Page 79 of Rayne

Following graduation, I watched her carefully, making note of her plans.

Coming back to Arizona. Buying a house. Applying for a job as a junior associate in her old firm which she got—which led to more investigations on the current staff.

I wasn't letting her go back there unless I knew it was safe. The only predators in her life will be us.

But my favorite part?

The date of her arrival back into Phoenix.

I knew that the moment she arrived, she'd come straight to her new house to check it out. We'd texted briefly leading up to this, her excitement flourishing through the messages when she told us about her new purchase.

A part of me wondered if it was solely to provide an update on her achievement, or a subtle hint at something else. Either way, I've waited long enough to have her.

We haven't touched her since the Christmas she came home three years ago. If I wait any longer to feel her, I'll spontaneously combust, burning the world with little shards of Rayne.

In fact, I haven't touched anyone since that night. She consumes my thoughts after burying herself in a place inside me so deep. So many times I had to remind myself of the end goal and how it was for her. Jett had to stop me from flying to Stanford just as much as I had to stop him.

"She should be here soon," he remarks, looking at the time on his cell. "Try not to break her."

"I promise nothing," I shoot back.

Her new house is simple but cozy. Small but plentiful. It screams Rayne, right down to the overgrown garden out the back that I know she can't wait to get her hands on, and the pale blue walls inside.

We're sitting inside her new living room, waiting in front of the door. I'm tempted to light the fireplace for her, but I don't want to give any indication of our presence when she arrives. I want to see her face in all its purity—her surprise, her relief, her equal longing for us.

Everything had finally settled into place. And now it was time for me to fulfill my promise to her.

"When the timing is right, we'll come find you."

So, now I'm here. Ready to claim her in every single way possible. The only question is who will get to her first. Jett is equally antsy, but his patience has always been greater than mine. Still, I've seen the way he's followed her movements, stared at her photos, reread her text messages.

I love that my brother loves her as much as I do. He's the only person on his planet I would allow that honor and not kill for putting his hands on her. I trust him completely, my rock and companion through everything. So, it only seems fitting that we would love the same girl. She's the only one worthy of us both—able to handle us both.

I've counted down the very seconds to this moment, the reflection of her headlights bouncing around the living room as her car pulls into the driveway.

I know she's alone, because I planned it that way. I have everything planned—every single fucking thing. Which is why I went to our parents' house yesterday and explained everything to them.

No more obstacles. No more barriers. No more waiting.

I wish I could say it went perfectly smooth, but of course, they were surprised in the worst way. I've never seen them so speechless. For a moment, I thought Dad was going to wrestle me into the hardwood floor, but slowly, my words convinced them—and they agreed to work on a journey of acceptance. After all, all they wanted was for us to be happy. And that's what we will do.

I knew we had to be the ones to do it. Rayne would struggle, scared of hurting our parents. It would pain her to start that conversation, so I took control for her. Now, she doesn't have to worry about anything.

The soft sound of footsteps land on the front porch, keys jingling. I stare at the door, intensely, fire pulsing through my veins as I wait. Jett stands up next to me, and I follow, getting to my feet.

Time stands still as the door slowly opens. And then, there she is.

It takes Rayne a few seconds to process the situation, her eyes wide with disbelief. They sparkle too—the hazel orbs switching between Jett and I as she takes us in.

"You're here," she breathes out. There's no hostility, just relief—like she's waited for this moment too.

"Welcome home, Tempest," I say, unable to stop myself from smiling.

I knew back then when I first saw her that she's the most beautiful person that ever existed. And that still rings true to this day.

Tears pool in her eyes as she drops her bag by her feet. Rushing forward, she flings her arms around me, burying her face into the side of my neck. My arms tighten around her on their own accord, holding her. Even though I knew she'd be here, I still can't believe we're all finally here. Here—the end of it all.

Rayne lets go of me, embracing Jett in the same manner. I watch them both fondly, my eyes scanning the room. I'm already deeply familiar with the house, but I still can't help my wandering thoughts.

---