Double Betrayal

By Ada Frost

Emily’s life had three basic rules, love her family fiercely. Never expect forever and most importantly, shield her heart from pain. At a tender age she had learned love is not forever, sex destroys and if you don’t invest your heart, it can never be broken. She played life safe.

All it takes though, is one moment, a defining light in the perpetual darkness to bring life into your heart. For Emily, it was a night she would never forget, an ordinary evening of dancing, drinking and if she was in the mood, a brief one night stand. But then he beguiled her. His emerald eyes captivated and enslaved her to him.

What Emily didn’t anticipate was the mysterious giant to sit beside her and rock her foundations. His dirty mouth and sexy innuendos intrigued her. The green eyed Adonis took her for the ride of her life. One she would never forget. He intertwined himself into her life and captured her soul.

But the illusion of beauty can hide a broken past. And as the lovers fall deeper, the darkness leeches into the light, suffocating and destroying all within its path. Until there is nothing left but betrayal and shattered hearts.

Third in the Surviving Series, but can be read as a standalone
Due to sexual content, it may not be suitable for readers under the age of 18 years old.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ada Frost
• Release date: Feb 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311543493

Ada Frost

Hi! What to say about myself...I don't really have anything interesting to offer other than I love to read, and create stories for others to enjoy. I've always been told I have a vivid imagination, I just lacked the confidence to pursue putting it onto the the written page. But finally I embarked on making a single dream come true.I love to read, and write. I only read romance, any genre really, but it has to have a beautiful romance. I also demand a HEA, even if it takes two or three books to get there. Reality is too broken and jaded without having to live through the trauma and angst in a book for it to end unhappily.I would love to connect with readers to hear their views on my work.

Book preview

Contents

Copyright

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

For my husband’s hero, who watches over us from heaven.

I love you, I sighed into the phone. My heart ached with a passion for him.

"I love you, too, Em. Can’t wait for you to get home. Drive safely, okay?" His voice exuded happiness that we were finally going to see each other after so many weeks apart. His class schedule and course work were killing him. But I had managed to finish classes early and was currently on my way home. I had wanted to surprise him and turn up at his door, but my excitement had bubbled over and I exploded with the news. I felt like the moon shone just for me, a beacon of light guiding me home to my boyfriend; no, scrap that – he was my fiancé. During term break, the last time I had seen him, he’d proposed to me. He’d said he’d intended to wait until after I graduated but he couldn't take it any longer. I’d obviously said yes without any doubt in my mind. He was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I know at eighteen it seems pretty silly and a little rash, but when the heart decides what it wants, who am I to argue?

Glittering cat’s eyes shone in the beam of the headlights as I drove down the motorway. It was after ten pm, so I would arrive at his house just before midnight. I had phoned home and explained to Rhea, my twin sister, my change of plans. She was my best friend, although of late she had been acting really strange. We used to do everything together, but since I started dating Jack, she had backed off and, well, for want of a better description, turned into a class A bitch. She’d started drinking heavily, smoking weed and being an obnoxious cow. But when I moved away to attend Durham University, she changed again, back to the Rhea I loved, back to being my best friend. We would talk for hours on the phone and she would catch the train on the weekends Jack couldn't make it to come see me. She was so excited to hear I was heading home a day early. I believed the bone of the problem between us was she wasn’t a fan of Jack. She wasn’t overly happy when I gushed about us getting engaged, and whenever he was around she disappeared.

I glanced at my left hand on the steering wheel and a smile broke out; I couldn't help it. Every time I saw the glittering diamond, it made me all giddy inside. I reached out and patted my bag. The small rectangular box was still tucked inside, waiting to deliver some life altering news to Jack and me. Today was the day I should have started my period; I was regular like clockwork, and seeing as I also missed my last cycle, I thought the odds were pretty high that I was pregnant. But I hadn’t done the test because I wanted to do it with him. We had discussed things like wanting a family in the future and buying a house after we both graduated and gained full time employment. It was just things had taken an unexpected turn and we had skipped a stage. I wasn’t worried how he would react; I thought he’d be pretty amazing, actually. I was more anxious about what my step-mum would say, and my brothers.

