Page 11 of The Biggest Sacrifice

“Power doesn’t come from size, my lion.”

His hands slid down my ribs, over my ass and hooked under my thighs. He lifted me effortlessly and walked me out the gate, across the front yard, crossed the street, and straight into his home.

And that began our time together.

And now our time is over, yet he’s still so close. But for how long?

CHAPTER 6

TOM

Sittingthis close to her is doing something to me. I do my best to resist the attraction I feel for her, but it’s pointless. It’s never gone away. No amount of time or distance could ever change that. For me anyway. Seeing her withhimonly tells me I need to come to terms with the fact that she may have already moved on. I’ve taken too much where she’s got nothing left to give me.

No. I won’t accept that.

“Who needs a refill?” Billy is up and out of his seat, grabbing beers from my brothers outside fridge and passing them around the table. I snicker and shake my head as I see him grab a tequila bottle and shot glasses.

“Oh, no. Not tonight, Bill.” Francesca gives her usual warning to Billy, but he brushes her off.

“First, Sissy, it’s a special occasion. Second, it’s your niece’s first birthday party. Third, we’re practicing foryourdemon’s first birthday next month.”

“Hey! He’s not a demon!”

“No, he’s just a Gage. It’s worse.”

“I love how you imply my coming home is the special occasion today. How long have you been planning this party?” I cut off their line of conversation before Jackson can get involved.

“Not long.” Francesca shrugs.

“Not what I heard.” I look at Billy but glance at Farrah, who’s been silent since I sat down.

“Billy? Did you rat on me? Do I need to get the soap?” Chess throws her hand on her hip and Britt comes behind her with her arms crossed. These two are the most ridiculous duo I’ve ever met.

Besides Billy and me, of course.

“I just mentioned that you were planning a big party. That’s all.”

I smirk at him as he actively ignores my look and stares at Chess. “I was told it was going to be a carnival.” Rising from my seat, I call out. “Billy! Where’s my shot?”

“Fuck, yes!”

“William!”

“Sorry, Ma.” He gives her the puppy dog eyes, then hits me with a raised brow and smug grin. He quickly pours out a round of shots and stands at the head of the table. “Raise ‘em up, everyone! To our brother, my best friend. I hated you when you left, but now I think I hate you for coming home. Mom is going to give you more attention than me now.” Everyone laughs and I grab him into a fake chokehold. He pushes me off and continues. “I know I speak for everyone here when we say you’ve made our year by coming home tonight. And I’m also sure I speak for everyone when I say we don’t want you to go away again.” He pauses and I see him visibly trying to get words out. Wrapping my arms around him in a bear hug, he speaks into my ear. “Say it’s over, bro. I need you here with me.”

I’ve swallowed down more emotion tonight than in all my goodbyes combined. “I’ll work on it, okay?” We pound each other’s backs a few times, step away, wiping our faces. “Drink up, motherfuckers!” He yells out. My mom admonishes him, again, and the rest of uswoopin reply. I slam my shot, then push my glass to the middle again as Adam begins the pour once more. I look over at Farrah, seeing confusion mixed with longing on her face. I know that feeling well. I give her a wink and she returns a half smile.

More shots are passed and the food flows.

“Goddamn, I’ve missed real food. Thanks for cooking, Ma.” I grunt out, mouth half full.

“How was it over there?” Cash asks, and the table falls silent. I give a sideways glance, but continue chewing.

“Boring,” is my reply. I’m not telling this guy shit.

“What’s next?” He continues the line of questions, and I envision stabbing this fucker with my fork.

“I take my position back. That’s what’s next.” I bite out.

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