Chapter 20

Griffin

I'm standing outside talking with Callum, Shepherd, Paxton, and Brock. Well, they are talking, my mind is too focused on Anya. Being here with the entire Atwood family is making this secret we have going incredibly difficult. My hands itch to touch her. My lips crave hers. My body is acutely aware of her even when she's not around.

It's hard and I don't just mean the situation.

"Right, Griff?" Callum asks, slapping my back.

"What?" I ask, looking at the four of them.

They all laugh as Paxton shakes his head. "I know that look all too well."

"What look?" Callum asks, staring at me.

"The look of falling in love," Paxton says, smiling.

"What?" Callum and I both ask.

"Who's the girl?" Brock asks.

"Falling in love is a myth," Shepherd says, lifting his shoulders.

"You're dating and didn't tell me?" Callum questions, dipping his brow.

I force a laugh, holding my hands up. "Woah, I don't know what look Pax is talking about, but I'm not in love. Everyone can relax."

Callum visibly calms in front of me as a small grin hits his lips. "I didn't think you'd be with someone without telling me." He wraps his arm around my shoulder and looks at his brothers. "Griffin is like me, more focused on his job than anything else."

I'm an asshole. I'm a complete and total asshole.

"Is it sex? Are you having great sex? Cause that look doesn't lie," Paxton pushes.

"Griffin isn't a liar, why the hell would he start now?" Callum says, rushing to my defense.

Only I am a liar and I don't intend to stop. I'm not in love like Paxton thinks, at least I don't think I am. I might be. Actually, scratch that, I think I am. All I know is, I'm having the best sex of my life—with their sister. Breaking promises and lying to everyone is fucked up, but I can't stop.

"Hey, I heard about the big party Atta Boy will be hosting," Don says, interrupting our conversation. I've never been more grateful in my life.

"Yeah, it's huge. There's going to be an article in the paper about it," Callum says, smiling.

"I'm incredibly proud of you all, especially Anya. She's really taken to this and proven to be a huge asset," Don continues.

They all start talking about the party and I feel my phone buzz in my pocket. I pull it out and my heart slams against my chest when I see it's Anya.

Anya: Feeling risky?

With you…always.

Anya: Meet me in my room ;)

Careful baby, you're playing a dangerous game here.

Anya: My panties are sliding down my legs.

"Going to the bathroom, be right back," I say, rushing inside.

I glance around and see Carol busy in the kitchen with Hartford, Willow, and Millie. Lake is standing off to the side trying to talk to Tripp who looks like he'd rather be anywhere else.

No one notices me and I quickly make my way to the stairs, taking them two at a time. Her bedroom door is half closed and I push it open, standing in the doorway.

"Teasing me in front of everyone is a bad idea," I say, stepping inside and quietly closing the door behind me. I keep my eyes locked on her mischievous eyes as I press the lock on the door. "Lift your dress." She does as I demand and she in fact has no panties on. "Fuck," I hiss, racing toward her.

I slam my lips to hers as my fingers sink into her bare ass. She moans as I push my hard cock against her. Her nails dig into my shoulders as I deepen the kiss, needing her more in this moment than I need the next breath I take.

My one hand moves to her pussy and I drag my fingers through her wetness. I use my other hand to unbutton my jeans and with a little work, push them past my ass. My dick rubs against her and she moans a little too loudly.

I break the kiss and search her heated eyes. "You can't make noise, Anya. They'll all come rushing."

She bites her lip to hide her smile, but nods her head. "It's dangerous and I like it a little too much."

"You want danger?"

Her eyes bounce between mine as a small grin takes over my lips. I reach down and pull her sundress off, tossing it behind me. She's now completely exposed to me, but it's not enough. I kick off my jeans and boxers, lifting her into my arms in one quick motion. I kiss her neck as I walk toward the window in her bedroom. "Your family is outside, better hope they don't look up and see," I whisper, pressing her naked body to the window.

"Griffin," she whisper-shouts with wide eyes.

I slam into her and her mouth falls open as her fingers dig into my upper arms. "You want danger, and I warned you not to tease me."

I pound into her hard and fast, her hard nipples easily felt through the thin fabric of my shirt. Her dripping wet pussy grips me tightly as I continue my punishing rhythm.

"Oh God, Griffin," she moans.

"Shh, I told you not to make any noise," I warn.

My fingers dig harder into her ass as her head falls forward onto my shoulder. She bites it lightly to keep from screaming and it's fucking hot.

I know I need to make this fast because someone will notice us missing, and as exciting and dangerous as this is, I don't want to actually get caught.

"Reach down and rub your clit, Anya. I need to feel you come," I hiss.

