A Step Two Close Read online

  I soon heard a knock on the door, and my mother turned on her heels to answer it. In that brief moment alone, Mason gave me an apologetic look.

  Yeah, buddy. You and me both.

  I heard my mother greet Hunter in the hall, and then I heard his voice filling the air.

  I inhaled sharply. My nostrils flared, and the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I would know that voice anywhere. That voice was nearly identical to the one that was whispering sweet words into my ear not so long ago.

  “Fuck, you’re so tight. You’re pussy is so sweet. I can’t get enough of it.”

  Surely this couldn’t be? Karma wouldn’t be so cruel!

  He entered the room, and all of the air that was in my lungs escaped me at once. He stood there in shock as he penetrated me with those eyes. Suddenly, his lips curved up into that cheeky, but beautiful smile I remembered from two weeks ago.

  I felt dizzy. I felt nauseous. Suddenly, the whole room was spinning.

  “Shit!” I heard someone shout.

  As my head cleared, I was suddenly aware that Hunter was on one side of me with Mason on the other side. They were pulling me up and ushering me towards a chair.

  I was in the seven circles of hell. Surely I had just died, and now I was in hell for being responsible for my father’s death. I was being punished for being the murderer my mother always made me out to be.

  This couldn’t be any more surreal than it already was. I had two men—both of whom I had slept with over the course of a year—holding me up on either side.

  Father and son.

  “I can’t say I’ve ever had that affect on a woman before. I suppose there’s always time for a first,” I heard Hunter joke.

  My mother giggled. “She’s always been a little melodramatic.”

  Trust my mother to stick her nose in it. She would think I had purposely acted faint just to get attention. All I wanted to do was grab a bottle of something strong and head up to my room.

  “Are you okay?”

  I looked up to see the concern in Mason’s eyes. I gave him a look to say I wasn’t okay. Of course I wasn’t okay. Nothing about this situation was okay.

  “I’m fine. Thank you.”

  “Are you sure?”

  I looked to my other side and saw Hunter smiling down at me. He asked the question, but he was obviously too busy feeling smug about my reaction to him when he walked in to care about my answer. He thought I almost fainted because of him alone.

  He didn’t know the half of it.

  I nodded my head, and Mason gestured for me to take his water. I uttered my thanks, took a sip, and felt my nerves calm down a bit.

  “Well, that was a great start to the introductions.” My mother laughed, but then glared at me while Hunter and Mason weren’t looking. They were too busy staring at me like I would break.

  I didn’t want this.

  “Have you eaten today?” Hunter asked.

  I nodded. “I had a sandwich at lunchtime.”

  He frowned. “That’s not enough. You need to eat.” He turned to my mother. “Kat, do you have anything she can nibble on for now? Some bread or crackers, perhaps?”

  My mother laughed like they were being ridiculous, but moved towards the kitchen. “Sure thing, Hunter. I’ll go grab some crackers from the pantry.” She glared at me again and walked off.

  Hunter kneeled down and took my hand. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  I looked up, and I really wished I hadn’t. My obsession with those eyes was playing a taunting game with me. His mesmerising gaze was like none other I had ever experienced in my life. It was almost as if he could reach into my soul and pick out all of my sins. Sins I didn’t want him to know about. Sins that would ultimately destroy me if they ever got out. If he knew my sins, he wouldn’t be kneeling beside me with my hand in his. He wouldn’t be sharing with me that look of promises to come. He would be disgusted with me. I was disgusted with me.

  I nodded, but averted my eyes. I couldn’t have him looking at me like that. Looking like he wanted to eat me until he devoured me whole. There would be no way I could ever go back there with him again.

  “Fuck, you feel so good.”

  Shit, I was going crazy. I had to stop thinking about that night. I had to get him out of my head.

  “Isn’t that just so sweet, Mason? Look, they’re bonding already.”

  Mason looked up to my mother and smiled as she handed me the crackers. As I said my thanks, I grabbed one off the plate. Hunter winked at me and then gently swept his finger under my palm.

