I pull out my phone and play ‘Handle me’ by Robyn for him to listen to the lyrics. He laughs- a deep throaty sound.
“What’s the plan for tonight? I’m hungry. I think we should go to the pub,” I suggest.
“I suppose we can do that. Have to feed my woman, can’t be letting her lose those curves I’m so fond of,” he says in a husky tone.
“Chicken, jack potato and a salad,” I plan what I’m going to eat already. I really am hungry.
Chase shakes his head at me, “I better go shower and get dressed before you get hungrier and therefore grumpier.”
“I do not get grumpy!” I say defensively. Kade and James walk in together, and Chase invites them out to dinner.
“Come out and eat with us, but hurry, Layla’s already starving,” he looks at his brothers with wide eyes.
Kade grimaces. “We better go now people. Hurry up!” While James nods knowingly.
“I’ll be five minutes.” They all leave to get ready. I’m not that grumpy when I’m hungry. Am I?
Chase is no longer concerned about me being around Kade and James. My theory is that any woman in the house was free game. I was the first woman who wasn’t, so he needed to set boundaries. His brothers are nothing but loyal. They tease me and play around, but I know that they only see me as a little sister.
******
` I’m awkwardly sitting in Kade’s Hummer next to a random girl he picked up at the pub. Weirdly, this is the first girl I’ve seen Kade bring home in a while. James and Kade are in the front, and I’m in the back, sandwiched between Chase and Crystal. She keeps glancing over at Chase, and I feel my claws coming out. Chase does look hot today; he’s wearing faded jeans and a tight white V neck top. His arms are ripped, and I can almost see his toned stomach through his T shirt. Yummy. Only problem is, so can Miss Crystal over here. She’s twirling her hair in her hand, and I’m pouting, with my arms crossed over my chest. I realized something today. I’m so used to being at home with all three brothers, joking around and such, that now when they go out and pick up and ignore me, I find myself acting like a two year old and sulking. Chase is watching me and his eyes narrow on mine perceptively. I watch as he bites his lip to stop himself from smiling.
“What’s so funny Chase?” I’m in the mood for a fight.
“You are, baby,” He full on grins now. “You’re acting like a spoilt child.”
Kade looks at me through the rear view mirror and frowns. “What’s wrong, princess?” he asks in a concerned tone.
Crystal bristles at the endearment.
“Nothing,” I grumble.
Chase bursts out laughing, and I narrow my eyes and stare at him.
James turns around and stares at me, curious. “Tell me,” he demands. I glance at Crystal, who is shooting me daggers.
“Fine, you all asked for it! What happened to bro’s before hoes? I wanted us to all go out and have a good night together, but no, you had to go off flirting with anything and ignoring me.” There I said it.
“You wanted it to be a family dinner?” Kade asks softly. My heart melts. A family. That is exactly what we are.
“Yes,” I mumble, now embarrassed at my outburst.
Kade smiles through the rear view mirror, his eyes twinkling. “Next time, princess, just the family, okay?” I nod, appeased.
Crystal huffs and I look over at her. She’s a stunner that’s for sure. Voluptuous and curvy, she’s has a body to die for. A fiery red head with blue eyes, hell, even I find myself checking her out.
Chase laughs again, pulling my attention back to him. “You are so f**king spoilt baby.” He throws an arm around me and kisses me on the head.
“You spoil me Chase,” I tell him honestly.
“I know I do baby, because you deserve it. I’ll always treat you right. And so will my baby brothers,” he whispers in my ear.
“I know,” I sigh, and lay my head on his chest.
I love these men.
About ten minutes later, my peaceful, happy mood goes straight to hell.
“So Chase, do you remember me?” Crystal croons from next to me. My head turns so fast, I’m lucky I didn’t get whiplash.
Chase noticeably stiffens.
“Crystal. Not a word,” Kade barks out in an icy tone.
She pouts, “But I thought since you were taking me home, we were all going to have a little fun.”
My blood boils. I see nothing but red.
Kade slams on the breaks and stops the car. Okay, I know I don’t own these men, they aren’t ‘mine’ or anything like that, especially Kade and James. But it hurts that this clueless airheaded bitch next to me has had a piece of all of them. Especially Chase.
James gets out of the car and opens Crystal’s door, telling her to get out.
“You aren’t serious?” She splutters, stunned.
“Get the f**k out of my car. Now!” Kade demands.
She hurries out of the car, looking shocked, and pulls out her phone. Probably to call someone to pick her up. Before James can shut the car door, I jump out of the car myself, avoiding Chase, who was reaching to grab me. Immediately all three brothers get out of the car, moving towards me.
“What are you doing, Layla?” Chase asks, his voice laced with surprise and concern.
“I’m walking home,” I say simply.
“The f**k you are!” Chase growls, storming towards me.
“Get in the car Layla,” James says softly.