Behind the Mask

Chapter 42

Brandon's POV

I sat watching her leaning against Marc. It was like the last six years never happened. She was still that shining light that drew us all in. Hell, even Kaylie wanted her to join our family. She was the first and only woman Kaylie was never jealous of. We had all made the decision on that last mission to talk with her about a poly relationship with our family, but then she met Winston. I know he and Marc had been casual together, but the moment he met Marissa, the world revolved around only her. When they started back to law school and we learned about what the Academy was really doing, we had to get her out, even if it meant losing her. So we did.

"You okay," North asked, coming to sit next to me.

With a half-smile, I answered, "As okay as I can be, brother." He put a hand on my shoulder and squeezed.

"I'm thankful you all were there for her back then," he said honestly. "I can't imagine not having her in our lives now."

"I know exactly how you feel," I said quietly. "It's like no time has passed between us. How does she do that - make you feel so complete with just a silly smile or a touch?"

"Beats me, man, but she does," he chuckled. "She's getting sleepy. Why don't you spend the night with her? I'm sure she could use someone familiar tonight." He nodded towards her drooping form.

"Are you sure? I mean, I don't want to step on anyone's toes," I sputtered, surprised by his suggestion.

He gave a soft laugh, "Do you really think we can't see how you all look at her? Man, it's like looking in a fucking mirror, Brandon." He grinned, "Now don't get me wrong, I'm not walking away from her, but I'm also not asking her to give up the first five men in her life to protect and cherish her. I think we all know that if she hadn't met Winston, things would have gone very differently with all of you."

My face flushed red, but I couldn't deny his observations. Instead, I just nodded and walked over to Marc. Without a word, I held out my arms and took her sleeping form from him. "Pajamas are on her bed along with her favorite stuffies," Gabe said softly with a grin as he played with Luke's hair while he slept. I nodded and headed up the stairs to a soft chorus of goodnights from the others.

I gaped when I entered the bedroom. Sean was right. Gabe had been waiting for her his whole life. The room looked like an enchanted forest with beautiful murals painted on the walls and soft fairy lights along the ceiling. There was a vanity, desk, and sitting area off to the side along with a large bay window filled with pillows and stuffies. The bathroom door stood open a fraction to show a soft night light glowing. Her bed was a four-poster with a soft lilac mesh canopy pulled back at the four corners. I laughed to myself. Big Marissa will love this just as much as little Marissa.

I set her down and gently slipped off her clothes, then put on the nightshirt Gabe had left out. It was a cute oversized purple top with Eeyore on it. Once she was in the bed, I undressed down to my boxers and slipped onto the bed next to her, but on top of the cover sheet with just the top blanket covering me. She mumbled something and I pressed a kiss to her forehead, "Sweet dreams, slugger." Then I drifted off to sleep holding the best thing I'd ever found in this world next to me.

****

I felt something hit me, then again. I sat up realizing it was Marissa. She was flailing in her sleep, punching anything she could. I tried to grab her arms, but missed and caught a wicked right hook to my stomach. I groaned, but quickly recovered, afraid she'd hurt herself. "Marissa, wake up," I barked loudly. She whimpered and slowly began to open her eyes, her fists still clenched. "That's it, baby, open your eyes for me," I pleaded.