Chapter 9

    Before Carter, Christian, Jay and Jason were ready to leave for Missoula, everything was already set. After a series of meetings with Isabela and Sean, they prepared the plan – intensity of workouts and trainings in the field of magic. During the week Mark, Michael and Daniel were supposed to train harder, so at weekends Sean could have more time for eldest twins. They also took into consideration visits in Missoula.

    - As soon as we’ll finish up the program of individual trainings, which you could do on your own, I’ll let you know. – Sean gave guys a male grip, and hugged Jay for a little bit longer and kissed her on the forehead like an elder loving brother. – Don’t let freedom to fuddle your brain. – He smiled widely.

    - Come on guys! – Jay mumbled. – It’s only a week or two! Then we’ll come over and stay for few days. Okay? – She hugged Maria.

    - Can’t help it! – Maria wiped her tears. – Do you really have to go? You can’t just wait a bit longer? I’ll miss you all.

    - You won’t have a chance! – Jess said. – I promise! – He winked at her.

    - Carter and I decided to quit the job. – Christian said. – We have some formalities to do, but then we’ll be free to come over and spend the rest of the summer at home. – That news clearly calmed Maria down.

    - You see! – Jay poked her on the arm. – There’s no need to cry or worry. Maria nodded and smiled.

    Just then Bryan arrived. He jumped out of the car with unusual lightness. In worn off jeans, black T-shirt with inscription ‘Black Sabbath’ and high sneakers, laces of which he tucked carelessly in the uppers, he looked like a delicious cake with cream, which couldn’t be resist even by the most hardened maniac of healthy lifestyle. And his disheveled auburn hair and rakish sunglasses made him look raffish. Jay gulped and looked away, blushing.

    Right after him Mel got out of his car. She was beaming, and her summer floral dress swayed with every step. High-heeled sandals, which evenly struck the pavement, emphasized slenderness of her legs. She could definitely be a model.

    Jay looked as her brothers as they were watching the girl. Their eyes wandered slowly from painted in bright pink toenails, through shapely ankles, perfectly sculpted calves and sexy knees, up to thighs, where the view was covered by the dress, and they had to switch on their imagination.

    - Guys! – She snorted. They immediately looked from her legs up to her face. – At least close your mouths! – She whined embarrassed by images, they passed to her involuntarily.

    She herself was practicing intensively for the last two weeks, in order to be able to cut herself off from her brothers. She had to concentrate very hard, but weak, thin walls, which she built around her mind worked well enough, so none of her brothers could read her thoughts, unless she allowed them to. And she didn’t need the onyx pendant anymore! She was so proud of herself, but the rest need to work on it immediately!

    They greeted all, and Bryan gave Jay a long, meaningful look, which burnt more than the July sun. She was again first to look away. ‘I really hoped that he just let it go!’ She thought. She avoided looking at him. First of all, so that her brothers couldn’t find out what’s going on. ‘They might still hurt Bryan!’ Secondly, she still hadn’t think everything over. The kid, whom she knew from the cradle, suddenly became a young man, in addition, interested in her. And, for sure, by no means as his sister’s friend. She wasn’t sure how she should respond to it and she didn’t want to make any hasty step that could be misread by Bryan.

    - Take care of them. – Maria asked him and Jay rolled her eyes.

    - I will. – He winked at her, pulled on his sunglasses and smiled compellingly. – You too watch out for each other.

    ‘Did he just wink at Maria?’ She wasn’t sure if she saw correctly. It seemed that he knew something, about which Jay and her brothers had no idea. But who said that she couldn’t take it out of him? Jay shook her head and took her luggage to put it in the trunk. She jumped up and hit her head on the tailgate when he suddenly appeared next to her. He smiled charmingly and helped her to pack last bags. With a clear disappointment he noticed, that she’s going to drive her own car.

    - I hoped that Jess will drive, and you’ll go with us. – He kissed her friendly on the cheek. He noticed with satisfaction that she blushed. – You look good with pink. – He smiled gently, then took her under her chin, and taking advantage of the confusion that arose among her brothers, he kissed her hungrily on the lips. – Don’t even think that I’ll keep at bay in Missoula! – He said over his shoulder when leaving for his car.

