17. Chapter Seventeen

17

Chapter Seventeen

Kieran

I t’s been about two weeks since Britt and I became official. We’ve stayed either at her house or my penthouse every night. I’ve avoided my brothers at all costs aside from business since that night in the office. They keep trying to talk about my ‘meltdown’ that night, which is annoying because it wasn’t a meltdown. I’m a grown ass man not a seven year old. But per usual I’m not allowed to have feelings without it being me throwing a fit. Fuck them. That’s why I refuse to engage in anything but work.

We’re at Ryan’s and I’m warming up to get ready to train for my fight tomorrow night. We talked to Ty after that night. Allegedly someone went around him to put James on the card once they saw my name. I don’t know how true that is, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt while I have no tangible proof that he’s lying. While I’m warming up, I’m watching Ryan and Britt talk and get to know each other out of the corner of my eye. They’re probably swapping stories to embarrass me but I don’t care as long as they get along.

Ryan’s not just my best friend, he works for us too. It could be a messy situation but it isn’t. Just like Roe’s my boss when we’re working. I’m Ryan’s boss. If I make a decision he doesn’t agree with, he shuts up and gets it done at work, then we fight it out down here after. It’s a system that’s worked for years so I won’t be changing it anytime soon.

Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’ blares through my headphones as I jump rope. Dancing to the song while continuing to jump on beat, I catch Britt watching me intently. I started doing this years ago when the mundane task of jumping rope was boring me to sleep. So I started adding little moves here and there. My timer goes off letting me know I can stop. Putting the rope away then popping my headphones off, I quickly grab my water and take a drink before nodding over to the space we have set up to spar. Not stopping to talk because I’m in the zone now, I make my way over to put on my sparring gloves. Without a word Ryan does the same. When we’re both ready, we meet in the middle of the makeshift ring and set our stances.

We tap gloves then immediately start. The objectives are simple; I’m trying to make sure I’m ready for tomorrow night, and he’s trying his hardest to embarrass me in front of the pretty girl. It’s always been like this. Eighteen years of friendship will do that to you. I’m always trying to win and master everything and Ryan’s taking nothing serious. I tag his cheek before pulling my punch, always pulling my punches. Full power is for show time only.

“Watch out Ry.” I let out a playful laugh as he rolls his eyes, unable to stop the grin tugging at one side of his mouth. We continue to tease each other while dodging hits and kicks. Eventually after we end up on the ground, I get the tap. Ryan shoves me off of him calling me a ‘punk bitch’ under his breath.

Before I can suggest we start another round Brittany catches my attention. She’s making her way over to me and all I can do is stand here with a goofy grin on my face. Her arms go around my neck as she stretches up on her tiptoes. I let her drag me down to press her lips to mine. Instinctually, my hands grip her hips as I match her intensity and slip my tongue between her perfect lips. It takes every ounce of self control my body possesses to pull away from her, but I still tug on her bottom lip with my teeth as I go.

“What was that for?”

“I didn’t think I’d like watching you fight, but I think it may be my new favorite pastime. You looked good out there, Byrne. Really good.”

Now this is something I can work with. “Yeah? How about we go to the bathroom and you can show me how good.”

“I would, but we have to be at your house in an hour for this cookout, and we still have to take me to my car because we can’t show up together.”

Irritation works its way up my spine. “Want to explain to me one more time why that is?”

She lets out an annoyed huff, “We’ve been over this at least fifteen times today. I don’t want to tell Clara and your brothers yet.”

“Because you’re embarrassed. Yeah, I got it.”

“Kieran, be serious for a minute. We both know that’s not true. Is that how you really feel?”

She cannot be serious right now. Is that how it feels? How else is it supposed to feel? I want to scream she’s mine from the rooftops, but she doesn’t even want to tell her best friend? I can’t tell her that though because I’m Kieran. I’m not allowed to have feelings like that. Nothing gets to me. I’m allowed to have two settings. The first is the obvious; stone cold mercenary and robotic security detail for the Boss and his successor. The second is the happy-go-lucky silly uncle and brother. Honestly I’m not even sure who I am anymore if not one of those two faces. So I do what I do best, paste on her favorite smirk, and brush off the pang in my chest.

“I know. I know. We’ll take this at your pace, that’s fine.” A weird look crosses her face but she just presses a quick kiss to my lips before turning to walk away. She looks breathtaking in her light blue dress. It’s flowy and hits right above her knees, and her reddish blonde hair is pulled up in a simple ponytail. She looks like every man’s girl-next-door fantasy. How we’re about to get through this cookout without sneaking off so I can get my hands on her is beyond me.

