Fic: Cross Every Line (18/?)
Author's note: Long time no post. I KNOW. The muse has been MIA; recently, she decided to come out to play. Here is the result. I hope you enjoy this update if you still care about this fic.
Summary: Following a bad break up, Emma Swan goes to a bar and meets a man named Jones.
Also posted: AO3
Chapter 18
Silence reigned in the car. Emma felt oddly numb; the last few hours felt like a nightmare that she was still waiting to wake up from. Absurdly, she felt the urge to pinch herself to make sure she really was awake. How had things gone so wrong so quickly?
She wasn’t alone in the car. However, the man sitting beside her wasn’t Brennan. It was Liam. Why? Because they’d just dropped Brennan off at the police station so he could post Killian’s bail as quickly as possible.
Arrested. Killian had gotten arrested for punching her scumbag ex in the face. They wouldn’t even let him go to the emergency room for his hand, which might be broken. What the actual hell?
Angry now, Emma shoved open the door and marched to the house. Liam called after her, hastily trying to follow her, but she paid him no heed. The front door slammed into the opposing wall as she entered the house; later she would be sorry about leaving a mark on the wall from the doorknob. She was too angry to even notice. Just who the hell did Neal think he was judging her choices? He gave up any say that he might have had in her life the moment he cheated on her.
God, how could she have ever considered being with such an utter and complete asshole?
She kicked off her shoes angrily and headed for the stairs. Suddenly, she felt dirty. Neal had barely laid a hand on her, but she needed any and all memory of him erased from her body. Once that was done, she could worry about how to fix the utter mess she’d made.
“Emma!” Liam called again. “Emma, wait!”
“Don’t, Liam,” she called over her shoulder. “Just don’t.” He’d no doubt tell her that none of this was her fault and that he still loved her and while all that was very sweet, she didn’t feel it. She would never forgive herself if Killian suffered any permanent damage to his hand. She could take any blowback to herself. She couldn’t stand seeing her men hurting. She wasn’t strong enough.
She strode past Killian’s room, then Liam’s. She made a beeline for the bathroom and slammed the door again. She heard Liam curse from the landing, but anything else he might have said was lost in the sound of the spray from the shower. She turned it up as hot as she could stand then stripped off her clothes. She couldn’t even stand to look in the mirror. It held too many memories. Too many images of her men touching her, whispering how sexy she was, how much they craved her.
Emma bit her lip; tears welling in her eyes. She blinked furiously. No, she would not cry. She’d done nothing wrong! She was a grown ass adult woman. She could sleep with whoever she wanted! She wasn’t a cheater. She was open and honest with her feelings. The Jones men chose to be with her. Everyone knew where they stood. Her relationship with the Jones men—despite its complications—felt like the most genuine of her life.
If that was true, then why did she feel like this?
She recalled the judgment in the eyes of the officers who questioned her. They insisted on doing the interrogations separately; Emma had no idea why until they got her alone. The nature and tone of their questions made it crystal clear that they agreed with what Neal called her.
Whore.
Suddenly, her knees buckled, and she nearly fell. She might have hit her head if not for the strong arms that looped around her, steadying her. “Easy, love,” Liam murmured. “I’ve got you.”
She was mostly naked, save her bra, but that didn’t stop her from curling into his embrace. The ugly feeling that settled in her stomach during her interrogation was back and she hated it. She inhaled Liam’s scent—sandalwood and spice—but it only made her heart hurt. She loved him so much; what if he rejected her? What if Killian did? Or Brennan? How did they recover from this?
Liam could practically hear the negative thoughts swirling in his lover’s head. He knew Emma well enough to know she would blame herself. “Emma, sweetheart…” But that seemed to be the wrong thing to say. She burst into tears, holding on to his shirt in a death grip. “Oh my love,” he whispered, gently kissing the top of her head. It broke his heart to see her like this. His fingers twitched; he longed to wrap them around the throat of that wanker. Frankly, he was only sorry Killian had gotten to him first. Liam was prepared to do a hell of a lot worse to someone who spoke badly of Emma. She was one of the best people he’d ever met; she had such a big heart, despite being so badly hurt in the past.
“Shh,” he said, stroking her hair. “I’m right here.”
Emma sniffed and almost instantly recoiled. God, she’d gotten tears and snot all over his shirt! She tried to back away but Liam was having none of it. He gently pulled her back against his chest with a knowing huff. “Sorry,” she whispered.
“Don’t you dare apologize, love,” Liam chided. “You’ve done nothing wrong.”
“I know,” she sighed, defeated. “Logically, I know that. But it doesn’t feel that way.”
He silently cursed the shit stain that made her feel this way. “Do you want to talk about it?” He had no idea what had possessed her to retreat to the bathroom to begin with, but he would give her whatever she needed to feel better.
Emma shook her head. “I need to wash it off,” she said, not quite looking him in the eye. “I can’t explain it…”
He cradled her cheek, coaxing her to look into his eyes. The torment he saw in hers broke his heart all over again. “Anything you need.”
The steam from the shower was starting to fog up the mirror; Emma stepped out of Liam’s arms and reached behind her to unhook her bra. Away from him, she refused to look him in the eye; his fist clenched. Somehow, he would make that wretch of a human pay for stealing Emma’s fire, even for a moment. She stepped into the shower and stood under the hot spray. She stood there for a long time, longer than was probably wise. Cursing again, Liam hastily yanked off his own clothes and pulled back the door, slipping into the shower. The water was hotter than he expected, but he hid his wince to rest his hands on Emma’s shoulders. She nodded hard, allowing him to pull her back against his chest. He made no move to touch her intimately; he knew she didn’t need that right now.
“Let’s get you clean, okay?”
Just days ago, she stood in this same shower with Killian; on that occasion, his touch was arousing and intense. This time, Emma felt foul; Liam’s gentle touch helped cleanse not only her body, but her soul. He didn’t stop until every inch of her was covered in soap; she sighed as he took the showerhead down to rinse the suds away. Then he insisted on washing her hair, massaging her favorite shampoo into her scalp. The tension and worry in her body gradually faded under his careful ministrations. By the time he rinsed the shampoo out, the water was tepid at best, but she felt much better.
