#m!sam

I pad into the kitchen, desperate for a cup of coffee to kick start my clouded mind. I pause for a moment when I see Ana, barefoot in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for the boys. God, I could get used to this view. I think she senses my presence, because she looks up and flashes me her beautiful smile.

“Morning, Ana. Something steamy to start your day?” I ask as I grab the coffee pot and two mugs.

“You read my mind.” She responds with a smile.

I mix her a cup, a little sugar, a little cream. Just how you like it. I hand it to her, our fingers brushing for a moment before she takes it out of my hand. She takes a sip and her lips curve into a small smile.

“So, you are the kids are hitting Coney Island this afternoon?” I lean back on the counter, bringing my coffee to my lips with a grin.

“All the rides and games we can handle. Sure you can’t come?” She glances over her shoulder at me as she mixes the ingredients for breakfast. Waffles I assume, god she does love my boys.

“Tempting, but-“ I hear the elevator ding. The only person who would show up here this early is Sofia. Why didn’t she text me that she was coming over? I drop my shoulders and fight the urge to sigh, I just do not have the energy for this right now.

“Darling!” Sofia walks into the kitchen, setting a grocery bag on the counter and walking up to me, throwing her arms around my shoulders, what the fuck?

“Oh! Sofia, what are you-“

“Saying good morning to my boo-bear, duh!” She chimes, as she tries to pull me in again but I step back with a smile. My eyes flick over to Ana who is watching us with a frown.

“We have company.” I turn my attention back to Sofia and her eyes narrow at me.

“It’s just Ana.” She bristles.

“Yeah… I’ve lost my appetite anyway.” Ana moves to set her coffee cup down on the counter. Damn it Sofia.

“Ana, you don’t have to leave. This is your home too, and Sofia needs to remember that.” Boy I am going to be eating those words later… but Sofia just rolls her eyes at me.

“Whatever. I’m here to see Ana anyway.” Her lips turn up in a devilish grin as she turns her attention to Ana. “Grab me a cup of coffee, and let’s chat.”

I clench my jaw, and take a deep breath as I watch Ana’s face turn to annoyance.

“Sofia, we talked about this. It’s not appropriate to ask Ana to fetch you things.” I see Sofia’s shoulders stiffen at my words, but she turns to the coffee maker and pours herself a coffee. I watch as she purses her lips, clearly biting her tongue.

The boys come running into the room, perfect timing.

“Morning. What’s for breakfast?” Mason asks pushing his glasses up on his nose as he takes a seat at the bar.

“Oooo, waffles! Score!” Mickey smiles as he takes a seat next to his brother.

“I thought you boys could use a little treat for breakfast.” Ana grabs the plate piled high with waffles, a loving smile on her face. I watch her face turn to frustration as Sofia grabs the plate out of her hand.

“Hey!” Ana exclaims.

“Sofia, surely that’s not necessary-“ I try to diffuse the growing tension, but Sofia interrupts.

“This kind of unhealthy eating is exactly what I wanted to talk to you about, Ana.” Sofia says with a smile. Oh great, we don’t all want to eat your cardboard Sof.

“But waffles…” Mason looks at his brother, their excitement turning to anguish.

“Don’t worry, Mickey. I grabbed some fresh spinach and mushrooms to put in an egg white omelette for you and your brother.” Sofia removes the contents of her grocery bag onto the counter.

“I’m Mason.” I cringe at his tone but Sofia appears completely unaffected.

“That’s what I said.” She responds without even looking up.

You are making this so difficult Sofia… why can’t you just get it right? Her matter of fact tone sends a clear message, she doesn’t care. I try to catch her eye but instead she walks over to the trash can and dumps the fresh waffles right into the garbage. I pinch the bridge of my nose.

“Sofia!” Goddamn it.

“Nooooo!” Mickey calls out.

“Sofia! That’s so wasteful! You just threw out perfectly good food!” Red hot color is spreading up Ana’s neck, her fists balled up at her sides.

“We can afford it.” Sofia sets the dish into the sink and gives Ana a smirk.

“Food waste is about more than just money, you know.” I can see Ana’s knuckles turning white as the resentment in her tone grows.

