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Chapter Seventeen

Jolie

Why—in my anger—did I have to open my big mouth? Ten guys. How in the fuck am I going to manage that? There are simply not enough hours in a day for all of them, and then time for me too. I’ve spent the last twenty-four hours being torn between them all. Chester’s currently in a mood because he wants more attention. He tried to convince Creed to let him tattoo him, but when Creed refused, Chester stormed off to his room, and I haven’t seen him since.

With a sigh, I make my way up the stairs and turn down the hallway towards Team Zeus’s wing. Knocking first, I wait a moment before I push open the bedroom door to find Chester sitting at a desk in front of a large bay window, a sketchbook and pencil in his hands. Padding across the room on silent feet, I move to stand behind him and place my hands on his shoulders. A gasp falls at the lifelike drawing he is working on. It’s a picture of all three of us—me, him, and Creed—laying in my bed together.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

Chester puts his pencil down and turns in the swivel chair to face me. His hands come to the back of my thighs, pulling me forward until I’m standing between his spread legs. “I will be,” he murmurs, resting his head on my stomach. “You look edible—where are you off to?”

“I have a date with Kai. But first, Brennan has set up a video call with Amelie to find out if she knows what her organisation’s involvement is with Olympia. She will only talk to me.”

“I’m jealous,” he admits.

My hands take hold of his face, forcing him to look up at me. “I know. But I also know we will find a way to make this relationship work.”

“And what if we don’t?”

“Is that even an option? I won’t choose, nor will I settle down with just one of you. However, I will understand if it’s not for you.”

“I’m not giving you up,” he growls possessively. “I would kill them all and take you hostage before that happens.”

“Okay, caveman, I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.” Stepping back, I turn to leave, but Chester loops his finger in the back of my jeans and pulls me into his lap. Grabbing my chin, he tilts my head to the side and places his lips on mine.

“I’m going to be late,” I say through a giggle, and hear someone clear their throat.

Looking up, my gaze latches onto Brennan dressed in a grey suit that moulds perfectly to his chiselled body. Jealousy swirls in my stomach at the thought that someone would have handmade that suit just for him. How close must they have been to him to take his measurements for a custom fit that snug?

“Our call is in five minutes. I have it set up and ready in the office.”

“There’s an office?” I swear this house is a maze.

I stand from Chester’s lap, but before I can take a step away, he slaps my ass with a chuckle.

“Have a nice date,” Chester calls out as both Brennan and I exit the room.

He leads me down to the main floor, through a door, and into a dimly lit hallway with a singular door at the end. Brennan opens the door and I look around; it appears exactly how a classic conference room would.

This room is a stark difference from the rest of the architecture—Creed’s house typically has a gothic feel, whereas this room is all business. The walls are white, except for a dark-grey feature wall which also has a rectangle cutout lined with faux wood, showcasing multiple crystal decanters filled with amber liquor.

A long table that would seat at least ten people takes centre stage and has a light wooden top and metal legs. The chairs surrounding it are all grey bucket-style seats, matching the wall, and a bonsai has been placed in the middle of the table. Brennan has the large screen extended down at the far end of the room.

“Is this thing on?” a guy says over the sound system, only half of his mouth and nose visible.

“Kalen,” a girl snaps. “Move away from the screen. No one needs to see your boogers.”

I snicker at her comment.

“No, they want to see my monster co— oomph . Why did you sucker punch me?” This Kalen guy says with a laugh.

He finally steps away from the camera, and I take in the beautiful woman dressed in a black pin- striped pants suit, her hair pulled back in a braid. The guy is dressed less formally, in a pair of slacks and a business shirt with the top buttons undone.

“Hi,” the woman, who I’m guessing is Amelie, says, and I awkwardly give her a wave. She and Kalen sit side by side, looking like a true power couple.

I walk to the front of the room and sit in a seat next to Brennan.

“Thank you for calling us,” Brennan says. “I’m Brennan and this is Jolie.”

“Amelie, and this is one of my boyfriends, Kalen.”

Kalen goes to open his mouth, but Amelie digs her nails into his leg.

“You have more than one boyfriend? How do you manage it?” I ask with a sigh as Kalen smiles and Amelie gives him a warning look. “I’m trying to juggle ten.”