I slid my hand over my stomach; it was strange, but I felt different. I really did want the baby, a symbol of the love Jack and I had for one another. It made me smile to think of a future with my own little family. My own parents were no longer alive; my dad re-married a few years before he died. Gina, our stepmother, pleaded with our maternal grandparents for custody of me and my three siblings. She said we were the only family she had and the only thing she had of my dad. She was pretty phenomenal because I think most women in her position would have taken the easy route and given up on the dysfunction that surrounded the Richards’. I had two older brothers, who were also twins like Rhea and me. Acis was the model child, Castor was destruction personified, and then there’s Rhea, who on principle alone hated Gina. The woman has never said or done a thing wrong to us, but because Dad dared to re-marry, she hated her. See, total fruitcake family.

In no time at all, I pulled up outside of Jack’s student house. There wasn’t much to be said about it, really; it was a small terraced house, relatively well-maintained considering it was a student rental property. I parked the car as close as I could; it was on-street parking, and because I had arrived quite late, most people who lived around here were already home, so spaces were limited. Pulling my overnight bag out of the boot, I headed for his front door. Standing outside on the pavement, I searched in my bag for the key he had given me. I expected him to be opening the door when he heard the car, but he wasn’t there. No lights were on either. God, I hope he doesn’t jump out at me, I swear I will pee myself. Slowly I opened the door and peered into the lounge; the smell of sweaty socks and stale beer assaulted me. Typical when three other guys lived there with him. The lounge was a bombsite. I decided to skip the kitchen, dreading the mess that would be in there, and climbed the stairs. My mouth ached with the eager smile I had plastered across my face. Jack was renowned for surprising me with romantic little gestures. He once asked me to meet him at the park for a picnic, and from the car park to the picnic area he had left a little trail of glitter hearts. At first I didn't pay them much attention, until I noticed bigger hearts were peppered over the trees and bushes, and when I finally reached him, he had scattered them all around us. His mates and my brothers took the piss for weeks after that, but he didn't care, he said it made me smile and that was all that mattered.

Oh, God! moaned a female voice as I reached the top of the stairs. I crinkled my nose. Great, one of the lads had a guest.

Yes! A vocal guest. I crossed the landing and the squeaking of the bedsprings grew louder, as did the moans. A sensation akin to fear prickled my spine as I wrapped my hand around Jack’s door handle.

I’ve missed you so much, Jack groaned, before there was a shout of utter ecstasy. I stumbled through the door in time to see the passionate couple swapping spit in a rather hungry kiss. Both of them looked at me, Jack in absolute horror – but the whore straddling my fiancé’s body –her – she just grinned. My heart splintered and broke into irreparable minuscule shards as I stood, helpless to move, as the man I loved with every tiny molecule of my body had his dick inside another woman. My legs shook, threatening to give way; the box in my hand slid from my grasp and landed with a brick-like thud on the floor. I stumbled backward, slamming into the wall. My heart thudded painfully in my chest as the sight before me wouldn’t disappear, the scene branding itself on my retinas.

Em – baby– Jack said, his voice breathy with panic or orgasm induced lust, I couldn't tell. I gagged at the thought. I covered my mouth and felt hot tears barrelling down my face. He pushed her off him and wrestled his way out of the sheets. In a bleary haze, I realised he would try and touch me if he managed to get to me, and I knew I would be violently ill if he did. As the sheet shifted, he exposed his softening cock, and I whimpered as my stomach threatened to empty all over his carpet. Loud sobbing echoed through the room and I realised it was me. I turned and staggered away, noisily bumping into walls and doors.

Keep the fucking noise down, dickhead, one of his roommates shouted. I gasped for breath as I gripped the handrail and ran down the stairs, stumbling like a drunken fool. In a daze, I reached my car, started it, and drove away without looking to see if Jack had followed.

I somehow managed to drive the short distance to safety and parked on the gravel driveway. I stumbled up the path, clutching my keys to my chest. I hammered my fist against the door, pressed my forehead against the wood, feeling each pound of my fist, and pleaded for it to open.