“Go on, sweetheart,” Liam murmured, brushing a kiss to her wet shoulder. “I’ll be right behind you, okay?”
“Don’t be long, okay?”
“I won’t.”
Emma stepped out and wrapped herself in a towel. She got another for her hair, then she padded to the master bedroom for some clothes. She opted for a comfy sweatshirt that hung to mid thigh; she had no idea when Killian and Brennan would be home. Brennan promised her he wouldn’t come home without Killian. She believed him.
Unsure what to do with herself, she wandered into Killian’s room and sat cross legged on his bed. She picked up his pillow, bringing it to her nose and inhaling deeply. It still smelled of him. She would never forget the blazing look of fury in his eyes as his fist connected with Neal’s smug face. He was truly indignant on her behalf. But they’d warned her, hadn’t they? Women always came out worse in situations like this. Society loved slut shaming women. She knew that. It was grossly unfair and horrid, but that didn’t make it less true.
But Emma didn’t care about that. She didn’t care how this impacted her. She went into this relationship with her eyes open. She knew all too well just how cruel the world could be. She would do anything in her power to make sure they were alright. All that mattered were the men she loved.
Liam was mildly disappointed when he found his room empty. Where was Emma? He yanked on some jeans and an old t-shirt before padding barefoot down the hall. He found her in his brother’s room, clutching a pillow for dear life. “Emma?”
She jumped. “Oh, sorry. I was just…”
“Worrying?”
She flushed. “A little bit.”
“Do you feel better?”
She nodded. “A little. Thank you.” Liam’s crystal blue eyes held no judgment; all she could see was his love for her shining through.
“May I?” he asked, gesturing toward the bed. He didn’t want to leave her alone until the others returned home, but there was a chance Emma wanted to be alone. To his relief, she nodded and patted the space beside her on the bed. The mattress creaked a little as he sat; Emma leaned her head on his shoulder. “Do you think he’s alright?”
Liam didn’t need her to elaborate. “In time, I’m certain he’ll be fine. If I were in his place, I would simply be anxious to get back to you.”
Emma bit her lip. “What if he did permanent damage? That’s my fault.”
“How is that your fault? You didn’t make that sorry excuse for a human say those things, lass.”
Emma fidgeted with the edge of the pillowcase. “Maybe not,” she conceded. “But if I’d never met any of you, or if I could just…choose…”
“Emma, please don’t finish that sentence. I don’t think I could bear it. And before you argue with me, I know the others would tell you the same.”
Emma sighed. “I feel so foolish. After Halloween, after the way tonight started…I wondered if your concerns about us being out in public were overblown. No one really paid any attention to us…”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Liam teased. “You drew quite a few envious stares, love.”
She huffed. “This isn’t funny, Liam,” she snapped.
She started to pull away, but he gently caught her shoulder and coaxed her to look at him. She looked miserable; she was clearly being far too hard on herself. Liam nodded his head toward the space in front of him; Emma moved to sit across from him, her legs tucked under her. He took each of her hands in his larger ones, stroking the backs with his thumbs. “I wasn’t trying to be funny, love. You are a beautiful woman. It’s no shock that people were staring at you.”
She didn’t seem convinced. “At first, I tried to see if anyone noticed us, you know? Dancing with you, us kissing in the booth, me and Brennan…I guess I got complacent.”
“Emma, this happened because of one person. Neal. He said something unforgivable to you and as far as I’m concerned, he got far less than he deserved.”
“I don’t need any of you to fight my battles for me.”
“And what if the tables had been turned, love?” Liam asked, trying to keep a lid on his frustration. Emma’s independence was one of the things he loved about her, but it could be frustrating too. “What if that had been one of my exes? Or one of Killian’s old flames? What would you have done?”
Emma recalled those girls lusting after Killian in the bathroom during her road trip with the band. “That’s different,” she mumbled.
“Oh? How so?”
Emma sighed in defeat. “Honestly, I’d probably want to scratch their eyes out.”
Liam’s lip quirked in a knowing grin. “Good to know.”
“It’s not funny, Liam!”
He squeezed her hands. “That’s how we feel about you,” he replied. “You’ve never seemed to mind our possessive streak before.”
Emma flushed. “Liam…”
“I know. But the fact remains that you have done nothing wrong. You are not that vile thing he accused you of being. We’ve talked about this many times, the three of us. We’re not naïve, love. We know some will judge us, you especially. But you are worth it, Emma. You’re worth everything.”
“I don’t feel like it. If Killian can’t play guitar again…”
“That’s jumping to a wild conclusion. Even if the hand is broken, it will heal. Besides, my brother is too stubborn to let that stop him when he’s put his mind to something.”
Emma smiled despite how shitty she still felt. Yes, Killian was one of the stubbornest people she’d ever met. It was probably one of the reasons they fell in love. He was just too stubborn to let her go. And Emma was certainly too stubborn to let this evening ruin what she had with the Jones men. They would just have to deal with the fallout together.
Seeing her smile again warmed his heart. “It’s late, we’re both exhausted. We’ll know the moment they get home.”
“Okay.” She thought Liam might want to take her to his room, but instead, they curled up under the covers in Killian’s bed. Liam seemed to understand that until Killian returned, she needed to feel close to him. She appreciated that so much. Liam held her close, spooning her from behind. It took a while for her swirling thoughts to calm, but eventually Liam’s steady breathing lulled her to sleep.
_________________________
"I’d like to see my son,” Brennan said to the desk sergeant. This was a different one; Brennan hoped the change would get him inside.
The sergeant looked bored. “Which one is yours?”
“Killian Jones.” Brennan knew Emma must be worried sick about him; Brennan was too. Killian needed to have his hand examined by an actual doctor. He probably needed x-rays and splint or cast, depending on the severity. They’d allowed him some ice for it during their interrogations, but once they’d arrested him all bets were off. Brennan didn’t believe for one second that Killian would actually be prosecuted for what happened, but he supposed the police needed to at least appear to be doing their jobs to break up bar brawls.
“No visitors until 9:00 am.”
Brennan clenched his fist in frustration. “Can you at least get him some ice for his hand? It could be broken.”
“Not my problem.”
