AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“A mother fucking fighter,” Seven adds, slamming a hand on the steering wheel.
I want to see myself the way they do, but I’m not there yet. Perhaps one day. “Maybe,” I whisper in the silence of the vehicle as we pull up to the swanky new restaurant and hotel.
Biting my lip as the valet comes over and Seven steps out to open my door, I stare at him. “I don’t know if this is such a good idea.” I wave my hand at my dress.
I feel Severo step out from behind me, and the door closes. A few seconds later, he’s standing next to his twin. “We’re not leaving,” Seven tells me as they both reach out with a hand. I know if I ask them to, they would. Never have they made me remain where I’m uncomfortable. I also don’t go out in public very often. People stare, it's human nature, but the rude remarks are what spear through my heart.
Taking a few deep breaths, I channel every ounce of courage that Hadley has tried to instill in me and unbuckle my belt before grasping their hands. Gently pulling me from the vehicle, I’m surprised when they continue to hold each hand.
Spending time around polyamorous couples isn’t new to me—especially given their parents. And while the world has become more open and accepting of them, our neck of the woods can still be judgmental. I’d really hate for someone to make a comment that either of these men doesn’t like because they’re impulsive and deadly. If they thought for a second that someone hurt me, they’d pounce like a lion.
* * *
Seven
Listening to Aria speak about herself while I was driving and not being able to touch her was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. I fucking hate the way she perceives herself. She’s stronger than she knows, and I look forward to the day she discovers this.
When she hesitated to leave the vehicle, I’m not sure if it was because she’s with two men or her burns. My brother and I have always done our best to push Aria to her limits, so she recognizes how strong she is, but she’s young, still vulnerable, and figuring out who she is as a woman. That can’t be dismissed. But when she’s with us, we’re the brick wall between her and the rest of the world.
While most people understand not to mess with her because of King, tonight is all about making sure the world knows she belongs to us. Our reputation precedes that of our parents. We’ve spent years building on the fear of the Empire and ensuring the South knows exactly who we are when we walk in a room.
Like tonight, we made reservations for dinner after speaking to Lilith a few days ago, but that doesn’t stop people from moving out of our way as we enter. Aria stands between us with my hand on her lower back and her arm hooked through Severo’s. Her white-knuckle grip coupled with her bowed head has my rage nearly boiling over.
The discomfort she feels when being in public, having her burns exposed, is a feeling I wish I could vanquish for her. I hate that she feels the desire to hide away.
Turning my body into hers, I gently cup her cheek and force her to look at me. “You have nothing to be ashamed of.” The puckered skin tightens further under the tips of my fingers as she bites the inside of her cheek while moving her free arm up to cover her exposed shoulder. The burns aren’t as bad on the rest of her body as they are on her face.
“It’s not shame I feel, Sev, it’s embarrassment from the staring. I always feel like I have to explain why I’m flawed.” Her eyes drop, but not before I catch another emotion. Fear.
“Why do you fear them?” Severo has turned to listen as we speak now.
“Who the fuck has you afraid?” my brother snaps out.
Her head shakes, and I know Aria is done talking about this. She wants to be carefree and feel alive. Tonight is all about giving her anything she wants.
“Your table is ready,” a hostess interrupts, holding menus in her hand. Nodding for her to lead the way, Severo walks in front of us while Aria remains in the middle, and I take up the flank. Both of us glaring at anyone who dares stare at our girl. “Here you are.” Seating us in a booth at the back, she places the menus on the table and informs us our server will be here shortly.
“This place is beautiful,” Aria says softly, sitting in the plush leather seat next to me. “Have you been here before?” Her gaze wanders around the crowded restaurant, watching servers carrying heavy trays, couples eating, people coming in and out.
“Nope. Been waiting to bring you,” I tell her.
“Good evening.” A cheery woman smiles at our table. “Are we waiting for a fourth party?” She stares expectantly at Severo.
“Nope.” He leans back, crossing his arms, his jaw ticking.
“Can I get you started with some drinks then?” Her eyes don’t stray from him. Aria begins to shift in her seat, and I get the sense she’s a little jealous.
“Whiskey, neat,” I tell her.
“Old fashioned,” Severo orders.
Aria waits until the woman looks up from her order pad before reaching across the table where my brother intertwines their hands. “Warm water with lemon, please.”
The woman’s eyes slowly travel around the table, taking in the way my arm is wrapped across Aria’s shoulders and the way she leans into me. When Severo begins kissing her knuckles, the sweetest blush works up our girl's cheeks, making my dick grow.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes with those.” She gives a tight nod and walks away.
Leaning over to kiss her neck, I whisper in her ear, “I like you possessive, princess.”
