Chapter 23

Merigold
It has become a tradition for some of the brothers to come over for Sunday dinner in the shoer time I have been here. It was just Viper and Tank at first. Then slowly grew to at least 10 brothers on any given Sunday. Today is a little different. It's Tank's birthday dinner and there are brothers and Old Ladies and their kids. It is a little overwhelming but that's ok. I've come to love my extended family. I knew the twins were having a blast playing with their new friends running around the backyard. I have coolers filled with ice for the cold beer, sodas, bottles of water, and juice boxes for the kids.
Thor's Old Lady got some of the other Old Ladies to bring side dishes and snacks. Me, I'm on the grill. And for dessert, I made Tank's favorite caramel pecan cheesecake. I even made an extra one for him to take home. You would think with all the activity going on I wouldn't be able to think about what happened last night. Yeah well, no such luck. I have lost count of how many times I've spaced out. I keep remembering their words. How good it felt to have their hands on me. How it was probably wrong but it didn't feel that way. How I felt safe and protected when I was in their arms as we slept. Damn, I'm getting wet just thinking about it.
I don't need to be thinking like this. I've seen the club bunnies that hang around them. I'm not their type. And they have said it themselves. They are the love and leave type. No attachments. I had fun but I know it will never turn into anything. I won’t get my hopes up thinking I could be something special.
" Hey princess. What are you thinking so hard about." Tank asks as he puts his arm around my shoulder. I lean into him. In the short time, I have known him he has become as much my brother as Viper. " Nothing much big brother." I lie hoping he doesn't call me out on it. He looks down at me and gives a gentle squeeze " You know if you ever need to talk or anything you. I'm here for you right. No matter what it is. And if I need to I have no problem kicking someone's ass for you." he says. I wrap my arms around his waist and hug his chest " I know Tank. Thank you."
He kisses the top of my head and walks away. I look over and see the twins running "Axel! Rowdy!" I turn to see Rowdy picking up Jace and Axel picking up Jax. " We not see you in loong time," Jax tells Axel. In reality, it has been only 3 days but the twins come close to all the brothers. " I'm sorry buddy. I've been working. Did you miss me?" Axel asks. Jax nods. " Good. I missed you too." Axel says, hugging him. " Rowdy, miss me?" Jace asked. " What do you think?" Jace taps his chin " Hmm. Yes?" You got it." I can't help but smile. " Boys go play and let Rowdy and Axel join your uncles." They put the boys down so they can go play. " Beer's are in the cooler to the left," I say and turn back to the grill.
Axel puts his hand on my back and leans in " You shouldn't have left this morning baby girl." God, he feels so good. My skin under his hand is on fire and tingles. " Now is not the best time to talk about that." Rowdy stands beside me and brushes his hand across my fingers `` You're right but we will talk about it. But I'm gonna say this. You are not a one-nighter. You never were. You are going to be ours." They walk away and I'm trying to control my breathing. They barely touched me. This is ridiculous. I have got to calm down. Luckily dinner is done and I can set it on the table.