Page 76 of Bratva Jewels Box Set
“That motherfucker,” Mum swears. “I want to cut his balls off and then shove them down his throat.”
Gracie and I look at each other, then burst out laughing. I’ve missed Mum so much.
“You need to get in line behind me, Mum,” Gracie says.
“I’m sorry I pushed you to get out and have fun. You have my permission to never listen to me ever again.”
“Quick, Zoe, hit record. You will never ever get her to say that again.” Gracie laughs.
“Oh, hush you. I mean it, Zoe—I feel so guilty about pushing you into Nikolai’s arms.” I can see the anguish on her face.
“He fooled us all, but it’s not your fault. It’s no one’s fault except his.”
She nods, but I’m not sure she is fully on board.
“Who are these young men you are living with?” Dad interjects.
“Zoe’s in love with them. They are so going to get married and populate the world with hot people.”
I punch my sister in the arm.
“Ouch, you bitch.”
I’m giving her the filthiest of looks. As if they haven’t had to absorb enough tonight, now I’m going to have to spring on them that I’m in a triad relationship with the two men who found me. This was not how I wanted to introduce Mateo and Tomas to my parents.
“Zoe?” Mum says.
“I know you’ve been told a lot of stuff in a short amount of time, and I know you probably won’t understand how this all works, but …” I take a deep breath. “I’m in love with the two men that found me and all three of us are together.” I scrunch my eyes up and wait for the objections to come flying.
When I open my eyes, my parents look shocked. The moments tick by, and I have to double-check that the internet is still connected as they are so quiet.
“Two men?” Dad finally says.
Mum is still stunned, which is a first.
“Like I said, it’s hard to explain.” I can feel embarrassment creeping over my skin.
“Are they good men?” Dad asks.
“Yes, they are the best,” Gracie interjects. “They look after Zoe like she is their queen.”
I give my sister a smile.
“It’s all very …” Dad trails off.
“Different,” Mum finishes. “I think the word you’re looking for, dear, isdifferent.”
“Yes,different,” Dad mumbles.
“They are amazing men—kind, handsome, smart, loyal.”
Silence filters through the computer again.
“It’s just a little … different,” Mum says again.
“Please, don’t hate me because of this.”
“Sweetheart, we could never hate you. We love you, we always will, no matter the choices you make. It’s unconventional …” She gives me a smile.
