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Chapter 8

Addie

The next day, I found myself sitting across the table from Nik and Tommy.

Their shoulders brushed as they leaned forward, Tommy’s expression inquisitive while Nik’s was blank.

“I missed you both,” I said at last, breaking the long silence we had found ourselves in. I reached across the table to capture each of their hands. “So, so much.”

Tommy sniffled, wiping away a non-existent tear.

“Don’t do that shit again,” he cursed, squeezing my hand. “Or else I’ll spank your ass.” His cheeks paled when he realized what he had said, expression contorting into one of disgust. His nose crinkled. “Not the way your boy toys spank you, dear god. Yuck.”

I snorted. Trust Tommy to bring a smile to my face even with my uncharacteristically demure mood.

“Love you, Toms,” I said, flashing him a smile. “Even though you were the one who left in the first place.”

He feigned hurt. “Hey. I resent that. I was trying to be the hero and all that shit!”

This time, it was I who gave his hand a squeeze. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“Fucking peachy. Peaches and pears and applesauce.”

Rolling my eyes, I turned towards Nik. I noted that his free hand was gripping Tommy’s on top of the table. My brows rose at that - especially since I couldn’t remember the last time Nik had initiated contact - but I didn’t comment.

“And how are you, Nikolai? How have they been treating you?”

He shrugged his shoulders, face burning.

When he didn’t answer, Tommy barged into the conversation yet again. I could tell Nik was grateful when his lip curled upwards minutely. “Jared’s teaching me how to use a sword!”

That was...terrifying.

“That’s great!” I lied with a cheeky smile. Tommy, always able to see through me, rolled his eyes.

“I don’t just stab people without reason, Addie. I’m not a stab first, ask questions later type of person. That’s more Fallon’s style.” He leaned forward then, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I like him. And Declan. You have my blessing to date them.”

Easy-going banter continued between the two of us, with even Nik listening and nodding along to our conversation. My cheeks hurt from how wide my smile was. It felt...right.

Having Nik and Tommy back in my life was a much needed balm to my tattered heart. It didn’t fully heal the broken organ, but it helped keep it together. The pain was no longer unbearable.

Overcome with emotion, I cut Tommy off in the middle of his speech about flying tomato cans and bikini Ragers.

“I love you both,” I choked out. Tommy’s eyes widened at my admission before his lips curved up in a soft smile and crinkled the skin around his eyes.

“I love you too. Even if I do question your taste in men,” he said.

Nik didn’t say the words back to me, but his smile was luminescent when his eyes met mine.

I had my two brothers back, and I’d thank God every day for that gift.

* * *

The next fewdays were a flurry of introductions, plans, and reunions. Every night, I found myself nestled between at least two of my men, if not more. There was never a lack of kisses, cuddles, and orgasms. It seemed as if Declan especially was attempting to make up for lost time.

Only Fallon seemed hesitant to do more than kiss me, but I never pushed him. He would tell me whatever he kept hidden when he was ready.

At night, we found ourselves convened around the dining room table. Some were sitting, but the majority of us were standing, our elbows on the table as we surveyed a map of the United States. Red marks marred the crinkly paper.