Rules of Her Sins (Their Sins #1) (19 page)

Chapter

Forty-one

Aedan

Waking up with Jesse in my arms is amazing. My family should be here within the hour. I didn’t tell Jesse they will be here all day because I didn’t want her to stress out. She has enough going on with the crazy ass person who wants to hurt her and her family. I hope my family loves her as much as I do.

I gently pull my arm from under Jesse and slowly get out of bed. Heading to the bathroom, I close the door so I can shower and get ready quickly. I don’t want to wake Jesse because I know she needs the rest.

I’m going to ask my mom and my sister for help planning Jesse’s graduation party. She deserves it because of everything she has been through. So many people would have given up, but she didn’t. She did ask her dad for help, but it wasn’t a handout. She had to work to get where she is. I think that McCoy is very proud of his daughter, even though it took her a little longer to get where he wanted her to be.

Opening the door to the bathroom, I stick my head out to see if Jesse is still a sleep. She is softly breathing steady breaths, so I know she is still deep asleep. I go to my closet and grab my gym clothes. I’m sure the boys will want to play some basketball once they get here.

I think I might make Jesse a light breakfast in bed. That way she doesn’t have to come downstairs to eat before she showers. As I head downstairs, my phone starts ringing.

“Hughes.” I didn’t even look at who is calling.

“So, you think you can stop me from getting to Jesse? Well, do you, Hughes?” the voice rasps on the other end.

“Who the hell is this? What do you want with Jesse?” I yell at the unknown caller.

“I want her dead and I want McCoy Investments. The company will be mine. Bang. You’re dead.” The line goes dead.

What the fuck? Craig had better be up.

A sleepy Adam Craig answers the phone. “Mr. Hughes, what’s up?”

“The suspect threatened me. He said he wants Jesse dead and told me I was dead too. Trace my phone!”

“Give me a few. I’ll call you back,” Craig says. I can hear rustling in the background.

“I’ll be waiting for your call.” I hang up.

If they’re confident enough to call me, fuck, who knows what they will do outside of the gates of my house. Jesse doesn’t need to go outside of the gates until she graduates next week, but I’m sure that she will want to go shopping for clothes for her graduation and party. I will have to see what I can work out. Maybe Leigh can pull some strings with her high-end boutique clients. I’ll ask her.

The sound of my phone ringing pulls me back out of those thoughts. I look this time and see it’s Craig calling me back.

“I hope you have something for me.”

“It’s the original burner phone and I triangulated it to your location.”

“You’re fucking kidding me!” I yell.

“No, and I ran it twice. It’s coming within a quarter mile around your house, so they could be there or a half mile away.”

“I’m going to sneak out the veranda door and walk around the house to see if I can see anyone. I’ll give you a call back if I see anything I need ran. Call Johnson for me and tell him to get over here.” I hang up.

I put my phone in my pocket and pull out the gun that I’ve been carrying in the holster on my shorts. I glance in all directions outside of the door before I gently open it and step out. Not seeing anything that isn’t the usual, I close the door back as quietly as I can. I get in-between the flowers and the house and walk around the perimeter of the house, looking for a vehicle or person that looks out of place.

I make two trips around the house, but I don’t see anyone around the gate. As I get ready to go through the garage, Johnson pulls up.

“Craig said you got a call from the asshole. Did they say anything that would tip you off who it is?” Johnson asks as he gets out of the car.

“No, man. Damn it. We are missing something. Whoever it is knows that Jesse is getting the company. She is the one they want out of the picture so they can get the company. The only people that know, that I am aware of, are McCoy, you, Alpha Team, Jesse, and myself. We have a pretty sweet gig and I don’t think we would want take over an investments company when we are doing security,” I spit out.

“How well do you know all the Alpha Team members? I mean, really know. Anyone that Jesse has pissed off?” Johnson asks, looking at me.

“Not that I’m aware of. We’ve watched her for the past six years. Out of everyone on the team, only Wade and Lyndsey didn’t do the IU watches because they were hired later. But I can’t see either of them doing anything to harm Jesse. I guess I can have Craig look into them.”

“It’s a start, A. Did Jesse hear the call?”

“No, I was downstairs when they called, so hopefully she should still be asleep. My family should be here any moment. Let’s keep this call between the two of us. You might as well stay here. You know how my mom cooks.”

“Yes, enough for an army.”

