Release by Louise J Read Free Book Online Page A

our thanks. Now the switch again,
from lusty shit to serious stuff.
    “Okay,” I say, cutting into
the moment. Brooklyn raises her mug to her lips. “So to finish where we left
off. I was born in L.A. Saffron and I had a great childhood, our parents were
remarkable, but as you know we didn’t get to keep them for long.
    “A lady called Elizabeth
Carroll and her husband, Ray, became our legal guardians. They were our
neighbors when we were real young, and sometimes Saff and I stayed with them
when our parents were away for work. Through them we ended up in Hillsborough,
which isn’t far from here. That’s where we met our closest friends, the guys we
moved to the city with twelve years ago.
    “Adam, who you’ve already
seen, his brother, Joe, and Gerard became like brothers to us. Their parents
treated us like their own in some ways, too. Saff and I actually ended up being
part of a larger family. It’s not exactly the same as having your own parents,
and given the choice I know what I’d choose, but I do consider us to be very
fortunate.”
    “It’s sad about your
parents, I’m sorry to hear that. Amazing that you had so many wonderful people
around you, like the next best thing. It’s bittersweet, really.”
    I nod in agreement. Isn’t
life bittersweet, period?
    “Do you see Elizabeth and
Ray often?”
    “It’s just Beth now. I visit
all the time and call her on the days I don’t. She’s in her early seventies, so
I like to keep a close eye on her. There are a lot of people around her, and
she’s very capable, but I like to make certain myself. She’s in Italy right
now, on a two month trip with friends.”
    “Two whole months?”
    “She’s got a villa out there
and likes to make the most of it.”
    “A villa in Italy. Nice. So
you and your friends all moved here together? Why?”
    “Adam and Joe moved here so
they could work in their uncle’s tattoo shop, which they own now. Saffron
wanted to come with Adam – I assume you know they’re married. I came because my
sister did, and Gerard just decided to also. From the moment we all met we were
tight, even Saffron. She did have girlfriends, but she hung with us a lot. I
think either way we’d have all wound up here eventually. Even though
Hillsborough’s a beautiful place, the vibe here in the city is better suited to
us.”
    “You didn’t mind your little
sister and your mate getting together?”
    I shake my head. “Sounds
strange when a lot of guys don’t like that, but I trust Adam with her. I knew
he’d take care of her. They’ve been together over fourteen years, and I don’t
see them ever choosing to be apart.”
    “Wow, fourteen years. That’s
impressive.”
    As we continue to talk,
Brooklyn relaxes a little more with me, but I can see she’s not entirely
certain. I’ve never exchanged so much information, in such a short time-frame,
with a woman I’m trying to bang.
    There’s no denying Brooklyn
Scott is beautiful, but it’s not the sensual elegance of her beauty that grips
me, the thing that was easy to appreciate from my front row position in the
theater and from across the bar. What gets me the most is the hard gaze that
shows challenge and determination, a confident woman who clearly wants to
protect herself. The barest hints of uncertainty and vulnerability have slipped
in there a few times and with that she becomes a tentative woman that any guy
in their right mind would feel a profound desire to protect.
    And hell if I’m not
desperate to see her face and those eyes express sexual satisfaction,
especially since I’ve seen how unrestrained and compelling both are when she’s
dancing.
    I’m damn sure gonna figure
out how to get those ‘Do Not Touch’ signs taken down.

Seven:
Brooklyn
    I look at Dane partially relieved it’s time to go,
because I so badly want to stay. I wanted his personality to be shit. I wanted
to leave here with no desire to see him again. Instead, I’ve enjoyed being in
his company, even