The Burning Roses (Thornes & Roses 0.5)

“Sounds like a plan,” Finn agrees, “I’m up for it. I don’t mind watching some real live porn.” This time, it’s my brother’s eyebrows that waggle.

“Figured you’d be up for it,” I throw at Finn, who shows me the finger. “Perhaps we should have a little party this weekend,” I suggest, looking at Finn, who’s grinning from ear to ear.

“You know me, brother,” he says, “I’m always up for some chaos.”

And just like that, I know we’re in for a month of debauchery. There is no doubt the rest of the guys will agree to this. And that means the girls in Thorne Haven better watch out—six hunters on the prowl, and for now, one lucky girl is about to get a rose.

2

Finn

Counting down to a party is never fun because I’m not patient in any way, shape, or form. As the youngest, our father has always ensured I’m watched like a hawk. What he doesn’t realize is that my brothers may be older, but they enjoy a good party as much as I do. Damien has been at school in New York, and even though it’s only a year that he’s been away, I’ve missed him.

We have always done everything together. Growing up, it was the three of us against the world, against our dad. But Damien is slowly turning into our old man, and once the time comes, he’ll be taking over Thorne Industries. I’m sure of it.

Me, on the other hand, I enjoy freedom. Pulling up to the college, I kill the engine and wait. The weekend will soon be here, and I can’t wait to see some pretty girls in skimpy outfits. I will most certainly be getting my dick wet, no fucking doubt.

Running my fingers through my hair, I sigh and push open the car door. Once outside, I inhale the fresh air laced with perfume from the girls leaving class. It doesn’t take me long to spot my latest conquest. I’ve never been a one-woman kind of guy, and that makes it so much sweeter when I find a girl who prefers no-strings fun.

The pretty blonde makes her way toward me, her hair shimmering like gold in the sunshine. Her wide eyes are pinned on me, one green and one blue. As she nears me, they narrow.

“What’s happening, Thorne?” she asks, punching me in the arm rather than acting like a girlfriend would. We’ve been this way for pretty much all our lives. I’ve known her since she was about ten and I was eleven. Since she turned eighteen a few months ago, our friendship took a turn. I had her waiting in my bed, spread, wet, all fucking mine, and nothing has changed.

“Party at ours this weekend,” I tell her as I hand her the coffee I brought. The girl is addicted to the stuff, caramel latte with extra whipped cream. I’d rather puke in my own mouth than drink that shit, but I certainly don’t mind tasting it from her lips.

“Will all the boys be there?” Even though her sister is one of our best friends, she’s never hung out with the guys as much, except for me, she’s always had a weakness for me. Gen has kept her sister away from the gang all this time, which in hindsight is probably best, but sooner or later, she’s going to find her way in.

“Yeah,” I tell her, waiting for her to ask about one of them, but she doesn’t. “I am sure your sister will be there.”

Eloise crinkles her nose at this. “Don’t remind me. She’s worse than a mother would be because she won't let me go to any parties that she's at. For some reason, she doesn’t mind me hanging out with you, but not them.” That may be true, but deep down, I’m sure Gen is just trying to keep Eloise safe from the likes of us. For some reason, Gen likes me, she thinks I’m the good brother. I can’t put my finger on why exactly that is.

“Don’t give her too much shit.” I wink at her, causing her cheeks to turn a soft pink. Gesturing with my head, I tell her, “Get in. I’ll drive you home.” Ellie settles in beside me, and I pull out of the parking lot. I can feel her gaze on me, but she says nothing. Her silence is deafening after a while, and I finally ask, “What?”

“Do you like my sister?” Her question has me frowning before casting her a quick glance, turning my attention back on the road. I don’t know how to answer her because, yeah, I’ve been with Gen a few times, and she’s cool, but I don’t know what she means.

“She’s a good friend,” I finally settle on an answer, hoping it will appease her as I drive through town. Once more, there’s a heavy silence between us as I pull up to her house moments later. This town is so small, at times, I wonder how we all survive not knowing everyone’s business. There are things I don’t know about many of the residents, and I pray to all that is holy they don’t know about the shit I’ve done.