Page 31 of Break: Vol. 2

"Mother is—"

"It's. Over," I said through gritted teeth. I reached up and grabbed his chin when he turned his head to look away. I held his gaze. "You and me, Dex. We're together. You and me and the guys. We're your family. I don't care if you have money. I don't care if you don't."

Dex's eyes focused on mine and for several heartbeats, they didn't waver. I waited for him to make a decision. I waited for him to decide to believe me. Finally, he did. I knew the moment that he did because he dropped his eyes and squashed me against his chest, holding me like I would drift away at any moment.

"I love you," I whispered against his chest as I struggled to get my arms around him. I didn't tell him that he was squeezing me so tight that it hurt. I liked the hurt—it was the force of his love for me and I accepted it fully.

"I love you, Baby. So fucking much. I thank the universe every day for giving you to me."

"We all do, buddy."

We both jerked our heads up and turned towards the now open door. Darren, Cody, and Taylor stood there. Taylor grinning, Darren watching us, and Cody striding forward. Before Cody could say anything, Taylor burst around him and threw himself at us.

I let out a shocked squeal as he landed on me, shoving me back. Taylor laughed and then—before I knew what hit me—Darren and Cody were diving for us and we were a mass of laughter and love.

It was the best fucking feeling in the world, being loved by those four men.

Chapter 15

A little over a year later…

"Can you believe it's finally happening?" Roxi whispered.

I shook my head as I watched first Cody, then Darren and Dex, and finally Taylor ascend the dais in the middle of the university coliseum. The stands were filled with parents and extended family. Cheers erupted as each student accepted their certification of graduation. I couldn't believe we had made it. I mean, I knew we would. I knew the day would come when the four years I had spent at Winthrope University would be over and all of the days I had spent studying my ass off, attending classes, and preparing for my future would come to an end.

It was time to stop preparing for the future and start living it.

"Jamie Houston." My name was called and my heart jumped into my chest as I stood up and went over to the line leading up to the stage. I ascended the stage as flashes went off. Photos were taken and dimly, I heard Taylor calling out in excitement. I looked over the sea of fellow students and smiled. I couldn't help it. I was absolutely terrified of what the future held. I wasn't quite sure if the degree I had would really help me. But whatever happened, as soon as my eyes landed on my guys, I knew it would all be okay.

I was proud of myself for working so hard, but whatever pride I held for myself was no match for the amount I held for them. I was proud of them. I loved them. I wanted to support them for the rest of my life.

I shook the hands of my professors, accepted their congratulations—all the while trying not to cry.

"Yes, girl, yes!" Roxi called from the crowd as I made my way out of the coliseum. She rushed up to me, flinging herself on me as she clutched her degree certificate in one hand. "Can you believe it? We're done! Really done! Guess who's getting drunk tonight!"

"Hopefully not you," a deep voice answered. "You can't handle your liquor worth shit."

I smiled as Bastian Lander approached with an easy smile followed close behind by Oliver Dubois. Roxi pouted at both of them as they approached. "I'll have a big dinner," she said defensively.

Oliver laughed. "Are you asking us out to dinner?" he asked teasingly.

I watched with amusement as her eyes lit up. "Would you do something naughty to me afterwards?" she replied.

Oliver stiffened, a blush creeping across his face as Bastian let out a booming laugh. "Yeah, spank you, brat. Stop giving Oliver ideas, he's sensitive."

"I-I wasn't—I mean, I didn't—" Oliver stuttered, his blush stretching down his neck.

I chuckled as warm arms circled my waist and a familiar set of lips pressed against my bare neck. "I like you with your hair up like this," Darren said.

"Oh yeah?" I laughed.

"Yeah."

I looked behind me. "Where are the others?"

"They'll meet us soon. They sent me to grab you. We're heading to a special celebration."

"A graduation party?" I asked. "Right now? But we just got out."

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