Page 169 of Beauty
“Oh, I’m livid,” Beckett says, “but not at you.”
He holds out his arms, and I rush into his chest, seeking comfort from the man who’s always had my back.
The tension slowly eases from my body as I cry against his chest. “I’m so sorry.”
He rubs comforting circles on my back. “I’m proud of you. You have nothing to be sorry for. Ezra, on the other hand, will pay.”
The air shifts, and awareness settles in my bones. And then I’m guided into another set of arms. As Noah hugs me, rocking slightly, a hand lands on my shoulder. Then a figure moves incloser. Before I know it, I’m enclosed in the biggest, warmest group hug.
I allow myself a moment to soak in their love and comfort and encouragement, then I clear my throat and straighten, pulling myself together. “I’m good.”
Noah’s blue eyes catalog every inch of my face. “You sure?”
I nod. “Yes. Let’s go relax. I’m done allowing the negativity to steal my energy.”
As I pass Brooks, he gently grasps my arm. “I’m sorry.”
With a smile, I pat his hand. “He’s your best friend. I understand the shock.”
He runs a hand over his face. “Yeah, but Beckett was right. We do what we have to for the people we love. And you love him, huh?” He surveys Noah, who’s settled a hand on my hip protectively.
I peer back at the man in question. “Yeah, I love him.”
“And I love her,” he says without looking away from me. “More than anything.”
Brooks nods. “Good.”
“I say we go back to the house and make s’mores.” Aiden drapes an arm over my shoulders and jostles me lightly, silently confirming that we’re okay.
I chuckle. “Yeah, that sounds better than cigars anyway.”
As we approach the fire pit, we discover another person has arrived. When his identity registers, my spine snaps straight.
Noah tucks me into his side protectively. “What the fuck is he doing here?”
“Shit,” Gavin curses, “I invited him.”
Noah’s breaths come out as huffs, as if he’s a bull ready to charge. But he stays put, waiting for me to lead.
I turn to him and rest my hands on his chest. “Can I handle this?”
Eyes falling shut, he dips his chin.
I scan my brothers. They all wear masks of anger, but no one moves. Beckett gives me the slightest nod, silently encouraging me to handle the situation.
My chest is tight and my heart races, but I manage to pin a smile to my face as I stride straight toward Ezra.
The move does the trick. When he notices me, he breaks into a cocky smirk, clearly believing I’m playing along with his stupid game. “Hey, Ezra.”
His eyes light up. “Hi, Sienna.”
“We were just talking about you.”
He gives me a surprised smile, then glances at the guys. Clearly he’s too vain to realize they’re throwing him death glares. “Oh yeah? What about?”
I tilt my head. “I was telling them how, when they brought me on, you were worried because I didn’t know much about hockey. You gave me a little shit about it, didn’t you?”
His gaze snaps to mine and he gives his head a shake. “I don’t know what you mean. I trust your brothers, and I trustyouimplicitly.”