Brennan turns to me, wide-eyed. Shit, I just spilled our secret. I would make a terrible spy.

“Ten,” Kalen mutters, shaking his head. “That’s a lot of cocks and not enough holes.”

I snort as Amelie shoots him a death glare.

After chastising him, she turns back to us. “I apologise for him. One of his brothers was to accompany me, but they’re all busy.”

“That’s why I have the smart one with me,” I say, looking at Brennan and finding him smiling back.

“How about we get this business chat over with and then you can tell me all about these ten guys?”

Brennan squirms in his seat.

“Sounds good,” I reply with a grin.“Brennan?”

“We have come across some information. We have been looking into who would acquire our company upon the unfortunate demise of its sole owner. It has come to our attention Olympia would pass into the hands of a man named Harold Knox. But also, that he has been missing for some time and that you, Amelie, now hold his position and would therefore inherit the company.”

“I can understand your need for secrecy, Brennan, but upon initial contact with a man named Ziyon, I made some inquiries into your business. My people are good at what they do and found out all I needed to know. We uncovered details about the experiments and what it is you do. In fact, one of our own is actually connected to you. Having done my own research into the men behind the company, I can say that if your company was to pass into my hands, I would have zero interest in taking it over. While I can see why Harold would have wanted in, we have enough on our plate. However, I would be interested in working with you in the future, Jolie, if you take over. Mark my words, Brennan. If I sign it over, it will solely be to Jolie. I’m sorry, but Ziyon is a wild card. Someone who goes to that much trouble to hide themselves is not someone I would trust.”

“Done,” Brennan says, making my brows furrow. He was dead set on Ziyon getting half and now he is making a deal with Amelie.

“Good. In the event of this transpiring, please get in contact with my personal assistant and I will have my lawyers draw up the contract.”

“Again, thank you for your time—I know you’re a busy woman. If that’s everything...” Brennan says, trying to end the conversation.

“That’s everything on the business front. You boys are dismissed. I would like to continue my conversation with Jolie.”

Brennan looks at me, and I give him a small nod. I really would like to know how she juggles being a busy businesswoman while maintaining multiple boyfriends; it seems this whole harem thing is becoming more popular. Brennan stands and leaves the room. Kalen pouts at Amelie, but she gives him a pointed look that makes him laugh.

“Fine,” he huffs. “I should go see if Onyx needs my help.”

“So help me god, Kalen.” She shakes her head. “If you piss him off, I’m not saving you.”

Kalen smirks, then finally leaves the room.

Amelie shrugs out of her jacket and throws it on the table behind her. “How nice is the weather in Australia? I miss it so much.”

“Warm, but the nights still have a slight chill,” I reply, relaxing slightly.

“You don’t understand cold until you move to a climate that has only a handful of warm days a year. Don’t get me wrong, the UK is beautiful, but I miss the warmth.”

“I can imagine. I hate the cold.”

“Okay, so ten boyfriends, huh?” She laughs. “I can’t imagine that. Four is more than enough for me.”

“Well, since you know about the experiments, I can tell you I’m genetically linked to all of them.”

Her eyes go wide. “As in, you’re all related?” This makes me laugh. “I’m so glad Kalen left. He would have had a field day with that. He still insists on calling me sis even though we’re not related.”

“We’re not related either. It’s two groups of five guys, made up of pairs of brothers—one in each group. But I would appreciate it if any talk about the guys would stay secret. Most people believe five of them are dead and we need to keep it that way.”

“I can do that.”

“Can I ask you a personal question?” I wait until Amelie nods, then continue. “Sex, how do you make sure everyone is getting some without leaving anyone out?”

“We’ve fallen into a good routine. It was hard at first with the demands of this job, and I felt like I would never see them. Just pay attention to your routines and when each person is home. If all else fails, group sex totally counts and frees up some of your time. Like Kalen takes up a lot of my time outside of the bedroom, so I make sure I find some alone time with the others. Even if it means waking up a bit earlier to go for a run with Onyx, having breakfast with Sawyer, or singing with Slate. Over time, it just becomes natural.”

“Do they fight over you?”

She throws her head back and laughs. “All the time, mainly the twins and Kalen. Sawyer likes to think he’s too mature and old for that. He isn’t even thirty.”