What the fuck – Em?

I collapsed against his warm chest and sobbed loudly. I clung to him as my legs dissolved from under me.

Emily? Em? CASTOR! he bellowed. CASTOR!

Heavy footsteps echoed down the stairs. I clutched at Acis’s shirt, trying to force the pain out of my chest.

E-e-em? A gentle hand rested between my shoulder blades and started rubbing small soothing circles. Acis tightened his arms around me as tires screeched to a halt outside.

Emily– Jack’s voice called through the night. I closed my eyes and whimpered against Acis’s chest.

This have something to do with you? Acis snapped, his voice razor sharp.

Emily– Jack repeated. I felt a whoosh of cold air and heard a loud crack and a grunt of pain. Castor—act now, ask questions later.

What the hell? Jack screeched. I didn’t know. Another loud crack, which I knew to be Castor’s fist hitting flesh. Jack flew words at me, choked cries and pleas to forgive him. I closed my eyes, and Acis wrapped his arms around my head, effectively cutting out any sound. I couldn't stop the pain in my heart, as I sobbed dry tears. My throat ached and my eyes stung. After what felt like hours, I lifted my head to look up at my big brother. His eyes were lined with worry, but when he lifted his gaze to over my head, they turned icy immediately.

Go inside, his voice carried a silent promise of pain, not to me but to the man who had ripped out my heart and stomped on it. Like the sibling tag team they were, Acis carefully handed me over into the arms of Cas. But instead of sitting in the same place, he picked me up and carried me inside.

I g-g-g-got y-y-you, Castor stammered.

My brothers were my heroes, and the only men I would ever trust again.

Harder!

If I push any harder–

Trust me, to get it in you need to go at it hard, I said.

Johan grunted.

"Harder, please we need... Just line it up with the hole and push."

I know what I’m doing, he snapped. I pushed his hand away and wrapped my hand around the large length, but he swatted at my hand and gave me a scathing look.

Well, if you know what you’re doing, line it up and push the fucking thing inside.

He opened his mouth to argue but both our attentions snapped in the direction of Lou’s voice.

It sounds like some weird bloody porn movie out here, she laughed. The little guy wriggled in her arms. Alfie Jo-Alan was her son. He wasn’t Johan’s biological son, but you would never know that to watch the two of them together. Johan doted on him and vice versa. Little Alfie even called him daddy. Louise’s ex, Darren, was a brilliant dad and very much involved with his son, but I thought the bond with Johan was so much stronger. And who are Louise and Johan? Two of the craziest people I knew, but my best friends, nevertheless. Johan was also one of the directors at the pharmaceutical company I worked for.

"She’s the worst help, ever!" Johan grumbled. He looked over his shoulder and caught sight of his son wriggling in his mummy’s arms, and I mentally counted down until Johan abandoned me to play with his kid.

"Are you kidding? The kid is going to be using this for his kids by the time you get it up."

He grinned and I just knew I’d said the wrong thing. I have no trouble with getting it up, Em. Just ask my beautiful girlfriend over there.

I made a gagging noise. "I think you’ve just made the nunnery a valid option with that image."

Pulease! Everyone wants to ride the Johan train. Right, sunbeam?

Lou’s cheeks heated, but not from embarrassment. I could see the clear desire in her eyes to ride the Johan train. Those two were crazy in love and hornier than a football team of adolescent boys.

Daddy! called my little godson, and there went my helper. Johan stood on command and went over to grab his son. He held him up above his head, making ridiculous aeroplane noises as Alfie squealed in delight.

I wouldn’t do that. He’s just had his lunch, Lou warned. Johan smiled and leaned over to kiss her on the mouth.

So, I’ll just build this by myself?