Brennan was about to lose his temper when a red haired woman about his age walked up, briefcase in hand and dressed in an impeccable green pantsuit. She flashed a card at the desk sergeant. “I am Mr. Jones’ attorney,” she said. “Visiting hours don’t apply to me.”
Brennan sighed in relief. After Killian’s arrest, he called the only person he could think of who might know someone who could help; his friend Robin. While Robin wasn’t an attorney by trade, his wife was. She didn’t practice criminal law, but her sister did. Brennan had heard of her; Zelena Mills was one of those TV attorneys. She had advert time on all the local stations. Brennan didn’t really expect to ever be in need of her services, but the world was funny that way.
The desk sergeant seemed a bit perplexed by the aura that hung around Ms. Mills; she looked downright mischievous, which struck Brennan as odd. He hadn’t told Robin everything about Killian’s arrest, though he supposed he owed it to his friend after coming through like this. That was a problem for another day. Right now, he just needed to see his son and get him home.
“Tick tock, dearie,” Zelena said, tapping her watch. “I’ve got an 8:00 am meeting with a client.”
It was 3:00 in the morning, but Brennan was sure that this woman would still look fresh as a daisy in five hours. The sergeant gave her one last glance before jotting something down in his log and escorting them back to one of the interrogation rooms. “Oh, this is much better,” Zelena said snidely, as they sat at a beat up metal table. She unsnapped her briefcase and extracted a legal pad and a pen. Brennan sat beside her. He waited until the door closed before speaking.
“Thank you for coming on such short notice, Ms. Mills,” he said. “I appreciate it.”
“Yes, my goody two shoes brother-in-law never asks for favors,” she replied breezily. “So, to say I am intrigued would be an understatement.”
Brennan cursed inwardly. If she was intrigued now, he wondered how she would feel when they explained exactly what happened. Brennan checked his phone; there were no more messages from Liam. He texted to let him know that they’d reached home, but there was nothing after that. It killed him to not be there; Brennan knew Emma would blame herself for this. But she’d done nothing wrong. Who she loved was no one’s business but hers. He was furious on her behalf, just like Killian was. But his son’s temper was always sensitive when it came to people he loved. When he was young, there was a bully at school that used to tease him about his dead mother. One day his son could take it no more and threw a punch. It was clumsy and barely connected, but the school suspended him and insisted on therapy before he could go back.
Killian was very protective of those he loved.
Brennan tapped his finger on this thigh while they waited for them to bring Killian. Brennan had never been arrested, but he’s seen enough American cop shows to imagine what his son might be facing. Perhaps since this was a sleepy college town and not a big city, he was worrying for nothing. Fortunately, before his brain could conjure up anything too dreadful the door opened, and Killian stepped through. His wrists were cuffed; his right hand was red and swollen.
Zelena raised a brow and looked at the guard. “I’d like to know why my client hasn’t had medical attention,” she demanded. Her voice was soft, but in the blink of an eye, the mischief was gone, and she was deadly serious. Menacing even.
“Doc doesn’t make his rounds until morning.”
Zelena jotted that down, but she wasn’t done. “And yet, there is a perfectly serviceable emergency room less than five minutes from this hellhole,” she shot back. “So, either you get someone here in the next fifteen minutes or I will sue this department to Oz.”
The guard’s eyes widened. “Yes, ma’am.” He eyed Zelena’s still hovering pen and decided it was a good idea to uncuff Killian before allowing him to sit. Killian hissed in pain as the guard jostled his injured hand, but aside from that he didn’t say a word. Only when the three of them were alone did he let out a low curse.
“Easy, son,” Brennan said as Killian settled in the chair. “You’ll only…”
“Make it worse?” Killian snapped. “Aye, I’m not a complete idiot, Dad.”
“I only meant…”
Killian didn’t want to hear it. “How long am I stuck in this infernal place? I’d like to get home.”
Zelena glanced between father and son, but she wisely decided not to ask about the tension in the room. “Not until morning, I’m afraid. Arraignments don’t start until ten.”
“Ten in the morning?” Killian exclaimed. “You’ve got to be kidding.”
“I never kid,” Zelena said. “At least not about business.”
“But you will be able to get him home, right, Ms. Mills?” Brennan asked.
Killian blinked. “I thought I recognized you from somewhere. You’re that barrister on the telly!”
“Yes, I usually don’t take charity cases,” Zelena snapped. “This is your lucky day, Mr. Jones.”
Before Killian could question things further, Brennan cut in. “I called my friend for a favor,” he explained. “Ms. Mills is his sister-in-law.”
“Not by choice,” Zelena muttered. “My sister’s taste in men leaves much to be desired. The feeling’s mutual, so to say I was surprised to be asked as a favor is an understatement.”
“We’re very grateful for your help, Ms. Mills.”
Zelena huffed. “Ms. Mills is my mother; please call me Zelena.”
Killian leaned forward. “Can we just get this over with? Emma’s probably worried sick.”
“Liam got her home,” Brennan said. “He texted earlier. She’s fine.” Brennan knew fine was a relative term when it came to Emma. Their girlfriend would undoubtedly blame herself for everything, even though none of it was her fault. Brennan blamed himself plenty. They’d talked about being discreet in public, for god’s sake! And yet, he couldn’t keep his hands off her. That prick Neal must have seen them disappear into the closet. Between dancing with Liam then disappearing with him—not to mention canoodling in their booth—they’d given that wanker more than enough ammunition to come at Emma with. It was so petty and vindictive; as far as Brennan was concerned, Neal deserved a lot worse than he got. But that was his selfishness over Emma talking. Was it really worth it with his son arrested and potentially facing assault charges? Brennan wasn’t so sure about that.
“Why aren’t you with her?” Killian demanded.
Brennan blinked. “Because you got arrested, Killian. She’s perfectly safe with Liam. Besides, you know she won’t be alright until we get you home. I’m here to make sure that happens as quickly as possible.”
“Which is why your father asked for my help,” Zelena cut in. “Now why don’t you two handsome gentlemen tell me what happened. From the beginning.”
“Tonight? Or the last three months?” Killian asked. “Because tonight won’t make much sense without the latter.”
