Page 3 of Room One Hundred and Eighteen

But if we have each other to protect and care for our woman, that should make our relationship rock solid. And fuck knows, Court is a lot to handle. I will probably thank God more times than I can count over the years when I have them to support me in taking care of her. Protecting her and keeping her in check.

I know that sounds bad but Court is a wild woman when she wants to be. The majority of the time though she makes everyone think that she’s so controlled. She acts like she’s in charge but even when we were in school I could see the longing to be wild in her beautiful peridot eyes. They sparkle like the jewels when she lets loose.

The problem is she has let her parents take over her life. Her Dad could see the way we looked at her when we were growing up and he poisoned her mind against us. Told her that we were trying to be with her because we wanted to take over her company and push her out and naturally her parents as well.

That never even crossed our mind. Her family’s business has nothing to do with ours. Braxton Industries is all about security. But we don’t specifically deal with tech. Our business deals with the personal side and our bodyguards are world-renowned. All of us did our stint in the military in Special Forces and then we came home when our fathers called us back.

All of us were shocked when we got back and realized that the reason they called is they met their women.

Aunt Dixie and Aunt Sheryl are wonderful with Uncle Raymond and Uncle Scott. They’re loving and sweet and their soft edges take the harshness off of Ray and Scott.

And then there’s Millie. My icy heart melted when I saw how happy she made my Dad.

So we took over and they left to go find themselves with their women leading the way.

It makes me feel good knowing that they finally have what I feel like they were searching for since we were kids. That they’re blissfully happy and fulfilled.

But before my Dad left, he got me alone and he sighed. “Don’t be like me, Reid. Your uncles and I may not be blood but we’ve always been best friends and more than family. You, Cash and Max are just like that. The only difference is that Courtney is all you guys want beyond this company. Don’t leave it too late. Eventually she’s going to find someone else because she doesn’t know you love her. And then all of you will regret not taking that last step and getting her for yourselves.”

His blue eyes are softer than mine but they harden to ice. “I don’t want you to forget how lonely I’ve been my whole life. If I had got my head out of my ass a long time ago I would have seen Millie long ago. She’s the one that pushed me to get out of my own head and realize that there’s more to life than work. There’s love. All of you deserve it.”

He grins cheekily, making him look a lot younger. “Love can come in many different forms and functions. Your love doesn’t have to look like mine or anyone else’s. As long as it works for you boys.”

I grunt when he calls us boys. “We’re far from boys, Dad.”

“You get my message. Just don’t fuck this up. If you do, I don’t think you boys will be able to move on. You’re too in love and wrapped up with Court. She’s it for you so go and get her.”

And with those wise words, he stands up and hugs me tight. “Good luck, son. I think you boys are gonna need it.” And he walks out chuckling.

“Thanks, Dad. I appreciate the support.”

But I do. And as soon as he left, I put the plans in motion.

Now we’re so close that I can’t help but smile at my friends. “We’re so close, guys. Keep your eyes focused on the prize and we’re gonna get our darkest desires fulfilled.”

And we all nod, smirking. It’s time to get our woman.

CHAPTER 3

Max

This is the night. Cash’s security sources all over the city have finally paid off and we know that Courtney left her building and she’s got a car picking her up and delivering her to Club Sin.

It’s been three days and we were starting to wonder if we were going to have to come up with another way but then we got word from Cash’s friend and the trap was set.

Now we’re standing in the lobby of Club Sin watching for Courtney and ignoring the other women open to games who’ve been giving us looks for hours.

Yeah, we were early. So sue us. All three of us have been waiting forever to find the right time to get our woman and now that it’s here, we are ready.

I look around, my body buzzing with excitement and anticipation. For the first time, I’m about to be with the woman I’ve been in love with since I first met her in seventh grade.

I smile and immediately another woman touches my arm, smiling back.

But my eyes drift down to her hand and I don’t have to say a word. She removes her hand and walks away. There’s only one woman for me. There’s only ever been one woman for me. There will only ever be one woman for me.

And she’s here. My eyes lock on her curvy little figure like a heat-seeking missile. I nod towards the doorway and all three of us spot her.

Reid grins. “We know the plan. You’re up, Max.”

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