“Sam, back me up here.” Sofia finally turns her attention to me with a challenging look. Oh fuck.

I look back and forth between Ana and Sofia. Shit shit shit, ok, diplomatic answer time Dalton.

“While I don’t agree with her methods… maybe Sofia has a point?” I think that was good?

“Really? Not you too…” Mason trails off. Not now Mason.

“Sam, I know you gotta defend your fiancee, but seriously?” Ana turns her blazing emerald eyes on me.

“We should try to eat a little healthier… as a family.” I give her a pleading look.

“See?” Sofia chimes with victory.

“But Sofia, you owe Ana an apology for throwing her breakfast out. That kind of behavior is not acceptable.” I turn my attention back to Sofia. She narrows her eyes at me and I can see her bite the inside of her cheek.

I clench my jaw, don’t back down Dalton.

Sofia slowly turns to face Ana and utters a quiet apology. God even Mickey could apologize better than that. I shake my head and turn my attention back to my coffee, which has grown cold. I set the mug on the counter.

“Can we still get cotton candy at Coney Island this afternoon, Dad?” Mason has disappointment written all over his face when I look up at him.

“Coney Island? That rat-infested germ factory? Absolutely not! Boys your age need to be educated, not entertained. There are plenty of museums you could go to instead.” Sofia places her hands on her hips and looks back and forth between Mason and Mickey.

I manage to stifle my aggravated laugh. Goddamn it Sofia.

“But Dad! You said we could go ages ago!” Mickey’s eyes widen as he looks between Sofia and I.

“Boys… Sofia is a part of this family now, and we have to respect the adjustments that might require.” I say imploringly. “Besides, a museum doesn’t have to be boring. You two loved it when Ana took you to the planetarium, right?”

“That was totally different.” Mickey looks down at his empty plate.

“Yeah, no one promised we could go to Coney Island first.”

I bite my lip in frustration with a shake of my head. It's going to be a long day.

***

“Isn’t your father back in town now?” Sofia asks breaking me from my thoughts.

I bite the inside of my cheek and take a deep breath. Why did I agree to ride with her again?

“Yes.” I answer without breaking my focus on the people walking down 5th Avenue.

“Sam, darling, you better not be upset about this morning.” She purrs as she places her hand on my thigh.

I turn my attention back to her.

“Sofia, I really would rather not talk about it. I have other things on my mind.” I turn my gaze back to the window. Like Robin, my father, and our meeting this morning. I pull my leg out from under her hand right as the town car pulls to a stop outside of Dalton Enterprises. Perfect timing.

“Well alright, bye boo-bear!” She leans in and presses a soft kiss to my cheek.

“Bye, Sof.” I exit the town car before her driver can open the door, stepping out into the humid morning.

***

I tap my pen against my desk, my mind racing. I glance down at my watch. Are they both actually late? I haven’t seen Robin since my engagement party, fuck, I hope he doesn’t bring up Ana in front of my father.

I hear my office door open and look up to see Robin, his usual cocky smirk plastered across his annoying face. I narrow my eyes at him and it makes him smile even bigger.

“Mornin’ Sammy. How is my favorite nanny?” He sits down in the leather chair across from my desk.

“Rob, I swear to god, leave her alone.” I clench my jaw and ball my hand into a fist on my leg.

He laughs and puts his hands up in defense.

“Sam, really dude? What is going on between you two anyways? Clearly she is into you, you know that right?”

I don’t entertain his question with an answer, instead I look down at the quarterly numbers.

“Sam. What the fuck? You do know. Dude, what are you doing? You are going to be the one to hurt her. I should be telling you to leave her alone.”

“You have no idea what you are talking about.” My eyes fly up to his.

My office door opens again, and I look over Robin's shoulder to see my father enter the room. I turn my gaze back to Robin and shake my head. He gives me a scoff and looks up at the ceiling.

“My boys, it feels good to be back in the city.” My dad takes a seat in the chair next to Robin, looking between the two of us. “What? Did I interrupt something?”

“Did you know Sam got a new nanny for the boys?” Robin places his hands on his knees and leans back in the leather chair. “She is pretty great, isn’t she Sam?”

