Page 148 of Five Brothers
He saw them through the trees. I’d only heard about it.
By the pool. On a lawn chair. In the rain.
Iron’s the only person I ever really feel comfortable with. Of course he’d make love to a girl outside, in the night air. If someone wants to look, that’s on them. Not him. That’s why I love him.
With Krisjen, though, I hated her more.Of course she would fuck another one of my brothers, making a spectacle of herself for everyone to see. Sluts spread for anyone.
Yeah, double standard. Boo-fucking-hoo.
But really … She was going to hurt him. She’s going to hurt Army. Women bring pain. Wives make everything worse. I would’ve been fine without a mom.
I watch her dance as she smiles with my sister and her girlfriend out on the dance floor.
But honestly, I’m glad Iron had something that felt good before he went away. I’m really glad.
“She’d be a sight with all four of us,” I say before I can stop myself.
Trace turns, looking at me.
I inhale a deep breath and flick the cigarette butt off. “I’ve been trying to get rid of her, but I’ve been completely ignoring how useful she could be.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
I hold his eyes for a moment. “She’d do anything for us, Trace. For the Bay.” I look back out at her as she pulls her hair out of her ponytail, looking like such a tomboy in her jeans and T-shirt, no makeup. Makes me dream about stripping her down. “Krisjen Conroy on camera would buy us our land and anything else we wanted for good. Her grandfather would pay whatever it took to keep a video quiet.”
He immediately squares his shoulders. “No.”
“You and Army have already fucked her,” I tell him. “I can do what needs to be done. We’d be good to her. Gentle. Take her somewhere private and quiet. On the boat, maybe?” I don’t blink. “She’ll have the night of her life, Trace.”
It doesn’t have to be a bad thing. We’d make sure she enjoyed it.
“Don’t tell me the idea of your older brothers having something you got to have first doesn’t turn you on,” I taunt him.
He stares at her as she dances, but then starts to walk away. “You’re a son of a bitch.”
He doesn’t look back at me, and I just smile. “Think about it,” I call out.
He keeps walking until he’s lost in the crowd.
I know Trace. He’s usually up for anything, and everything else he just needs time to warm up to.
I scan the crowd once more, spotting lots of Bay people and lots of Saints. Milo Price texts on his phone, and I take note of the cameras on the light posts and the drones flying around, catching footage that typically broadcasts on the town’s social media pages. Phone cameras are taking video, and the live cam at the top of the visitor’s center has a 360-degree lens I know is in full working order.
Anyone, no matter where they are in the world, can see us right now.
My body warms. Taking out my phone, I tap out a text.
I know you’re watching.
The message readsDelivered, thenRead.
I smile, putting my phone away.
17
Krisjen
If only Iron were here, it would be a perfect day. I should go see him. Keep him connected, so he remembers why he has to come back. I sent off a care package yesterday with some food, a card filled with pictures of our roasted oyster night at Mariette’s and everyone’s signatures, and some magazines. I want to see his face, though. Make sure he’s not fighting.