Dylan (18+) [ON HOLD]

chapter eighteen: M A Z E

Gabby

. . .

Two trees, tethered by an invisible string bend so that they form an arch. Above and behind them, a forest of trees, with a path just wide enough to fit a single vehicle.

A short drive down the pathway and there in all it's glory, is the home of the second Mercer brother.

Derek's house is just short of enormous. It's a massive force of a place and I honestly can't comprehend how he lives in it by himself. 

Nine thousand sprawling square feet of pure him. An english style home, and though it's absolutely huge, I can't help but feel it'd be more cozy if he'd add some color to the various shades of black, gray, and white that fill it.

But, that's just not his style.

He'd offered, or rather tried to not so gently persuade, all of us, once he'd accumulated his wealth well passed the point of him or his future children needing to work, gave us each the opportunity to have such unbound space.

The only one who'd taken him up on his offer had been the eldest of the brothers, Levi.

Though he'd only done it on the account that Derek get a pet to live with him. 

In response he'd gotten not only horse stables, but later a kitten, giving him ample wiggle room in which he could spoil his sibling rather than hoard his money. 

Having been just as poor as the rest of us, I'd grown to realize that Derek's love language, unfortunately was things. I feel for him, believing that all he truly needs is someone to care for, and who cares about him just as much.

Shaking myself out of my reverie I look to Dylan. His demeanor is the same as it has been the past week or so. No longer treating me with obvious kiddie gloves, but also extremely... light, exceptionally happy.

This also makes me feel like I'm being treated with kiddie gloves, as if he thinks I'm emotionally fragile and therefore needs to project happiness as though he's a bird that's just felt the wind beneath their wings.

I frown as we pull into Derek's driveway, a black Aston Martin and a lime green Land Rover are parked outside. It's entirely too clear which belongs to the man of the house.

As soon as Dylan parks the car, the front door flies open, nearly off the hinges. "Dylan!" Freddi's shout is damned near deafening as she runs over to the car, dancing in her shoes whilst she waits for him to get out of the car.

Dylan snorts softly. "At least one of my favorite ladies is happy to see me," he mumbles.

My frown deepens.

Whilst Dylan steps out and reaches to embrace his sister, my attention is pulled to the passenger door opening. Clicking my seatbelt, I take the offered hand that connects to a tattooed arm. Freddi's husband.

"Hey, Axel," I greet, smiling cordially.

He offers me a kind smile, though as usual, his gaze remains firmly on Freddi. The two are young and positively obsessed with one another and yet, it's not unhealthy. Leaving him to his obsessing, I open the back door and unclip Chapa's harness from the seatbelt to let her out of the car. She pads over to Axel, and sits promptly on his shoe, drawing his attention. The big guy smiles and picks her up scratching behind her ear and cooing at her.