Amelie and I talk for another half an hour before her assistant comes in to remind her she has another meeting. I also have a hot date, so we end the call after exchanging numbers, and she promises to keep in contact. I hope she does; she seems awesome and can relate to having multiple boyfriends. Not that I would introduce any of the guys as my boyfriend quite yet. I’m only just accepting my fate. They were all made for me, and since I’m here, I might as well see where things go. I’m not an idiot, though. I’m sure some of them will tire of the situation, and I need to keep my walls up enough to protect my damn heart.

After the call, I find Kai waiting in the kitchen. Case is also there, seated on the kitchen bench, and the two are mid stare off. I sigh—Case needs to forgive his brother.

“What’s going on here?” I ask, heading to Case and stepping between his legs. “You really should forgive him. I’m here now.”

He lifts his head to look at me, his green hair faded from the vibrant colour it was when we first dyed it. His finger traces the tattoo on my collarbone as he smirks at me. “It’s not that simple. I have years of hurt to work through, and I blamed him for it.”

“Case, I know you did, but holding onto that only hurts you. Kai is an amazing person, and I really think you should at least try.”

“I’ll think about it,” he mumbles. His sage-green eyes—identical to Kai’s, except his contain golden flecks—lock onto mine. “You better go on your date now. I’ll see you in the morning.” He bites down on his lip ring, and I lean forward and place a soft kiss on his cheek.

“You ready to go?” I ask Kai, who is leaning against the table, his ass half perched on the tabletop with only his hands holding him steady.

“Sure am.” He pushes himself off as I give him a once-over, taking in his outfit.

I’m glad I asked him what to wear. He’s dressed in a pair of dark-blue jeans, ripped at the knees, with a white long-sleeved, button-up shirt. Kai’s normally unruly black hair is brushed to one side, and by the light sheen gleaming from the kitchen lights, I think he might have even used gel to keep it in place. I’m not sure that I have ever seen Kai with his hair brushed down neatly.

As we walk out of the house and down the front stairs, Kai clicks the button on his keys to unlock his car, then races down to open the passenger side door. I slip inside and he shuts it, running around to the driver’s side to join me.

We don’t drive for long before Kai pulls over in an industrial area. It’s slightly built up, and a café is still open, with a bunch of hipsters sitting at a table outside sipping coffee. We both get out and he comes around to my side. His hand automatically falls to the small of my back as we walk down the sidewalk, soaking in each other’s company. As we pass the café, the once lively hipsters go quiet, heads turning in my direction. Interest shines in their eyes as they survey me, but it’s quickly gone when Kai stares down at them.

We continue along the sidewalk until Kai steers us towards the door of the next building over. The sign hanging on the wall tells me he’s starting our date off at a small art gallery. He leads us inside, the door chime alerting the people inside to our presence. The owner steps out from a door to the right, greeting us as soon as the door closes.

“Kai, I haven’t seen you in such a long time,” the lady gushes, rushing over and pulling Kai into a hug. She would have to be in her fifties, even though she looks amazing for her age. “And who is this beautiful young lady?”

“Aunt Carol, this is my girl, Jolie.” I open my mouth to correct him, but decide to keep the remark to myself. “It’s our first date.”

“Oh, how wonderful! It’s nice to meet you, Jolie.”

After we exchange greetings, she leads us to a pair of seats where two easels are set up. She lets Kai know that if he needs anything she will be upstairs.

“Um, Kai?” He turns to look at me. “I can’t draw.”

“It’s okay, we’ll only be drawing that fruit bowl.” He points to a pedestal in the centre of the room with a bowl perched on top. “And I will help you.”

Kai tries to explain how to sketch out the picture first. I nod along with him, pretending that I understand what he’s saying.

I line up my pencil with the paper and look up at the bowl of fruit. Who knew it would be so hard to draw a damn orange? It’s a circle for fuck’s sake. Who can’t draw a circle? Me, apparently.

Kai looks over at me and snorts. “Princess... I’m not sure what’s happening, but here, let me help.”

He picks up an eraser and brings his chair in closer to mine, abandoning his own picture.

“Start with the fruit bowl and then add the fruit.”

