Golden Binds

Answer him, he mouthed to her. He made short work of untying her, though. And then looked for his clothes.

It’s my brother, she mouthed back.

He nodded his head over at the door.

“I-I’m fine.”

There was a pause. She closed her eyes. Took a shuddering breath then opened them again, looking around for clothes.

“Really? You don’t sound fine. Open this door. I want to see you.”

“Coming! I just have to get dressed.” She stared at him with frantic eyes.

He got dressed. He didn’t rush or panic. That would lead to mistakes. She was panicking enough for the two of them. She managed to pull up her T-shirt, which was bunched around her stomach, and her sweatpants. She grabbed the rope and, opening her window, flung it out.

“Gigi! What’s going on?”

“Nothing’s going on.” She glared at him as he stood there. He smiled, strode over to her and kissed her. Hard. Hot.

Then he leaned to her ear and whispered, “I’ll be back.”

Then he climbed over the edge and climbed down the rope. He watched for a few moments from the shadows as she frantically pulled up the rope and closed the window. He knew she’d used the opportunity to get rid of him.

But not for long. She was going to be his. And his brothers’. There was no doubt.

10

Joe Bjorn paced up and down his office. Garret lay sprawled on the sofa. Sawyer was staring down at his tablet, no doubt using it to keep an eye on the security camera fed. He hadn’t been impressed when Joe summoned him into this meeting.

“Will the two of you pay attention to me,” he snapped. He felt on edge. The bear was close to the surface. It wouldn’t take much to send him over the edge.

Control. Control.

He moved behind his desk, rearranged the notebook and pens he had resting on the top, and felt himself calm down slightly.

“Sawyer, put the tablet down. We’re not about to be invaded. Garret, get your feet off the sofa.”

Sawyer grunted, setting the tablet down on his lap but not turning it off. While Garret rolled his eyes and sat up.

“What’s with the stick up your ass?” Garret asked.

He ground his teeth together. “You know what.”

Garret nodded solemnly. “You need to get laid. I’ve been telling you that for years.”

“I do not need to get laid.” He spat the words out through clenched teeth. “What I need is our mate.”

“Ah, isn’t that just what I said?” Garret looked over at their other brother in confusion.

“Joe doesn’t think his need for his mate should be sullied with his lust.”

“Sullied?” Garret raised his eyebrows. “You think lusting after your mate is wrong?”

“She’s our mate,” he said stiffly. “Not some woman you picked up at a bar.”

Garret jumped to his feet. “I fucking know that! What the hell are you accusing me of?”

Sawyer leaned back and watched them.