“I’m not saying she isn’t,” Wells hissed, no longer being quiet. “I can be worried about her and not mean she’s weak, man.”
“I think you’re all missing the point,” Monroe piped in, and I wanted to wake up and be more aware, so I could be a fly on the wall for this conversation. I bet the facial expressions would be amazing, but the fog of sleep kept me from being fully awake as I wavered in and out of consciousness.
“Oh, Goldie, what’s that?” Atticus asked, hitting something that made a beeping sound.
“We all care for her. We’re all committed to her now. We need to quit the dominance dance and just remember that when we’re with Loren, it’s not a mafia boss and his subjects, but five men who love one woman and are finding a way to make it work. We’re a family now, and we have dependents. That’s important to her, and we’re never going to get anywhere if we’re always arguing or trying to measure our dicks.”
“I don’t need to measure. I know mine’s the biggest,” Sax said, his voice smug. I felt a slap to his arm, and a body move closer. The smell of leather and ginger told me it was Nicco.
“Sunshine was using a metaphor. And it doesn’t matter the size. Mine’s the most decorative.”
“Ew, just stop,” Atticus hissed, and I could imagine he was waving his hands to make them. “Listen, I tolerate you three for her, but it doesn’t mean I want to know about your dicks. Especially my little brother’s.”
“Ah, bro, are we having a moment?”
I giggled, the fog clearing the more they talked around me. I peeked open my eyes to find Sax smirking down at me, and Nicco shoved his head in, winking.
“Hey, Beautiful. Tell them mine’s the prettiest.”
I shook my head, smiling at him. I wasn’t falling into that trap. I tapped Sax’s arm, and he sat me down on my feet, and I could see we were in the conference room, the TV on, showing some video playback.
“Any news?” I asked, realizing it was of the Masked Kingpin.
“No. I was just checking the feeds. They’re not going to move in until later.” I nodded, some of the excitement spilling out of me.
“Oh, okay.” I rubbed my hands on my dress, realizing I was still in the black garb from the funeral. “I think I’ll check on the kids and change. I need to be out of this.”
“Care for some company?” Monroe asked.
I nodded, relaxing at the realization I wouldn’t have to do it alone. He smiled, walking over to me and wrapping his arm around me. He looked over his shoulder when we got to the door, stopping.
“Try not to kill one another, and if you do have a dick measuring contest, Wells honey, be sure to get pictures for later.”
The four men in the room stared back in shock as Monroe pulled me the rest of the way out of the room. I didn’t make it more than a few feet before bending over, laughing hysterically.
“Thanks, I needed that,” I said a few minutes later, wiping the tears from my eyes. “You surprise me every day, Monroe.”
“Good.” He stepped forward, took my face between his hands, and kissed me. “I know they get off on calling me good guy names like I’m a golden retriever or pure sunshine, but I don’t care. They can call me whatever they want because I get to be with you at the end of the day.”
“You’re the sweetest, you know?” I pecked his lips, smiling at him. “Come on, let’s check on the kids.”
He linked his fingers with mine, and we walked to the side of the manor the kids were holed up in. The instant we neared, we could hear their laughter. We stepped into the game room and instantly ducked as a nerf gun dart flew over where we stood. The kids stopped, looking around, unsure if they should keep going or were in trouble.
Topher raised his hands in apology, a smile on his face. “Sorry, ma’am.”
I nodded, accepting it as I looked around. They’d turned the game room into an obstacle course. There were pillows and blanket forts, hideaways, and jump spots spread out. I spotted Cami under one with Lily, and Imogen and Levi behind a couch. I looked across the room, finally spotting Lark and Seb hiding with Olivia. She was quiet, but she’d been warming up to the younger kids more. I wanted to get to know her and Seb and Lark, but life hadn’t allowed time for it yet. I was glad they were all here, though.
“What are you guys playing? It looks fun.”
Levi decided to brave it, stepping forward from his hiding spot as he went into an explanation only an eight-year-old could give. “So, it’s like the floor is lava, but with nerf guns, and obstacles, and teams, and you have to run and not touch the floor, but also don’t get hit.” He beamed, out of breath, and I shook my head, only catching about half of it.
“Sounds fun,” I said when he kept staring at me. Monroe chuckled behind me, and I nudged him with my elbow. “Well, we’re home, and I just wanted to say hi. I’m going to change my clothes. I’m guessing dinner will be soon. Um, just don’t break anything?” I grimaced, not used to being the parent. Monroe squeezed my hand, stepping forward.
“Ten more minutes, and then everyone needs to wash up for dinner. This room needs to return to how it was before you entered. Understand?”
“Yes,” chorused out, the adults laughing but knowing they’d be the ones to pay if it wasn’t followed.
He pulled me away from the kids, and I let him lead me to my room. It felt weird to say that now, but I couldn’t deny I lived here any longer. I spent the majority of my time here. My men were here, and now so was my life. It made sense. There were a few things left in my apartment for now, but all of my clothes and possessions that meant something to Jude and me had been moved. Monroe and Wells had done the same, and we all had our own space on a floor.