Zelena frowned in confusion, but before she could inquire further, an annoyed looking young man in scrubs came through the door. His eyes widened in shock as Killian’s swollen hand, and he got to work with barely an introduction. Brennan swore he said his name was Whale, but it was such an odd name, he assumed the late hour and exhaustion were catching up with him. They had to pause the retelling of the night’s events until the doctor finished his examination. The doctor was pretty sure the hand was broken, but without an x-ray he couldn’t be certain. Until they could get Killian to the hospital, it was decided that the best thing to do was splint the hand and give him some painkillers. The doctor left thirty minutes later, leaving Killian with an ice pack and a towel to wrap it in.
Once they were alone again, Zelena got back to work. “Now why don’t we go back about three months, shall we?”
Brennan sighed and started the story. He tried to keep it as clean as possible, but he saw when Zelena realized the truth of things. She scribbled furiously at her legal pad, asking pointed questions that Brennan felt very uncomfortable answering. Killian told his side of things as well, describing exactly what he heard Neal say and how he reacted.
“Bloody wanker deserved worse than he got,” Killian muttered.
To Brennan’s shock, Zelena agreed with him. “Yes, misogynist assholes that see women as possessions really do,” she said matter-of-factly. “But my job is to defend you. So, perhaps show a bit of remorse in front of the judge?”
Killian looked like he was going to argue again, but Brennan silently shook his head. Stubbornness was not going to get either of them home to Emma. Brennan wasn’t going home without his son, not if he could help it. They were just starting to repair their contentious relationship; Brennan didn’t want to jeopardize that. The Jones men’s relationship with Emma would only work if all three got along with each other.
“Fine. If it gets me home to Emma, then I’ll do it,” Killian groused.
“This Emma Swan must be quite special,” Zelena said. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
_____________________________
Emma stirred as she felt the bed dip. Even with Liam holding her, she had trouble sleeping; it felt like a piece of her was missing. So, when she felt the bed move, she jerked awake. It was daylight; the curtains didn’t do much to keep the sunshine at bay, but it did reveal a tall figure with dark hair. “Killian?”
“Aye, love,” he murmured, scooting closer to kiss her forehead. “I’m home.”
She reached up and cradled his face. “Are you okay? We’ve been so worried.”
“I’ll be fine. In about six to eight weeks.”
Emma sucked in a horrified breath. “Weeks?”
“Shhhh. We can talk about it later. Just let me hold you.”
The commotion woke Liam up as well; he brushed a kiss to her shoulder and loosened his hold so Emma could move into Killian’s arms. His right hand was wrapped up in a thick blue cast; she winced. But Killian kissed her quiet and pulled her as close as he could. With her as a restless bedmate, Liam hadn’t gotten much sleep either, so he pressed himself against her back and tugged the covers over the three of them. It wasn’t the first time the trio had shared a bed, but Killian’s was a bit more cramped than Liam’s. Emma didn’t care; having Killian back was the most important thing right now. Even as she held him tight, she felt a bit guilty. If Killian was home, then Brennan was too. He promised he wouldn’t come back without his son. She desperately wanted to hug him and let him know how grateful she was that he kept his promise but doing that would take her out of the warm safe cocoon of Killian and Liam. She would make it up to him later, she vowed silently.
She had her men with her again. That was all that mattered.
When Emma woke up again, her stomach growled loudly. How long had it been since she last ate? She honestly couldn’t remember. She’d been so worried about Killian that she had no appetite.
Liam was gone. She missed his warmth at her back. She was beginning to enjoy having both brothers in bed with her; it was warm and cozy. She doubted they would want to make it a regular occurrence though. She would just have to cherish those times when they let their guard down enough to indulge her. She glanced up at Killian; he was still asleep. She had been fairly certain it was well after noon when he got home. He had to be exhausted. She tried to slither away, but his arms tightened around her.
“Emma.”
“Sorry,” she whispered. “Just a little hungry. You should sleep.”
His crystal blue eyes flickered open. “Later.” He leaned in and kissed her, swallowing her gasp of surprise. She quickly melted into him, kissing him back with equal fervor. She ran her nails through his scruff and he groaned. “Emma.”
That low growl in his voice went straight to her core and she bit back a moan. She’d been with him less than twenty-four hours ago, but it felt like a lifetime. But Killian was injured; he needed to rest. But he didn’t seem to care; their mouths were practically fused together, unwilling to part. He started to push her onto her back with his hips, but the cast thumping into the mattress brought them both up short. “Fucking hell,” he cursed.
“Killian,” Emma scolded breathlessly.
“Don’t,” Killian muttered. He was already using his good hand to tug her atop him instead. “God, I missed you so much, love.”
“But you’re hurt…” she replied, hissing as his left hand squeezed her ass.
“Don’t care. Need you.”
Too often in the hours since Killian’s arrest had she feared she might lose him; her resistance crumbled like dry autumn leaves. So, she did the only thing that made sense. She captured his lips in a needy kiss. He groaned under her, his left hand sliding under her panties and squeezing roughly. Emma keened, instinctively grinding her hips against his; she felt him grow hard under her. “Killian,” she breathed.
“I’m right here, love. Right here.”
She kissed him for a few more heady seconds before slithering off him. Before he could protest, she grabbed the hem of her top and pulled it over her head, leaving her in just the panties. Any thought of food had fled her mind; all she wanted was him. To that end, she stroked his generous length through his boxers, earning a deep groan. He tried to buck up into her hand, but she shook her head. “I’m doing all the work.” She hooked her fingers into the waistband of his boxers and tugged them down; Killian raised his hips so she could get them off. Emma wet her lips; he was already hard and ready for her. She brushed some of her hair over her shoulder before leaning over and running her tongue along the thick ridge. She licked off the salty precum that leaked out; Killian hissed. Emma smiled then brought him to her lips.
Killian’s groan was loud and deep; Emma suspected others would hear as it was very unlikely they were alone in the house. She bobbed her head slowly, savoring the taste of him on her tongue. She wanted to draw out more of those delicious sounds; knowing they had an audience only made her wetter. She found all three Jones men impossibly sexy individually, but god help her if them sharing her wasn’t the hottest thing she’d ever experienced.
