Page 86 of Brazen Obsession

“When do you get to leave the hospital?” Mom asks Tom.

“Tomorrow at the earliest.” Tom glances at me and then the guys. “We’re still in the thick of it though. We have to find a way to make Alexander back off and release the woman he’s holding hostage.”

“Is the townhouse safe?” she asks with a raised eyebrow.

“With Roger there?” Dante says. “Probably. But you might want to stay in a hotel until we have everything under control.”

“And when will that be?” Mom hasn’t raised her voice or said much yet. I know she’s holding back, maybe for Natasha and Drew, who are strangers to her. She never held back in front of Tom’s friends because most of the time they were just as in trouble with her as Tom was.

“We have two days left.” Wyatt runs a hand over his hair. “Why don’t you and Roger come stay with us? There are plenty of bedrooms at the house.”

My eyes widen. That’s a horrible idea. What is Wyatt thinking?

“I’ll talk it over with Roger, but that will give me time to talk with you and get to know Natasha better.” Mom’s gaze takes in everyone and then settles on me.

My heart tumbles over itself. This isn’t going to be fun.

Chapter 29

Ordinary Annuity

Sara

After a while, a nurse stopped by to tell us visiting hours were over. She also mentioned visitors were meant to be limited to four per patient. She didn’t seem too happy about all of us piled into the room.

Wyatt gave Roger the address for our house when they decided to take the offer to stay with us. I’d hoped Roger would insist on the hotel, but no such luck. Drew ordered a late dinner from his friend’s restaurant to be ready when we got home. Picking at my skirt, I ride in the back of the car with Dante and Finn, dreading my mom’s upcoming interrogation.

Natasha is staying with Tom at the hospital for a while longer. Drew offered to go back later to relieve her, so she could sleep in her bed.

“Glad last night was my night.” Finn grins and puts his hand on my knee. “My guess is Sara will be sleeping in the big room all by herself.”

I bite my lip. I should. It would make sense with my parents being on the same floor. Maybe Caitlyn can sleep with me. The sheets have all been changed and no one has slept in the bed since.

“I’m sure Sara will be fine sleeping in my bed.” Dante glances toward me. “We don’t have anything to hide, pip.”

I twist my fingers in my lap. “I know.”

Yes, in my mind, I know we don’t have to hide from my parents, but this isn’t something I do. I don’t have boyfriends. I don’t have sex. Living with four guys? That’s not me.

It’s going to be obvious to Mom that we’re all sleeping together when she sees that bed. Maybe we can say it’s the right size of bed for that room. At least the guys all have their own rooms upstairs. We could pretend we’re all sleeping separately.

“Your mother loves you. She just wants what’s best for you.” Dante tips my chin his way and searches my eyes. “You have nothing to be ashamed of.”

Easy for him to say. Until we come out in public, I’m the only one who has to be upfront with my parents about our relationship. The others can tell their parents they’re with me. They don’t even have to mention I’m dating three other guys too.

This would be easier if I could read my mother better. But she knows how to put on a mask that no one can penetrate. I wish I had that ability. For all I know, she’s ready to have me committed to rehab for sexual deviants. Maybe she’s even researching it on the way to the house. I wouldn’t put it past her.

“You’re a grown woman, flower.” Finn threads his fingers with mine. “You can make your own decisions. If society doesn’t want to accept this relationship, then we won’t be part of society. Your mother is important to you. She’s processing a lot, but I’m sure she’ll understand.”

I tighten my grip on his hand. Fuck, I hope so. My family means everything to me.

We pull up to the house and the guys usher me inside. Roger stands to the side talking to one of the men Finn’s dad provided us with. Drew walks in behind us and pulls me into his arms.

“How are you, princess?” He tilts my head up to search my eyes.

The concern in his makes me blow out a breath. Today has been a lot. “I’m ready for this to be over.” My eyes widen. “Not us, but the Alexander thing.”

Drew smiles softly and runs his thumb over my jawline. “I knew what you meant. Dante got more information, so hopefully we have what we need.”