The Takeover (The Miles High Club 2)

For both of us. But she’s here. My family is here with me.

We will get through this.

We have to.

I lie on my side and watch Claire sleep. She’s utterly exhausted.

It’s all caught up with her—the stress at work, our breakup, and then the boys going missing have her so wound up that she couldn’t stop crying last night. Her body simply gave out. Enough was enough, and in the end, I gave her two sleeping pills so that she could finally relax enough to fall asleep.

I hear an argument from the other room, and I smile. Who knew that the sound of early-morning bickering could sound so good? I get up and go to investigate.

“I don’t care if you didn’t bring any other shorts,” Fletcher snaps to Harry. “You’re not wearing mine. No wonder I couldn’t find any of my things to pack—they’re all in your suitcase.”

“Shh, Mom’s asleep,” I whisper as I walk into the room. “What’s going on?”

“Harry stole all of my clothes,” Fletcher whispers angrily.

“I did not.” He looks to me. “All my shorts don’t fit me anymore.”

“It’s too early for this.” I sigh. “Give Fletcher back his shorts. I’ll buy you new ones today, Harrison.”

“Well, that’s not fair,” Fletcher snaps. “Why does he get new shorts?”

“Can I have new shorts?” Patrick asks from bed. “I’ve been growing lately, and I need all-new clothes.”

Harry rolls his eyes. “Oh, stop it. You have not grown.”

I look among the bickering boys, and a broad smile crosses my face. I’m actually grateful to be hearing them fight . . . who would have ever thought? “I’ll buy you all new clothes today,” I reply.

Their eyes widen.

“But right now, I want you to get dressed, go downstairs to the restaurant, and have breakfast,” I say. “Eat something healthy from the buffet.”

“Are you coming?” Patrick asks.

“I’m going to stay here with Mom. You’ll be fine with Fletcher. Don’t go anywhere else.” I point to the two troublemakers. “You come straight back up to the room when you’re done. I mean it; you two are seriously grounded for life. Nowhere without an adult. Ever.”

Fletcher gives a smug smile to his two brothers. He loves that I class him as an adult.

I make myself a coffee, and they shower and mess around, and about half an hour later they go downstairs for breakfast.

Claire

I hear the front door shut behind the boys, and I call out, “Tris?” I’ve been waiting for them to leave. I knew if I got up

before they went, I would have to go to breakfast with them, and I want some time.

He appears at the door. “Hey.” He’s wearing nothing but navy boxer shorts. His beautiful body is on display.

I pull the covers back in an invitation.

He smiles and locks the door and climbs in and pulls me into his arms. “Are you all right?” he whispers.

I close my eyes as I lean against his chest. “God, I’m sorry about last night. I was a basket case.”

“Don’t be. You are so stressed; I’m worried about you.”

I hug him tighter. Feels so good to be safe in his big strong arms.