“Emma, Emma, Emma,” Killian chanted, trying desperately to keep his wits about him. He didn’t want this to end too soon; he needed to be inside her. He needed to feel her tight wet heat around him, squeezing him into oblivion. Those hours without her were torture; he needed to reassure her that he wasn’t going anywhere.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” Emma said quietly, kissing the tip of his cock.
“Done what?”
“Punch Neal.” She curled her fingers around his girth and stroked slowly.
“I should have done a lot worse to him,” Killian growled. “Wanker.”
“I don’t need you to get into fights for me,” Emma said again. “You got hurt.”
“I’d do it again. What he said…”
“You don’t think it’s true?”
Killian frowned. “Of course not!”
Emma leaned down to give his cock another suck before she straddled his hips. She sighed as she ground over his cock, coating it in her arousal. “Hmmmm.”
Killian ran his hand over her thigh. “Emma…”
She nodded hard and raised her hips high enough to lower herself onto his cock; she moaned loudly as she stretched to take him. “Why can’t I stop?” she breathed. “Why do I always want this? Why do I want all of you?”
Killian grunted as he pushed himself up into a seated position. He wrapped his right arm around her waist to keep her steady as she rode him with little swirls of her hips. “That’s a girl,” he praised. “Take what you need, baby.”
Emma bit her lip. “Killian, I…”
“Don’t you dare, sweet. There’s nothing wrong with you. Nothing. I swear to you.” He drew her lips to his, kissing her deeply. “I love you. Christ, I love you so much.”
Emma wove her fingers into his hair, holding him close as she moved her hips faster. “Oh my god,” she hissed. “Oh my god.”
Killian ducked his head slightly to draw one of her aching nipples into his mouth; she keened loudly. They heard some shuffling on the stairs, but neither so much as flinched. Emma was hovering on the edge of orgasm when the bedroom door opened, and Liam stepped through. “Fucking hell.”
Emma gasped and glanced over; the elder Jones brother had a tray of food in his hands. “Sorry,” she panted.
“Don’t act like you couldn’t hear,” Killian added, switching his attention to the other breast. "Just looking for an excuse to join in, aren’t you, brother?”
Emma’s near peak already receded, but seeing Liam there as he watched them fuck made her so fucking wet. “Were you? Listening?”
Liam cursed and laid the tray aside. “Bit hard not to,” he agreed, walking around the bed. When he reached where Emma was perched in Killian’s lap, he cupped her chin and turned her head so he could kiss her. Emma moaned into his kiss; renewed need curled in her core. “You’re so fucking sexy like this, lass.”
“Filled with cock?” she asked with a knowing smirk.
Liam chuckled. “Aye.”
Boldly, she cupped his crotch and squeezed. Liam grunted. “Join us,” she breathed. “Please?”
As if he could say no to her. “Such a fucking dirty girl. I love it.” He pulled her hand away and nodded to Killian. “Let me watch you ride him, princess. Then I’ll give you what you need.”
Emma nodded; she gently pushed Killian back onto his back. She stared into his eyes as she braced her hands on his chest and started grinding over him again. Nearby, Liam stripped out of his clothes; Emma’s core clenched as the bed dipped behind her. Liam positioned himself between his brother’s legs and cupped her tits from behind, giving them a rough squeeze. Emma mewled, arching into his touch.
“Jesus fuck,” Killian swore. “She’s so fucking wet and hot.”
“Hmm, I think it’s my turn to have this cunt,” Liam growled in her ear. He lifted her off Killian and coaxed her to lean over him, allowing Liam to sink into her from behind. Emma cried out; Liam was the largest of the three and he felt even bigger like this. She allowed her eyes to fall shut as he fucked her with long deep strokes. God, this was exactly what she needed; for her men to reassert their claim on her after the events of the previous night.
Had it truly been less than a day since she’d had the brothers like this? Yesterday, it had been Killian walking in on Liam fucking her; now it was the other way around. The last twenty four hours had been such an emotional roller coaster; she needed this to feel like herself again. The Jones men were entwined into her very being; she couldn’t give them up even if she wanted it.
Which she most definitely did not.
Liam desperately wanted to ride them both to oblivion, but he could sense that wasn’t what Emma needed right now. He pulled out of her and tugged them both onto their sides; she faced Killian as Liam parted her thighs. “Go on, brother. Give her what she needs.”
“Gladly.” Killian was grateful for Liam’s help; with his injured hand, he couldn’t pull her as close as he wanted. They managed to get her hips to the right angle so he could sink inside her; her gasp was music to his ears. “You fucking love this, don’t you, love,” he muttered between kisses. “The pair of us sharing this sweet cunt. You’re soaking.”
Emma nodded, gasping as Liam tweaked her nipple. “Don’t stop. Please don’t stop.”
And they didn’t. The brothers traded places, Liam riding her for a glorious minute or two before giving her back to Killian. They twisted and turned her body how they liked, their hands sliding over her sweat slicked skin as they tried to drive her mad with want. They refused to allow her to climax, keeping her orgasm just out of reach, until she begged for mercy.
“Please,” she whined. “I need to cum. Please, please, please!”
Killian used his good hand to pull her up onto her knees. He groaned as he sank into her for the last time; his control hung on by a thread. He rutted into her like a man possessed; Liam reached under her and flicked her clit. Emma’s cries filled the whole house as she climaxed hard, her walls clamping down on the cock buried inside her. Killian gasped out her name as his control finally snapped and he gave into his own high, filling her with his cum. Emma collapsed on the bed in a heap; Killian caught himself with his cast just before he fell. It hurt like hell, but he managed to lean back into his pillows as Liam crawled over her to finish himself.
Emma hummed as strong hands turned her onto her back. Gentle kisses skimmed up her belly; those warm lips curled around her nipples. She hissed, her hands instinctively reaching for her lover. Liam’s curls came into view; she spread her legs for him. He captured her lips in a kiss as he sank into her; she shuddered, her body still sensitive from her intense high. Liam moved slowly, his cock brushing her most sensitive spot with every drive, stoking her need once again.
She arched under him. “More,” she breathed. “Claim me.”
Liam groaned, his hips snapping harder into hers. “Emma…you feel so fucking good.”
