Dare to Stay (Dare Nation 4)

Fine. She’d give in for now. “Braden is good. We’re getting to know each other again.” She’d told Aurora about their history and how she was hesitant about the future.

Although she could talk to Steffy, only someone who’d shared similar pasts to Willow could relate to her feelings. But there were age and life experience differences between her and Aurora, which made it hard for the younger woman to understand completely. Regardless, Willow felt a sisterly connection with her.

“I like him,” Aurora said. “He’s a good man. His whole family. They’re decent people.”

“They are,” Willow murmured. She dug into her ice cream and took a cold spoonful.

Memories of Braden bringing her a brownie sundae surfaced, and she squirmed in her seat, her sex still tingling from her earlier orgasm. Not the time, she reminded herself, focusing on Aurora.

“But they don’t understand me the way you do.”

Willow glanced over, surprised. She’d just been thinking the same thing. But she wanted Aurora open to new and caring people. “They want to help and I’m glad you let them.”

“I don’t know how I got so lucky, but when I met Braden, my life changed.”

“Mine, too.”

They sat in silence, eating their ice cream until they’d both had enough. Aurora rose and took both of their containers and spoons into the kitchen to clean up, and Willow stood, ready to get some sleep.

Aurora walked over and paused. “Willow, I’m really glad I have you in my life,” she said and went in for a hug, her belly stopping her and they both laughed.

“I’m glad I have you, too.” A warm feeling stole over her, knowing she had someone in her life who truly felt like family.

Chapter Nine

Later in the week, Willow massaged the ankle Damon had twisted at Sunday’s game, impressed that his conversation centered on football and not Willow’s relationship with his brother. She appreciated his discretion at work and focused on easing his pain and making sure he could play this week.

“Come back tomorrow for more stim and therapy,” she told him. It was Thursday and they had time. “We’ll wrap it Sunday and you should be good to go.”

“Love your magic hands,” Damon said, winking at her.

“Leave my girl alone and go home to your own,” Braden said, joining them and smacking his brother on the head.

At least one brother was discreet, she thought, shooting him an annoyed look.

“You’re so easy to get going.” Damon eased himself off the table, chuckling the entire time.

Even Willow grinned.

“Austin!” Damon waved at their brother, and Willow turned to see the man dressed in a suit and tie, ever the professional agent, joining them. “Here to talk to your star player?” Damon asked.

Braden rolled his eyes. “He doesn’t just represent you, remember? Arrogant son of a bitch,” he said with no bite, just a grin.

“As much as I’d like to stay and joke like we did when we were kids, I need to have a serious talk with Braden and Willow.”

She blinked, surprised. “About what?” What would Austin want with her?

“Is everything okay?” Damon, the one left out, asked.

Austin nodded. “It’s nothing about our family.”

Damon’s stiff shoulders visibly relaxed. “I’ll leave you all to it then.” He walked off, favoring his ankle.

“Ask Steffy to wrap that ankle before you go home,” Willow called out to him, and he answered with a thumbs-up over his shoulder.

Austin glanced from Willow to Braden. “Do you have someplace private we can talk?”

“My office.” Braden lifted a hand, clearly intending to put it on her back before realizing where he was, and gestured toward the exit instead.

Once they were in Braden’s office, which, unlike Willow’s, had personal touches – photos of his family and matching desk accessories—Austin closed the door.

Worried, she couldn’t wait a moment more. “What’s wrong?”

“I wouldn’t say anything’s wrong,” Austin said. “It’s just that I had a visitor at the office this morning. A man named Lincoln Kingston. He’s based in New York.” Austin braced a hand on the desk as he spoke. “He claims to be Aurora’s brother.”

“What?” She shook her head in denial. “No. Aurora’s mother left her with her grandmother, and she died when Aurora was five. She spent her childhood in foster care.” Willow narrowed her gaze, not understanding. “And why would this man come to you?”

The brothers exchanged glances that Willow took to mean they were worried about her reaction, but she didn’t care.

“I know you’re protective of her but let Austin tell us everything.” Braden wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.

His body heat calmed her somewhat. She just didn’t want the young woman scammed or hurt more than she already had been. “Sorry. Go on.”

Austin nodded. “It’s a long story, but apparently there are four Kingston siblings, and believe it or not, you’ve probably heard of them. Dash Kingston–”

“The rock star?” Shock ripped through her.