My whole body stiffens at his words. I clench my jaw and bite the inside of my cheek. Fuck I want to punch that look off of your play boy face, you ass hole. My dad shifts his attention to me.

“Thats great Sam. We want to meet her, I will have your mother call you later to arrange that. Let’s get down to business, shall we?”

***

When I get home that evening, I find Sofia in the kitchen. I walk up and place a soft kiss on her cheek.

“Are the boys home yet?” I set my stuff down on the bar.

“Nope, just you and me. By the way, this house was full of junk food. I took care of it though.” She makes a point to brush her hands as if she was cleaning up a mess. She walks up to me and wraps her arms around my waist pressing her hips into mine. I look down at her brown eyes.

“Soon this will be our home together Sam, I just want everyone to be on the same page.” Sofia bats her eyelashes at me.

“I get it, let’s just take it one day at a time okay? These boys are dealing with a lot of major changes, we need to be a little forgiving.” I lean down and kiss the top of her head. I pull away from her embrace and grab the New York Times off of the counter. “I am going to go read this.”

I take a seat on the couch, my eyes settling on the darkness that is settling over Central Park. I am lost in the transformation that happens between the day and night in this city. I have lived here for damn near my entire life, but I still can appreciate this view. I hear the elevator ding, and then the sound of footsteps echoing through the penthouse. I look up and my eyes land on Ana.

“You’re back. How was your day-“

“We went to Coney Island, and it was the best day of my life!” Mickey interrupts with the biggest smile on his face.

“Don’t tell Aunt Sofia. Okay, Dad?” Mason walks up next to his brother with a matching smile.

“Excuse me?” Sofia walks in behind them, her mouth twisted in anger.

“Uh, boys… why don’t you go start your bath?” I look between the twins and flick my eyes towards their bathroom.

“Dad, are we in trouble?” Mason asks his eyes growing wide.

“Not at all. I’ll come help you in a few minutes.” I give them both a reassuring smile and they turn and run out of the room, avoiding Sofia’s glare.

“You took them to Coney Island? After I explicitly told you not to?” I see Sofia turn her sights on Ana, her scowl deepening.

“Sofia they still had an educational day.” Ana doesn’t back down and color rises on her cheeks. “I taught them about physics and-“

“That’s not the point!” Sofia interjects.

“It seemed like the point this morning…” Ana takes a step towards Sofia, her hands balled into fists at her side.

“Calm down, Sofia.” Shit that usually has the opposite effect. “It sounds like the boys had a good day, plus they got to let off some steam after all these new changes.” I look at Sofia imploringly.

“Are you seriously siding with her?” Sofia wheels on me, narrowing her eyes.

“It’s not about sides. It’s about what’s best for Mason and Mickey.” I say calmly, trying not to get defensive. “And while art galleries certainly have their place in a well-rounded educational experience, I approve of Ana’s decision to take them to Coney Island today.” And I am their father. I hold my breath, gauging her reaction to my words. She stares at me for a moment, I assume because she thinks I am going to back down. I rise to her challenge and straighten my shoulders.

“Fine. I can tell when I’m not wanted.” She narrows her eyes at me one last time before turning on her heal and walking out of the room to call the elevator. Fuck, I am going to be answering for this later.

I take a deep breath as I watch her leave the penthouse, pinching the bridge of my nose and shaking my head. I turn my attention back to Ana, her emerald eyes trained on me.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go after her?” The corners of her lips turn up in a small smile.

“It’ll be better for everyone if I give her some space before we try to talk.” I bite my cheek to keep myself from matching her smile. “She’s gotta learn this relationship is going to have its compromises at some point.”

I cross over into the kitchen, inhaling the sweet scent of Ana as I graze by her. I fight the urge to wrap my arm around her waist and pull her delicious body to my chest. Instead, I open a bottle of merlot and pour us each a glass.

“So, Coney Island, huh?” Our fingers graze as she takes the wine glass from my hand, igniting that all too familiar spark. I lean against the counter and take a sip of the smooth wine.

“Yup.” Her eyes dancing with humor.

