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I loved Holden’s big heart. Even if he and Reid weren’t related, I suspected he would help him get on his feet. But I had so many questions. If they were brothers, how? How could Catherine not tell Holden? Had she given up Reid when she was young? Was Tim not his dad? I realized all of this would come up in conversation after the DNA test, but I was as stunned as Holden. Not to mention it was a little bit unnerving with how similar they looked.
The front door of Chance’s house flew open. Jace stared directly at me, then barreled down the stairs. He practically knocked Holden out of the way and wrapped me up in a warm embrace.
“River,” he whispered. He clung to me, and I hugged him hard.
“Hey, it’s really, really good to see you again,” I said, basking in the sweet welcome.
He pulled away and wiped the moisture from his cheeks. “Are you hungry? I can make a mean grilled cheese.” He grinned, eyeing Holden for a moment. Jace’s smile faltered as his attention landed on Reid.
“Son of a fucking bitch.” Jace’s brows shot up to his hairline, and he rubbed the corner of his mouth with his thumb.
“Uh, Jace … this is Reid. He was with me … at the, uh, place we were held,” I finally said.
Jace shook Reid’s hand. “I’m sure you’ve heard you and Holden look like twins, right?”
“Yeah, a few times. I’m starting to get used to everyone’s reaction.” Reid skeptically assessed Jace.
“Jace, Chance, Brynn, and I are all best friends,” Holden explained. “Let’s get inside and we can talk more there.”
Holden slid his arm around my waist as we climbed the steps to the porch. The setup was adorable, with white furniture and red cushions. I could definitely sit out here and drink my coffee in the morning. It would be nice to walk around and remind my brain that I wasn’t at the compound anymore.
Chance’s entryway and open floor plan reminded me a little of the penthouse. I’d loved helping Holden with the layout and interior design, but I hadn’t seen our new home fully furnished. I hadn’t had time to get attached to it, so I wasn’t sure if I would miss it or not.
A mocha-colored loveseat and couch occupied the living room, and a black rug covered the floor between them. A whitewashed brick fireplace was the focal point on the far wall. A large Samsung flat-screen television was mounted to the left. Tan, full-length blackout curtains hung over the windows. I immediately felt comfortable. I hoped Reid did, too.
Reid stopped walking once the door was closed. “The only reason I know that’s a flat screen television is because of the house I worked at. It was decked out with expensive furniture, televisions, bars, and all of the amenities. But this … this looks like …” He glanced at me. “Like it’s safe.”
I released Holden’s hand and grabbed Reid in a huge hug. “It’s going to take us a while to realize it, but yeah, we’re safe here. We also have Zayne outside. He’ll take care of us. He’s an excellent bodyguard.” I dropped my arms and looked over at Holden. “Will you give us a tour?” I didn’t miss the pain in Holden’s features. I assumed he was recalling the day I was taken, but I wasn’t sure.
“Of course.” He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, then showed us around. It wasn’t large, but it was perfect for a single guy and his friends.
Jace was in the kitchen, unloading ingredients from the stainless-steel fridge onto the black and white marble countertop. “Breakfast anyone? I mean, granted, it’s almost three a.m. but it’s still morning.”
“I could eat,” Reid said behind me.
“I’ll try. I might keep it light, though. I haven’t felt well today,” I explained.
“Do you want to take a shower while he’s cooking?” Holden asked me.
I looked at my dirty clothes. “I don’t have anything to wear. Can I borrow a T-shirt?”
“You don’t have to ask, babe. We’ll get you both some clothes tomorrow. Let’s see what we have here for tonight.” Holden rubbed my back, and I leaned into his soothing touch.
I reached out and placed my palm on Reid’s arm. “Are you okay while I shower?”
He gave me a lopsided grin exactly like Holden’s. It was unnerving as hell. “I think I can take Jace if he messes with me.”
“Dude, you have no idea who you’re dealing with.” Jace puffed up his chest and stuck his ass out, strutting around the kitchen.
We all laughed at how ridiculous he looked, but we all needed his humor right now.
“I’m good, I promise. Go get cleaned up,” Reid said.
“Okay. See you in a bit.” I walked to the master bedroom, Holden right behind me.
He shut the door and locked it. We were finally alone. In two long strides, Holden closed the gap between us and pulled me to him. We stood there, embracing in silence as his body began to shake. An anguished cry reached my ears, the pain evident in Holden’s strangled sobs. How was I supposed to give him comfort and support when I was a total fucking mess myself?
“I’m so glad you’re here,” he said against my hair.
