He cringes. “You think that’s smart after everything?”
I nod.
“I think with everything Harleigh has learned, if we’re telling her about us, everything needs to come out. We can’t get through this coming shitstorm with secrets, Darren,” I explain, and he nods.
“Okay. Let’s tell them then.” I nod, grabbing his hand to help him up before giving him a quick kiss.
“I love you. It’s going to be alright, I promise.”
He nods. “I know. I trust you, Mark. Let’s go home and figure out how to tell them. We need to make a plan.”
And we will. Right after I claim his amazing ass, and show him I’m the one in charge.
12
Orion
Huh.
That’s kind of a weird mind-fuck. I mean, my brother is hooking up with a professor that just so happens to be the love of my life’s father. I think I’m actually speechless.
“You’re kidding,” Harleigh says calmly, and Mark shakes his head, grabbing Darren’s hand and linking their fingers together.
“I’m not, sweetheart. I love him.” He looks scared of her response.
I think he’s worried about losing her, and I don’t blame him. He just found her, but he should know she isn’t like that.
She’s not like the rest of us. Untrusting, and full of anger and hatred. She’s light and pure love.
Okay, so she has trust issues right now, and rightfully so, but she trusts Mark unconditionally. If he says Darren can be trusted, she’s going to believe him.
I, on the other hand, will watch my twin like a hawk because he isn’t one of us. I don’t trust anyone except the four of us in this relationship, and it took a long time for Brian and Colten to earn that from me.
My twin? I don’t share a soul with him. I shared a psychotic father whom my girlfriend just happened to kill. I’m not sure Darren is as forgiving as he lets on.
Only time will tell, I suppose.
“Wow,” she says it so softly, I look over at her to make sure she’s alright. If they upset her, I’m going to kick their asses. We just barely got our vibrant and energetic girl back.
“Are you alright?” Mark asks her, his voice shaking with nerves, and it’s kind of entertaining.
If I separate myself from my concern for Harleigh, I can admit that this situation is the definition of amusing.
Lucifer’s son is scared of a tiny woman like she could end him with one flick of her wrist.
She can’t. At least I don’t think she can, though it would be a fun experiment.
“I love your Dad, Harleigh. I know you don’t trust me right now, and you have every right not to. But I promise you I won’t hurt him,” Darren says quietly.
She narrows her eyes at him before looking at her Dad, her entire face softening.
“You’re really happy, aren’t you?” she asks him, and he nods.
“I really am.” She takes a deep breath and stands up, going over to stand before them.
“I trust my Dad’s instincts. If he says you can be trusted, then I believe him. Orion won’t ever trust you anyway, so I know you’re forever being watched.”
“Fucking right he will be,” I say in a cold tone, and Colten nods in agreement.
“But if you hurt him, Darren? There won’t be anywhere you could run that I won’t find you. I love fiercely. If you prove to me that you’re a part of this family, then that love and protection is extended to you. If you don’t? Then I officially become your worst fucking enemy. We clear?”
Holy fuck.
That was hot, and I’m seriously hard as fuck watching her tower over my brother. I fucking love this woman.
I try to move around to adjust myself, and I see the other two trying to do the same and smirk.
Yeah, our girl going all badass is a turn on. We’re probably fucked up for that, but who cares?
Darren swallows as Mark’s eyes go wide seeing a side of Harleigh he isn’t used to.
“Yeah. We’re clear,” Darren swallows, looking a little nervous.
She nods then smiles brightly and bends down to give him a hug.
“Good!” Her voice is cheery and it’s such a contrast to her threat that I can’t hold back the laugh.
“Damn, babe. That was hot as fuck.” I have no issue telling her how hot she is in front of Mark, but he groans and covers his face.