She doesn't hesitate and does exactly what I ask. Her teeth sink harder into my shoulder and it only spurs me on. I drive into her harder and faster, ensuring we aren't rattling the window.

"I'm so close," she whispers, going right back to biting my shoulder.

"Good girl, come for me. Give me your release because I promise you it is only the appetizer to what I have in store for you when we get the fuck out of here."

Her body reacts and her pussy grips me like a vice. Her teeth quite possibly have broken skin as her muffled cries surround us.

Her release continues and pulls mine from me just as quickly. We both hold on tightly to each other as we breathe heavily.

I press a soft kiss to her neck and she lifts her head. Our eyes lock and I grin, walking us away from the window.

"Wow, that was, holy wow," she whispers.

I chuckle as I place her back onto her feet. "That's dangerous and careless, but now maybe we can get through this dinner without bursting into flames."

"Anya?" Carol shouts up the stairs.

"Shit," she says, rushing around to get dressed.

As I slip my jeans back on, I grab her panicked face and smile. "Relax, baby. I'm going to go out first and slip into the bathroom. You're going to fix yourself up very quickly and go downstairs. You'll tell everyone that you were on the phone with the Mayor giving him details about the dinner choices. They'll be so excited about that, that when I enter they won't question anything." I kiss her soft lips and rest my forehead to hers. "I'm not going to let anyone be none the wiser."

She nods still looking nervous as I poke my head out of her room and slip into the bathroom. I listen carefully for her and when I hear her walk down the stairs, I wait five minutes.

That was much needed and I feel like I can finally relax around everyone. It also makes me wonder if what Paxton said is true. Am I in love with Anya?

I kind of always think I have been. Just too afraid to ever admit it.

"Dinner is delicious, Mom," Brock says, savoring a mouthful of roast chicken.

"Yes, everything is amazing," Callum agrees, nodding enthusiastically as he reaches for another helping of mashed potatoes.

No one questioned me after I appeared shortly after Anya. They were all so excited about her fake phone call that they didn't notice my delayed arrival. The dinner table is buzzing with conversation and laughter, the clinking of cutlery punctuating the cheerful atmosphere. It's a reminder of how fortunate I am to share such a close bond with everyone here.

My eyes keep finding Anya's across the table, and each time they do, my heart beats faster in my chest. Her presence stirs emotions in me that I never knew existed, feelings that are becoming irresistibly addictive.

"Mom and I made some chocolates to go with the apple pie for dessert," Anya says, her smile lighting up the room as her eyes meet mine.

"I keep telling her she should offer her treats more often for parties. They are always delicious," I add, holding her gaze, a silent connection passing between us.

"That's not a bad idea. If anyone knows food, it's Griffin," Callum says, gesturing toward me with his fork.

"Hey," Carol says with a laugh, giving Callum a playful nudge.

"Of course, you too, Mom," Callum quickly adds, his face breaking into a grin as everyone chuckles.

Everyone laughs as Paxton stands up, raising his glass. "Dinner has been perfect, Mom. Thank you. And Dad, thanks for setting everything up." We all chuckle at his gratitude, sharing a warm moment of appreciation for our parents.

Paxton takes a deep breath, his smile widening. "I asked Mom and Dad if they could host this dinner because Hartford and I have an announcement."

The room falls silent, everyone at the table leaning in slightly, anticipation hanging in the air. We all have our suspicions, but we're finally about to hear it from Paxton himself.

"Hartford has been my best friend since kindergarten, and I've loved her every day since the day I first met her. Best friends, boyfriend and girlfriend. Last night, I asked her if she would like to add wife to that description, and she said yes. Hartford and I are getting married."

The room erupts in joyful noise. Carol, overcome with emotion, wipes her tears as she jumps up to hug the newly engaged couple. Everyone is offering their congratulations, voices overlapping in a chorus of happiness and excitement.

Amidst the celebration, my eyes find Anya's. She's watching with tears glistening in her eyes, a radiant smile on her face. The love she has for Paxton and Hartford is palpable, reflected in her teary gaze.

Under the table, I reach out and find her knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. Her eyes meet mine, and she smiles, a look that takes my breath away. My heart races as I return her smile, feeling a rush of emotions.

We both glance back at Paxton and Hartford, who are locked in an adoring gaze, their smiles brighter than ever. The love between them is unmistakable, a testament to their journey together.

Holy shit.

My eyes drift back to Anya, and in that moment, everything becomes clear.

Paxton is right—I am in love.

The realization hits me like a tidal wave, profound and undeniable. Anya's presence, her smile, the way she makes me feel—it all points to one truth. I'm in love, and it's the most incredible feeling in the world.