Page 56 of Everything I Crave

Hunter bangs on the door again. “Let's go! I’m going to stay here and yell at you until you open this door, try getting off to my voice!”

Gunnar groans.

“I don’t know, Hunter, it might actually help me get off, could you keep going?” I yell back.

“Fucking Christ, G. Where’d you find this one?” I can hear the hint of laughter in his voice.

“I’m not fucking sharing, get outta here,” Gunnar answers his brother for the first time. He stares at me before finishing his response. “She’s mine.”

I laugh and slide out of the bed, throwing some clothes on and brushing my teeth. When I get out of the bathroom Hunter is perched on the bed, laughing at Gunnar, who looks like he’s about to murder his brother. Whatever Hunter said had Gunnar’s fists balled up at his sides and his nostrils flared.

I can’t imagine dealing with five of these heathens growing up.

“Let’s go boys. No fighting before a family meeting.”

I lean down to take Gunnar's lips with mine before whispering, "Besides, I'm yours."

I walk out the door with the two following me. I can hear them pushing each other and bumping into the walls in the hallway behind me.

I walk downstairs to find the sad dining room without any breakfast food. I run my finger along the edge of the table. A layer of dust coats the table and chairs. I assume that no one has cleaned or enjoyed a meal at this table in quite some time.

Gunnar looks at me and shrugs.

Emma comes in with a bottle of cleaner and a rag. She must have made the same observations as me.

I can’t understand how this place is even running with the few guests it has. I hope Liam at least cleans the rooms before the guests get here.

“Is this really how we’re starting the meeting?” Liam asks angrily.

“What? By having a clean surface to sit at?” Emma bites back.

Liam storms by her into the kitchen. We hear the coffee pot start and cabinets slamming. I place my arm on her shoulder as I follow Liam into the kitchen. I know he’s angry but they’re here to help him so I hope his attitude will improve.

I grab a few coffee mugs for everyone, inspecting them before placing them on a tray. Luckily they’re clean and I don’t have to offend Liam by washing them. I open the refrigerator to find a bare minimum in supplies. Coffee creamer, milk, and a few old soggy vegetables.

“I only drink coffee here. No one eats, I don’t have a chef. Or a maid. But they usually go to Rebels, and he’ll deliver takeout here for guests.” He reaches around me to grab the creamer and I shut the door.

“That’s nice of him.” Usually I would have a smartass remark, but it seems like Liam needs a friend.

“Yea, he’s saved my ass a few times.” He puts the lid on his coffee and walks back out to his siblings.

I fill each of the mugs, add creamer and sugar to the tray and follow behind him. Emma sits at the table with a pen and notebook out, and the guys are surrounding her, leaving the only open spot next to Gunnar.

I slide the tray onto the table. Thanks ring out from all the Keaton siblings.

Wyatt comes in at the last second with a box from Sweet Violets, I’m assuming their local bakery.

“Wyatt, you’re a lifesaver. Tell me there’s a donut from Margaret in there.” Emma is practically drooling at the box.

He walks over and opens the box. “You know I did. Only for you, baby sister.” He winks at her and hands her the donut before setting the box down for everyone else.

That donuts do look amazing, but I’m eyeing the cinnamon rolls the size of my head.

“Willow, you got to try these cinnamon rolls from Sweet Violets, you’ll never find a better one, I promise. Margaret has been making them since before we were even born. The day she retires will be a sad day in Balsam Cliffs.” He hands me a plate and I’m suddenly very thankful for Wyatt.

Gunnar glares in his brother’s direction.

“Careful, Wy. G here is a little territorial over his woman.” Hunter rolls his eyes.

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