“Need you,” she panted, grabbing his curls and bringing his lips to hers again. “Liam, make me come. Wanna come with you inside me.”
Liam was never a man to leave his lover wanting. He adjusted the angle of his thrusts ever so slightly and she was quickly moaning under him. Unintelligible gasps tumbled from her lips as he felt her climax take hold of her; her walls squeezed him tight. He thrust once, twice, then let go himself, holding himself deep inside her as he shot rope after rope of his seed inside her twitching sheath. She let out a little grunt when he collapsed on top of her; Liam quickly rolled off, muttering an apology. Emma didn’t seem to mind though; she rolled and curled up into his arms. They were laying across the end of the bed width wise; it wasn’t wide enough to support his height. Once his breathing was a more normal rhythm, he gently scooped her up and moved them so she could rest on a pillow. Within seconds, she was asleep.
“Poor thing’s exhausted,” Liam said, gently kissing her damp brow. “She didn’t sleep well.”
Killian cursed. “I am sorry for worrying her. But I’m not sorry for punching that sad sack of shit. I can’t be sorry about that.”
Liam tucked the blanket around her then went to get his clothes. He slipped back into his jeans before speaking again. “I’m slightly pissed you got to him first,” he confessed quietly. He didn’t want to wake Emma. “But you understand what you’ve done, right? There will be consequences.” The more he thought about it, the more that truth hit home. They wouldn’t come out of this completely unscathed.
Killian tucked the thin blanket around his hips. “Christ, Liam, you sound like that witch that got me out of jail,” he grumbled. “Save it.”
Liam glared. “No, Killian, I won’t save it,” he hissed. “You don’t understand how fickle the justice system can be. You assaulted that asshole. Yes, I know he deserved it…”
“And a lot worse besides.”
“That’s not the point. Sure, this is your first offense. But what if you get some puffed up judge gunning for re-election? That’s who decides your fate here, brother. They could make an example of you. You could go to prison. How do you think Emma would take that? And what about me? And Dad? We’re your family, Killian. You can’t just go around throwing punches at anyone who says unkind or untrue things about any of us.”
Killian glanced away. He hadn’t thought about it like that. He hadn’t thought at all. When he heard that vile word, he just reacted. But Liam was right. He needed to keep a better lid on his temper or the consequences would impact more than just him. He had someone he loved now. He couldn’t imagine being torn away from Emma. The very idea made his blood run cold. The whole time he was locked in that cell he couldn’t banish the look of fear on her face as he was taken away in cuffs. Everyone else in her life had abandoned her. Most on purpose, others not, but he refused to be one of those people.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly, glancing at Emma. She was still asleep; seeing her so peaceful and relaxed tugged at his heart. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her. Even if that meant swallowing his pride. “I’ll make this right. I promise.”
“Your heart was in the right place,” Liam added quietly. “But we need you here, brother. Don’t forget that, okay?”
“I won’t.”
Liam picked up the discarded tray and set it on the bedside table. “Make sure she eats something when she wakes up.”
Killian nodded; once the door closed, he stretched out behind Emma and gently rested his hand on her hip. She sighed in her sleep and snuggled toward him. He pressed a featherlight kiss to her hair and closed his eyes. “I’m not going anywhere, love,” he whispered. "I swear it." He would do whatever was asked of him; he only needed her.
________________________
Emma woke up to a pounding head. She groaned and tried to stretch, but even that much movement made her head pound more. And her thighs were still sticky. She groaned and not in the fun way. Usually, waking up with the evidence of her lovers’ potency between her thighs brought a smile to her face, but her head hurt too much. Why was she in agony? She couldn’t think of anything she’d done that would warrant it.
She knew she needed to get out of bed and get cleaned up, but the very idea of moving made her head pound harder. The door opened and Emma groaned.
“You’re up, thank god,” Killian said, sitting on the edge of the bed. “We were starting to think you’d sleep the day away.”
“Not so loud,” she whined, pressing her hand to her forehead.
Killian winced. “Headache?” Emma didn’t suffer from them frequently, but he’d been hungover enough times to know the signs. He quickly switched off the light. “Let me get you something. Liam left you something to eat.”
Before she could protest, Killian left and came back quickly with a bottle of Tylenol, looking a bit sheepish. “Apologies, lass. I don’t think I can open it on my own.”
Emma braced herself for the pounding and forced herself to sit up. Seeing Killian’s cast brought the last few hours rushing back. The bar. Punching Neal. The cops forcing him into a police car. Liam trying to assure her. Killian coming home. Liam catching them mid-fuck and joining in. She must have passed out immediately after, which explained why her thighs were still sticky. She reached out for the bottle and managed to get it open. She tipped two pills into her hand and popped them into her mouth. Killian handed her some water; she used it to swallow the pills. It didn’t help immediately, but at least it was something.
“You need to eat,” Killian said softly. “Liam says you haven’t eaten since yesterday.”
“What time is it?”
“Nearly 4:30.”
Oh. That explained it. If she went too long without eating, she got hunger headaches. That hadn’t been a problem for the last few months because the Jones men kept her well-fed. They delighted in cooking for her; she was rarely disappointed. But it had been nearly twenty four hours since she’d had more than alcohol; she needed to get some food into her system. Killian brought over the tray; Emma snagged her discarded shirt from among the twisted sheets and slipped it over her head. Killian watched as she ate the snacks Liam left for her.
“Dad and Liam are making dinner,” he said quietly. “You’ll feel better after some food.”
“I forgot how much this hurts,” she murmured.
Killian frowned and got up. He stalked around the bed and settled in behind her, gently wrapping his arms around her waist. “I’m so sorry, my love,” he whispered.
She leaned against him. “Not your fault,” she whispered back. She could have gotten something to eat earlier and let him sleep, but her body had other plans. She didn’t regret anything she did with him. Or Liam.
Killian kissed her throat. “No, this is my fault,” he chided. “If I hadn’t lost my temper, none of this would be happening. You wouldn’t have been up half the night worried sick about me. I could have finished the set and then we’d have all come home and spoiled you rotten. Instead, we have this hanging over us.” He paused. “I didn’t understand the ramifications before. I do now. And I am so sorry, Emma.”