  My whole body reacted. Shit, if just that little touch could set off sparks, then how would it feel if he touched me somewhere more intimate again? I couldn’t allow myself to ever be alone with him. It was just a good thing that my mum wasn’t marrying Mason... Then, I would be in serious trouble.

  “Right. Shall we make the announcement, Mason?” She walked over to him, and he placed a loving arm around her shoulder. They both looked happy for some reason.

  “Hunter, why don’t you open a bottle of that champagne first?”

  Hunter reluctantly let go of my hand and walked towards the two bottles on the table. My mother raced out the room, grabbed four glasses, and came running back. Hunter smiled at my mum and then popped the champagne. My mother cheered, and we all watched as Hunter poured some into all four glasses.

  He handed them out, and when he came to me, he purposefully swept his finger over mine. I looked into his eyes, and he winked at me.

  The fire burned between my legs. Shit, he didn’t even need to touch me for it to start. All he had to do was simply be in the same room with me, and I wanted him with a passion.

  “So, what’s this all about, Dad? You’ve been keeping me hanging for two days now.”

  All eyes were on my mother and Mason as they smiled brightly. I popped another cracker in my mouth and waited for someone to speak.

  “We’re getting married!”

  Chapter Two

  I started choking, and Hunter came over the pat me on the back. “You’re what?” I asked. It wasn’t quite sinking in just yet.

  My mother stroked Mason’s chest—the same chest I had licked champagne from only last year. This was so fucked up.

  “Mason asked me to marry him two days ago, and I said yes. We’ve been waiting for a chance to get you both together, so we could tell you.” She smiled up at Mason again before looking back at us. “We’ll be married in two months’ time, but Mason and Hunter will be moving in next week. We’re going to be one big happy family.”

  Bile rose quickly in my throat. I had to run. I had to get to the nearest toilet as soon as possible. This nightmare was just getting worse. I thought it was bad before, but this? This was worse than hell itself.

  I ran to the downstairs toilet as fast as my legs could carry me and threw up the crackers I had just eaten. I heard a commotion and my name being shouted from outside the door, but right then, I just wanted the bathroom floor to swallow me.

  As I was flushing the chain and wiping my mouth, my mother came through the door and closed it behind her. She looked pissed.

  “Will you stop taking all of the fucking attention, Ayden? What the fuck is wrong with you?” When I didn’t answer her, she sighed. “Just stop playing these stupid fucking games of yours and clean up. You look like shit.” She looked at my top. “And pull that thing up on your shoulder a bit more. You look like a tart.”

  With that, she turned and walked out the door. My mother always had the most wonderful things to say to me.

  With a sigh, I rinsed my mouth out with some mouthwash and took a brief look in the mirror. My mother was right. I did look like shit.

  Groaning, I made my way outside to find Hunter and Mason staring at me again. This was just too much for one evening.

  “Are you all right? Do you need to lie down for a little while?”

  I started to answer Mason with a yes, but my mother cut in first. “She’s fine. It wa
s just the shock of it all. Wasn’t it, honey? You were telling me you would be okay in the bathroom, weren’t you?”

  She glared at me, so I nodded and smiled my best possible smile. “Yes, I’ll be fine. It was just a little bit overwhelming there for a second, but I’ve calmed down.”

  My mother smiled brightly, making me want to wipe that smile right off of her face. Telling her I fucked her soon-to-be husband ought to do it. Despite what I felt for her though, this was one secret that was going to remain tightly locked up. There was no way in hell I was letting this one out.

  “Do you want to sit at the table while I get dinner ready?” my mother chimed.

  “I’ll help you,” I offered. I didn’t want to help her, but I also didn’t want to be left alone in the same room as the two men I had been intimate with not that long ago.

  “Ayden, how sweet of you. Thank you. I would much rather you stay here and get to know Mason and Hunter a little more, though. We will, after all, be living together soon.”

  She turned on her heels and walked out. Little did she know I knew them in more ways than she could imagine.

