It doesn’t take long before I realize we’ve turned down a private road. There are trees on either side as we weave amongst them. Even though it’s sunny, there’s a looming darkness that hovers over the vehicle. When we come to the end of the winding path, two enormous raven-hued metal gates greet us.
My driver pushes the buzzer and we’re allowed through. I can’t see the house just yet, but from the gates that opened for us, I’m going to take a wild guess that it’s more like a castle than a home.
I find I’m right when the building comes into view. My breath is stolen as the car makes it around the enormous fountain outside the front door. We come to a stop and I can’t open the door quickly enough. The driver, I still don’t know his name, rounds the vehicle to help me to my feet.
I tip my head back to take in my new home. The gothic architecture gives it a spooky, but ethereal feel. Windows overlook the front of the house, and the black balustrade that lines the second and third floors allows you to stand on the balconies from what I’m guessing are bedrooms.
There are four gigantic pillars on the ground floor, one on each corner of the house, and two on either side of the door. It slides open and I’m not expecting the older woman who steps out onto the porch. I was sure Finn would be waiting for me, but I can’t ignore how my heart sinks when it isn’t his face I see.
“You must be, Zaria,” the older woman says, a large smile on her face. The gentle, maternal hold she envelops me in causes my heart to stutter in my chest. “I’m Joy,” she tells me. “I’m the housekeeper who looks after the home. Also, more like an older mom to the boys. But don’t tell them I call them that, they’re all grown men, but I’ll always see them as boys.” She leans in as if she’s telling me a secret, and I find myself smiling despite the reasons I’m here. When she steps back, she holds my shoulders, taking me in from head to toe.
“It’s lovely to meet you,” I tell her, a slight nervous feeling overtaking me as this woman peruses me. I wonder if she’s trying to see if I’m a good match for Finn, who is like a son to her.
“You’re beautiful.” Her final assessment makes me smile. “And I have a feeling you’re going to give him a run for his money.” This she whispers conspiratorially.
“I’m not so sure about that, but I’m not someone who will take kindly to being told what to do, especially from a man I don’t know.” My honesty makes her laugh out loud, and her whole body shakes. The amusement written on her face is enough to make me smile.
“You’re going to fit right in with the other Thorne girls,” she says after she’s wiped the tears from her eyes.
Confusion causes my brows to crease. “Thorne girls?”
Joy nods. “Nesrin is Damien’s wife, the eldest brother. And then there’s Kalyn, who’s Cassian’s girl,” she informs me. I knew the other brothers were taken, but I didn’t realize I would be meeting their wives so soon.
“I didn’t realize everyone lived here.”
“Oh no, Damien and Nesrin live in London. Cassian and Kalyn sleep here at times, but they have their own house closer to town.” It seems I’m learning so much more than I ever anticipated. I didn’t even think about stalking the other brothers when I was researching Finn.
“Well, I’m looking forward to it,” I tell Joy with my fake smile plastered in place. I can’t tell this woman that I’m afraid of being here. She’s welcomed me with affection, and I am sure she loves the Thorne family as her own. My negative comments will not be welcome. And I don’t want to start off on the wrong foot.
“Let me show you to your room,” Joy says as two of the male staff members appear with my suitcases. “Finn is out with a friend.” The way she says the word friend has my gut churning. Does he have someone already? If so, why am I here then?
We make our way up the stairs before turning left. Joy leads me down a long hallway and stops short at a door. “This is Finn’s bedroom,” she tells me before continuing. “And this is yours.”
I’m right next door to the man I’m supposed to marry.
“Oh,” I gasp when she opens the door and allows me to enter. Everything is bright, with soft feminine colors that remind me of a summer’s day. It’s nothing like I expected. An enormous four-poster bed, draped in white bedding with light pink roses sits against one wall. While a window seat beckons me first, I take in the four windows that allow light to stream into the room.
The view is of the back yard, which looks like it’s been made for royalty, including a maze that leads to the forest behind the house. Beyond that are peaks decked in a dusting of snow, giving the view a picture-postcard feel.
“Do you like it?”
I turn to regard Joy. “It’s beautiful.” I nod with a smile. “What is that?” I point at a closed door in the corner of the room, opposite the bed.
“It’s the adjoined bathroom. Finn and you will be living quite closely.” Her words hold a hint of amusement, but also a hint of something I can’t quite put my finger on. Wariness? I’m not sure.
“Oh.” It’s all I can manage and I’m certain I must sound like an idiot, but I have nothing to add to that.
“I’ll leave you to freshen up,” she tells me. “If you need me, I’m in the kitchen. Down the stairs and to your left.” With a quick wave, I’m left alone to get used to my new bedroom. It’s nothing like the one from home, but at least it’s comfortable.
I just don’t know how I’m going to live with Finn’s bedroom connected to mine.
5
JARRED
The sun is slowly setting against the horizon as I stare out at the lake. I shouldn’t be sitting out here because I should be working, but right now, all I can think about is Finn with her. I’ve never been a jealous person, but there’s something about him getting married that’s brought out a dark need inside me to fuck it up.
When Finn comes up from the silvery water, the water droplets trickling down his body, I can’t stop my dick from hardening. He smirks as he nears me to grab a towel. I watch him dry off, but I don’t say anything because if I do, it will only cause a fight.
I fell in love with Finn Thorne when I first saw him. It wasn’t his perfectly-sculpted body, it wasn’t his voice or his charm, it was his smile. The dimples in either cheek captured me, and I was fucked.
Since I was a teen, I knew I was bi, but one night after far too many drinks, I confessed to Finn. He shocked me by leaning in and kissing me. At first, I thought he was just fucking around because we were both drunk, but then he told me about his proclivities, and how they were a secret.
I didn’t know why he would feel the need to hide himself from his family, but when I met his father, I realized the man would never accept his son as bisexual. When Finn flops beside me, I allow my eyes to trail over his skin.
“You’re going to catch a cold if you lie naked in winter.”
He laughs, those dark chocolate eyes landing on me. “Are you worried about me?”
“Yes,” I admit easily. I know he’s asking about more than just the cold. So, I tell him, “There’s only so many years you can hide your true self. Especially from those who love you. And as much as you try to be the playboy, that’s not who you are.”