I can help, interrupted my sexy boss, Dominic, as he strode into the garden. My cheeks heated like they always did when he was around. Johan was a good-looking bloke, but when it came to knickers-in-a-twist-drop-dead-sexy, Dominic was the man. Let me tell you, it was unfair what his business suits did to my ovaries, and what made him even more perfect? He was an utter darling to his wife, Eve, who also worked with us. I was Dominic’s secretary, while Eve was his lead lab analyst. I knew both of them through work but became close to them as Lou is Eve’s sister. Dominic and Eve had a rough start to their relationship; apparently they were best friends for years and grew up together, but somehow, Eve ended up dating a complete bastard, Elliott, who happened to be Dominic’s brother. I said was, as in past tense, because he died fleeing the scene after he attacked Eve and damn near killed her. From what I could gather, Elliott was the epitome of fucking evil and made Eve’s life a living hell. Lou had mentioned the odd thing every now and then, but it seemed to be something no one talked about. Looking at her, all smiles and bright eyes and flushed cheeks, you would never guess the hell she’d lived through. But I had a feeling that was a remedy the gorgeous Dominic provided. I guessed the power of love worked for some people.

Okay, so I had a little crush on my boss; nothing major, I just could appreciate how bloody hot he was. Lou was aware of it and took the piss constantly. She knew I liked tall, brooding men, and Dominic fit that bill almost perfectly.

Thanks, because he is useless. I pointed my thumb in the direction of daddy bear. Johan scowled at me, and then mischief lit his eyes.

Hey, gorgeous. Did you need to come see a real man at work? Johan said to Eve. She shook her head and laughed. Dominic strode over and glared at him. I laughed because they were ridiculous. He grabbed hold of Alfie and pulled him to his chest, kissing him on his cheek.

"No, my nephew here needs to see what a real man looks like so I came over. Don’t ya, kid? Uncle Do-Do will show you how to be a proper man, not a girly effort like this clown here."

Alfie squealed and clapped his hands on Dominic’s cheeks.

A real man, called Do-Do? Johan laughed.

Dominic glared over his shoulder at Johan as he came over to me and sat down, crossed his legs and placed Alfie in the crook. What are we building, Em?

Jungle climber, but muggings over there hindered more than helped.

Doesn’t he always?

Hey! Johan called.

We both laughed and Alfie laughed at us laughing, a big gummy grin, and my heart swelled at his cute little face.

Eve, are you still coming out with us tonight? I asked. She looked over at Dominic and her cheeks heated. She fumbled with what to say for a moment, then held her head high before answering. It always seemed she needed to gear herself up mentally before speaking.

I’ve told Mum Ellie can sleep over at our house tonight. I haven’t had a chance to spend much time with her lately and I–

No worries, I said when I noticed her wringing her hands. Ellie is Lou and Eve’s little sister and a total angel. We can always re-arrange for another night. Besides, we have the Tuesday shopping trip to look forward to.

Her smile brightened her entire face and I couldn't help but smile back. I had never noticed the utter lack of confidence in Eve before the incident that put her in hospital. She was viciously attacked by her arsehole of an ex before he died in a car accident. There were times when I wanted to grab hold of her and wrap her in my arms and protect her because she seemed so unsure of how a person would react. But over the last year, things about her were changing. She was more outgoing at work. She would actually come out drinking with us and join us in the lunchroom, which made my day better because there were some seriously bitchy lab analysts who I wanted to stab with my fork.

Aren’t your sexy brothers going out too? Lou asked. I smiled and waited...five...four...three –

Sexy? What the hell? Johan exploded. I smiled because he was getting slower in his old age.

Lou turned to look at him, an innocent expression on her face. What? You’ve seen her brothers, right? And it’s like buy-one-get-one-free with the whole twin thing. All dark hair, blue eyes and bulging–

"A word, now!" Johan said, grabbing her hand and dragging her back into his cave. I could guarantee there would be no words spoken; the caveman was reaffirming who was the sexy one. Lou winked over her shoulder at me, the little tease. She played him like the instrument he was.

She does it on purpose, Eve said, standing behind us.

I nodded and smiled.

Dominic never said a word. He pulled his glasses out of his pocket, putting them on to read the instructions, and there went my ovaries again. I stood and lifted little Alfie into my arms, leaving Dominic to build the jungle climber.

