Page 20 of Intertwined Souls

“Bri?” I whisper, and she hums softly. “I've never asked because it felt wrong to, but um, have you and the guys ever been together? Like together together?” I question.

She giggles softly. “Yes, sweetie. We have been before. But you can’t let what you see between the four of us affect you and your guys, okay? We have, well, it’s a complicated past. There’s a lot to it, and we just don’t truly work as anything more than friends.”

“How did you know that’s where I was going with that?” I huff.

“I just knew. Don’t compare what you have with others though okay? That’s something I really struggled with, and it hurt us more than anything else. There is nothing wrong with loving more than one person. Don’t ever let someone tell you that it is. Those people? The ones who judge, sneer, and make rude comments, they are jealous. They are jealous because they couldn’t open their hearts and minds enough to accept that much love.

“They have issues maintaining one partner because they can’t be open-minded and put in the effort it takes. So when they see you thriving, happy, loved, and enjoying life with your loves, they become bitter, resentful, and hateful. Just be authentically you. Be happy. That’s all that matters.”

She whispers the last part so quietly I sit up straight and look at her. “What happened between you guys? I mean, you all seem so happy now as good friends, but it was more? What happened?” I ask gently.

Brielle gives me a sad smile as her eyes gloss over and become haunted with memories of the past. Glancing over at the guys, she murmurs, “That is a very long story and not one for today.”

Wrapping my arms around her waist, I give her a hug. “Thank you for being here. For not giving up on me. I love you.”

“I love you too, sweetie. And for what it’s worth, I think your mama would be proud of the woman you’re becoming. Even through all the horrors you have lived, you are here stronger than ever and still willing to change and grow. Even after making rash decisions.” She sighs, and I chuckle.

As it gets darker in the evening, everyone is playing yard games including the cornhole one, and Ry wasn’t kidding about how competitive they get. There have been many entertaining yelling matches.

Cade came out for food and then he kissed me and went back to Gabriel’s house.

As much as I wish he was out here with us, with me, I do understand not wanting to be around so many people.

Heading over to the large bonfire some of the guys have gotten started, I take a deep breath and walk over to Gabriel, sitting down in the fold-up chair next to him and pulling my legs up to my chest.

He glances at me. “Doing okay?” he asks, and I nod. “If it ever gets overwhelming, no one will mind if you want to go to my house with Cade.”

“Thanks,” I reply, tilting my lips up. “Can I ask you something?”

He nods and takes a big swig of his beer. “Anything.”

“Ryker told me earlier that you don’t have any club girls here right now and won’t for a while. But yet, Carly is here. Isn’t she still a club girl?”

His eyes automatically gravitate to where Carly stands with Raven, Presley, Brielle, and Aggie. His face softens when he responds, “She isn’t really one anymore. She’s… more. A good friend to me and kind of like a manager around here.” He smiles fondly.

I bite my lip to stop myself from asking why he isn’t with her when it’s so clear that he likes her. Might even love her. And it’s clear she feels the same with the way her eyes always seem to know where he is in the yard. I don’t want to get in the middle of whatever is going on there; we aren’t close enough for that, but I’m curious to know why they seem to keep an invisible barrier up between each other.

“I’m really glad you decided to stay,” Gabriel says softly.

I don’t respond, but my lips tilt up slightly. I am glad I stayed too. Even if I’m not quite sure how to voice that to him yet.

Gabriel adds, “Plus, you’ll get to see Bri’s guys more often since they might be joining us part-time.”

My eyes widen, and I nearly jump out of the chair. “What?” I exclaim. “Join the club? But they live in another state. How would that even work? You’re just going to accept them? Really?” My eyes grow wide with excitement.

He chuckles, “Yes, Harley. I will just accept them. We met with them earlier and talked it through. There are people called nomads who travel freely; they move all around, and most of the time they don’t stop anywhere for long. I know the guys have a home in Virginia, but they will kind of be like nomads to us. Coming and going every so often. When we have big events or rides, they will come down, and they will always have rooms at the club.”

He finishes off his beer and leans forward locking eyes with me.

“I know they mean a great deal to you, Brielle too, so I always want them to have a home here. They were here that first night ready to burn down the world for you, and that showed me a lot.

“That, and Grayson just learned about having a cousin, and this keeps the door open for him to be able to get to know him when he’s ready to. We will be setting up a few rooms in the club for Brielle and the guys. They will be permanent for them.”

Blinking away tears, I whisper, “Thank you. I—”

Thank you for proving who you are. Showing me you’re someone I can trust. Someone who isn’t bad. Thank you for not giving up on me when I tried to kill you—twice. Thank you for becoming my dad.

“Thank you,” I whisper again, hoping my eyes convey everything my mouth can’t say.

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