When a letter pops up from Lauren's deceased mother, she's thrown into a world of money and power.
Shipped off on a plane ride from small town Michigan to The Golden State California, she meets 5 brothers she never knew she had.
And these brothers...
The next few weeks passed by in a blur. I confronted Grayson about the whole Nick situation and he just shrugged his shoulders like it was nothing. I realized that it's physically impossible and emotionally drainning to get Grayson to admit he's in the wrong. That boy is stubborn as hell.
Every time I pass Nick in the hall he always has a pained expression on his face like he's having an internal battle with himself. To be honest it's getting easier with him not being around that much anymore. But I know sooner or later I have to face him. We are engaged after all...
"Guys come down!" Henry yells from downstairs. I peak out of my room to see the boys heading out as well. I give them a look asking if they know anything but they just shrug.
As we head down the hall, Evan kicks the back of my knee and my legs fold forward. Jackass...
I launch on his back and strangle his neck. We are all laughing as we walk down the stairs. I loosen my grip on Evan so he doesn't drop me on the stairs. I'm so considerate.
The second we walk into the kitchen our laughter dies. Nick and Mr Carver are standing in front of us all dressed up in suits. The fuck?
Evan abruptly drops his arms causing me to fall on my ass. "Evan..." Liams scolds. Owen gives me a hand helping me up. I slap the back of Evan's head and brush myself off. Are we acting like 5 year olds? Yes.
"It's great to see you all again." Mr Carver grins. I can tell he's loving this. No one responds. I catch Nick's gaze and he quickly looks to the floor like it's the most interesting thing he's ever seen.
"Hmm that's a gnarly bruise you got there Nick," Grayson smirks, crossing his arms over his chest. I nudge him with my arm telling him to stop. "Too bad it's healing," Evan genuinely pouts. "A shame something like that happened to your pretty boy face," Owen snorts.
"Ya wonder how this happened," Nick clutchest his fists at his side. I get that they are protecting me, but they are going about it the wrong way.
"You boys wouldn't have anything to do with my son's face do you?" Mr Carver asks them. They stand there with their lips sealed shut. They truly are a force to be reckoned with.
"Are you implying that they did this," Liam steps in front of Mr Carver with his voice laced with venom.
"Maybe if they had an actual parental figure in their life they wouldn't be acting the way they do," Mr Carver respondes stepping closer to Liam.
Liam physically pales and I turn to the guys and they have somber expressions on their face. I'm livid right now. All I see is red. "Dad-'' Nick starts but I cut him off walking right up to him.
"You have no right to question his ability to take care of us!" I shout at Roger fucking Carver. "Lauren, not now." Nick brings his arm around my waist shielding me from his father but nothing is stopping me now. "He's twice the parental figure you'll ever be! Who forces their kid into a marriage that none of us want, all for a stupid business deal that was made 17 years ago!" I shout and feel Nick's arm around me go tense. That's when I realize how my words hurt him.
"Get your fucking arm off my sister," Grayson shoves Nick off of me. "Grayson!" I exclaim. "She's my fucking fiance. Lay a hand on me again and we'll see what happens." Nick shoves him back. Damn if those words don't make my heart flutter. God Lauren, now's not the time.
Grayson is about to launch at Nick when I step in between them and Evan and Owen hold him back. I'm holding Nick back with my back against his chest and my arms wrapped around his back trying to keep him place. But it's kinda hard to hold back a 6'3 basketball player.
I feel his chest heaving against my back and his hot breath hitting my neck. He's mad...
"Boys enough!" Henry shouts. Nick and Grayson are still staring at each other like they want to murder each other right here and now.
"Now," Roger says brushing his suit off and tightening his tie. " Back to why we are here, I'd like to invite my future daughter in-law to a lovely lunch," he smiles at me.
"Like hell that's happening," Evan scoffs. Liam gives him a stern look that shuts him up. He then walks up to me and places his hands on my shoulders and looks down at me. "You don't have to go if you don't want to," he says quietly.
"You know damn well she does Liam," Roger exclaims in an authoritative voice. Liam painfully shuts his eyes. I hate what this is doing to him. I know it paisn him not being able to do anything.
"I'll go," I say and all their heads snap to mine like they're shocked I agreed. I'll do anything to make this easier on everyone.
Roger puffs his chest out. I'm not doing this for you asshole. "Uhh let me just change," I say looking down at my sweatpants. I head to the stairs. "We are going to a nice restaurant so preferably wear a dress," Roger says. "Dad!" Nick exclaims.
I freeze in my tracks. "She can wear whatever the fuck she wants," Liam spits out. I roll my shoulders out without turning around and walk up to my room.
Stay calm Lauren...
I open my closet looking for an outfit to wear.
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Ahh perfect. Not a dress and perfect for the 'fancy' dinner. I slick my hair back in a low pony and put on golden hoops the size of my fist. I then apply light makeup and head downstairs.
As I make it down the stairs, I see that they are all sitting on the couch. Roger and Liam are glaring at each other and the boys and Nick are as well.
I clear my throat and all their heads snap to mine and they all stand up. "It'll do," Roger says and then proceeds to walk out the door without another word.
Would it be bad if I murdered my future father in-law? Ew I can't believe I called him my father in-law...
"Call or text us if you need anything," Liam says and the guys nod as they walk us to the door. I nod my head and look at Nick.
He holds out his arm for me to take with an innocent smile on his face. I grab his arm and we walk out the door.
A big black limo sits in the driveway. I keep forgetting how rich these people are...
"You look beautiful," Nick whispers into my ear. I look up to see his intense gaze on me and I can feel my cheeks immediately burn up. I quickly look away and I can hear him chuckle.
