Page 86 of Three Stepbrothers Save Christmas

I tried to get more out of Travis when we got back to the house, but he snapped at me to wait as he rushed around with his phone to his ear. I get they don’t want Verity knowing whatever’s going on, but I’m livid they won’t take the time to tell me.

The ride to the O’Reilly’s is tense. As light as Ryan and Travis try to keep things, I know Verity was also picking up on their apprehension.

When we arrive at the house, Travis helps Verity out of the car and holds her hand as we walk to the front door.

“Daddy, is everything okay?” she asks, looking up at him. He smiles whilst looking down at her nodding, but even I know it's fake as fuck.

“Everything’s fine, Sweetheart. I guess we are a little on edge about discussing the past. But I want to put it all behind us for you.”

I can tell Verity doesn’t buy it, and neither would I. Especially when I see Ryan and Travis sharing a look as we reach the door.

“Afternoon Verity, I’m glad you could come. Jasmine has been driving us all mad, preparing everything for you both.” Christian holds open the door, and we all walk through.

“Thank you, Christian. Is she in her room?” Verity asks, turning to take her overnight bag from Travis.

“The TV room. I think the twins are helping her set up a film. Why don’t you leave Travis to take your bag upstairs, and you can go and join her.”

“Okay, thank you,” she replies, polite and quiet as she is with anyone outside our little family. When she turns to Travis, I notice how nervous she looks. Does he not realise she isn’t falling for all this crap?

“Go on, I’ll get this to the right room, I promise,” he says with a smile. Verity kisses him on the cheek before rushing off. I don’t miss how he watches her until she is out of view.

“She is perfectly safe here. There is no way anyone can get to her,” Christian says, closing the door behind us. “I have put security on high alert, and there are more people here than usual just to be on the safe side.”

This doesn’t seem to settle Travis’s nerves, though.

“Now we are here. Is anyone going to tell me what the fuck is going on?” I demand, looking around. Christian looks from me to Travis, and I don’t miss the way he cocks a brow.

“He was out with Verity as things were coming to light; I said I would fill him in here once I knew she wouldn’t hear anything,” Travis explains before turning his attention to me. “And I will let me just get her stuff upstairs.”

Christian tells Travis that he will show him to the room as Jason comes into view.

“Jason, take Ethan and Ryan down to the office. I will be there in a moment.”

Jason nods once at us to follow him before leading the way through their large house.

There are pictures of Jasmine dancing throughout the areas we see as we follow behind Jason, and I know there probably will be more elsewhere. Jason leads us into a room and signals for us to take a seat in one of the leather sofas.

“Drink?” he asks, heading over to a table with a selection of glasses and bottles on it.

“Thanks, I think we will need one,” Ryan sighs as he looks around the room. As I thought there are several other pictures of Jasmine dancing. I notice one and smile when I realise Verity is next to her. They both look so happy and carefree as they do what they love the most.

“That was taken last year. Jasmine loves that print, so because we spend a lot of time here, she asked for it to be put on the wall.” Jason looks at it for a moment and smiles. “Those two have become closer in the last year, especially since Jazzy went through everything. Verity has been a huge support to her as she healed. Which is why we will happily do anything to help keep her safe.” He turns to look at us and I feel my anger rising.

“Why does everyone seem to know what’s happening but me?” I turn my attention to Ryan, who sighs as he rubs his face. “What the fuck is going on? Why is Verity not safe?” I demand.

“Because I think her father is going to force her into an arranged marriage.”

I look to the door where Travis and Christian enter the room with the twins behind them.

“You what?” I stare at Travis, who looks exhausted and stressed. This man has been taking on so much the last week or so. He needs a break as much as Verity does.

“You heard what Mum kept saying earlier. ‘You are going to ruin everything; she is not for you’. The more I thought about it, the more I realised she wasn’t just talking about ruining her marriage to Henry,” Travis explains as he walks into the room and sits on the sofa opposite me.

“But Verity would never agree to marry someone because her father said to,” I point out, but Travis shakes his head—the doubt showing in his eyes.

“Think about it. He’s been training her for this all her life. She’s been brought up being told not to question him and do as he says. That showing any emotion is having a tantrum, and he will always do what is best for her.”

“But marrying her off, and to who?” I demand.

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