“You could at least pretend you feel bad about starting a fight.” I watch as her cheeks turn a rosy pink and she looks away with a smile.

“I could, but we both know you’d see right through me.” Her emerald eyes rise back to mine.

“True.” I admit, taking a deep breath. “Honestly, I’m glad you went. Sofia can be unreasonable, and she doesn’t get the boys… not like you. You make learning fun for them, and you let them be kids. I appreciate that.”

I finally notice the prize she has tucked under her arm.

“I guess the twins aren’t the only ones you let still be a kid.”

“Oh, this old thing?” She pulls the stuffed penguin from under her arm with a smile. “I got this for you.” She take a step towards me and boops me on the nose with it. Eva used to do that… it makes me laugh out loud as I look at it in my hands.

“I’ll think of you every time I see it.” I look back up at her eyes which have grown dark. I feel her gaze in my core. Goddamn it woman.”Seriously, Ana. Thank you.”

“Sam, I wish you could’ve been there. You were the only thing missing from an otherwise perfect day.” She studies my face for a moment before looking back down at the penguin in my hands..

“It would’ve been nice to enjoy the day with the twins… and you.” Like a real family. “Next time. I’lll fake sick. Promise.”

“I’m gonna hold you to that.” Her eyes lock back on me.

I can’t help but stare into her eyes, and I hear her breath catch. The electricity arcing between us. Before I realize it, our bodies are only inches apart.

“Sam…” Ana whispers, her lips parting in anticipation. What are you doing Dalton? Robin’s words echo in my head. You are going to hurt this beautiful woman and its going to be all your fault.

“Dad, how full are we allowed to make our bath?” Mickey calls from the bathroom. A blessing in this moment before I do something else I am not supposed to…

The moment between us broken, Ana’s laugh echos in the room.

“You should probably go.”

I nod, searching her face. I wish I could tell her that we can’t do this… but the words die on my lips. I leave to finish the routine with the boys, her infectious laugh bringing a smile to my lips.

***

I glance at my bedside clock and groan. God, I am so hungry. I get out of bed and pull on my jeans and a plaid button down. I need to find something else to eat.

I pad out into the dark penthouse, flipping the lights on in the kitchen. I take a deep breath before digging into every cupboard, she had to have missed something, right? Nope. She got it all. I sigh before opening the fridge.

“Sam? What are you doing?” I jump slightly at the sound of Ana’s voice before shutting the door and focusing my attention on her.

“Same as you, I’m guessing. Searching for sustenance. Fair warning, it’s every man for himself out here.” I say with a mocking smile.

“Are you threatening to eat me?” She says her eyes growing wide.

I take a moment to appreciate her pajamas, the way her yoga pants hug her curves and the thin sheer fabric of her t shirt exposing her hard nipples.

“I wasn’t thinking about that, but now that you’ve mentioned it…” I see her blush at my words and she gulps, which makes my cock twitch. I know you taste sweet beautiful girl, but I need more tonight. “Seriously, though, you don’t have nearly enough gluten to satisfy me right now.”

I turn my attention back to the kitchen, closing all the cupboards with a sigh.

“Giving up?” Ana leans her hip on the counter.

“Going out. I’m thinking of sneaking off for a burger and fries… maybe a slice of pie… definitely a milk shake.” I look back to her.

“You’ll have to burn any leftovers.” She says with a smile.

“Oh, there won’t be any leftovers. Would you like to come with? The boys are asleep, and I’m sure Carter can hold down the fort while we’re gone. I think we both could use a little something sweet to tide us over…” Plus I wouldn’t mind spending an evening out with you…

She bites her lip and gives me a small nod.

“Let me go change first.” She turns quickly on her heels and leaves the room.

I type out a quick text to Carter and meet Ana in the foyer. We take the quick ride down to the street which is still bustling with people.

“Dare I ask where you’re taking me?” She smiles as I place my hand on the small of her back leading her down the street.

“You can ask… but I won’t tell. It’s a surprise.” I glance sideways at her with a smile.

“I’m not so sure I like surprises.” She says in a defeated tone. If only all surprises were as good as you.

