“And … I’m buying out Paws and Claws … combining the two projects.” I don’t have to act, I am surprised.
“It sounds really great and I would love to help.” The two boys glare at each other – and smirk.
“That was loverboy’s whole plan – to give you something to do and keep you out of trouble,” Jackson wails.
“Hey …” I moan.
“We’re going to donate the money Dad left us. Is that alright with you?” Jackson says. I nod over eagerly and he smiles. I don’t need that money. None of us do.
“It’s gonna be huge, but your lover will explain everything to you.”
“And it’s going to bear our sister’s name. This way good is going to come from all the bad,” Alejandro explains, putting his arm around my shoulders. I smile. This is going to be a beautiful project, I just know it.
When only smoke and ashes remain, Jackson hands me his envelope and I pull out the card.
It started with a purple dress and ended in a night I’ll never forget, a night of firsts for both of us. Get into the limo from that night and it will take you to your next destination.
Remember when you honored THE GUY by becoming his girlfriend? Go to the place you were waiting for me … the place where I had to think about an ugly dude naked to sink my boat because you looked so damn sexy.
Just then a limousine pulls up hooting its horn. I smile thinking how much effort and thought Damion put into organizing this hunt. He thought of the smallest details to make this something special and remarkable. Our first Valentine’s Day together and I, for sure, will never forget it. Who knew my badboy player could be this romantic?
Damion’s comment about the Titanic jumps into my mind and I start laughing so loud that I need to cling to the limo. I tell the boys about the goon Damion was imagining naked to deflate his dick.
“Seriously. I’m your fucking brother. I don’t need to know that.” He has this too-much-information bitter look on his face.
I ask if the trick actually works and they both snigger with naughty expressions.
“That’s hardcore,” D-boy snips, “Never had to use it. I can still control my dick.”
Jackson snorts but doesn’t comment. Strange for him.
Maybe it’s another thing guys learn at the BEAST academy. Together with, among other things, how to keep a stoic face and work on a girl’s nerves.
The driver gets out and holds open the door for us, and I direct him to Speakeasy Ales & Lagers, the small pub, our secret meeting spot. This time Jackson plugs in his phone and hands me the song card.
I was expecting the soppy Titanic song or even ‘Perfect’ from Ed Sheeran – since we danced on it at the ball – but I’m thrown for a total curveball.
Boy like you Kesha.
Have you figured out what to do with a boy like me yet?
I can clearly say that you’ve got me hooked, wrapped around your finger. I’m beautiful and dangerous … and you blow my mind.
By the way, I see the light now … it was all part of destiny’s plan for us to be together.
Cheesy, right?
But so darn cute I want to scream and cry all at once. The small things he remembers from our time together fill me with awe. I’ve never expected that from a boy like him.
His voice fills the car and the song fits perfectly into the circumstances, bringing tears to my eyes.
‘… you’re so beautiful and dangerous …’
Cocky dipshit. But he’s right, it does describe my man to the T! My wonderful stupid badboy whom I love so much it hurts. I sniff and bite my lip.
‘what do I do with a boy like you …’
A snotty giggle burps from my throat. I can think of a few things … all 18R of course! And now I wish he was here so I could kiss heaven out of him. I push my face into my brother’s shoulder and snot him.
“Fuck,” Jackson chides with a disgusted voice. “Your fucking brother broke my sister.”
“I think your sister broke him too,” Alejandro niggles back, “He’s turned into a real fanny.”
“It’s so fucked up how one stupid girl can do that to a man,” Jackson vexes. I lift my head to look at him. He pouts as if I caught him in the cookie jar. Could my brother be in love?
Nah. That’s not possible. Is it?
I walk into the pub, this time with two hotties in tow, to find the oldest of my brothers at the bar, drink in hand. He winks at me as soon as he sees me and I can’t stop the huge smile from spreading over my face as I stand on my tippy-toes to hug him around his neck.
He hands me a small velvet box, not asking if I’m okay, but his doctor-eyes scanning my body doesn’t go unnoticed. I suppose it’s his way of a quick checkup.
I immediately open it.
My head spins and my hands shake so badly I almost drop the box.
It’s a necklace. My necklace. The one Darren yanked off.
How? Where?
I hold it up.
“Where did he find this?” I ask softly, tears welling in my eyes again.
“Eh, I found it at the scene where Darren crashed their car,” Jackson answers, “and then I gave it to Damion to get it fixed.”
Now tears roll slowly down my cheeks. Ilkay takes it, moves my hair to the side, and fastens it around my neck, all while I’m standing there … stumped … frozen, and ecstatically happy.
Darren tried … but he could not break me. I won. We won.