A while later, and I mean a while because Dominic was almost finished with the climbing frame, Alfie was napping in his Aunty Eve’s lap and my shoulders were beet red from the sun. Fantastic, the sun and I were not friends. I didn't tan; I went red and my freckles joined together. I was like a human dot-to-dot puzzle.

Lou came walking out of the house with a completely satiated grin on her face. I shook my head at her.

You’ve no shame, I laughed. "You have guests."

I also have a fifteen-month-old toddler, who has a sudden dislike of his cot. She smiled.

Johan walked out of the house pulling his shirt over his head. Who would have thought he was packing that underneath his clothing? Christ on a crutch, my ladies here were lucky bitches.

Johan caught me staring and smiled.

Like what you see, Em?

I crinkled my nose. Yeah, I suppose the puny thing works for some women. I like my men a little more buff.

"What the hell is buff?"

Someone above the height of a grasshopper and– Dominic interrupted.

Children, enough, Lou chided.

On that note, I think it’s time I departed to get ready for tonight. I chuckled.

Takes a while to make this ugly mug beautiful, I joked. See you Tuesday?

I hugged Johan goodbye and he kissed my temple. See ya, beautiful. Be good tonight.

***

I sat at the bar alone, cursing my brothers for being late. My phone beeped, alerting me to a text.

Acis:

Running late, pretty boy couldn't get his lipstick right.

Me:

Hurry, I look like Billy no mates.

Acis:

Tell the dirty fuckers eyeing u up to fuck off!

I didn't reply to that. My brothers were overprotective to the point it would be easier to get laid in a high security prison where I was the only inmate and the guards were dickless robots. No exaggeration, the sneaky little shits had even told the bouncers to keep an eye on me, and if any male came within touching distance, they were told to get lost.

Can I get you another refill, Em?

Yeah, thanks, Phil. I slid my empty bottle over the bar toward him. He was also another of my brothers’ watch guards, or more commonly known as a friend.

I glanced down the bar and noticed a few people who were always here, and probably in the same spot, too. I lifted my eyes to look over to the dance area.

For fuck’s sake, I grumbled when I noticed the bane of my existence shaking her arse against the crotch of another victim. I closed my eyes tightly and turned toward the bar.

Add a shot of tequila to that order, Phil; I’m going to need it. He turned to cast a glance in the direction of the dance floor and nodded.

I’ll take one of those, too, said a deep baritone to the side of me. My body shivered with the wonderful rumbling timbre of his voice. I wanted to look up and see what package went with the voice, but with my brothers on their way and my sister in the vicinity, there wasn’t much point.

Phil placed the drinks on the bar. I put my hand in my purse, but baritone handed cash over to Phil.

I’ll get these.

She doesn’t need you to do that. Phil scowled. I shook my head and rolled my eyes. See what I mean—no chance of getting laid!

"And I’m sure she can tell me that herself. So take the money and do your job." My eyes widened at the mystery man’s tone; it was strong and commanding and I fucking loved it. There was definitely a strong accent but with the music of the club I wasn’t sure what it was.

Phil’s jaw tensed and he glanced at the backdoor where one of the bouncers stood.

Phil, just take his money; we work together.

Phil’s brows dipped together. He knew I was talking shit, but he didn't call me on it. Probably knowing the gruesome twosome would be here any minute. A second later, Phil glanced at his watch and turned to the cash register. I shook my head.

I felt rather than saw the mystery man sit beside me. In my peripheral vision I could see he was huge, like way taller than I was because all I could see was his bicep. Okay, Em, turn around and look at him. Grow some metaphorical balls and look. You already know his face isn’t going to match the sexy gruffness of his voice. I grabbed my drink, swallowed it in one gulp, and turned to look at him. Bad move!

It’s not called to-kill-ya for nothing. I coughed and spluttered in such an unladylike way the gorgeous vision in front of me smiled and patted me on the back.

Easy, pixie-girl, you’ll cough up a lung.