* * *

After dropping Britt off at her car and giving her a quick kiss I head to the penthouse to shower and change into casual clothes. It’s not necessary, they’ve seen me in way worse, but it buys me time so Brittany and I don’t show up right after each other. I make quick work in the shower, and towel off before heading into my closet to get dressed. I’m not working today so I grab a pair of well loved and broken in jeans and a long sleeve olive green Henley. The green is going to make my eyes shine, and I know it’s going to have my girl drooling.

It’s the end of winter here, but oddly enough it’s not ball freezing cold, we’ve actually had really good weather recently for early March. Because of this, I throw on my Alpinestar riding boots, and leather jacket. Making sure to grab my all black helmet as well as my book bag with black and gray sneakers inside, I head out to my baby. After making my way to the underground garage and finding my bike in the spot closest to the elevators, I throw my leg over the bike and take a minute to get comfortable on it again.

I haven’t been able to ride much at all since the fall. Winter is bitter and unforgiving here. Rolling my shoulders to loosen up I can’t help but smile. Taking my loops out of my helmet I place them in my ears to cancel out the wind noise while I ride. Next, I slide my helmet on and secure the chin strap. Finally, I turn her on. She purrs to life and adrenaline spikes through my veins. I’m definitely taking the long way there. Riding really is muscle memory for me at this point.

I rode dirt bikes growing up nonstop. The transition to a motorcycle when I was seventeen wasn’t as jarring as people who have never rode before. My Ma hated this, she always told me my busy mind would either change the world or be my demise. Which one it’ll be is still yet to be seen. Maneuvering my way out of the parking garage and off the busy streets of the city all my anxious energy melts away. I carry that energy constantly. The only time I’m able to shake it is when I ride, when I fight, and surprisingly when I’m with Britt. Sucking up every second of a mind not riddled with anxiety, I take the back roads. I’ll get there when I get there.

* * *

Pulling up in front of my childhood home I kill the bike and take a minute to appreciate it. I can almost see us as kids wreaking havoc on every inch of these grounds. My parents were the most amazing people who ever lived. They raised us to be in the family business, but at the same time to be good men. Our moral compasses may be obscured a little, but they’re there and we have hard lines when it comes to what we will and will not allow. Before I can continue into my nostalgia, my favorite little laugh meets my ears.

Quickly making work of changing my shoes out and taking off my leather gloves and helmet , I throw my book bag over my shoulder and make my way to the sound drawing me in. I open the side gate and yell out above everyone, “Ohhhh, Little Bearrrrr.” Rhett Brady Byrne jumps off the swing he was just on and takes off at me like a shot. He launches himself into my arms almost knocking me back a step.

Rhett gives the absolute best hugs I’ve ever had. His arms all but strangle you as his little body pours every ounce of love he possesses into it. Wrapping my arms around his back I carry him, legs dangling and all, over to everyone else. The hardest part about not being here while fighting with my brothers is not seeing him. I’ve been a constant since he showed up nervous and unsure in my brother’s hold with his mom all those months ago. He didn’t like men back then. A fact that still holds true to this day unless your last name is Byrne or you’re his guard Killian.

Setting him down on the patio and taking the hand he holds up to me, I nod to my brothers, kiss the top of my sister-in-law’s head, and offer Brittany a weak smile.

“Mitchell.”

“Byrne.” She nods stoically, and a sharp pain radiates through my chest. I fucking hate this.

Turning my attention back to what feels like the only person who wants me here, my fun uncle persona slides easily back into place.

“Uncle Kie, wanna come see my new car I built with Uncle Mac? It’s so- sun- suner power.”

“Really? Of course I want to see your suner power car.” Smiling at him I let him lead me over to his new car on the opposite end of the patio.

Mac calls out for him before we make it over there, “Bear?”

Rhett’s head whips back over to Mac, “Yes, sir?”

“Solar, buddy. Solar powered car.”

A serious expression takes over his little face, “Oh yes. Solar, Uncle Kie.”

Smiling at him as we continue to walk, “Solar, got it, Bear.”

Rhett and I play with his car for what seems like hours but really must only be about forty-five minutes. I’ve never felt uncomfortable at this house. Today, well today I want to run and go back to my penthouse. Britt’s acting so distant it makes my skin crawl and my brothers are acting like I don’t exist. Bear gets up and goes to make Killian play on the playground with him just as my phone vibrates.

I’m hoping it’s Ryan because I really need this fight tomorrow. Pulling it out I see a notification from none other than Brittany Mitchell. Looking up to find her standing and talking to the twins but her eyes are all for me. Damn this girl, even if I wanted to I can’t ignore her. It goes against my every instinct. Breaking eye contact I swipe the notification bringing it up for me to read.

