Page 20 of Drowning

Maybe it's time to take a risk and see where this goes. I can't keep living in the past, and perhaps Kane and Seven are what I need to move forward. I know it won't be easy, and there will be consequences, but I have to try. I owe it to myself to find some sort of peace and happiness after everything I've been through,even if it is with the two men I was told to stay away from. The heart wants what it wants, and if Eli wants me to be happy, he'll come around to the idea of us...eventually.

Scanning Kane's half-naked body, my eyes fixate on the scarred bullet wounds from all the times he's been shot, and all I want to do is brush my lips against them.

His eyes flutter open, a warm smile spreading across his lips as he looks at me. I smile back and let out a deep breath, knowing that I'm ready to take a chance on what we have. Kane reaches out and takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Hey," he says softly, letting my hand go and grazing his under my shirt and up my stomach, making me shiver from the deep chill penetrating my bones.

"Hey," I reply, feeling a sense of peace wash over me, relaxing against his touch, not wanting to move from my spot.

This might be complicated, but I know it's worth it. And besides, the way Kane ate my pussy until I squirted and came all over his face, is worth any kind of disappointment that I'll be facing from my brother.

Before either of us can say anything else, my bedroom door opens, and Eli walks in, a mix of shock and anger twisted into his facial features. "What the fuck is this?" He glares at Kane, taking note of him only in his tight-fitting boxer briefs and me in nothing but a t-shirt that barely covers my ass.

"Relax, Eli. We fell asleep as soon as we got home," Kane says, sitting up, trying to diffuse the situation we both know is about to blow up.

"Emerson, is this true?" Eli looks deeply into my eyes as I sit up beside Kane, my back against the headboard.

"Yes, we fell asleep. I'm sorry for what it looks like."

Out of nowhere, Kane secretly slides his hand between my legs and eases his fingers into my pussy, boldly fingering me right in front of my unsuspecting brother.

"You'd better not be lying," he sneers, rolling his eyes.

"What are you doing at home anyway? I thought you were with Nova." I sit there for a moment, trying not to moan as Kane's fingers dig deeper inside of me, getting soaked in my arousal as he glides them between my walls. Feeling like I'm going to come, I manage to push him away and compose myself before Eli can put two and two together. I swing my legs over the edge of the bed and slide my feet into my black Victoria's Secret slippers that warm them immediately.

"Well, I have a surprise for you, Em. I need you to get dressed and pack a bag for a couple weeks." He grins mischievously which makes me nervous, but I try to remain calm.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll find out. Get ready because we leave in an hour, and I want to beat the rain since we're taking our bikes," he says cryptically. "And Kane, while Emerson is getting ready, I need to talk to you downstairs."

"Sure thing, Eli. Let me throw my clothes back on and I'll meet you on the balcony." Kane looks back at me and winks, making me smile even though I try hard not to.

I quickly change into light, ripped jeans and a cropped white T-shirt that shows off the tattoos on my stomach and the piercing in my navel, my heart pounding with the sense of unease that Eli's sudden appearance and news has brought on. But Kane gave me a reassuring smile as he left to talk to Eli, so I took a deep breath, deciding to focus more on what comes next.

With my bag packed, I take a few steadying breaths and head downstairs to find out what Eli's big surprise is.

Eli is standing next to Kane, arms folded across his chest, as I make my way down the staircase. Kane sends me an encouraging smile before turning to Eli, engaging in what seems to be a serious conversation.

"What's going on, Eli?" I ask as I approach them, my voice showcasing a blend of emotions—curiosity, anxiety, and a hint of hope.

"I can't tell you just yet, Em, but I promise it's for the best. Trust me," he replies, his eyes expressing sincerity, yet holding back some hidden worry.

I nod, trying my best to stifle the waves of uncertainty that are threatening to crash over me. I know Eli always has my best interests at heart, but the unknown is always unsettling. With a brief glance at Kane, who offers me a reassuring smile, I make a mental note to have a conversation with him as soon as I have a moment alone. I need to talk to him about what happened between us, about how I feel, and about the uncertainties that lie ahead. I'm not sure where this is all going, but I know one thing for certain—I have to take a chance and see what happens.

As Eli hurries us out the door to beat the impending rain, I feel a tinge of anxiety and a flicker of excitement. This might be the beginning of a new chapter, and I have to be brave enough to turn the page. And as the three of us depart on our bikes, I silently hope that this adventure will bring clarity, healing, and maybe even a glimpse of happiness.

eleven

House of Memories

E m e r s o n

Before we even get there, I know where we're going. The roads to our family beach house on Nantasket are burned into my brain by now.

But why would Eli bring me here, and with Kane of all people?

When we finally pull into the garage, I remove my helmet and gape, taking in the other bikes parked next to us.