I coughed some more, because he had his large hand on me, rubbing circles on my back, as his piercing green eyes captured me in their gaze.

That was the part in a movie where music strikes, playing fluttering cheesy shit. Whereas, I had a full harmonica choir, brass band, and bag pipers all vying for attention in my head. He was fucking gorgeous. And tall.

His shirt looked three sizes too small for him with the way his biceps struggled to get free. I had a vision of the incredible hulk ripping out of his clothes as he changed—well, this bloke would be a good stunt double, minus the green icky skin and bad hair. I hadn’t even gotten to his face yet. I let my eyes caress his wide chest and broad shoulders. His neck was thick and strong, his jaw defined, straight lines edged with a gruff covering of dark blond stubble. His lips were deep pink and moist from his drink. I licked my lips, tasting the tequila, wondering what it would be like to lean across and bite on his plump bottom lip. His mouth quirked at one corner in a cocky grin, showcasing a few of his perfect, white teeth. I continued taking my fill of a perfect male nose; that’s all I could say, it was perfect. Then everything fell away when I again looked into his desirable green eyes. I say green, but they were more like a turquoise with flecks of gold near the pupil, fanned with dark lashes, in abstract contrast to his dark blond eyebrows. They made his eyes pop.

I continued up, because let’s face it, I’d gone that far, may as well take in the whole picture before he disappeared.

Short, dark blond hair stood in messy spikes. He looked like a woman had just had a hold of him and run her fingers through his hair while he had her pinned to a bed and–

Like what you see, pixie-girl? I’m feeling visually violated here.

I couldn’t speak, as if my voice literally refused to function. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing worked, so I turned to the bar, took hold of my beer and took a hearty swig, trying to act like I didn't give a crap.

His low rumbling laugh echoed through my body, tingling low in my stomach.

Do you have a name? I feel I need a name after that kind of intimacy.

You don’t need her name! snapped Phil, as he came over to use the beer tap in front of me.

You her boyfriend?

Phil tensed his jaw. No.

Her dad?

No.

Then I suggest you back the fuck off and let the lady have a little fun.

Listen–

I held up my hand to stop Phil.

My name is irrelevant; I’m waiting on someone. I liked what I was looking at, but now I’m bored, so jog along. I flicked my free hand in a dismissive manner. My other hand trembled around my bottle, exposing my fake confidence. Phil, another shot. He smiled at me with pride and I wanted to slap the arsehole.

Rather unusual, Green Eyes said.

I turned my head fractionally to let him know I’d heard him. What is?

Irrelevant. I’ve never met anyone called that before.

What? I shook my head, turned to look at him directly, and regretted it when my eyes locked with his.

"You said your name was Irrelevant. Never met anyone called that before."

I frowned, but against my own will, my lips formed into a smile. I chuckled softly at his confidence. Usually, when Phil was working the bar, I had this invisible railing around me that said ‘back the fuck away’. But this guy didn't give two shits.

I need to do that again, he said, staring at my mouth like he wanted to eat me alive. I shivered again.

What’s that, call me ridiculous names?

No, make you smile, because I gotta say, it’s fucking sexy as hell.

My brothers will be here soon, I said, both in explanation and warning.

Do they smile like you?

I shook my head and frowned. No.

Then I’m not interested.

I giggled again, bloody giggled. I grabbed the bottle from the bar and took another swig.

Warm air brushed my neck and I swear I felt his lips against my ear. The heat from his body pressed against my side seared into me. Can you ask for a glass?

I swallowed a loud gulp, thankful for the noise of the bar.

Why?

Because you’re making me imagine your lips around my cock.

I turned my head to look at him. He didn't move, so my nose brushed against his cheek, our mouths millimetres apart. His breath fanned across my moist lips. I could smell the hint of tequila on his breath. I tried to steady my breathing as I waited in anticipation of his next words or move.

What’s your name?

"It definitely won’t be irrelevant when you’re screaming it later," he said confidently.

My lips curved into a smile as I pulled back slightly to stare down at his sensuous mouth.

Keep staring, pixie-girl, because I intend to make sure my mouth is on you before the night is over.