“Really? I’ve recently come to like them.” I wrap my fingers around her waist as we dodge oncoming pedestrians.

“You mean like when Sofia surprised you on your birthday?” She looks up at me.

“God no, I was thinking more about when you suddenly appeared in my life…” I look down at her to see her lips spread wide in a smile. There’s that beautiful smile. “Ah, here we are.” I stop in front of Clements and open the door, ushering Ana inside.

“Ohmygod, is this heaven?” I watch Ana’s eyes flutter closed as she inhales the smells.

Close beautiful, especially being here with you.

The waitress gives us the go ahead to sit wherever we would like and I follow Ana to a corner booth in the back. I slide into the booth and Ana slides in right next to me, settling so our bodies are touching. I hear her sigh and I look down at her, a content look on her face as her eyes wander around the small diner.

“Comfy?” I ask her quietly.

“Very. I could stay like this forever.” She looks back over at me, her emerald eyes shining. Oh beautiful there are a lot of other ways I would rather spend forever with you, like on top of you, or under you.

“Really? There are a few other positions I’d prefer… although all of them do involve having you in my arms.” I remark, a familiar surge of desire shooting through me. ‘

Her eyes darken in response and I see her clench her thighs together, you have the same effect on me.

“What can I get started for you?” The waitress brings me out of my fantasy.

“What are the specials today?” I ask turning my attention to her.

“We’ve got the Sweetheart Special right now. Perfect for a couple like you two, if you’re interested…”

“Us? A couple? You caught us!” Ana says quickly before I have a chance to respond. I look at her out of the corner of my eye and I see her lovely smile. She reaches for my hand and we intertwine our fingers together. “We’re newlyweds, actually.”

I will play this game with you.

“Yeah, I can’t imagine my life without her.” I pull our locked hands onto my lap and flash her a loving smile, your hand feels perfect in mine.

“Makes sense! You have that glow about you.” The waitress looks between us writing something down on her pad. “Consider the Sweetheart Special on the house.”

I order the rest of our meal, and as the waitress leaves, an uncomfortable silence descends on our table. I can feel the nervous energy pouring off of Ana as she avoids my gaze.

“You doing okay over there?” I look over at her, our hands still intertwined on my lap, her gaze focused on the table.

“Totally! I was just thinking about how I’ve never been here before. It’s nice. I cook all he time, but it always tastes better when someone else does it for you. Especially if your cooking is terrible. Which maybe mine is. Ohmygod, I never asked you guys, I just assumed-“ Ana’s cheeks have turned rosy as she answers my question. She’s nervous Dalton, why?

“Whoa, whoa, slow down.” I give her hand a squeeze and I watch her take a deep breath. “It’s just me, Ana. You don’t have to be nervous.”

“Sam, I can’t help it. You’re you, and I’m me!”

“Exactly. We’ve had tons of conversations, just the two of us. Nothing’s changed.” Except everything is different right now, I know…

“This is… well, it’s different. It’s not the same as all the other times we’ve talked before.” Her eyes have grown wide as she finally looks up into mine.

“‘Cause we’re at a diner?” I ask casually.

“‘Cause we’re basically on a date.” She puts emphasis on her last word and her face drops as she looks back at the table. “And you’re still engaged to Sofia.”

She pulls her hand away from mine and places them in her lap. I watch her wring her fingers together for a moment. God, I definitely didn’t mean to make you upset… comfort her asshole. I take a breath and bring my arm around her shoulders, she immediately leans into my touch with a soft sigh. You fit so perfect…

“I’m sorry, Ana. I was being insensitive to your feelings. I didn’t invite you out here to make you feel bad. I just wanted to treat you to a piece of pie, promise.” And I wanted to spend time with you… alone… like a ‘normal’ couple.

“I know, it’s just… it’s all so confusing.” She responds quietly.

I know she was about to say more when the waitress returns to the table, setting down a large strawberry milkshake and two straws. When she leaves my eyes return to Ana’s face, hoping she will elaborate.

“Sam, let’s just enjoy the night. Starting with this milkshake.” She leans away from me, grabbing a straw and taking a sip.

“Are you sure?” I narrow my eyes at her slightly, not convinced she is alright.