Brittany: Meet me behind the pool house in five?

Kieran: What ever for, Miss Mitchell ?

Brittany: Please, sir.

Yeah, I’ll do whatever she asks of me, actually.

Kieran: Guess we’re about to find out how good you can be for me.

No one’s paying attention to me, everyone’s freezing me out so now is the perfect time to give them the slip. As casually as I can muster I make my way behind the pool house. My whole body feels jittery, adrenaline spiking before she’s even in my grasp. She doesn’t keep me waiting long though. Only a few minutes later she appears making her way to the secluded area behind the pool house, giving us a semblance of privacy. As soon as she’s in arms reach my hand encases her throat, not tightly, I just like the visual that I hold the power here.

Turning her and pressing her into the back wall of the building I ground out. “You think it’s cute to act like you have no idea who I am, Brittany?”

My voice comes out gravely and barely controlled. I’m pissed, and though it isn’t all her fault, it is partially.

“I’m sorry. I don’t like this either. You look so mad. Please, let me help.”

I know it’s a dick move, but so is hiding me from everyone and acting like I don’t make her come until she passes out every night.

“On your knees.”

Her eyes widen at the lack of emotion in my voice, but she’s submissive by nature so she sinks to her knees without protest. Wrapping my fist into her ponytail I pull her head back so she’s looking directly up at me. Her eyes are pure heat as her tongue comes out to wet her bottom lip.

“Take my cock out, and let me fuck your face.”

Her body shivers at my commanding tone, but her hands come up and unbuckle my belt. She lets her nails scrape over my lower stomach as she unbuttons and unzips my jeans. Tugging them and my boxers down just enough for my cock to spring free, already ready for her. I need her mouth on me more than I need my next breath and she doesn’t disappoint. Britt closes her lips over the head and sucks as she takes as much of me as she can before gagging and pulling back, her hand wrapping around my base. Wrapping my hand tighter in her hair, my eyes all but glaze over.

“If it’s too much you tap my thigh twice in a row. Understood?”

She pulls back releasing my dick with an audible pop, “Yes, Sir.”

Letting my eyes flutter closed for just a second I guide myself into her wet, hot mouth. She sucks me down until that reflex kicks in again and she tries to pull back, but this time I don’t let her.

“Calm down, baby. Breathe through your nose and relax your throat.” Her watery eyes lock onto mine and both arousal and fear swirl in them. She likes it, but she’s also scared. I wait until her throat relaxes until I push farther in. Feeling her swallow me down has me ready to coat her throat with my release, but I pull back giving her the chance to breathe properly.

“You okay?”

Britt doesn’t answer me, no instead she grips my hips and swallows my cock down again, my hips buck as I begin fucking her throat without abandon.

“That’s perfect, you’re such a good fucking slut. So fucking sexy choking on my cock.”

She moans deep in her throat and that’s it .

“I’m going to come, pull off.” She doubles her efforts. “Britt, I’m serious”

Her teeth graze the underside of my cock and that’s it. I shoot every ounce of my release down her throat, and because she’s such a good fucking girl she swallows every last drop before pulling off of me and licking her lips. She stands as I fix my jeans, once I’m put back together I press her back against the back wall and cover my lips with hers. Tasting myself on her, I nip at her bottom lip while allowing myself to hold onto her and make out like horny teenagers for just a little longer before ripping my lips away from hers.

“I want you to think about this when you walk back out there before you start acting like you didn’t just have my cock down your throat.”

“Yes, Sir.” She smirks and walks in front of me as we sneak our way back into the yard. That little minx knew exactly what she was doing, I thought I was pulling the strings back there, but she planned this whole thing. She knew I’d go absolutely feral if she got me alone. I’m lost in my head standing near the grill where my brothers are congregating. I’m not talking to them but they’re talking around me, when Mac turns to me.

“Kieran, it’s been weeks, please can we talk about this shit.”

“Nothing to talk about Mac, everyone’s feelings are well known by now. You’re entitled to feel them, but I’m not required to listen to them.”

Rowan turns, shooting daggers at me, “Oh fuck off, Kieran. You’re being a fucking bitch baby and upsetting my wife and kid in the process.”

“You’re right, I forgot my life has to revolve around your wife too, oh wait…. It doesn’t. ”

Declan opens his mouth no doubt to light into me when I hear a commotion behind me, turning just in time to see Brittany run through the back door.

“Fuck!”

I grab my helmet and chase after her. Of course she’s already halfway down the driveway when I get to my bike, so I do the only logical thing I can think of. I follow her.