You’re—you’re a little overconfident for my taste. The excited quiver in my voice betrayed me. I wouldn’t claim to be a shy virgin, because let’s face it, I lost that title years ago, but I would admit this – no man had enticed me as much or as quickly as that tantalising giant.

He leaned forward again, his masculine scent wrapping around me, enslaving me to him. I closed my eyes involuntary as his lips whispered against my ear.

I’m confident you want my mouth on you. He pulled away and stared at me, his piercing eyes a distinct teal with desire. I jumped when his large hand landed on my knee. A hot, firm palm kneaded my tense muscles. When I relaxed, he probed a little higher, his thumb tracing the seam of my jeans.

I flinched when there was a loud thump beside us. I knew it was Phil making his presence known.

You want to back off, dickhead.

No, I’m perfectly happy here, Green Eyes replied calmly. My chest heaved, my pulse thrummed, and my blood pumped erratically through my burning veins.

You want another drink? Green Eyes asked. I shook my head in silence, hypnotised by his gaze. What the hell happened to my voice box?

What do you need? I watched his lips form simple words; his tongue slipped out to wet his bottom lip and I fought the urge to replace it with my own. I felt myself leaning toward him, pulled by an invisible force. Pixie-girl? he said in almost reverence. I closed the small space between us, ready to take his plump lip between my teeth.

I was forced back as a large, obnoxious body forced its way between us, immediately breaking Green Eyes’ spell. A wall of annoying brothers formed.

So, this dickhead is new, Acis said. I stomped my foot and glared at the toe-rag. Acis turned to Phil. Where you been, tit-head? Did you not see this bloke all over her?

Acis, seriously– I tried to intervene.

Christ, I must have drunk more than I thought; I’m seeing double. His green eyes danced mischievously.

I grinned like a fool, because let’s face it, it was a snake-charming mouth and he seemed completely unaffected by the menacing twins before him.

Let’s get something straight, my dick of a brother said, placing a condescending arm over Green Eyes’ shoulder. It didn't even faze him that Green Eyes was probably twice his size. "No one, and I mean no one, messes with my sister. Got it, pal?"

Leave it, you idiot, I snapped and pulled on my brother’s arm. I turned to his co-conspirator in all things ‘let’s make sure Em dies an old spinster with a dried up vagina’. Cas, I swear if you don’t get him the hell away from me, I will tell Hadley what is in your top drawer.

You wouldn’t dare, he signed and laughed nervously. I had him by the balls.

I pulled out my mobile and started typing. He grabbed my wrist to halt me at the same time he shoved Acis away from the bar. We’re sitting over there, Em. I’m watching this arsehole. I rolled my eyes at him.

I turned to the bar and motioned for Phil to get me another shot. I could feel the large man beside me staring, his eyes boring into me. I wanted to ask what he thought, whether he found me ridiculous after that spectacle. But, honestly, I was too chicken shit. I hated when my brothers pulled this stunt. I should be used to it, but it still stung when they treated me like such a moron. Phil placed my escape in front of me and I downed it, cringing as the liquid burned down my throat. I slammed the glass down on the bar and pointed my finger at the glass. When it was full, I lifted it to my mouth, but a large hand snatched it away. I turned toward the hulking thief in time to see his throat working to swallow it.

So, where were we? he said. His lips were glossy with tequila.

I shook my head in resignation. They aren’t kidding; they’re sitting just over there watching like two beady-eyed fucking hawks. I looked straight at my brothers and gave them the middle finger. Cas, the arse, laughed.

Strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me into his solid chest. I put my hands out reflexively to stop myself. His chest made my hands seem tiny. The soft fabric of his t-shirt was a stark contrast to the hard muscle beneath. I flexed my fingers, gauging the feel of him. One of his strong arms banded around my waist as the other slid around my nape. I lifted my gaze to meet his. His thumb rubbed a gentle caress over my bottom lip. I felt so small in his grasp, breakable, but utterly entranced.

"So now I know your name is Em. He leaned forward and nipped at my bottom lip. You