“Positive. Dibs on the cherry.” She says with a laugh as she pops the cherry in between her pink lips. God I can think of something else I want to put between those pretty pink lips. The thought makes my cock twitch. The waitress returns with the rest of our meal and I watch the smile spread on Ana’s face. So beautiful…

“I was right, this is heaven.” She surveys the burger and fries.

“Wait ’til you try the pie.”

We eat in a comfortable silence, the nervous energy from earlier suddenly gone.

“Wow, you really don’t know how much you miss sugar until it’s completely eradicated from your diet.” Ana sits back with a sigh.

“In the future, we’ll just have to satisfy our sugar craving in other ways…”

“Oh? Got something particular in mind?” She looks up at me, her emerald eyes darkening.

Oh you know what I mean, beautiful. The waitress shows up with the pie, removing our empty plates and setting it down between Ana and I with a smile. Ana’s eyes never leave mine.

“You’re not getting out of answering that easily.” Her voice laced with desire.

“You already know exactly what I’m thinking, Ana.” I clench my jaw and lower my eyebrows. I watch her breath catch and a blush creep up her neck at the intensity of my gaze. I turn my attention to the cherry pie. I can see Ana’s eyes still trained on me as I take a bite of the pie.

“I want…” Her voice trails off.

“What do you want, Ana? Tell me, and it’s yours.” I look into her eyes.

“I want you to feed me.” She says breathlessly.

“Consider your wish granted.” I take another piece of pie and lift it up to her lips. She opens her mouth and a surge of desire shoots through me.

“Ohmygod…” She moans her eyes fluttering shut. Fuck you are making me hard, and you have the smallest bit of cream on your lip.

“You’ve got a little something on your lip.” I lean towards her, inhaling her scent, and reach my thumb up to wipe the cream from her lip. Before I have a chance to move away her tongue darts out of her mouth and licks my thumb. Fuck. I moan her name as I reach out and place my hand on her cheek. Her eyes flutter shut again, her long eyelashes fanning across her delicate skin. I can imagine you taste so sweet right now… cherries and Ana…

Suddenly my phone buzzes on the table. Ana’s eyes fly open and she leans back in the booth. I grab my phone to silence the incessant noise with a loud sigh.

I clear my throat when I see its my mother calling.

“Hello?”

“Hello Sam darling, your father told me that you have a new nanny for the boys.”

“Oh… yes. I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

“Robin told your father that she is quite the young lady and great with the boys.”

“Yeah, she’s great.” My eyes flick to Ana as she stares at me quietly.

“We want to meet her, and of course I want to see my grand children. Why don’t you guys come to the club next week?”

“You want to… Next week? A-alright, Mom. See you then.” Shit… goddamn it Robin.

“Ciao, Sam and say hi to the boys for me.”

I hang up the phone with a sigh. My eyes meet Ana’s.

“What was all that?” She eyes me curiously finishing another bite of pie.

“My parents. They want to meet you.”

Robin waves his white flag first. He turns to Brynn, his eyes softening. "You okay if I leave you two to talk? Or do you want me to kick his ass before I go?"

The sharp sound of joints crushing ricochets in cascading echoes across the rooftop. Robin tumbles to a knee as he guards his aching cheek. Sam paces back and forth like a wild beast in a cage with a jealous fury in his eyes. He's holding his arm, rotating his wrist while clenching his fingers slowly into a fist.

Robin bounds to his feet. "Are you fucking kidding me, Sam?" His gaze dives deeply into his brother. He feverishly rips off his burgundy sports coat, then hurriedly tugs off his gray tie.

Brynn steps in front of him. "What are you doing?" He rolls up his sleeves, her question falling on deaf ears. "Have you gone mad? Stop this!"

"You want to 'kick my ass before you go'?" Sam slides off his blue suit jacket, tugging off his floral necktie. He casual saunters closer to Robin, crouching into a ready stance. "Come at me, bro."

Brynn's jaw drops. "You can't be serious?" Robin pushes past her as the men begin to dance like boxers in a ring. Their strong hands guard their faces, preparing to lash out in a venomous rage like a snake.

