Page 4 of Broken Prince
Jocks? All of them? I remember Owen mentioning something about playing sports, but I didn’t peg the other two as being sporty as well.
When I think about it, Logan and Elijah both have toned bodies. It wouldn’t be too hard to believe.
Alright, Delaney, let’s stop thinking about your stepbrothers’ bodies. We’re trying to pretend like those nights didn’t happen... at least, not at the moment, not until we have time to think about what the hell is going on right now.
But of course, my mouth has no chill, so I ask, “They all play?”
“Oh, yes.” James’ pride goes up a notch, and it’s adorable to see how excited he is to brag about his boys. “All of them are also captains of their respective teams. Logan plays football, Elijah plays baseball, and Owen plays hockey. Each of them have a good chance of going pro, too. Just have to keep their grades up. They’re smart boys, I know they can do it.”
Huh. I never was one to mess around with jocks at my old school. All they wanted was one thing: sex.
I guess that’s what I was looking for this summer, though, wasn’t it? Just sex. Sex with three sexy, hot strangers who won me over with their smiles and charm.
As I look over my shoulder, I don’t see them smiling now.
“Come on, Laney, let’s go check out your new room.” Mom’s eyes light up with childlike excitement. It’s so damn cute that I forget about the boys behind me.
“Alright then, Mama, lead the way.” I grin, trying to match her excitement.
We head up the stairs into this little circular alcove with multiple doorways. I know I told my mom I’d keep my shock at all this richy-rich stuff to my inner monologue, but it’s not so easy when I step through the big fancy black doors and walk into something that I don’t think even my dreams could have conjured up.
“Holy shit,” I whisper in awe. To my left is this massive mirror, reflecting my shocked expression back at me. To my right is an open-concept dining area. The walls are a light brown; the design kind of looks like cork, but maybe it’s wood? I’m not sure what it’s made of, but it’s stunning.
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” James chuckles as my mom nudges my arm and gives me a look like she wants to tell me to relax. Sorry, Mom, but are you seeing what I’m seeing?
As we step deeper into the house, my eyes take in the coffered ceilings, cathedral windows, custom cabinetry, and hand-carved moldings.
I get to live in this house? Again, I repeat, holy shit.
“Your room is in the west wing with the boys.” He points to the staircase to my left. “And our room is in the east,” James supplies, pointing to the staircase to the right. “We have a theatre room just in here.” He points to a big black door on our left. “And the kitchen is just over here.” I look to where he’s motions ahead of us. I can see just a peek of it, knowing I’ll have to check it out later. “Out back, we have a pool, hot tub, and a fire pit area. I’m sure the boys would love to give you a tour of the place once you're all settled in.” James finishes by giving me a friendly smile.
In this moment, I see a lot of Logan and Elijah in him. Maybe Owen takes after his mother.
I highly doubt that they would be so willing to show me around like he suggests, but I bite my tongue and smile back at him.
“I’ll leave you ladies to settle in.” He winks, making Mom giggle again. I don’t think I’ve ever heard my mom giggle so much in her life. It’s grossly sweet.
I follow my mom up the stairs, and when we get to the top, I gape at her. “Wings, Mom. This house has wings. The only wings I’ve ever known about are the ones I devour on Wing Wednesday.”
“Okay. I have to admit, I understand your reaction. I’ve only been here a few times, and I can’t lie, I was inwardly freaking out the first time I saw this place too.” She laughs.
“Thank you,” I sigh. “I’m trying, but it’s going to take a while for all this to sink in. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, not at all. I’m just... in shock?”
“I understand.” She takes my hand in hers. “Your room is down here. I helped pick some things out, but the rooms are kind of hard to decorate.” She gives me a sheepish look, and I narrow my eyes.
“What do you mean by that?”
But I get my answer when she drags me to the end of a really long hallway and into a room. Ha! No, not a room, a fucking house within a house.
My jaw hits the ground. No, really, I have to pick the damn thing up when I see the place.
I’m once again frozen in place, amazed by the ‘room’ before me. The walls are the same as the ones downstairs, with more stunningly handcrafted moldings along the ceiling.
Then I get what my mom meant by it being hard to decorate. The room is very open, with a king-size bed on the left side. It has a white fabric bed frame, giving it an elegant look, and is decorated with a white plush bed set. Next to it are two bedside tables with lamps on them. Normal things for a room, right? Yeah, the fireplace directly across from it isn’t, though. I have a damn fireplace in my room! It’s gorgeous, with a deep brown wooden mantel.
Not to mention the enclosed seating area on the far side. My room is big enough for a damn seating area.
“So, what do you think?” Mom’s question is hesitant.