Page 159 of Naughty & Nice

HENDRIX

To my surprise, when I wake up the next morning, Noelle is still sleeping soundly beside me.

I can’t remember the last time she slept later than me.

The other side of the bed is empty.

The memory of Wilder crashing in here looking haunted hasn’t left me all night. I woke a couple of times and looked over, but each time he was fast asleep with Noelle in his arms.

Sure, I was a little jealous. I wanted that hot little body against me, but he needed her more than me.

I’ve never seen him looking so lost.

Okay, that’s a lie. I saw it when I drove away from the house after we got into it the other night.

As gently as I can, I roll out of bed, leaving Noelle to get the sleep she needs, and silently slip from the room.

The scent of coffee gets stronger as I move toward the kitchen, giving me a clue as to where I might find my brother.

When I enter, he’s sitting at the island with his attention zeroed in on my mug. Usually, he only gives his cell that kind of undivided attention.

I move across the room, but he doesn’t even notice, which is concerning. He’s usually much more aware of his surroundings. We all are, after the way we grew up. If were weren’t, anything could have happened.

It’s not until I’ve grabbed a mug and placed it on the coffee machine that he finally looks up.

“Oh, hey,” he says, his voice about as rough as he looks. His hair is still messy, his eyes are bloodshot, and the circles around them are dark. If I hadn’t seen him sleeping last night I wouldn’t believe he’d got any. “Noelle still sleeping?”

“Yeah,” I muse, pressing the button to start my drink. “Not sure what you did to wear her out, but she hasn’t slept this late in years.”

Wilder chuckles. “I didn’t do anything, not really. Not with you sleeping right next to us.”

"You could have.” The words are out of my mouth before I have a chance to stop them.

He stares at me, his mouth opening and closing as if he has a million things he wants to say but isn’t brave enough.

He remains silent, battling with his own thoughts as I grab my mug and move to sit beside him.

“I know I’m fucking all this up for you, and I’m sorry. I know I’m being a selfish cunt by wanting what’s yours, but I can’t help it. She’s?—”

“Ours?” I finish for him.

The thought makes my heart race, but after a week away and then almost another back at home without him, it’s the outcome that makes the most sense.

Noelle and I have had a fantastic few days, but something was missing.

But he’s back, and the final bit of lightness returned to her eyes last night.

Sure, I might want Noelle all to myself, but I’m not selfish enough to stop Wilder from needing her too.

It’s been the three of us against the world for as long as I can remember; why should it change now we’re grown up?

Maybe it was always meant to be that way. Maybe that’s why I’m accepting it so easily… because it’s right.

We’re meant to be.

“How are you okay with this?” Wilder asks me, studying me closely, no doubt looking for lies.

“Because it’s us. Me, you, and Noelle.I’ve loved her for as long as I can remember, and I know you’ve always cared deeply for her too.”

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