Page 80 of Betraying Bexley

“So, I shouldn't tell her about the money?” He tilted his head.

“Asher Rainer. You need to stop.” Dr. Rae's lips twitched. “She's trying to process everything and you're not helping.”

“M-Money?” She licked her bottom lip. “H-How?”

“Call it a favor kid. You've suffered enough. But, like I said, think it over.” He strode toward the door again. “I'd start with Noah and Mateo's offer first, though. They're a little worried you'll say no, and I can't have my 2nd fucking up while we're working a mission or three.”

“No. Pressure. Asher.” Dr. Rae stared after him.

“None,” he replied before exiting the space.

Dr. Rae sighed. “He's a pain in the ass but his heart is in the right place. We're all concerned about you, is what he should have said.”

Bex nodded. “I appreciate it.”

“Good. Then I'll set you up an appointment with Dr. Joiner.” She stood. “I'm sure Asher will return with paperwork and tons of other things you'll need to do. So, rest while you can.” Dr. Rae squeezed her shoulder. “Welcome home, Bexley. I'm happy you're here. Plus, girl power. We were seriously being overrun by testosterone.”

Bex laughed. Hard. Then began to cry. Dr. Rae was right. They'd all overwhelmed her with their kindness and compassion. The dam of emotions she'd been squashing down all of her life burst free. She allowed herself to mourn everything she'd lost and the things she never realized she didn't have like a mother or a loving father. She mourned the loss of her leg. Of being alone. She allowed herself to be vulnerable. To fear what could happen next while also being excited about what was to come. She allowed herself to be happy too, because Dr. Rae was right, she did have a family now.

Two weeks later...

Bex sat in her new bedroom and stared at the paperwork officially transferring her guardianship to Noah and Mateo. She was now, Bexley Alexandria Aquino-Hanover. Pride filled her. She had parents. A few days after she'd woken up in the hospital room at the base, Noah and Mateo came to see her. They weren't pushy about their offer, and she appreciated it. Bexley understood she'd have a bumpy road to travel, and they'd all have bumps and hills to climb along the way, but for the first time, she'd been content.

She glanced around her room and grinned. Mateo had asked her that day after agreeing to sign the paperwork and officially become their ward, or as Mateo said, daughter, he wanted to know what kind of room she’d always dreamed of having. She hadn't hesitated. She wanted a Pride room. Somewhere she could feel safe and accepted for who she was. Then she had to explain to both men she was bisexual. Her first, first. She came out to them knowing above everyone,they'dbe the ones to accept her.

Mateo and Noah didn't disappoint either. When Dr. Rae released her from the medical wing, Noah and Mateo took her to their apartment. It was on the family floor. All of the apartments were soundproof, and their closest neighbors were Sydney and Jonathan along with their adorable kids. She'd been given the honors of unlocking their door with her palm print, something she'd been waiting to try out since Asher brought the biometrics pad to her hospital bed.

When she saw her bedroom for the first time, she couldn't believe it. Her bed wasn't a dirty mattress on the floor. Her desk wasn't some shitty second-hand a-stiff-wind-could-knock-it-over pressboard. And the colors. She'd giggled. It was a fantasy come true. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined she'd be lucky enough to call her room—her new apartment with caring 'parents,' home.

A knock at the door drew her attention from the packet of paperwork along with the certificate. She placed it back on her desk and headed for the door. The knock came again and called out, “C-coming.” A person could get lost in their apartment. It wasn't overly big, but it was three bedrooms and two baths. The kitchen and living room were called a great room since the spaces were connected and though there weren't any windows due to them being underground, it had mood lighting, adjusting throughout the day as the sun and moon traveled across the sky.

She opened the door and stepped back, surprised to see Bronx and Alé standing before her. “H-Hey.”

Bronx grinned. “You look, better, girl. Way better. Can we come in?”

Bex nodded and stepped aside. She had so much she wanted to say to them. She realized while she laid in bed, she'd been unfair to them. The whole time they'd been at Princess Anne, theywereprotecting her. They never hesitated and they never asked permission. Even though shit went sideways, they were the constant. “G-Glad y-you're here.”

Alé whistled low. “Swank digs, Bex. I think you lucked out on the parent selection.”

Heat filled her cheeks. “I-I like them.”

“We do too,” Bronx said, keeping her distance.

“W-Want to see m-my n-new room?” Bex pointed behind her.

Alé blinked while Bronx stared at Bex in confusion.

“C-Comfortable. M-My leg s-still hurts.” Not only did she have a slight concussion from the accident, she'd tweaked the bone in her limb when the car rolled. Dr. Rae didn't want her to use her leg too much to allow it to heal, but she also didn't want to be stuck in a wheelchair either. So, she promised to keep it propped up at least a few hours a day for a couple of weeks.

“Sure. Can we grab you a drink?” Alé pointed to the fridge.

“Yes. T-they b-bought me t-tea. S-So good.” Bex motioned for Bronx to follow. “C-Come on.”

She led Bronx down the hall then pivoted, trapping Bronx to the wall. The surprise filling her features sent a thrill down Bex's spine. She stared into Bronx's blue eyes and was reminded of their night at the beach then Alé's bed. She missed Bronx's touch. She missed her laughter and her hyper personality. Bex leaned in and nuzzled Bronx's neck then pressed a kiss there. Bronx's breath hitched and her hands went to Bex's waist. When her gaze met Bex's she leaned in and kissed her. This time she didn't fumble or act bashful. She'd had two weeks, not a lot of time in the grand scheme of things, but long enough to realize she wanted Alé and Bronx in her life. All of her issues stemmed from her not being able to trust anyone and her fear. Slowly, she and Mr. Joiner were making progress.

Alé cleared his throat as he waved the drinks at them. His brown eyes glittered with desire for both of them. “I took one of your dads' beers. I'm over 21.” He handed Bexley the bottle of tea and a soda to Bronx then tilted his head. “Were you two making out without me?”

“Y-you were t-taking t-too long.” Bex shrugged, popping the top of tea off. She took a sip of it and sighed. “A-Are you j-jealous?”

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