Chapter 80: Bryn

Nolan and I are sitting in an interview room now. Or that’s what the cops called it, but it’s cold and impersonal, like what I would imagine an interrogation room would feel like.

“They can’t seriously charge you for what happened, can they?” I whisper to Nolan.

I fixed my eyes on the bruises already forming on his face. I hate that he got them from protecting me. He seems to be in such awkward situations because of me, and I feel terrible about this especially. This is way worse than fainting in class. This could turn into a criminal investigation! Charges could be brought on Nolan for fighting with that doctor. I keep forgetting his name, and I think it’s because he creeps me out too much for me to remember.

Nolan sighs and pushes his glasses onto his head so he can rub his eyes.

“I don’t know. It was me protecting you, so it’s self defense by extension.”

“Well, thank you. You’d didn’t need to do that.” I say and flash him an appreciative smile.

He shrugs again. “It wasn’t a big deal. Although I have to admit, it’s the first time I’ve gotten into a fight since I was a kid.”

I cringe. “Sorry.”

I look down at my hands and fidget as every regretful thought runs through my mind. I’ve caused so much drama for this poor guy and now he might get in real trouble. Could I be more of a mess?

“Hey.” His finger tucks under my chin and he lifts it gently so that I’m looking at him. “Don’t feel bad about this. None of this was your fault. That bastard took things too far, and that’s going to turn around a bite him in the ass. Don’t give him a second thought.”

I want to nod my head, but the single finger under my chin has turned into his whole hand, cupping the side of my face. His eyes lower to my lips and I suck in a breath. Is he going to kiss me? Here in the police station?

“Bryn!” Nolan drops his hand and we both turn to see Sawyer and Maddox push into the room with a flustered-looking cop behind them.

“You can’t just barge in- “

Sawyer girls around to face the young cop. “Are they under arrest?” He asks.

His voice is sharp and threatening. The cop seems to sense that Sawyer is in no mood to be messed with and shakes his head.

“No. The detectives wanted to speak to them about- “

“Absolutely not. HeWe’re taking them home. Unless your detective wants to bring criminal charges against them, then we’re leaving.”

Maddox walks around the table where we’ve been waiting and kneels down next to the chair. He turns the chair so that I’m facing him and cups my face with his big hands.

“Are you okay, sweetheart?” He asks.

His voice is rough and the sound, although laced with anxiety, made me shiver.

I reach out and brush some of his hair away from his forehead, forcing him to drop his hands from my face. He looks at me with so much emotion that my heart flutters and I lean closer to kiss him. It’s a soft kiss just to let him know I’m okay, and he doesn’t push it further. He always lets me choose how and what we do, and all I ever want to do is feel him around me. I can’t help but touch him even in a small way all the time. He’s no better. It’s like we’re constantly making sure the other is still there.

“I’m okay.” I whisper against his lips before I rest my head against his.

He lets out a shaky breath and reaches over to rest his hands on my waist. We stay like that for a minute before someone clears their throat. I lift my head and look over Maddox’s shoulder to see Sawyer standing by the door. My heart picks up speed at the sight of him and my eyes burn with tears. Maddox stands and helps me to my feet and I rush toward Sawyer. His arms open for me and wrap around me as soon as I’m close enough to him.

“Fuck B, you scared the shit out of me when you called.” He says before kissing the top of my head.

I tighten my arms around his waist and bury my face in his shirt. The smell of his soap and cologne is better than any calming drug in the world. Sawyer is my safe place and until I touched him, I hadn’t realized how scared I had really been. It’s like I held in all the emotions I’ve felt since we saw the doctor waiting and being wrapped in Sawyer's arms has made it all come rushing out.

“We will need to contact them again.” The detective says behind Sawyer, and I feel him tense.

He’s upset right now, and this detective isn’t helping.

“There is nothing more to say. That man tried to attack Bryan, and I stepped in. He has been stalking her for a while now and finally gotten physical about it. It’s your job to make sure he stays away from her, and I’m going to make sure you do that job well. We want a restraining order and assurances that he won’t come anywhere near her.” I hear Nolan say.

His voice is firm and slightly clipped. The detective grumbles something I can’t hear but finally agrees to let us go. Sawyer tucks me under his arm and leads us out of the police station. When we step outside, Maddox moves closer and grabs my hand. We get as far as the parking lot before Sawyer turns to face Nolan. He doesn’t say anything right away. The two of them stare at each other and I don’t know what they see, but there’s a nod and then Sawyer smiles.

“I knew I liked you.” Sawyer says before reaching over and slapping Nolan playfully on the shoulder. “Welcome brother. Come on, let’s get out of here.”

He wraps his arms around my shoulder again and we head for his truck like this is just any other day. I’m too tired to ask anything, so I let Maddox help me into the back seat. He sits with me and lets Nolan take the front seat. As soon as I’m buckled in, I slip my shoes off and wait for Maddox to get situated. Once he’s done, I lean my head against his shoulder. My eyes feel immediately heavy and it's accompanied by subtle shivers going through my body.

Maddox shifts so that he can wrap an arm around me and then I’m drifting off.

“So, how does the other guy look?” I hear Sawyer say.

I was dozing off when I hear him talk, but I don’t open my eyes right away. Come on, I’m curious what these boys talk about when they think I’m not listening.

“Like he got his ass kicked.” I hear Nolan grumble.

Maddox’s body shakes with low laughter and I can hear Sawyer chuckling. “Good. He would be dead if I had been there. That shit was harmless before, but this is too far. If they don’t charge him with assault, then we’re going to have a big problem.”

“With all of us,” Maddox adds.

“I have to be honest…” Nolan starts. “I’m not one to get involved in other people’s drama, but…”

“But?” Sawyer asks. “But it’s Bryn and you couldn’t let her get hurt?”

Nolan sighs. “Yeah it’s Bryn. What is it about her?”

Maddox hums and brushes some hair away from my face. The feeling of his fingers across my cheek makes me feel tingly inside.

“She has a magnetism to her that makes no sense. She’s a siren, but instead of leading you to your death, she gives you…purpose. I never thought about dating a woman with a child at my age, or a woman who was already married. If Sawyer hadn’t been open to this arrangement, I would have never seen Bryn again, and I would have been left wondering what my life could be like with her in it. I felt a pull to her the second I saw her.” Maddox explains.

“He’s right. Bryn was like lightning when we first met as kids. She drew me in and made me feel something special after my dad left. She brought me back, and I didn’t thank her enough, but I’m going to make up for all that for the rest of our lives,” Sawyer adds.

“I can’t wrap my head around the group dating dynamic. Aren’t you guys jealous of each other? What about the way people are talking about you?” Nolan asks.

“Bryn is all that matters to us. Everything else is just noise out there. With us, we let Bryn lead things. She needs different things from each of us, and she is good at asking for what she needs. We’re here to make her happy. That’s all.” Sawyer makes it sound so easy, but I battle with myself daily over this.

Am I asking too much?