Evelyn Vine Be Mine (67 page)

Coop’s wide smile told me the answer well before the slow nod. I shot off Stone’s lap and sprinted toward the man. His feet landed on the ground and he waved briskly up at the chopper, before turning to see me. I was halfway to him, but he walked forward anyway, his strong, powerful steps portraying a hard and dangerous man. I knew him differently. To me, he was just Zane - my big brother and hero.

I threw myself at him, embarrassed to find I was crying. It was always a relief when Zane returned in one piece. “Happy Birthday Evelyn,” he murmured softly in my ear, happiness clear in his strong voice. He hugged me a little tighter before lowering me to the ground. “Opened presents yet?”

I nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, thank you for the laptop.”

He smiled. “No problem.”

My smile faded a little, “Ivy and Dylan already left.”

He nodded slowly. “I’m here until New Year.”

I took a moment to catch my breath and examine my eldest brother from head to toe. He stood as if poised for battle, his feet shoulder-width apart, his weight even and light. His amber eyes were alert, his black hair clipped short in a crew cut. The strong angles of his face had nothing on Stone’s…but they were hard and domineering all the same. His broad shoulders, his ripped 6’4” frame, his big feet…all of it was covered in black camo, ending in regulation boots. None of his scars were visible, but he didn’t need them to look intimidating. He was twelve years my senior…and boy sometimes those years felt like centuries. There wasn’t much Zane didn’t know, couldn’t find out, couldn’t do or wouldn’t do either.

I grabbed his hand and led him towards the table, watching as our siblings stood up as we drew near, feet together, backs straight and chins up. Candy, Briar and Fredi were gawking at Zane with their mouths open, but Zane’s eyes swept the table, passing over them with little interest, before pausing on Stone.

My eyes widened. Oh Shit. I looked toward Cooper and saw the same realisation in his eyes. Coop hadn’t warned Zane about Stone. His reaction was going to be worse.

Run! I mouthed to Stone frantically. He stared back at me with little expression.

Zane stopped directly in front of Stone and cocked his head to the side slightly as he assessed him. “Drummer?” he asked, his eyes moving back to mine briefly.

“Yes,” I whispered as Stone stood, standing four inches taller than Zane (and wider), but keeping his distance all the same. Zane took a step forward.

So did Evan, warily placing himself in front of Stone. “Are you armed?” Evan asked in a low voice, warning Zane with his eyes that Stone was an innocent civilian and not someone he had permission to kill. Zane’s eyes narrowed.

“We’re just going to have a nice little chat,” he said ominously, looking past Ev at Stone. Stone nodded slowly in agreement and followed quietly as Zane turned and strode away from us.

I watched them go anxiously, wringing my hands almost to the point of pain and worrying my lip between my teeth. Charlie threw an arm over my shoulder and giggled. “Welcome to my world, little sister,” she said with a happy sigh.

She whistled softly, tilting her head to the side with a grin as she admired Stone’s retreating back. “Good choice though…mmm mmm mmm.”

“Oi,” I said with a scowl, “Mine.”

She laughed and started reminiscing about all the horrible things our brothers had done to her boyfriends. Way to make me feel better, Char!

My brothers didn’t help. They joined in, cackling with glee as they recalled the poor suckers’ reactions – ranging from pant-wetting, to vomiting, to trips to hospital, therapy…and moving town. My friends listened avidly, some of them laughing along. Briar was beginning to look worried though. So was Fredi.

When Stone and Zane finally reappeared, I ran to them, grabbing Stone’s hand and glaring at Zane as I led my boyfriend to a private bench. Stone stayed quiet and he looked a little pale as I pushed him down on the seat, straddled his lap and frantically searched his body for injuries. “I’m sorry,” I whispered over and over again. “Are you okay?”

I didn’t give him time to respond. I kept apologising and babbling until he chuckled and kissed me to shut me up. “I’m fine,” he murmured, looking me in the eye.

I glanced doubtfully back at my family who were pretending not to watch us. “You still want me?” I asked nervously. He grinned that time, stealing my breath as he nodded and brushed his thumb over my cheek.

“I don’t scare easily,” he muttered.

“But Zane…”

“Is one scary motherfucker,” he supplied for me, keeping a straight face, “I’ll deal.”

I let out a breath of relief.

“Wait here,” he suddenly said, standing up and placing me down on the seat.

“What? Why?”

“Your present,” was all he said, before striding quickly towards the parking lot. I nervously ignored the intent stare of my brothers as I waited for him to return. When he did, he pulled me back into his lap, this time cradling me sideways as he handed me a long envelope. I stared at it curiously, before slowly opening it and pulling out the contents. My jaw dropped as I read the small, typed writing.

“You’re taking me to Egypt?!” I screeched, nearly dropping the tickets in shock. I looked at the dates…two entire weeks at the end of January.

“We’ve got a couple of days in Bali too,” he supplied unfazed.

“This…um…how did you know I wanted to go there?” I stuttered.

He shrugged. “Briar.”

“Grant,” I whispered, still staring at the tickets, “This is too much. All of you have spent too much…but this is…”

“Fine,” he said grudgingly, “It can be your Christmas present too.”

I frowned. “Grant, that’s still-”

“And Valentine’s Day.”

I swallowed a giggle and arched an eyebrow instead. “You planning on sticking around that long?” I whispered, leaning in a little closer.

He growled and kissed me hard, yanking my hair from its bun and winding his fingers through it. “Do I have to sing again?” he muttered against my lips. He took a deep breath and placed a soft kiss at the corner of my mouth. “I love you,” he said gruffly.

I melted against him, my heart pounding hard, my bones turned to mush. “I love you too,” I admitted softly, telling him for the first time. He groaned in response, the sound full of satisfaction and relief as he angled his mouth over mine once more, this time savouring every inch of my mouth as if he’d missed my taste.

“I’ll work on the talking to you thing,” he promised, then paused and added, “And the bossiness.”

“Me too,” I said, standing up from his lap with a wicked half-smile. “Feeling brave?” I asked hopefully.

His eyes flashed with interest, urging me to continue.

“Let’s go christen my new car,” I whispered, tugging gently on his hand.

His eyes widened a little in surprise, before he hesitated, glancing over at my family.

I swallowed a grin at the very idea Grant Stone was hesitating over anything he wanted to do.

Deciding he needed a little encouragement, I leant forward and nibbled on his earlobe. “I’m wearing your favourite underwear,” I whispered.

No more encouragement was needed. His eyes closed in anticipation as he stood and swung me up into his arms like a bride. His eyes opened and his lips worked up into a wide grin as his long legs ate up the distance to the car park. Over his shoulder, I saw Paul stand to follow us, but Logan yanked him back down and handed him another beer. Cooper and the younger triplets were avoiding looking at us, but Zane and the older ones were glaring enough for the rest of them.

“On second thought,” I whispered to Stone, “Maybe we should drive somewhere else first.”

He tossed his head back, and laughed.