Too Sweet (Hayes Brothers #3)(52)

“You think you can tell me something about you I don’t already know? I don’t need dates, Nico. We’re past dates by now, don’t you think?”

“Good girl. Say it, Mia. Tell me you’re mine.”

I dip my head, stealing a quick kiss, but Nico doesn’t let me pull away. He sinks deeper and tastes me all over again, his tongue skimming mine, our bodies flush together.

“You really like being kissed, don’t you?”

“I might be a little insufferable until I get my fix.”

“Good. You need to teach me how to be a ten.” He moves his lips to my neck, nipping my ear. “Use your words, Mia. Tell me you’re mine.”

I arch back a little, my hands shaking with uncontainable glee. “I’m yours, and you’re mine, but I’m still Cody’s date tonight. I can’t ditch him.”

“That won’t work. You’re coming with me. Cody already found someone else.”

“Really? Who? And what about your date? She bought a dress and probably went to the hairdressers, and—”

“And I booked her a Spa weekend with her girl. Believe me, she’s not losing out.” He hands me a small box from the inside pocket of his jacket. “Happy Birthday. I couldn’t get it any sooner.”

I eye a square, light-green box with a white satin ribbon. “Um, it’s nice of you to—”

“Open it.”

Biting my cheek, I pinch the ribbon, pulling until it sighs to the floor, then open the lid. A gold chain and a two-inch long, gold peacock feather encrusted with diamonds, tiny emeralds, and a large sapphire sits inside.

“You left the real one in the cab, but it was crumpled and broken. I thought you could use a sturdier replacement.”

“It’s beautiful... thank you, but it won’t serve the same purpose. I’m done trying to get into Aisha’s good graces.”

“It will serve the same purpose, only with a different person.” He clasps the necklace around my neck. “The first wish is yours.”

“You think you can handle my wish? You have no idea what you’re getting into.”

“Whatever it is, I’ll do it. Do we have a deal?”

“Yes.”

“Good girl. Don’t make me wait long.”

NINETEEN
Nico

MINE.

Fucking mine.

Mine to hold, kiss, and take care of.

Finally.

As soon as we arrive at the Country Club, Mia rushes off to find my mother and get ready for her performance, and I’m intercepted by a concerned Theo.

“You doing okay? You need a drink, bro?” He grabs my arm, steering me toward the garden. “Some Xanax? Or better yet, how about a joint?”

“I see you had one.” I frown when he shoves me through the door. “What the hell is going on?”

He takes a deep breath, pulling out a pack of cigarettes. “I know you won’t smoke a joint, so at least take this. I’ll get you all the vodka you’ll need.”

“You do remember I know Kaya’s here, right?”

The patio slides left, and the triplets pour out wearing matching scowls that look dangerously similar to the one Theo had on a moment ago. They’re a breed of their own with curly hair, long noses, and bushy eyebrows, but it’s scary how one facial expression almost morphs them into Theo, Logan, me, or Shawn.

Cody shoves a glass of neat bourbon into my hand, patting my back. “You good? You gonna be the bigger man here?”

“I’m fine.”

Just as I say it, I realize, again, that the triplets just walked through the door, and everyone I trust stands around me, waiting to see what I’ll do next.

And Mia’s not here.

She’s in the venue, unattended.

I flick the cigarette to the floor, my muscles bunched when I turn to get inside. Both Colt and Conor grab my arms, halting me in place.

“Whoa, hold your horses, bro,” Conor chirps. “Relax. Calm down. Don’t go throwing a big-boy tantrum in there. It won’t do you any good. Fuck that bitch. And fuck that asshole too. It’s in the past. Big breaths, come on.”

He sure gets his theatrics from Theo.

“I won’t make a scene if they stay away from Mia,” I say, shaking them off.

The last thing I expect is a supersized grin splitting Cody’s face. “I never thought I’d be happy my brother stole my girlfriend.”

“She wasn’t yours,” I snap, but I’m calmer knowing he doesn’t mind. What’s more, he seems pleased.

“Yeah, I know. She’s yours now. Just remember. Don’t mess her about. She’s a good girl.”

Yeah, she is. Too good for me.

I shake off that thought before it takes root, forcing me to question this entire thing. Mia would probably be better off with someone without my baggage, someone who doesn’t go batshit crazy with jealousy, someone who doesn’t have to fight his instincts daily to keep his protectiveness in check.

That guy? Whoever he is, is a better fit for Mia, but the only way he’ll get anywhere near her is if he risks a one-on-one with me. The track record of fights I won versus fights I lost in my life is not in that guy’s favor.

I can’t remember exactly how many fights I won, but those I lost are easy to count. There were none. Whoever tries to steal Mia from me doesn’t stand a chance.