    Jay shook off quickly, approached her younger brothers and hugged them tightly.

    - Be careful. – She said kissing them goodbye. – And take care of grandma. – She added with smile.

    - Don’t worry. – Michael calmed her down. – We need to practice, so we’ll visit her often.

    They stood on the driveway until black jeep, blue corvette and black Range Rover got out of their sight.

    - I already miss them. – Maria said with tears.

    - We’ll see them soon again. – Sean came to her, hugged in comforting gesture and kissed her gently on the temple.

    The three brothers watched this scene with surprise.

    ‘Were we so absorbed by our own affairs, that we didn’t notice that there’s something between them?’ Mark thought. He felt like ignorant. He could hear in his head that his brothers had similar feelings. ‘It seems that we missed it!’ Michael said through the mind-link. ‘I’m cool with that! They just look as if they were made for each other!’ Daniel added. ‘Let’s give them some privacy!’ Mark suggested and they headed towards the house.

***

    Jay stopped her car in front of a small apartment house. She knew this place well, as her elder brothers rented it since two years. There were only two apartments in the building, as the owner made them two-story flats. That was pretty convenient. Last year they shared it with Steve and Peter, but they graduated this year, so there was a room for Jess now. And it was supposed to stay like that. They were now free to train and talk about their abilities freely.

    She just let Jason take their bags out of her trunk and drove to the suburbs, where she parked next to Bryan’s corvette. They were already inside. Jay sighed and got off of her car. She went inside. The house was a complete mess! ‘Hell I won’t stay here!’ She thought.

    - Isn’t it great?! – Mel clapped her hands in excitement.

    - And what exactly do you mean. – She scoffed. – It’s complete ruin!

    - I’ll take care of everything! – She promised. – It’ll look like magazine house!

    - I believe you, but till then I’m not going to stay at this place! – She looked around. – And for sure not over the night!

    - I must agree with Jay. - Bryan cut in. – You can come at day and arrange everything.

    - But I want to stay here! – She protested.

    - No way! You’ll stay at my place! – He cut her off.

    - And guys still have free room, so I’m coming back there right now. – Jay informed. – I’ll come and help you, but I know that you’d like to take care of repairs and redecorating. – She smiled at her friend.

    - It’ll cost a bit but it’ll be worth it!

    - I know. And money is no problem. – Jay assured her. – Just do what you have to do.

    - Thank you! – Mel hugged her tightly. – You won’t regret that!

    - We’ll see. – Jay teased her. – And I’ll be going now. It was quite a long day.

    - Yeah it was. – Bry agreed. – Let’s go Mel. Tomorrow is a day too. And you’ll have a better light.

    - You right. – She cheered up and followed her brother.

    They got out of the house and Mel closed the door carefully. Then they got into the cars and Jay rolled the window down.

    - Dinner tomorrow at guys’ place! – She shouted at them.

    - Who’s cooking? – Bry asked.

    - Me.

    - Thank goodness! – He breathed a sigh of relief. – Carter sucks!

    - Yeah! – She chuckled. – See you then!

    - Bye! – Mel waved at her.

    - See you! – Bryan murmured and they all drove away.

***

    Jay spent the whole day with Mel. They went to the college to sign up for classes and take a look at all the buildings, so now they knew where each classroom was. ‘We won’t get lost for sure.’ Later on they went to the DIY store to decide on paints and other stuff for their house. Mel had already chosen a construction company which was to do the renovation. They met the repair crew at the house and Mel just discussed details with them, while jay was only listening and nodding from time to time.

    It’s not that she was not interested in it. But Mel was really good at it and had a lot of fun, so Jay just let her take the lead. The most important thing was that she helped decide on colors, so she won’t have to look at some freaking pea green shit. When they will finish here, she would be free to decorate her bedroom. And with that she was pleased.

    - If you have any questions, fell free to call me at any time! – Mel waved at the builders.

    - Sure thing, sunshine! – The tall, well-built guy smiled at her.

    - See you boys! – Mel was chirping.

    - Don’t you even think about it! – Jay said to the guy as she saw him checking her best friend out.

    - What did I do? – He asked, his eyes innocent.

