“I was going to kill him.”
You could hear a pin drop, or rather the splash of my tears as they begin to fall on the worn concrete floor at my feet.
“He’s alive today because he took that choice out of my hands. Briar made the decision to die himself. His loyalty, his dedication to my sister is so strong, he was willing to die to protect her from a moment’s pain.”
My entire body is trembling now. I’m confused, scared, and more in love than I’ve ever been before.
“That being said, I urge any man willing to off themselves right now for her to step forward.” My oldest brother pulls his gun from the back of his jeans and holds it down by his side.
“I would die to protect her.” Ronan steps forward, sureness in his voice.
“I’m not asking you to take a bullet for her.” Lynch swallows thickly, and I’m sure he’s overcome with emotion that another man in the club is willing to lay it all on the line to protect me. “I’m not saying jump in front of a bullet to protect her. Are you willing to put this gun to your head and pull the trigger to save her from emotional harm?”
Ronan’s eyes find mine before jolting back to my brother. Wordlessly, he takes a step back, relief washing over his face when Lynch asks again and no one else steps forward.
“Briar was willing to do that,” Lynch tells everyone in the room. “I’m not going into detail with what happened down there last week because it’s none of your fucking business, but know that Briar is alive because of his willingness to die.”
Several people murmur their approval.
“But you two better keep all your personal shit, personal.”
Briar chuckles when Lynch’s eyes narrow on him. I don’t feel the joy he’s feeling right now. This entire day has left me more confused, with a million more questions than before.
“To Briar and Molly.” TJ holds a beer in the air. “May all of us find someone that loves us enough to step off the crate.”
“Shhh,” Briar pleads against my lips, and I don’t even realize I’ve been crying until I look up to find us in the very hall I tried to seduce him in so many weeks ago.
“Y-you did what?”
“Doesn’t matter.” He holds me to his chest as he tries to soothe my tears. “All that matters is that I love you, and I’m willing to do anything to protect you.”
“It’s really over? They aren’t going to hurt you again?” He’s been telling me as much the last week, but I haven’t let myself believe it. Lynch has never been a forgiving person. It’s one of the character flaws he inherited from our father.
“It’s over,” he assures me. “Now let's go back out there and have a drink.”
Reluctantly, I let him clasp my hand in his and lead us back out to the living room. Everything is exactly as it was before this whole thing exploded. Girls are drinking and walking around trying to entice the men into calling it an early night. The guys are laughing and joking with other members.
Before long, I let the normality of the evening settle over me, and I enjoy sitting beside Briar, holding one hand while his other arm is wrapped around my shoulder. Not once does Lynch or TJ snarl when they look in our direction.Chapter 38Briar
“Wake up, sleepy head.”
I brush my lips across Molly’s cheek, down her throat, and taking the opportunity that sleeping naked allows, I suck one nipple into my mouth. Having the ability to do this the last month without worrying about dying has been some kind of dream.
“Mmm,” she groans, rolling over and giving me better access. “What a way to wake up.”
“Don’t do that,” I warn when her arms go over her head in a practiced stretch. Her legs fall open, revealing the sweetest pink pussy I’ve ever had the pleasure of putting my mouth on. “What did I tell you about taking your panties off after I’ve fallen asleep?”
“Not to,” she taunts as her hand skates down her flat stomach. “But I get so hot.”
“Stop.” I bite the back of her hand before it hits her intended spot. “You’ve definitely got the sex kitten act down.”
Reluctantly pulling my eyes from the sweet heaven between her legs, I look up to find her grinning at me.
“Well,” she purrs, widening her legs even further. “If you’d just fuck me and get it over with, I wouldn’t have to be so devious.”
“And what did I tell you?” She frowns. “We’re going to date first.”
“I’ve sucked your cock.” Her arms give up on the downstairs action, and she crosses them over her chest.
“And I’ve explored every sexy inch of your body, but I meant it when I said I’m going to date you. Do you like your gift?”