She squeezed his uninjured hand. “We’ll get through this together, Killian. All of us.” She was just so grateful to have him back that what came next didn’t matter. As long as she had her men she could face anything.
They remained there until she finished the full tray of snacks. Not as satisfying as a real meal, but it took the edge off the pounding in her head. Well, that and the Tylenol. Killian left her to get changed and cleaned up. She slipped into a pair of leggings and another oversized sweater that hung past her ass. The scent of homemade red sauce wafted up the stairs; Emma groaned. She padded downstairs, finding the Jones men in the kitchen.
“Hey.”
Brennan and Liam turned, relieved smiles on their handsome faces. “We were getting worried, love,” Brennan said, stepping around the island to press a kiss to her temple. “Hungry?”
“Starving actually.”
“Good.”
“This is a recipe I got in Italy,” Liam informed her. “Hopefully, I’ve gotten it right. Haven’t had a chance to make it before.”
“I’m sure it’ll be great.” Despite her aching head, she walked over to him and brushed a kiss to his cheek. She returned to her seat at the island and Brennan moved in behind her and began lightly massaging her neck and the base of her skull. It was something he did when she was feeling crampy and icky during her periods (usually before he wound up fucking her cramps away) and it felt amazing. Her eyes drifted shut as he loosened the muscles; gradually, the aching in her skull receded. Part of her wanted to turn around and thank him properly, but it could wait until later. There was so much she was grateful for when it came to Brennan; he deserved a moment all to himself.
“Feel better?” Brennan asked softly.
“Mmhmm.”
Brennan brushed his lips over the spot behind her ear that made her shiver. “Good.”
Killian and Liam carried the feast into the dining room; Emma and Brennan followed, holding hands. Dinner was a fairly quiet affair out of respect for Emma’s still slightly achy head. It wasn’t until after--with Emma was curled up on the couch on Brennan’s lap--that she broached the topic of the previous night. “What are we going to do now?”
Brennan brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. “Zelena sounded optimistic. As long as Killian is properly contrite, he should only have probation.”
Emma cocked her head. “Zelena?”
“Apologies, love. I called Robin after Liam took you home. His sister in law is a barrister.”
Emma thought for a moment; that name sounded familiar. “Zelena Mills? The crazy lady on TV?”
“She’s not crazy. Intense perhaps,” Brennan allowed with a small grin. “She certainly put the fear of God into the chaps at the jail.”
“Threatened to sue if they didn’t have someone look at my hand,” Killian confirmed, waving his cast.
“Really?”
“Really,” Brennan confirmed. “And she came with very short notice in the middle of the night. I can’t help but be grateful for that.”
“Yeah, I suppose so.”
Brennan curled his fingers around hers. “We had to tell her everything,” he said gently. “Well, the most pertinent parts anyway. Is that alright?”
Emma nodded. “We talked about this. I don’t want to hide what we are to each other. What you all are to me.”
“Even now?”
Emma thought about it. In the immediate aftermath, she was hurt. And angry. And worried. But she knew her life was better with the Jones men in it. She was happier; she liked the person she saw in the mirror. Someone who loved with their whole heart and was loved in return. She wasn’t going to let Neal Cassidy ruin that for her. “Yeah. We knew this wouldn’t be easy. But this is the happiest I’ve ever been. I’m not giving that up. Certainly not for Neal.”
That seemed to settle the matter. They talked about the now delayed trip to go Christmas tree shopping; everyone was still exhausted, so they opted to try again next weekend. Finals were starting on Monday. Now that her headache was fading, she found herself getting sleepy again. She nodded off with her head on Brennan’s shoulder; the next thing she knew she was being shaken awake. “Off to bed with you, I think,” he murmured.
She snuggled deeper into his chest. “I’m good right here.”
“If you go, I’ll join you soon, okay?”
She huffed but forced herself to stand. “Okay.” She paused to kiss Liam and Killian good night then padded up to the master bedroom. They’d started bringing her clothes over to the house; at the moment, they were spread out across the men’s closets. Until her new room was finished, it was the best they could do. She changed out of the leggings and sweater into one of Brennan’s button down shirts. She rolled the sleeves up and flopped into bed. She expected him to join her any moment, but twenty minutes passed and he didn’t show. She didn’t want to fall asleep on him, not yet. So she got up and went to the window. The master bedroom faced the back of the lot; all she could see were trees. And the full moon. She wrapped her arms around herself, thinking. How close were they to losing Killian? Sure, this Zelena thought everything would work out, but Emma couldn’t help but worry. Good things in her life rarely lasted.
Brennan shut off the light in the hall and quietly closed the door. He expected to find Emma in bed, but she stood in the soft light of the moon by the window. The light made her golden hair silver; her long legs peeked out from under the tail of one of his white shirts. His heart clenched; what had he done to deserve her in his life? He had no idea, but he was grateful for her. He moved across the room and slid his arms around her waist.
“I thought you’d be sleeping.”
“I missed you,” she replied, leaning back into his solid chest.
“I missed you too.” He leaned in and kissed her neck; she hummed in pleasure. Feeling her softness against him was already making his pants uncomfortable, but she’d already been through a lot that day. He didn’t need sex from her. “We should sleep,” he murmured.
“Later,” she replied, turning in his arms. “Missed you.” She stood up on her toes and slanted her lips over his. Brennan tightened his hold on her waist which caused her borrowed shirt to bunch up. It wasn’t even buttoned all the way; the curves of her breasts were exposed to his wandering touch.
“Were you planning on seducing me, baby girl?” he growled as he pressed her against the cool window.
She smiled. “Hmmm, maybe. Didn’t you miss me, Daddy?”
“Always, my love.” He captured her lips in a hungry kiss as he worked the buttons of the shirt. Once they were loose, he cupped her breasts, his thumbs stroking her nipples. Emma moaned softly, arching into him.
“Oh yes,” she breathed. “Don’t stop.”
“You’re not too sore?” Brennan asked, grinding his stiff aching cock against her bare cunt. “I heard you earlier. Heard you getting fucked. Such a needy thing you are.”
Emma’s core turned molten; she needed Brennan so badly. “Please, Daddy,” she whined. “Need you inside me.”