  When she was out of sight, Mason cleared his throat and motioned to the table. “Shall we?”

  I smiled and nodded my head just as Hunter came to stand beside me. He placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me to the seat. Just before sitting, he trailed his hand down towards my bottom and patted it.

  Heat travelled up my spine as I tried my hardest to calm my racing heart. I looked up to him, and his smile alongside that look in his eye captured me straight away.

  As I sat down, Hunter made sure my chair was pushed in before he came and sat next to me. He placed the glass of champagne by my side, and I nodded my thanks.

  “So, Ayden, your mother tells me you’re studying criminology.”

  I nodded. “Yeah, that’s right.”

  Fingers trailed lightly up my thigh causing me to tighten my legs together. This so wasn’t what I wanted, but I did want it. His touch was addictive. At the same time, I was acutely aware that my first-ever conquest was staring at me from the other side of the table.

  “That sounds fascinating,” he urged.

  “It is. It’s great to see how criminal minds work, trying to arrange all of the puzzle pieces together and see them take shape. I’ve just done a thesis on John Wayne Gacy, the famous serial killer.”

  Mason smiled. “Ah, the killer clown.”

  I smiled at the fact that he knew. “That’s the one. He was a member of the local Democratic Party and even met the first lady, Rosalynn Carter.”

  Mason raised an eyebrow. “Really? That must be a fun class to sit in on.” Mason smiled and looked from me to Hunter, who still had his hand on my thigh. “Hunter is studying law—just like his old man.”

  My eyes widened. “You’re a lawyer?”

  Mason saw my reaction and chuckled slightly. “Yes. Have you heard of Davenport and Son? It used to be Davenport Solicitors, but I’ve recently changed it, knowing my son will soon be working alongside me.”

  I had heard of it from somewhere, but I couldn’t remember from where as I wracked my brains to recall.

  Then, it hit me. “Did you prosecute Marilyn Darbyshaw, the famous woman who killed all those children a few years back?”

  He nodded. “That’s me. You really do know your stuff.” He sighed. “It’s actually rather uncanny that we’re here, and all of us are working in law.”

  And then some.

  “Yes, it is.”

  Just as Mason smiled, Hunter lightly danced his fingers further up my leg, making me shudder. “Cold?” Hunter asked with a cocky smile.

  I shook my head. “No. In a sense, I feel like someone has just walked over my grave.” I glared at Hunter to stop, but he just sat there grinning like an idiot.

  “Dinner’s ready!” my mother chimed, bringing in a big pot and placing it in the middle of the table. “I’ve made good, old-fashioned beef stew and dumplings.”

  “Smells wonderful,” Mason offered.

  “Yes, thank you, Kat. It smells delicious.” Hunter beamed in her direction, making her blush.

  Worst. Day. Ever.

  One by one, my mother grabbed each bowl, pouring a healthy portion into each. “Ayden was just telling me all about her criminology course. I was just saying how much of a coincidence it is that we’re all in law together.”

  She beamed. “Yes. She probably gets that from me, since I work at a police station.”

  I rolled my eyes. What utter bullshit. She was an Executive Officer at the local police station. It wasn’t like she was out solving the crimes of the century. I actually got this dream from my dad. He was a high ranking profiler before he died. He had even written several books about it, which I read in later years. I didn’t understand profiling as a child, but it fascinated me as I started growing up. All of his books became bestsellers, and that was the reason we lived such a lavish lifestyle. Part of his royalties paid for this house and another part had been put into my trust fund. The other amounts that continued to roll in helped to pay all of the bills.

  “So, Hunter, I hear you’re studying at Oxford. That’s quite an achievement!”

  Hunter nodded and trailed circles with his finger around my thigh. “Thank you, Kat. It’s very interesting. I’m just into my fourth year.”

  She smiled. “It’s great that Ayden has someone close to her age around here. She’s almost nineteen now. How old are you?”

  He gripped my thigh, making my longing for him almost unbearable. “I’ve just turned twenty-three.”

