“Well, thank fuck for that,” he says, sweeping me into his arms and spinning me around. I laugh joyfully, happiness welling inside my chest. Max places me on my feet, twines his hands in my hair and kisses me tenderly. When he pulls away I am all sorts of giddy. I grab hold of the kitchen island to steadymyself.
Stepping away, Max gives Hudson a look. I turn to him. He watches us all with interest. There is a light in his eyes. I can tell he is happy for his brothers, happy at their happiness, if that makes sense. Yet, there is also fear there. Christ knows I feel that fear too. This is new to me, this feeling ofbelonging.
“Louisa,” Hudson says, chewing on his lip. He looks to his brothers forreassurance.
“Go on mate, you can do this,” Bryce says. I glance at Bryce and Max, who are looking at Hudson with nothing but love. It warms myheart.
Hudson draws in a breath. “Fuck, why is this so damn hard?” He draws a hand over his chin. I can’t help but notice it’sshaking.
“I’m a complicated man, Louisa. I am moody, sullen, a real prick a lot of the time. There is a lot of shit in here,” he says, tapping his head. “Bryce and Max will attest to that. They know me better than anyone, but once you’re in here,” he says, moving his finger from his head to his chest, “that’s where you’llstay.”
I gulp. This is hard for Hudson. These words, they don’t come easy and that makes them all the more special. I feelspecial.
“I drank myself to oblivion because it hurt when you left. Max is right, you are a fucking miracle, Louisa. You areoursnow. We are yours,Iam yours. Will you bemine?”
Hudson doesn’t move, so I go to him. “I think I always have been,” I say gently, laying my hand on his chest. I move in close as he wraps his arms around me. Behind me, Max and Bryce step close as Hudson pulls my head to his chest. Then I feel the warmth of them all as they surround me. For the first time in my life I feelloved.
* * *
Bryce sitsup front with Hudson, Max and I are in the back. We are about five minutes away from Café Rouge in Brixton. Despite the happiness I feel, I am nervous. This budding relationship I have with them is not the norm. Loving more than one person, being with them all in a relationship isn’t something many people will accept. But for me, for someone who had no love growing up, to be wanted by three incredible men, it’s perfect. Why does it matter? We’re not hurting anyone. Love is love,right?
“Here we are, you jump out and I’ll go park the beast,” Bryce says. “I’ll see you in afew.”
Hudson jumps out of the car and opens the door forme.
“Thanks,” I say, taking hishand.
Max joins us on the pavement. “Let’s meet Richard then.” He places his hand on my lower back and steers me to theentrance.
I spot Richard immediately. He gets up, smilingbroadly.
“Louisa, love, how areyou?”
When I get to him, he pulls me into a hug. “I’ve been so worried about you. Are youokay?”
“I’m fine now. I’m sorry for worrying you, but I’ve been in goodhands.”
“So which one of you do I need to thank for taking care of Louisa?” he asks, looking between Hudson andMax.
“You can thank them both, and Bryce, once he’s parked the car,” I say, taking aseat.
“Well then, thank you for taking care of Louisa,” Richard says, shaking both Hudson and Max’s hands. They take a seat, and an awkward silence descends as Richard looks betweenus.
“So, I’ve been thinking. This man, the one who attacked you, I think you should inform the police, Louisa. He can’t get away with it,” Richardsays.
“I agree,” Bryce says as he approaches the table. He holds his hand out to Richard, who takes it. “I’m Bryce Freed, it’s good to meet you.” He sits down next to me and takes my hand in his. Richard frowns as he looks between Bryce and Hudson, who are sitting either side of me. Hudson has his arm resting on the chair behind me, his fingers stroking my shoulderabsentmindedly.
“We have notified the police,” Max says, drawing Richard’s attentionaway.
“You have?” I ask. They hadn’t mentioned it tome.
“Yes. This guy, he hurt you. He needs locking up,” Hudsonconfirms.
“Good. I’m glad.” Richard takes a sip of his drink, considering me over the rim. “When are you going backhome?”
I am prevented from answering by the waitress, who takes our order. She moves away, but not before she gives an admiring glance at all three ofmymen. I feel both proud andterritorial.
“I’m not sure…” Istart.