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She glanced down at her lap. “Honestly, I’m afraid to fuck anything up. I can’t lose Chance if we don’t work out.”
I reached over and placed my palm on her back. “I can’t see that happening, so what’s the real reason?” I’d spent enough time with Brynn to read her pretty well. She was good at hiding her emotions but not good enough that I hadn’t caught it.
Brynn responded with silence and crossed her legs before turning to me, her gaze locking with mine. “Because if Chance knew what I’ve hidden from my friends for years …”
I held up my hand. “Don’t say anymore. I understand all about keeping secrets.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she quickly wiped them away with her fingertips. “I thought if I was with someone outside of our tight circle that maybe I could forget for a while.”
Jesus. No wonder we understood each other so well and had felt a connection so quickly. “Come here.”
Brynn looked out over the city again, then scooted next to me. I slipped my arm around her while she leaned on my shoulder.
“I’ll always be here for you, Brynn. Always.” At one time, she could have walked away with my heart if I’d let her. But until that evening, I hadn’t realized each of our hearts already belonged to others, and both of us were allowing our pasts to cloud our futures.
Brynn placed her hand on my thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thank you, Zayne. For everything—for being an amazing man, for finding River, and for being a good friend to Holden. Whoever you end up with will be a hell of a lucky girl.”
I wasn’t sure she was correct, but I kept the thought to myself. Whatever Brynn was hiding, I didn’t doubt that she would find the light in her darkness. I just wasn’t the right man for her.
“We should get back downstairs. I know Holden and River were going to meet me, too.” I climbed off the wall, then held my hand out to her. Deep down, I’d always had a quiet understanding that it wouldn’t work between us, but I was grateful to have her in my life as a friend.
My cell buzzed, and I removed it from my back pocket. I grinned as I read the message from Holden. “Everyone is here, including Chance and Jace. Let’s go spend some time with our friends.”
“Sounds good.” I didn’t miss the flash of eagerness laced with regret in her intense gaze.
I escorted Brynn into the building, then secured the door behind us. Brynn asked about Vaughn, Pierce, and Sutton as we rode the elevator to the club’s main level. She had met Vaughn at the original 4 Play, and Sutton and Pierce, along with the band members of August Clover, at the new club’s grand opening. I assured her everyone was doing well, then the doors opened, and our conversation was drowned out by the thumping bass of a song I didn’t recognize. Bodies gyrated on the dance floor, and Brynn and I headed to the bar again. I spotted the back of Holden and his fiancée, River, next to him, and Jace and Chance were laughing as we approached.
“Hey, man! Good to see ya.” Holden gave me a bro hug.
“You, too. It’s been too long!” I shouted at him over the music. My gaze landed on River, a sweet smile easing across her face.
“My favorite bodyguard in the world.” She pushed up on her tiptoes and threw her arms around my neck. “Miss you! When are you coming back to work for us fulltime?”
I chuckled as we released each other. “I’ll let you know if I ever need the job.” Turning to Jace and Chance, we shook hands. I didn’t miss Chance’s quizzical expression. He must have seen Brynn and me exiting the elevator together. Maybe she would fill him in on our conversation. I didn’t feel it was my place. However, as a friend, I might be able to encourage him to give Brynn some space but not give up on her.
“Let’s head up to the conference room, and I’ll order food and drinks. If you’ve got a night off, we need to take advantage of it.” Holden slapped me on the back, then took River’s hand.
The group filed into the elevator, chatting and laughing. It felt good to see them again. The last time I was with them, the mood had been a hell of a lot more serious. It seemed as though some healing had taken place for everyone.
Once we reached the fourth floor, Holden led us to the conference room, and we settled in. Brynn had situated herself between Jace and Chance, exactly where she should be. She’d never made it a secret that she was with both of them sexually, and she loved them both. In my gut, I was well aware that I’d made the right decision, but seeing her face light up when she was with the guys was all the confirmation I needed. Instead of the stab of pain in my heart that I’d anticipated, I felt lighter, free to move in the direction that was best for me. I just had no fucking clue how dark that path would turn out to be.
8
Giselle
Donovan’s lust-filled gaze landed on my chest, and I adjusted my navy silk blouse in an attempt to block the view of my cleavage. Once I’d stopped dancing, breast implants had been forced on me by Ander.
“Where are we going?” I stared out of the back of the limo, watching as we passed the buildings on Division Street.
“Dinner.” Donovan glanced up from his phone. “I want you on your best behavior.”
“Aren’t I always, brother?” Sarcasm dripped from my words.
He shot me a stern look. “I don’t need to answer that.”
“Your idea of good behavior is me on my knees, sucking your cock whenever you want it. And not fighting when you bend me over any surface and raping me.” I glared at him, hatred for my adopted sibling again springing to life inside me.
“After your little suicide stunt, Father gave you to me. In case you’ve forgotten, I own you, Giselle.”