    - I’m watching you! – She warned him. – Besides, she’s seventeen, her elder brother leaves near here and he can count on me and my brothers to kick some fucking dickhead’s ass. – She smiled sweetly. He gulped. – And, inferring from the white mark on your finger, you’re married. So just as I said. Even. Don’t. Think. About. It! – She emphasized every single word. – Have a nice day, sweetie! – She patted him on the shoulder and went to the car.

    Mel was already in the passenger seat, talking by the phone. From the tone of her voice and scraps of conversation, Jay deducted that it was Tony that she was talking to. She started the car and she drove to the store. She was going to make something special for dinner today. ‘Maybe shrimps? In that delicious souse based on coconut milk and curry?’ She thought. She parked at the grocery and with gestures she informed Mel, that she was going to do quick shopping. Her fiend nodded and continued on the phone.

    Jay chose all necessary ingredients carefully and added some wine at the end. She paid at checkout and went back to the car. She put the bags in the trunk and slipped into her seat.

    - You’re done? – She asked.

    - I miss him. – Mel ignored her friend words.

    - You know that you actually don’t have to be here the whole summer? – Jay asked.

    - Yeah. – She admitted. – And I’m coming back to Purple on Friday.

    - I guess I’ll go home too, but only for the weekend. So we can come together. – Jay proposed.

    - That’d be great! – Mel cheered up. – So what’s for dinner?

    Jay chuckled and shook her head. Mel had perfect figure, but she could eat a horse! They parked next to Christian’s jeep and took the bags inside and into the kitchen. Mel went to the living room to watch some TV series. Her brother’s were upstairs in their rooms, so Jay could work freely. She turned on the radio, put on some apron and combed her hair into a messy bun. ‘Let’s do it!’

    After an hour Jess came in and sat at the table.

    - Smells good! – He stated.

    - Hope it’ll be as tasty! – She smiled.

    - Let me try. – He stood up and came over to her. – Just a small flame will be enough or it. – He advised.

    - Should’ve asked you for help. – She said, watching him stirring the sauce.

    - You’re doing great, but oriental cuisine is my pair of shoes indeed. – He grinned.

    - Just help me and stop showing off! – She teased him.

    He tried the sauce once, then again. For a while he was looking through all the spices, then chose two bags and added a bit of each powder. He stirred the sauce carefully and took another try. He nodded his head and smirked widely. Then he gave the full spoon to her. She tasted it and moaned with pleasure.

    - Oh! My! Good! – She exclaimed. – It’s so good! – She took another try. – How did you do that? – She asked in amazement.

    - That’s my secret. – He winked.

    Bryan stopped at the kitchen door. He watched her tasting the dish. Her moan caused him goose bumps. And when she licked her full lip he immediately craved for a kiss. Jess left the kitchen and said something while passing him by, but his voice just died down. She stood there in the sunset light coming through the window and all he wanted at that moment was to touch her. ‘Why shouldn’t I?’ He asked himself and came closer.

    He brushed her arms lightly, from her hands up to shoulders. She shivered but did not move away. He leaned in and kissed her neck lightly and she purred, like a cat. Encouraged, he licked her bare shoulder, moving up her neck and to her earlobe. He bit it lightly and she hissed. He turned Jay around to face her. Her eyes were deep and dark, lips slightly parted. He ran his tongue on her lower lip, through her jaw line and to her ear.

    - I want you so bad! – He whispered.

    She moved back a bit and looked into his eyes. He promised himself that he won’t rush or push her, but he just couldn’t stop himself. And now he was afraid that he scared her. She put her hands on his chest. ‘God, no! Just don’t push me away!’Bryan begged silently. He tried to express it with his eyes. She didn’t look away, which gave him some hope. And then she looked down, on his lips and licked hers quickly. For a second her gaze came back to his eyes and then she closed the distance between them.

    Her lips collided with his and her fists clenched on his shirt. Bry grabbed her by hips and pressed her against the kitchen counter. She bit his lower lip, demanding access. He was more than happy to grand it to her. He reached with one hand, clenched his fist on her hair and deepened the kiss. Their tongues fought for dominance. She moaned into his mouth, moved her hands up and sank them in his soft hair.

    It lasted for about few minutes, when they finally broke off to catch a breath. Bryan leaned his forehead against Jay’s. They breathed fast.