He sketches out the bowl, even adding the intricate swirls and patterns. I watch as it takes him a few minutes to complete. I hadn’t even managed to draw an orange in triple that amount of time.

“Thanks,” I murmur quietly.

“No need to thank me,” he says, shuffling his chair back to his easel. Picking up a paintbrush, he finishes the banana that’s already half painted.

I watch as he swipes the brush with a steady hand, the concentration on his face easing when he notices me staring. He leans across and pats my nose with the tip of the brush, leaving behind a glob of yellow paint.

“This means war,” I declare in a whisper. Dipping my finger in some orange paint, I swipe my hand across his cheek.

He smiles mischievously and flicks his paintbrush in my direction, causing small droplets to splatter over my face and clothes. I stand, grabbing the tub of paint and turn as a wicked smirk tugs at my lips. He shakes his head and puts his hands up, trying to placate me.

“Jolie, think about this for a moment.”

“I have thought about it.” My smirk turns into a full-blown grin as I take a few steps towards him. “And.” Step. “I’ve decided that... ” Step. We’re now nose to nose, or close to it, since Kai isn’t much taller than me. I lift my hand and giggle as I tip the paint on his head.

His hand flies into his hair, scooping up as much of the paint as he can while using his other arm to pin my body to his. I try to break free from his hold, but I’m not quick enough as he swipes his paint covered hand across my face and down my neck. I smirk up at him and jump into his arms. He catches me with ease—both of his hands firmly grasping my butt—and my legs wrap around his waist as my orange-streaked lips press against his.

Kai’s kiss is gentle and sweet before he pulls away slightly and rests his forehead against mine. “I’ve been imagining what it would be like to kiss you.”

“Yeah, and how was it?”

“I think I need another one to double check if my hypothesis is right.”

“And what hypothesis is that?”

“Kissing you would make me cream in my pants.”

I snort and lean in, repeating the kiss—except this time his tongue sweeps between my lips and brushes against mine. As our kiss continues, I feel his fingers dig into my ass, causing me to moan into the kiss. I rub myself against him, needing the friction from my jeans to ease the throbbing between my legs.

“Jolie, we need to stop,” Kai says abruptly.

I unwrap my legs from his waist and slide down his body. “Is everything okay?”

He looks at me and runs a hand through his hair, the bottom of his shirt lifting enough to reveal his happy trail.

“Our first time shouldn’t be here.”

“Car?” I ask because I need relief.

He coughs. “This is more awkward than I expected. I’ve never... you know.”

“Like ever?” I ask. There is no way that Kai is a virgin.

“With a girl, no.”

“Oh, okay. We can wait until you’re ready.”

He pulls me into his arms. “I’m ready, but I don’t want our first time to be in an art studio with my aunt upstairs.”

“I just never thought about any of you being virgins.”

“Me,” he says, lifting a finger, “Trace, Davis, and Case. The others I can’t be too sure about because it’s not like we sit around and swap stories.”

My mouth hangs open. “Shit,” I say under my breath. “No wonder Davis acted weird, then I was an asshole about it.”

“He probably deserved it. He’s the asshole.”

“I’m the virginity stealer and it wasn’t even special,” I mutter, shaking my head.

Kai laughs. “It’s okay, we’re dudes. We don’t need flowers and candles. It has been hard though, and we all dealt with it differently. Case knew you were it for him and then you died, but he didn’t want to give away what should have been yours. I know Brennan gave his away because he didn’t want to admit he had feelings for you since you were so much younger than us.”

“And did you save yourself for me?”

“Not specifically for you, per se,” he admits, shrugging his shoulder. “No girl ever looked at me like you used to, and no girl has ever been as beautiful as you.”

“And how did I look at you?” I ask in a whisper.

“Like I was a knight in shining armour who could make everything right in your eyes.”

“Kai Chambers, I have no doubt in my mind that out of all the guys, you would be my knight. But right now, we need to channel our inner maids and get this mess cleaned up for your aunt.”

Kai agrees with a laugh, and we do our best to clean up the studio—we might have missed a few paint splatters though. When we’re done, Kai races upstairs to say goodbye to his aunt and we let ourselves out. Kai promises me a bubble bath upon returning home, making me giddy at the thought of finally using the bath in my room. I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet, and I’m wondering how hard it will be to convince him to join me.