Page 37

Lillian

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T here are at least fifty people in our house. This damn cookout feels like a mistake. I’m a sweaty, overheated mess as I bust my ass in the kitchen. It was rescheduled forty million times and now the day is finally here.

I might have overdone it. I made three different casseroles, four dozen cookies, two different salads, deviled eggs, charcuterie boards, and even homemade lemonade.

I might have spiked mine.

I deserve it.

There are screaming children running around everywhere while the adults are all in the backyard staying warm beside the fire or huddled together like fucking penguins.

I want to be out there meeting people, but my dumbass thought it was a good idea to stress bake. I’m not that great in situations surrounded by people I don’t know, especially these sorts of people.

Celebrities, rich people, and a few puck bunnies prancing around.

I assumed it would have been a smaller event.

Close friends and their families… not a fucking rager.

I pluck up a towel from the counter and wipe off my forehead before I pull out my last casserole that just finished up.

I straighten up the kitchen and set everything out on the island before I disappear into my bedroom.

I need a breather, a shower, and a nap.

Maybe a few orgasms.

The girls were up at the crack of dawn, so damn excited about the party and being able to play with other kids. Also about seeing their ‘aunts’ and ‘uncles’. I just want today to hurry the fuck up.

I dry off after my cold shower and blow dry my hair before braiding it down my back. I forgo makeup since I’m probably just going to sweat it all off again anyway. What’s the point?

I pull on a pair of jeans, a clean t-shirt, and pull on my leather jacket before stepping into a pair of my black boots.

Simple, easy, and a million times more underdressed than any of the other women that showed up. Even the wives are dressed to the nines.

No thank you. It’s forty degrees outside and I want to be comfortable.

I leave the comfort of my room and head back into the kitchen to grab a cookie before I head out into the madness. There are a few women mingling by the fridge, pouring themselves glasses of wine from the cabinet that wasn’t supposed to be opened today.

Shocker. Just taking shit that doesn't belong to you. They remind me of Betty’s daughters.

Stuck up, everything belongs to them, and they’re entitled to everything the world offers, just because they’re pretty and have rich men fucking them at night.

Man, I need to tone down this attitude before Morgan spanks me or something. My chest heats as I think about the last few nights we’ve had together.

Our experimenting, he is so nervous about hurting me… but then his shell cracks open and he pounds into me so hard that I see stars. Tying me up to his headboard, using toys, and spanking me when he says I’ve been naughty.

He even had me kneeling on the cold bathroom tiles as he showered for thirty minutes, all because I told him I was sleeping in my room that night.

He’s just delicious.

I never thought I would like something like this. Being submissive to a man of all species… but it’s Morgan. He’s safe. He’s perfect. He’s mine.

I know I still need therapy. I know I probably still need a lot of help. I’m slowly getting over my past, the way Morgan can take control and seem to be, well, controlling. But I trust this man somehow.

I hear someone clear their throat and I glance over to the gaggle of women. I try not to wrinkle my nose as they step closer, trying to keep a pleasant look on my face.

Blonde number one steps up and smiles at me. “You must be Lauren! Hi! I’m here for Landon, do you really live here?”

I cock a brow at them as I look the four of them over. They’re all wearing stilettos and what looks like the same designer dress, just in different colors. Hot pink, lavender, midnight black, and a gorgeous navy blue. I like that one.

“It's Lillian. Yep. I’m Morgan’s nanny. Anything I can help you out with before I head outside?”

The one of the far right hums. “I heard he’s single now. Can you put in a good word for us?”

I slowly blink at them as I back away. Didn’t Thing One say she was here with someone? Maybe they’re escorts or something. I have no idea what’s going on.

“Uh. No. He’s taken… by me. Thanks for the offer though. I’ll keep that in mind. Not sure all six of us would fit in his bed, if you know what I mean.” I finger wave at them as I hold myself back from racing out of the room.

Just, what the fuck. Why would anyone, even as someone’s nanny, who watches their children 24/7, put in a ‘good word’? How about you grow some lady balls and talk to him yourself?

Fuuuuuck. Was I even supposed to say anything? Are we keeping this under wraps?

Morgan finds me and stalks me with a wide smile on his face. His nose is a little red from the cold, but he’s probably used to it, living on the ice for hours upon hours every week.

He snatches me up in his strong arms and kisses my lips, swinging me around for a few beats before setting me down on wobbly legs. My face hurts from how wide I’m smiling.

“There you are. I was going to come drag you out of the kitchen. Come meet everyone.”

He leads me around the backyard and I meet more people than I think I ever have in my life at one time. I recognized James’s, Logan’s, and Landon’s names. I’ve already met Bianca, Nolan, and Marie before.

I definitely like this group better than the freaky women in the kitchen.

Morgan continues to feed me, hold me, and hand me beers. The kids are all running through the trees before warming up by the fire for a few moments.

Marie and James head inside every so often to warm up their babies and feed them, or whatever people do with infants. I don’t know. The longest I’ve been around a baby was when Marie was tending to Mackenzie. It seemed simple enough. Change their diapers, heat up their bottles, and hold them 24/7.

Morgan wraps his arms around me as he leads me back over to the fire. “So? What do you think?”

I smile up at him and lean up to press my lips to his. My heart feels so damn full, I can’t even comprehend it.

I wasn’t expecting him to be so sweet to me in front of everyone. “Everyone has been really nice. I was expecting something more insane I think. Yelling, wrestling matches, and drunks getting rowdy.”

He snorts and guides me to a chair before he plops down on the ground beside me. “Nah, that’s only after games or on Friday nights.” He winks at me and I comb my fingers through his thick, soft hair. Mine.

“Well, that’s good to know. Have you eaten enough?”

He snorts and presses a kiss to my wrist, flicking his tongue against my pulse.

My core clenches and I glance around, ensuring we’re alone.

“Of course. But damn, you look fucking hot. I’m having a hard time holding myself back from dragging you into my room to fuck until you scream and come all over my cock. ”

I bite down on my lip and shake my head. “Stop,” I whisper and turn my face away from him. If he keeps looking at me like that, I just might let him.

He chuckles and stands, pressing a kiss to my head. “I’ll be right back. I’m grabbing some more beer.” He leaves me alone and I inhale a deep, smoky breath. I love the smell of burning wood. It’s so peaceful and calming. Reminds me of camping.

The rest of the party was calm for the most part. Most of the kids passed out in the playroom around eight, while the adults continued to drink and have a good time.

I was even more shocked that we have no appetizers at all left, even with all of the food everyone else brought.

There were a few hiccups (puck bunnies being nasty in front of the kids, plus those escorts that passed out in a guest room, completely naked with the door open), I enjoyed meeting and getting to know Morgan’s teammates and friends.

Even if it was awkward as hell kicking everyone out at midnight and calling cabs for them.

And unlucky for me, James suggested that we host another one next month, everyone agreed that we should have it be a monthly tradition. Yay.

Hopefully no more escorts.