    - You taste so good! – He whispered. – So sweet. – He brushed her lips again and looked into her eyes. – I meant it Jay! – He said seriously. – I want you! - Her eyes sparkled. – And I’ll have you! – He kissed her hard, quickly.

    - When’s dinner? – They jumped away from each other just before Carter entered the kitchen.

    - Give me five more minutes. – Jay said in unnatural voice. She cleared her voice. – Just cover the table!

    - I’ll do it. – Bryan proposed and left the kitchen.

    - Is everything okay? – Carter watched his sister with concern.

    - Yeah, why? – She looked at him, uneasy.

    - You’re blushing? – He asked surprised.

    - It’s hot in here. – She scoffed. – Can you take these? – She passed him already prepared plates.

    - You’d tell me, right? – He looked her in the eye.

    - About what?

    - If there’s anything wrong. – He explained.

    - Of course I would. – She assured him. – But everything’s just fine!

    - Good!

    - Now, let’s eat!

***

    ‘Okay! That was just a second of weakness!’ She tried to convince herself that what happened in the kitchen was just a moment of forgetfulness, but with poor result. She wanted it. She missed his lips for such a long time. She just couldn’t resist. ‘It’s not a big deal! Just a kiss! Right?’ Or maybe not? He said that he wants her. And it cased fucking butterflies in her stomach!

    She was confused, as she was not sure if she wanted all those feelings to control her. She was strong and independent girl. She never craved for stupid crush! She was happy the way she was. And now HE entered her territory, taking control over her. Over her feelings, mind and body. She was not able to deny it any longer! She wanted him too. She wanted him so badly that it scared the shit out of her! ‘What if I lost him as my friend? Or his friendship with my brothers will be destroyed?’ It crossed her mind. ‘I just can’t!’ She thought panicked. ‘It just can’t happen!’

    She took a few deep breaths and calmed herself down. ‘You need to think rationally!’ She told herself. ‘Just leave for some time! The distance will help, that’s for sure!’ She was thinking of a plan. ‘You’ll focus on your training and forget about him! Don’t let stupid hormones control you!’ He thought angrily. ‘For sure it’ll pass. All you need is time! And fucking distance!’

    Calmed down she felt asleep and dreamed about deep amber eyes. ‘He hunts me even in my dreams!’ An angry thought crossed her mind. But in her dream she gave up and let him kiss her lips.

    At another apartment, Bryan was lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He felt very light and content. He spent a very nice evening with his friends. But it was Jay that caused his good mood. It was small step, but he could feel that she will give in soon. He closed his eyes and recalled every detail of that precious moment. Her warm, soft skin. Her subtle scent. Her gentle touch. Her taste.

    He allowed himself to sink into blissfulness. 

***

    - I’m going home! – Jay said, when three day later they were sitting in the kitchen. – There’s nothing to do here! – She sighed, bored. – Besides, Mel wants to spend the rest of the summer in Purple too.

    - You should go. – Christian agreed. – We can’t until the end of the month, but then we can join you at training. – He smiled.

    - Don’t worry, I’ll keep Sean busy till you arrive. – She grinned.

    - I’m coming with you. – Jess made up his mind. – I need some more exercises.

    - Yeah, you do. – She teased him. – You all need much more training! – She stood up and headed towards the door.

    - What did you said? – Carter got hot under the collar.

    - You’ve heard me! – She provoked. – Fat ass! – She rushed upstairs, giggling.

    - Come here, you little monster! – Jess shouted while chasing her.

    They caught her in her bedroom and started to tickle her sides. She couldn’t stop laughing, but finally she managed to speak.

    - Okay! I’m sorry! – She panted.

    - You give up? – Christian said.

    - Yes! Just stop it! – She pleaded. – You’ll regret that! – She murmured when they let her go.

    - Yeah, can’t wait! – Carter scoffed.

    - You’ll see! – Jay gave him an icy look. – You don’t know the day or the hour! But I’ll get you! – She warned them.

    - I’m scarred! – Jess chuckled.

    - Okay, time to go! – She got off of her bed. – Move your ass, moron! – She said to her twin.

    - Bitch! – He snapped back.

    - Oh, that’s so sweet! – She faked to be touched. – Thank you! – Her brothers laughed out loud and she just shook her head.