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No, you did not!” I shriek excitedly, jumping up and down.

“Can’t have you riding alone, now can I?” Rhys laughs, straddling the most beautiful bike I’ve ever seen, aside from mine obviously.

My core is damned near weeping at the sight of him in leathers and boots. The way they mold to his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and thick thighs is causing my blood to overheat.

“Go get ready, let’s go for a ride.”

I grin and take off to get my gear.

* * *

My long braid whips around wildly from under my helmet as Rhys and I race toward Paige and Declan’s.

I’m so unbelievably happy that Rhys got a bike and is more than happy to ride with me.

I might have purchased the bike on an impulsive whim, but it’s been a Godsend. It allows me to feel like I’m free – flying. The adrenaline I feel isn’t because I’m trying to replace another emotion. No, instead it’s an adrenaline that feels as though it’s a permanent part of me. The thrill of laying on the throttle and speeding down the road is hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it.

Rhys revs his bike. When I look over my shoulder, he lifts to a wheelie and takes off.

I shake my head at his antics.

Knowing, not only did he buy a bike, but he already knows how to ride, is so sexy.

Rhys was really made for me, wasn’t he?

Twisting the throttle, I speed to catch up, slowing down once I’m at his side. He holds out a hand.

Making sure I’m steady, I hold out my own and curl my fingers around his for a moment before letting go.

We slow when we come to the turn leading to the estate.

Declan, Paige, Emily, and Liam are standing at the front of the mansion. Their heads turn when they hear us driving up the road.

I chuckle then glance at Rhys. When his looks over, I flip him the bird then take off.

I coast to a stop then dismount. Rhys comes to a stop next to me and shuts off his bike. He takes off his helmet and shakes out the sweat from his hair, running his fingers through the reddish-brown strands.

Just when I thought this man couldn’t get more attractive, his freckles darkened from the Summer sun making its appearance.

He swings his leg, climbing off his bike then saunters over. His eyes are heated and a deep forest green.

I hold my hands behind my back, feigning innocence.

His hand whips out and clasp onto the bottom of my helmet. My breath catches when he jerks me forward. I watch him through my tinted visor.

“If you want to fuck me, all you have to do is ask, mo réalta.” I shiver at the deep rasp in his voice.

I step closer and place my palms against his muscular chest. “I want you to fuck me so hard that any time I move, I’ll be able to feel how sore my pussy is.”

His pupils dilate and he licks his bottom lip.

“Hey! Quick eye fucking! I’m hungry!”

We laugh at Liam’s comment and pull away.

With how crazy our lives continue to be, Paige has made it a tradition to have a weekly dinner whenever possible.

It’s brought us all that much closer together.

These people are my family.

We might not be blood, but I’d gladly bleed for each of them.

I remove my helmet and set it on my bike. Rhys takes my hand, and we walk toward where everyone stands.

“If you’re hungry, why are you out here?” I tease.

“I made them come outside because Liam kept reaching for the food,” Paige says with a smirk in Liam’s direction.

Ingrid steps outside. When she sees us, she plants her hands on her waist and scowls. “Now, I know you are not our here while the food I spent hours making goes cold.”

Declan rolls his eyes playfully. “Ingrid, we all know Niall is the cook of the house.”

“Either way, you better get your arses in this house and eat.” She spins of her heels, muttering in Gaelige as she goes inside.

The rest of our evening is filled with laughter and good food.

I hadn’t realized just how much I missed simply enjoying the company of people I love. My brothers and I were always getting into some sort of trouble, and while I miss that more than words can explain, it’s nice to just… be. My eyes begin to burn at the sensation of tears building.

“Hey,” Rhys whispers, gripping my chin with his forefinger and thumb. “What’s wrong?” His brows are furrowed, and I see the genuine concern in his eyes.

“My brothers would have loved you,” I whisper.

Surprise flashes across his face, then it’s replaced by a softness that tightens my throat. “I would have loved to meet them.”

The table falls silent. Rhys releases my chin, and we turn to face our family.

Paige and Emily’s eyes display a huge amount of empathy. Liam and Declan watch with affectionate expressions.

“Can I ask you guys for a favor?” I swallow tightly and clear my throat as I meet each of their eyes.

“Anything, mo réalta.”

Everyone nods in agreement to Rhys’ statement.

“Will you come with me to see my brothers?”

* * *

Apprehension coils tightly around my throat and lungs, making it hard to breathe. I stand facing the gate leading into the cemetery. Behind me, my extended family stands, waiting for my cue.

I appreciate them letting me have the time to gather my thoughts and emotions. I haven’t been here since I was 18, since I watched my brothers being lowered into the ground.

Too much is happening in my mind. Too much is happening in my heart.

Everything right now is just… too much.

Rhys steps in front of me and cups my face, bringing his forehead to mine. I close my eyes and breathe in his comforting scent.

“Tá mé ceart anseo, mo réalta,” he breathes in a soothing tone. I’m right here, my star .

He takes my trembling hands in his and lifts them to his lips, he places gentle kisses to my knuckles.

“Look at me.”

I lift my gaze from the gravel to his.

“Tá mé ceart anseo,” he reiterates.

I give him a wobbly smile and offer a small nod.

Hand in hand, we push through the gate. Everyone else follows closely behind, offering their silent support. Despite not being here in years, I walk the path to my brothers’ as if I’ve walked it daily.

My lungs seize when their headstones come into view. I lean against Rhys who steadies my faltering steps. My vision blurs, and I struggle to keep going.

“You’ve got this, baby. Just a few more steps.”

Stepping closer, I fall to my knees onto the wet ground. I hunch over, taking the blades grass into my fists.

The rest of the world fades, all the left is me and my brothers.

“I’m so sorry I never came back,” I sob. “It hurt too much.”

I lift my head when I feel someone kneel beside me.

Paige and Emily sit on either side of me, tears running down their face.

“Hi,” Paige croaks, facing the headstones. “I’m Paige.”

“And I’m Emily.”

Declan and Liam introduce themselves; both have tears in their eyes.

I smile at them then gesture to my brothers’ names.

“Xander was my eldest brother, more like a father to me if I’m being honest.” They nod as they listen. “Tommy was next, then Ronny, and finally Colson.”

I feel Rhys’ eyes on me as I share stories of my childhood with my brothers. They laugh when I tell them about Ronny being chased by the rooster we tried to kidnap and when I talk about learning how to drive an actual car, not a go kart.

“You know, listening to these stories,” Paige says, looking up at me. “The way you are makes so much more sense.”

I chuckle, swiping away a tear. “They were my everything.”