2. Reid

"Well?"I don't need to finish the question. They all know what I'm asking and Cash nods his dark head, his harsh features tightening.

"It's done. I put the bait out for our little princess. Now we just need to make sure we're there when she wanders into the trap."

"How did you get inside the building?" Max asks, his dark brow lifting curiously.

I smirk and shoot him a challenging look. "Jealous, Max?"

He glares back at Cash and I. "I just don't want to be arrested for participating in something illegal. Cash has been known to flirt with the edge of legal to get some of our projects done."

Cash growls and stands up straight, his muscular body so tense, I swear I see the seams popping on his t-shirt. The man refuses to wear a suit, even to work.

"Man. I don't ever do anything illegal. I am always totally aboveboard." He smirks and his body tightens even more. "If you think you can do my job…feel free, asshole."

I hold my hands up. "Hey, assholes. No fighting. We're about to get everything we want in this world and I know we're all on edge but this is not happening." I turn towards Max and frown at him, watching his green eyes darken. "You're usually the most calm of all of us. Why the hell are you trying to start something with Cash? He was doing exactly what we asked him to do and we both know that he would never do anything illegal." I shoot Cash a censorious glance. "But we also know that you get close sometimes. So don't act like you've never done anything close. I wasn't born yesterday."

Both of them glare at me and I smirk. "I'm sorry but the truth hurts. Don't let the stress get to you guys! We're so close. Get this shit out of your systems before we get Court where we want her because if you make her run by causing a bunch of drama that nobody needs, I'm gonna kick your asses."

Max sighs and runs his big hands through his hair. "I'm sorry, man." He gives Cash a look that shows his sincerity. Max is usually a good man and he's our peacekeeper so the fact that he's so on edge without Court is shocking.

It's not like we all haven't been waiting for this moment since high school. We've built our business up, taking over for my father and his friends when all three of the idiots decided it was time to run off with the women they met. Single for such a long time that they lost their minds when they met their women.

Not that I blame them. When my mom died, my Dad became an overworked single dad with a focus on me and the business that was shocking.

I couldn't get a minute's peace from him most times. He was up my ass, insistent that one of these days, I would become the future of Braxton Industries.

I knew that I would take over for my Dad but I also knew that I would need help. And who better than the boys who grew up with me and were the sons of my Dad's best friend.

But we almost broke off and dissolved our friendship and our business when we met Court. I knew instantly she was mine. So did my best friends. That fact almost destroyed everything we were working for.

Until my Dad and his best buddies sat us all down and told us that no woman was worth killing everything we could have in the future. And then they brought up the fact that we did everything else together so why couldn't we do the same thing with our woman.

I remember staring at my Dad like he'd lost his mind. Because who the hell expects their parent to spout that kind of shit.

But when we thought about it, it made sense. We're all jealous fuckers, for sure.

But if we have each other to protect and care for our woman, that should make our relationship rock solid. And fuck knows, Court is a lot to handle. I will probably thank God more times than I can count over the years when I have them to support me in taking care of her. Protecting her and keeping her in check.

I know that sounds bad but Court is a wild woman when she wants to be. The majority of the time though she makes everyone think that she's so controlled. She acts like she's in charge but even when we were in school I could see the longing to be wild in her beautiful peridot eyes. They sparkle like the jewels when she lets loose.

The problem is she has let her parents take over her life. Her Dad could see the way we looked at her when we were growing up and he poisoned her mind against us. Told her that we were trying to be with her because we wanted to take over her company and push her out and naturally her parents as well.

That never even crossed our mind. Her family's business has nothing to do with ours. Braxton Industries is all about security. But we don't specifically deal with tech. Our business deals with the personal side and our bodyguards are world-renowned. All of us did our stint in the military in Special Forces and then we came home when our fathers called us back.

All of us were shocked when we got back and realized that the reason they called is they met their women.

Aunt Dixie and Aunt Sheryl are wonderful with Uncle Raymond and Uncle Scott. They're loving and sweet and their soft edges take the harshness off of Ray and Scott.

And then there's Millie. My icy heart melted when I saw how happy she made my Dad.

So we took over and they left to go find themselves with their women leading the way.

It makes me feel good knowing that they finally have what I feel like they were searching for since we were kids. That they're blissfully happy and fulfilled.

But before my Dad left, he got me alone and he sighed. "Don't be like me, Reid. Your uncles and I may not be blood but we've always been best friends and more than family. You, Cash and Max are just like that. The only difference is that Courtney is all you guys want beyond this company. Don't leave it too late. Eventually she's going to find someone else because she doesn't know you love her. And then all of you will regret not taking that last step and getting her for yourselves."

His blue eyes are softer than mine but they harden to ice. "I don't want you to forget how lonely I've been my whole life. If I had got my head out of my ass a long time ago I would have seen Millie long ago. She's the one that pushed me to get out of my own head and realize that there's more to life than work. There's love. All of you deserve it."

He grins cheekily, making him look a lot younger. "Love can come in many different forms and functions. Your love doesn't have to look like mine or anyone else's. As long as it works for you boys."

I grunt when he calls us boys. "We're far from boys, Dad."

"You get my message. Just don't fuck this up. If you do, I don't think you boys will be able to move on. You're too in love and wrapped up with Court. She's it for you so go and get her."

And with those wise words, he stands up and hugs me tight. "Good luck, son. I think you boys are gonna need it." And he walks out chuckling.

"Thanks, Dad. I appreciate the support."

But I do. And as soon as he left, I put the plans in motion.

Now we're so close that I can't help but smile at my friends. "We're so close, guys. Keep your eyes focused on the prize and we're gonna get our darkest desires fulfilled."

And we all nod, smirking. It's time to get our woman.