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I shake my head because I want to hear what she has to say. She intrigues me so much, I want to listen to her speak all day, every fucking day of my life. And I smile because I know she’s mine, I know that I’ll be able to learn from her until I’m old and grey.
She looks at me with a soft smile. There’s a gentle crease in her expression, one that makes me think she’s about to stump me with some profound wisdom. And then, she leans forward and holds my stare.
“Because when you know, when you believe, there is something worth dying for, you’ll fight harder.” Her voice is confident and raspy, just like I’ve come to learn it’s a sound I love. I want to listen to it every day. And I know the rest of the guys feel the same.
“Maybe,” I say as I offer a nod. “But it also shows weakness because if our enemies know you mean something to us, they can use you as collateral.”
“Perhaps, but I’m a big girl, and I have three of you to watch over me like I’m a possession,” Brielle throws back with a soft laugh and I know she’s joking around.
“You do,” I agree with a nod. “I think you should sit with Emilio. Talk to him and smooth things out.”
“Why do you say it like that?”
“He’s going to be leaving the island. Jordan and Emilio will be heading for The Agency, and I think it will be good for them.” I pick up the folder that I was scanning earlier and I set it out for her. “This is information on The Agency, what they do for us. Since you’re part of the organisation now, you should do some research and learn all there is to know.”
Brielle smiles. “I want to become more invested and learn how things run, but I also don’t want to take anything away from you.”
“I mean, you could just stay home and have my babies,” I say as I lean forward and offer her a wink.
Brielle laughs out loud. “Oh, you’d just love that. Wouldn’t you?”
Shrugging, I reply, “Well, I can’t deny the idea has crossed my mind a couple of times in the past few weeks. I didn’t think I would ever want a family, but things have changed.”
“One day,” Brielle promises as she pushes to her feet. “But I want to finish school. I want to work for the organisation.”
“Well, then your wish will be granted, Mrs Venier.” This time, I push to my feet and head toward her. Offering her my hand, I pull her into my arms and wrap her in them.
“Go to Emilio, and we’ll all have dinner later.”
She leans up on her tiptoes and smiles. “I will,” she promises. “Now you need to work. I don’t want to be blamed if you don’t get things done.”
I lean in closer, stealing her lips with mine, and I can’t stop the moan of pleasure that rumbles in my chest. She makes me happy. And I know the guys love her just as much. Kai and Valen have come to need her in their lives as much as I love her. That’s the important part of this dynamic, it has to work for us all, or it won’t work.
I didn’t expect her. She appeared one day and now I don’t want her to leave. She’s burrowed herself so deeply into my life, into our lives, I can’t imagine the future without her anymore.
“Now go,” I say when I reluctantly break the kiss and step back, allowing my hands to drop to my sides. If I hold onto her for any longer, I will be tempted to take her right here in my office.
Brielle just smiles as she walks out of the office. Watching her leave, I shake my head at the sway of her hips. I know what she’s doing. But she’s right, I have to work.
But tonight, we’ll spend the evening together, all four of us.
FAMILY BONDS
BRIELLE
There aremoments in your life you don’t truly think about. Things happen, and you move on. All my life, I was taught to focus on what’s coming, rather than what has been. My father made sure to give me enough answers to appease me, but he never confessed the whole truth. Not until I was face-to-face with him.
He isn’t the man I thought he was. And now, I’m sitting across from my half-brother. We’re both innocent in this, and I still can’t believe I’ve found a home, and a family, one I didn’t even know I had here in Black Hollow.
It was a good idea for me to sit with Emilio. It’s still difficult to call him that because it is Dad’s name. But he’s nothing like our father. When I look into his eyes, he may resemble the man somewhat, but his soul isn’t tarnished, not in the way our father’s was.
“I wasn’t sure we’d ever get this chance, not before I left anyway,” Emilio says as he sits back on the sofa, holding the coffee cup in his hands.
“When I saw him it hit me that I can’t blame you, or be angry with you. We both didn’t know that the other existed, and watching how easy it is to lose someone, I don’t want us to go through that.”
“Family is important,” Emilio says with a nod of agreement. “I didn’t know our father very well. I only ever saw him once, and that was just before you both disappeared. I was brought here, and deep down, I figured it was the end of the road for him. I honestly didn’t think he would have survived as long as he has.”
“Now that I know everything, I realise how out of the loop I’ve been with everything around me.” I sip my own coffee, and close my eyes when the warmth of it calms me. When I look at Emilio again, I say, “I hope that we can build a relationship. I don’t want to be someone you avoid for any reason. I know things aren’t always easy, but I am here for you.”
