I still remember the first time she opened her honey-colored eyes and met my worried stare, crying out for her momma. There was an instantaneous connection between us. My soul recognized hers, and from that moment, I fought to bring her home with me.
Seven and Severo stood by my side. No matter how much they knew she feared them, they’ve held nothing but love for the girl that we’re trying to incorporate into our family.
Even if we’re more like sisters than mother and daughter, she belongs with us. Gus is part of the clan, and there is nothing we wouldn't do for her.
Like now, lying in bed with her because of another nightmare.
“How’s she doing?” I see Severo’s shadow in the door before I hear his voice. Coming closer, he touches her covered foot before sitting down next to her. She doesn’t tense, and the progress of that simple act brings tears to my eyes.
“We’re good. She’s good.” I smile across at him to see he’s watching her with a protective and caring look.
When her breathing finally evens out, I see Seven appear covered in blood.
I don’t need them to tell me where they’ve been all night, I know. They found her father. They slew her dragon, and now she’s free.
My love for these men has only expanded in our year of marriage, and as I watch them walk away to get cleaned up, I know I’ll be following after them to show them both just how much I adore them and their protectiveness over the girl I claimed as my own before they ever met her.
* * *
Severo
Two years later.
“No.” Folding my arms across my chest, I stare down at the two most influential women in my life. Aria laughs and rolls her eyes at me while Gus sticks out her bottom lip and pouts.
The progress isn’t lost on me. A year ago, hell, even six months ago, Gus would have accepted my answer and tried to get Aria not to fight it. But now, we’ve showered her with so much love and acceptance that she finally has the confidence to stand up to us. To fight for the things she wants.
I'm pissed with myself for hating this step forward right now.
But she wants to fucking date!
And not just anyone either.
A fucking biker.
The Deviant Sinners MC has gotten close with our family in the couple of years we’ve been working together, and a few months ago, Gus caught the eye of their club vice president. Prince is a decent guy. Just not for my Gus.
“Please, Ro. It’s just dinner.” I see her hands twisting at her sides, trying to hide her anxiety.
“What’s just dinner?” Seven comes through the back door, making a beeline straight for Aria. Dropping to his knees, my twin rubs his face across her slightly swollen belly. Not in a million years did I think I’d see my twin be so affectionate, but he can’t stay away from our pregnant wife.
“Prince wants to take Gus on a date,” I repeat through gritted teeth.
“Fuck no.” The soft tone is in direct contrast with the man's eyes.
“I already said yes.” Aria shrugs and stands, walking away from me and my brother’s nuzzling. “He’ll be here in an hour.” Grabbing Gus, Aria walks them out of the room, and we hear them snickering on the way upstairs to get ready.
“She’s horny,” Seven remarks.
“Excuse me?” I glare at him.
“The only time that wife of ours does anything she knows will piss us off is when she’s horny and wants us to fuck her together. We haven’t done that since she got pregnant.” Lust pools in his eyes as he speaks.
He’s right. When it comes to Gus, we’ve always discussed things together. Aria has never made a decision without consulting us. Adopting the tormented girl was a no-brainer. We all felt connected to her, and accepting her into our lives was an easy choice.
We’ve never taken on a parental role because of her age, but we’ve given her guidance, kept her protected, and now this son of a bitch thinks he’s going to date her.
“I’ll just kill him before she knows he’s here,” I reason.