“That’s my girl.” He turned her around again and quickly shucked his pants. He pulled the shirt up to expose her pert ass and spread her legs. Emma gasped as he filled her with one swift stroke. “God, you’re so fucking wet,” he growled. “Love how wet you get for me.”
Emma pressed her hands to the glass, rocking back as he thrust into her. “More, Daddy. More.”
Brennan brushed a kiss behind her ear; his left hand cupped her chin, forcing her to look outside. There was nothing but trees, but he could picture them in another scenario. “I know I should be sorry for fucking you in that bloody closet,” he growled, “but when I’m buried inside you like this, I can’t manage it.” He slowed his hips, savoring the feeling of them joined. “You’re so fucking perfect. Tight. Wet. Hot. You take my cock so perfectly, like you were made for me.”
Every word went straight to her core; Emma shuddered as her core clenched instinctively. “Daddy,” she gasped. “Oh Daddy.”
“You were made for this. Mine. Ours. Want everyone to know who you belong to.”
“Yes, Daddy,” she moaned as more wetness flooded her core. “God yes.”
“Would you like that? Strangers watching us fuck you rotten? Knowing they can see you, but you can’t see them? So many things we could do to you, baby girl.”
It sounded so forbidden and naughty and delicious. “I’ll be good, Daddy,” she vowed. “I’ll be so good for you. Please don’t stop. Don’t ever stop.”
“Fuck.” He could feel how close she was, but he wanted to see her face as she came for him. He slipped out of her with a groan and quickly carried her to the bed. There he peeled off their remaining clothes and stretched her out in the middle of his large bed. He bent over her, kissing her deeply as he parted her thighs. Emma tugged on his hair, urging him on; he pushed into her roughly. She gasped, her back arching in pleasure. She held him close as he drove into her again and again and again. She felt like heaven, fitting around him like a glove. “My Emma,” he breathed. “Mine, mine, mine.”
Emma wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as he pounded her into the mattress. This wild journey started because of the unexpected chemistry she had with this older man; she didn’t regret a single second. “Yours,” she panted. “All yours. Always.”
Brennan circled his hips, seeking the spot that would make her see stars. Emma moaned when he found it; he pushed himself up so he could see his cock sliding in and out of her. “Look at us, baby girl,” he breathed. “Look how well you take my cock.”
Emma raised her head; her eyes trailed down Brennan’s toned form, from the sexy gray at his temples, down his sculpted chest, and lower to where they were joined. His thick cock glistened with her arousal. He moved slowly now, sliding almost completely out before pushing back in. All the Jones men were well endowed; she loved how they filled her. “Harder, Daddy,” she pleaded. “Wanna come. Please?”
“Daddy’ll take care of you, baby.” He scooped her up and settled her on his thighs. Emma held on as he rutted into her, hitting her g spot with every thrust. She tried to be quiet, but Brennan knew just how to make her scream. She climaxed with a breathless cry, her nails digging into his skin. He followed soon after, holding her hips against his as he spilled his seed deep inside her fluttering sheath.
Brennan rested his head on her shoulder as they panted for air. Her lovely skin was covered in a faint sheen of sweat; he brushed his lips over where her heart raced. Emma ran her fingers over his shoulders tenderly; a rush of affection for her welled in his chest. He hadn’t realized how bland his life had been before he met her in that bar. From the moment he saw her, his world came to life in a riot of color. He vowed to hold onto her as long as she allowed him.
Gently, he rolled off her; Emma curled into his chest, humming happily. “Easy there, love,” he chided, kissing her forehead.
“I’m okay.”
“You’ve had quite a day,” he observed dryly.
“Which is weird considering how much time I spent sleeping.”
“You know what I meant, lass.”
She ran her fingers along his jaw. “I know. I’m trying not to think about the unpleasant parts.” What was the point when she had all her men back with her? She leaned in and kissed him. “Thank you, by the way. For making sure he got home.”
Brennan twined their fingers. “I fear I’ve failed Killian too many times in the past.” Emma opened her mouth but he silenced her with a gentle finger. “Perhaps not intentionally. I’ve tried to do my best. There’s just been this chasm between us that I’ve never been able to cross. Maybe I didn’t try hard enough. Maybe I was too broken to try. It was easier with Liam. He was older when Alice passed. But Killian was always her favorite. Perhaps I saw too much of myself in him and I didn’t like what I saw.”
“Brennan…”
“I can’t go back and change the past. But I can be the father he deserves now. I can be the kind of man you deserve as well. When I see how deeply you love, how much you care, it makes me want to be better. I feel alive when I’m with you, in a way I haven’t been in years.” He saw the tears well in Emma’s eyes and he cupped her cheek. “I don’t say this to put any more pressure on you, sweetheart. You don’t owe any of us a blessed thing. Just allowing us to love you is enough.”
Emma didn’t stop the tear that fell down her cheek. “Without you and Killian here…it felt like a piece of me was missing. Liam was so patient; he took such good care of me, even though I know he was worried too. And it’s not over, and that terrifies me. I can’t lose you. Any of you.”
“I think Killian’s learned his lesson, love.”
“I’m a criminal justice major, remember? And I don’t trust Neal.” She just couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t done. She spent weeks worrying about the proverbial other shoe and now it hovered over her menacingly.
“We’ll just have to cross that bridge when we get to it. Together.”
“That’s what I said to Killian. I think I was trying to convince myself.”
“Well, then I’ll just have to believe for all of us.” He wasn’t letting anything happen to his family.
She smiled. “Hmmm, yes, Daddy.”
Brennan growled low. “Watch it, baby girl.”
“What?” she asked innocently.
Brennan groaned. “You are going to be the death of me one day.” He kissed her forehead. “Go get cleaned up, lass. Then we are sleeping.”
Emma shot him a teasing grin then she pressed her lips to his. “Love you.”
Brennan hugged her close. “Love you too, Emma. Now go and hurry back to me.” He watched as she sashayed to the door and down the hall to the bathroom. She returned about five minutes later and slipped the shirt back onto her shoulders before climbing into bed. Brennan gathered her in his arms and she rested her head on his chest. “Sleep, my love. I'll be here when you wake.”
