’Reilly brothers, all talking amongst themselves. With them distracted, I take a second to look at them. They’re all in their best suits, their hair immaculate and looking amazing as always. Christian’s holding a huge bunch of flowers and chatting with Sean. Jason’s standing with his hands shoved in the pockets of his trousers as he talks to Maximus next to him. I love watching them when they are all stood together like this, there’s not a person around who isn’t stealing glances at the four men.
“There she is, our best girl!” Maximus beams as I approach them.
“Stop it, people are looking,” I hiss embarrassed as a few people turn to look at me.
“So they should. You were amazing, sweetheart,” Christian smiles handing me the flowers before kissing my cheek, which instantly heats from his touch and compliment.
“Thank you, I didn’t think you would come,” I admit turning to Jason who hugs me and also kisses me on my cheek.
“How could we miss you being a soloist? We told you we would be here,” he says frowning.
“I know, but with our parent’s divorce now going through, and you’ve all been quiet this month. I thought you might miss it now you don’t have to be here,” I admit as I turn to Sean. He places a hooked finger under my chin forcing me to lift my head.
“We neverhadto be here, we wanted to be. You know that, so stop doubting us.” I nod removing his finger and placing a kiss on my forehead.
“We have been giving you space as we know how busy you are. Anyway, if we missed it, we would miss out on ice cream, and there is no way that’s happening, shorty,” Maximus laughs as he pulls me into a bear hug I have come to expect and love from him.
“Maximus! My flowers!” I laugh pulling away. He looks down at them smiling.
“If I crush them, it gives me a reason to buy you more,” he winks. I shake my head as I turn to look at them all so relieved that they proved me wrong once again and came.
