Page 3 of Wonderland Asylum (Wonderland Killers #1)

TWO

Sadly, They've Become My Life

Being with them is my favorite, but I'll never find love if I keep pining after my stepbrothers.

-Presley

Besides Sierra's weird comments the rest of the therapy session is uneventful. Too bad the Madd Hatter doesn't show up, because that would have been very eventful.

Gunner was right when he told Jack Skellington that Doug is the best at pulling memories from the deepest recesses of your mind. I've watched him do it, I hope that he'll accept the offer.

I smile as Gunner places the last of the teacups in the dishwasher. "What are you feeding us for lunch?" I pout.

Thankfully, we don't have to eat in the cafeteria, because Gunner's office at the asylum has a one bedroom apartment attached to the back of it .

He's an expert in the kitchen, which is one of the thousand things I love about him. My mouth is watering just thinking about the last brisket he smoked us.

Whoever he winds up with will be one lucky lady. Stopping myself from not clawing her eyes out will be the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but eventually I'll welcome her with open arms instead. All because it's the right thing to do.

Out of all the men in the world, why did my mother have to marry their father? Fate can be so cruel when she wants to be.

Pushing my hair out of my eyes, he smiles. I hate that he makes my heart melt into a million pieces when he does things like that. "I have a meeting at two so I can't do anything too fancy. How about chicken tacos?"

The way his eyes crinkle at the corner when he gives his real smile is one of my favorite things. Why does he have to be adorable?

Taking us both by surprise, I give him a big bear hug, because I like touching him, and he knows that all of my favorite dishes start with the word chicken.

It means a lot when the people you care about the most see you. "You had me at chicken. Want me to cut the veggies and make us a salad?"

He nods. Rushing past Kai, I flip him off. "And what are you going to contribute?"

He laughs. "If you want me to cook instead of Gunner you should have just asked."

Looking over my shoulder, I scowl at him. "Ewww! I'd rather eat a bug."

I don't pay attention to the laughter behind me because I'm on a mission. I woke up too late for breakfast, and I'm on the verge of being hangry.

I made my tea too sweet at therapy and my empty stomach is on the verge of revolting. I cannot go out like that in front of them.

Rummaging through the fridge, I pull out most of the ingredients we will need. There may or may not be extra peppers because I like it spicy.

Kai sits on his usual chair, and stares at me. "Take a picture, it'll last longer."

He chuckles. "Okay, so you've got dad jokes. Hilarious."

"First of all, that's sexist, and second of all, everybody knows dad jokes are the absolute best. You're welcome."

He shrugs. "Any sentence where you're involved that has the letters s-e-x in it is a perfect one."

I throw a tiny tomato at his head, but of course he catches it then shoves it in his big fat beautiful mouth. Just once I'd like to know what his mouth felt like as it devoured every inch of my body. "You're such a perv."

He shrugs proudly. "Have you sent us your class schedule yet?"

"Nope." I say through clenched teeth. I should have known Kai would be the one to bring that up again.

"Why not?" Gunner questions from the stove. His shoulders are tense and he's not going to like my answer.

Not saying how high when they tell me to jump is the first part of my plan to gain my independence. I can't sugar coat this, it's time I rip that Bandaid off.

Sighing, I prepare myself for the cow they're about to have.

"Guys, I'm a junior in college now. I want more of a social life, and honestly, I don't need either one of you sniffing around me.

It's time I get a boyfriend, and y'all scare all the guys away.

I'd like to have sex at least once before I get cobwebs. "

I'm met with silence, but I know something's coming. This better not end with Gunner giving me one of his infamous lectures, because I'm not in the fucking mood.

My eyes almost pop out of my head as a glass breaks to the left of me. If I had to take a guess, his form of torture won't be in the way of a lecture.

It wasn't Kai that made the noise; our eyes had been locked on each other while I made my speech.

Turning my gaze to Gunner, there's no mistaking the broken mess at his feet. His expression is unreadable, but his blue eyes show a hint of madness.

I hold my breath as he moves closer. Towering over me is his favorite form of intimidation. Gulping loudly, I feign ignorance. "Gunner, are you okay?"

He says nothing, only raises an eyebrow, which isn't an answer. I don't voice my opinion because I'm too smart to go down that rabbit hole.

I walk away like a coward, because when he gets this intense it makes my anxiety shoot through the roof. In times like this it's best to focus on anything but them.

Taking the broom out of the closet, I start sweeping up the mess. He rushes over and grabs the broom out of my hands when I'm in mid sweep. I jump out of nervousness.

His knuckles graze the back of my arm as he moves. Where our skin touched, electricity remains, and shoots up and down my arm. I'm so fucked when it comes to the Donovan brothers. This is why I need to separate myself from them. It's so toxic.

Kai misses nothing as he looks at us with a smirk painted on his lips. He loves to see his brother go feral over me. It's weird, but I secretly love the attention.

They don't understand why I need to move on. I know they care about me, but sadly, they've become my whole life. I'd die on the spot if they ever found out how I feel about them. It's beyond embarrassing because they will never want me in that way, when in turn I'd give anything to be theirs.

If by a small chance my feelings were reciprocated, it wouldn't end well. Dating your stepbrothers is equivalent to being ill-fated lovers and nothing good will ever come from that.

Silently, we eat, it's good but I can't even enjoy it. They are lost to their thoughts, while I'm lost in the vast sea of my nerves.

Gunner clears his throat. "You will give us your schedule."

I swear Gunner Donovan thinks he's my damn daddy. "No, that's okay, I'm good."

It's not clear what the muscle ticking in his jaw means, but I'm assuming it can't be good. "Presley Kate, you will, or I'll fucking get it myself."

I shrug. "Go ahead and try daddy dearest, because Hell will freeze over before I give it to you!"

Standing up I throw my half eaten taco in the trash. Pointing at Kai, I raise my voice even more. "AND you better call your guard dog off, because I'm not going to tell him either!"

Kai growls. "Why does he get to be daddy, but I'm the dog?"

Screaming in frustration, I walk out, and slam his office door behind me. How can I love them but hate them at the same time?

One things for certain, they don't get a say in my life anymore.

I'm losing my virginity this year. I want to get drunk at a party, have fun with my friends, and do the walk of shame from a frat boys bedroom.

It's a rite of passage, and I don't plan on missing out on anything anymore. Fuck the Donovan Brothers!

Kai's Got A Big Dick: Pres, daddy isn't happy with you.

I bite my lip to keep from smiling.

Me: Fuck off.

Kai's Got A Big Dick: Is that an invitation?

Me:Not even if your life depended on it!