"You guys!" shrieks Brynn. "Stop this. Now!" Despite her desperate screams, the men continue pacing. Sam flinches first to psych Robin; Robin bobs his head back and forth to confuse Sam. They are focused, and worst, they are drunk on rage.

"Sam, this is your fucking engagement party! What the hell is wrong with you?" Brynn trembles nervously. She takes a couple of steps towards the door to retrieve help, but feared that it would create a scene. She considers being dramatic like in the movies, throwing herself between them, but even that wouldn't break their trance.

She clears her throat. "Sam, Robin, can't we just grab a drink, and settle this argument like gentlemen?"

"Brynn, this is how gentlemen solve arguments," barks Robin.

”Sure, alcohol solves most problems, but in this particular case, I don’t think it will help,” tags on Sam.

Finally, Robin finds his gumption; he let's out a primordial battle cry as he charges at Sam, tackling him to the ground. He pins Sam down as he lays in two sturdy punches before Sam's strong legs knock Robin over, pinning him down, relinquishing some powerful slugs. And so the tumble continues; Brynn watches them ruin their suits, their faces and their dignity, finally covering her eyes as she shakes her head.

The roof door creaks open, stealing Brynn's attention away from the scuffle. A drunk Sofia stumbles onto the terrace. "Oh, good, you’re here." She lurches in her gold Jimmy Choo's over to Brynn searching for a cigarette as she balances two champagne glasses. "I've been looking all over for you."

"Me?" Brynn is shocked, and slightly worried. She and Sofia already had an unfortunate meeting in the bathroom; what more could she possibly have to say?

Sofia drunkenly slumps onto a bench, struggling to light her smoke. "Brynn--" she whines, "Could you be a dear…?" Brynn cautiously takes the lighter from her hands, her fingers being carefully grazed by Sofia's French-tipped fingers. Sofia leans back, uncrossing her legs slowly, only to cross them again a la Sharon Stone.

She glares at the men as they continue to scuffle, grunting and punching each other. "Oh for fuck's sake, is it always a dick measuring contest with you two?" She places her hand close to her mouth as if to share a secret, "And let me tell you: compared to Mr. Dalton, their dad? There is no comparison."

Brynn can't hide her look of disgust. "You mean--"

"Oh, don't be so shocked. That's business, honey." She takes a swig of her champagne. "Now those two: Sam usually finishes in about forty-three seconds. The clown? All talk. He's an easy fuck, but you do most of the leg work."

Brynn crunches her eyes closed. This has to be some twisted nightmare. Why can't everything just go back to normal? She wishes she could rewind time, even for just a simple, measly twenty minutes: before Robin came to the roof, before Sam found her alone with Robin, before the fighting, before an inebriated Sofia shared her secret weapon to business.

"Darling, are you having a good time?" Brynn pops her eyes open to Sofia brushing the back of her hand against Brynn's soft cheek. "You really do have gorgeous skin." Her vibrant eyes pierce into Brynn's stormy blues as she casually licks her lips before subtly biting them.

As she focuses on Sofia's perfectly injected lips, Brynn reflects on Robin's words from early. Alcohol wasn't about to solve her problem, but, it would help her have a good time.

Brynn grabs the flute of champagne, taking in the bubbly liquid in one gulp before returning to Sofia's golden eyes.

"Mmmm," Sofia teases as she brushes her thumb across Brynn's supple lips. "Thirsty girl."

Brynn combs her fingers through Sofia's golden locks as her mouth plunges into hers. Sofia stumbles backwards onto the bench, hungrily pulling Brynn onto her lap. She searches Brynn's body, finally resting on her voluptuous assets. Brynn rocks her hips against Sofia, as her lips wander down her neck.

Haunting silence makes Brynn pause; was the brawl over?

And there they were: the millionaire brothers with lust in their eyes stood there with blood-stained shirts and knuckles. Robin's right eye bears a nasty shiner while Sam's lips swell before her eyes. Their clothes are ruined, but their arousals were still intact.

Sam clears his throat. "Brynn, what are you doing?"

A goofy grin crawls across Brynn's face, chuckling to herself. That's business, honey...