Page 17 of A Moment Too Soon

“Edgar is my cousin,” Jerome says.

“Nice to meet you, cousin,” I say sweetly.

“Likewise, Ms. Adler,” he says with a smile.

“Ew. No. Just Bex,” I cringe, making him laugh.

“Let’s go down,” Jett says, kissing me. “Before Levi sets the house on fire.”

“He’s going to be…” I start to warn, but Jerome pulls me up and grabs my face.

“Rebecca, relax,” he says. “He is protective, and I respect that. I understand you are new to this world, but I am not the monster you think that I am.”

“I don’t…”

“Yes, you do. You see me as a monster. Just because you know that I won’t hurt you doesn’t mean you don’t think somewhere in your head that I would slaughter your family. I won’t, because they are a part of you. So long as they never hurt you, and they never crossed me in a way that would impact you, they are fine. I can handle them,” he says.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

“You apologize too much.” He frowns at me. I open my mouth to apologize again, but stop myself, making him grin. “We are still growing and learning each other. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I know you are not here by choice, but I still respect you.”

“I am most definitely here by choice now,” I say matter-of-factly. “Pretty sure Jett is too.”

“Oh yeah,” Jett says.

I gasp, and Jerome cocks his head at me. “You are the daddy,” I say, making Edgar burst out laughing. “Jerome, you’re definitely giving daddy vibes, and Jett is definitely the bratty one.”

“You little shit!” Jett laughs as he smacks my ass, making me squeal.

“You’re both brats, first of all,” Jerome says with a smirk. “I’ll be the daddy, but you get to be our little pet.”

“Snuggles and playtime? Fuck yes,” I say.

“Come on,” Jerome laughs.

I walk with Jett and Jerome downstairs. Levi is the first one to jump up from the couch and hug me. “Are you okay?” Levi asks, holding my face.

“Nope. He beats me when I’m naughty,” I say, making Jett cackle.

“I told you. They are getting properly railed. You’re so dramatic sometimes,” Macie laughs.

“This is Levi and his wife, Arden, and then Wilder and his wife, Macie. Arden is Wilder’s little sister, and Levi is Jett’s older brother. Macie and Arden have been best friends since they were kids,” I explain.

“It is wonderful to meet you all,” Jerome says, shaking their hands.

“The boys are dramatic. Ignore them,” Macie says sweetly.

“Excuse me, but I vouched for Jerome from the beginning,” Wilder laughs. “Levi is the one threatening to kill people.”

“It’s not a threat,” Levi says, shaking Jerome’s hand. He holds onto him for a moment to keep talking. “Jett and Bex mean far more to me than you, and I have no fucking problem putting you down if you even think about hurting them.”

“I do not doubt that, Levi,” Jerome says sincerely. “I assure you; they are safe. We are all on the same page as to why they are here, and they are well aware that they are not captives, nor is this by force. I have an image to uphold, so this is a predicament that Garrett has put us in.”

“Well, I’m enjoying the predicament you put in me,” I say with a shrug.

“Particularly fond of that part too,” Jett remarks with a smirk.

“You two are dirty-minded,” Jerome laughs at us.

---