  We all took bites of our food and complimented my mother on her cooking skills. My mother always knew how to cook. It was the one thing she had going for her.

  “I know you two must have had a shock today. I hope that meeting here will make you see that we can work this out together as a family. I’m sure we’ll make many happy memories together.” My mother smiled, expecting a reaction from me. I almost replied with a cutting remark, but Hunter luckily interrupted.

  “Of course.” He turned to me with that devilish smile of his again. “I can’t wait to get to know Ayden better.” With that, his hand moved all the way up until he found my soaking wet knickers.

  I fought the urge to close my eyes and moan. Instead, I smiled sweetly, grabbed his hand and pulled two of his fingers back.

  “Yes. I can’t wait either.” I gave him my best winning smile and revelled in the fact that his face was turning red.

  I let go of his hand, and he immediately pulled it away.

  Thank God. All I had left to do was to stop the constant throbbing between my legs.

  Once I ate half of my food, I started drinking the champagne. In fact, the champagne was a treat. With the shock I had just taken, I thought I deserved it.

  Mason picked up the bottle and poured some more into my glass. “You seem to like the stuff.” He gave me that knowing look. The look that told me he remembered everything about that night.

  That was so what I didn’t need.

  “Ayden, calm yourself a little, dear. That’s your third glass in a matter of minutes.”

  I hiccupped, realising she was right. The bubbles were already going to my head. Hunter smiled wickedly in my direction. Obviously, he had already forgotten about the hand incident. I didn’t much care... just as long as he didn’t touch me again. His touch, along with the champagne mixing around in my head would be too much.

  My mother’s gaze went from me to Hunter. “Hunter, dear, do you have a girlfriend?”

  I snapped my head to him, eagerly awaiting his answer. Why did I care so much?

  He shook his head. “No, not at the moment. I’m too busy with my studies.”

  Mason laughed. “My boy here is a bit of a ladies’ man. He likes to go out and have fun. I was the same at his age. As long as it doesn’t affect his studies, I’m all for it. One day, a special lady will capture his heart, but for now, he’s still young.”

  I
stiffened at the “ladies’ man” comment. Just how many ladies had he slept with?

  I shut my eyes for a moment. It was probably best I didn’t know.

  “What about you, Ayden? Do you have a boyfriend?”

  I opened my eyes to find Mason and Hunter eagerly awaiting my answer. I shook my head. “No. No one special. I like to be free, just like Hunter.”

  My mother laughed. “Yes, my daughter does attract them. I can’t tell you how many times a boy has come knocking on my door.”

  She meant it as an insult to me, but all that did was provoke a reaction from Hunter. I felt him visibly stiffen beside me. Surely he didn’t care?

  What surprised me even more was that Mason had almost the exact same reaction. He stiffened slightly, but then immediately relaxed.

  Seriously, what a nightmare! I think it’s about time I woke up. Don’t you think you’ve had your fun?!

  “So, what are the wedding plans?” Hunter asked. I was glad he had changed the subject.

  My mother grabbed Mason’s hand and smiled adoringly at him. “Well... ” She looked back at us. “We were planning on a small reception wedding. We don’t want anything fancy. We will be going away for three weeks straight after the wedding day. You two will have the house to yourselves!” she squealed. “Just as long as you don’t have any lavish parties.”

  Oh fuck. Really? I would have to spend three weeks alone in the house with horn on a stick? The evening just got better and better.

  Hunter turned to me with a smile. “I’m sure we can behave ourselves... Can’t we, Ayden?”

  I gritted my teeth, but nodded. “Yes, of course we will. I’ll probably just spend most of the time locked up in my room studying.”

  Hunter’s eyes widened as he smiled. I knew that smile. It promised I would be studying a lot of him.

  “Yes,” he purred. “Me, too.”

  Chapter Three

  Once dinner was over and the plates were put away, Mason poured us all another glass of champagne. My mother grabbed Mason’s glass with her own and smiled up at him.