Briar
Did I just say that out loud? From the look on his face, I must have because he looks stunned and happy.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t…” I wave off my confession like it was nothing, turning away from him in embarrassment.
“No, it’s okay. I love you, too.” He takes my hand. and I turn to look at him. I can see the love in his face. Someone truly loves me.
“I’m glad, Mr. Storm. I have fallen head over heels for you and while it scares me, it makes me feel alive,” I gush with heated cheeks.
“I love you, Briar, and I’m not letting you go. I will always be here for you and your brother. I know you’ve had a troubled past, but I want to be your future,” he says sincerely as he wipes a tear from my cheek. I didn’t even know I was crying, but he can’t even imagine what this means to me. It means everything, he means everything to me.
“I will tell you what happened to us but not now. I will soon, though, because you should know. I love you, King and I’m glad that you are in our lives,” I say, as he caresses my cheek.
“Let’s go to bed. We have long days ahead of us. I asked Viktor for the private jet so everyone can come to New York, I want you and Thorn to be there with me,” he leads me to our bedroom, holding my hand like he can’t let go ever, and I don’t want him to.
“I can’t wait. I’ve never been to New York. It’s been on my bucket list, though. Not that I will ever get to do half of them,” I smile at him.
“How about after all this is over with, we take a look at your bucket list?”
“Really?” I ask him. Why would he care about the things on my bucket list?
“Whatever you want to do, Briar, I want to do it with you,” he smiles as pulls the covers down and throws the decorative pillows across the room.
“Okay,” I do the same, reaching for his hand like my lifeline.
“And maybe after the fight in New York, we can stay a few more days and do some sightseeing, I’m sure there are some things on your bucket list that we can cross off,” he states and I nod.
“I would love that,” I nod.
“Be right back,” he does another round of the penthouse, checking doors and locks for safety. When he’s done, I can’t help but stare as he strips his shirt off and climbs into bed. He’s so pretty, my mouth waters every time I look at him.
But he’s more than just a pretty face, he’s kind, sweet, thoughtful, and protective.
I love this man.
Kingston
I wake up early and shower, letting her sleep in, she’s had a stressful couple of days. Once dressed, I go and knock on Thorn’s door to see if he’s awake and what he wants for breakfast.
“Thorn?”
“Yeah, I’m up,” I hear his feet shuffle across the floor before he opens the door, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
“I’m ordering room service,” I inform him.
“I’ll be out in a minute,” he goes to throw a shirt on and I go to call down to the kitchen.
Once I order some food, I check messages and see that the dealership responded with a for sure about the car, it will be ready when we get back from New York. Perfect. I start making notes for what I need to do today, including getting Dasher a wedding gift. I really want to give Briar and Thorn a perfect family Christmas.
“Is breakfast here yet?” he asks loudly and I hold my finger up to shush him.
“No, not yet and Briar is still sleeping,” I snap.
“Oh shit, sorry. What’s up?” He takes a seat across from me in the armchair.
“Do you know what you’re getting Briar for Christmas?” I hedge, money bristles Thorn as well when it’s mentioned and he doesn’t have a job.
“No and without a job, I don’t have the money to get her anything,” he replies sadly. He truly loves his sister and hates that he can’t show her that.