“Exactly.”

***

Jesse

That is the best rest I’ve had all week. I roll over, expecting Aedan to still be in bed with me, but he isn’t here and his spot isn’t warm. I wonder where he is because I don’t hear the shower running. I start to get out of bed and in walks my sexy man. The look he gives me melts me to the bed.

“Morning, beautiful. I thought I would bring you breakfast in bed.” He gives me his beautiful smile.

“This is very sweet of you. Thank you.” I sit up and pull the covers back around me.

“I’m not going to lie. It’s going to get crazy here today. My sister and her family will be here along with my parents. They will ask you a million and one questions, but I know they will love you, so don’t worry. Of course Laney is welcome to join us and Johnson is here too.”

“Okay. I guess I’m somewhat nervous but excited to meet your family. I met your sister and she was nice. I’ve only done the whole meet the family thing once and we know how well that went.”

I frown. Why does Chet still have this hold on me even though I’m happy where I’m at in my life?

“Stop that. I can see your mind racing. My family will love you and I’m not Chet, so enough,” he bluntly states, stopping my hundred mile per hour thoughts.

“I’m sorry. I know you’re not him, but I think about my faults when something too good to be true happens to me. Seriously, you and me. I can’t believe it’s happening, that it’s not a joke. I guess if I don’t fully believe it, it won’t hurt as bad when we break up.”

“When we break up? Really? You’re already planning on dumping me before I even take you out on an official date?” His smile breaks through my negativity.

“No, well, I don’t know. I’m afraid once you find out everything, you’ll leave me. That’s why I don’t do relationships. I don’t want to be broken again.”

“And I want you forever. I don’t want you for a one-night stand or a monthly fuck. I want you forever. I’ll do whatever to make you see that you’re who I want by my side.”

He grabs me and forcefully kisses me. I push the breakfast he brought me onto the floor and melt into his kiss. I’m instantly wet. He can turn me on with one simple touch.

He moves his hands under my tank top and removes the piece of clothing from my body. He starts kissing my lips, but then moves on to kissing my jawbone and down to my breasts. He takes turns sucking and lapping at my nipples. He gently nips at one, shooting pain and warmth through my body.

My body is on fire from his touch as he goes up and down my legs and teasingly rubs my sex, pushing ever so slightly on my clit. If he keeps this up, I’m going to come in my shorts.

I gather my wits somewhat and realize Aedan still has his clothes on. As soon as I start to take off his shirt, his cell phone starts ringing. Not a tone I’ve heard before. Aedan stills his assault on my body and senses.

He pulls away from me and says, “Damn it!” Then laughs as he shakes his head.

I lie there and look at him.

“My parents are here. They are at the gate. I’ll let you go shower. Come down when you’re ready. This will be continued tonight,” he says as he gently rubs his fingers on my sex. He gives me another panty-melting kiss. Then he gets up, adjusts himself, and heads out of the bedroom.

Damn it. I was so close to coming. Though I need to come, I decide it’s a lot more fun when Aedan makes me come. A few hours won’t be too bad, I hope.

Getting out of the bed, I see the mess that we made with my breakfast. Luckily, it was only an egg sandwich and a glass of orange juice. He must be making coffee. I pick up our mess and head to the bathroom to shower. Not wanting to take too long, I quickly wash my hair and body, deciding to skip shaving today.

I get out and dry off. I decide it’s a ponytail kind of day. I apply very little makeup and head out to the closet to get my clothes. I put on an outfit that I think Leigh bought me. Yoga pants and my CU sweatshirt seem perfect for today.

I think I’m put together good enough to meet his family. God, I hope they like me. I guess it’s time to find out.

As I head down the stairs, I hear a lot of commotion coming from the family room. I take a deep breath and say to myself,
They are going to be awesome.
I
put on my best smile.

Chapter

Forty-Two

Jesse

When I walked into the family room, I didn’t expect to be swallowed up by three very excited little boys.

“Boys, Boys! Give her some room to breathe. Uncle Denny hasn’t even introduced you yet,” Leigh booms out.

“Um, Hi,” I say to the eight sets of eyes staring back at me.

“Everyone, this is Jesse. Jesse, you’ve met my sister, Leigh. That is her husband, Michael, and their sons, Devon, Dylan, Derrick, and Dean. My mom, Nila, and my father, Tomas.”

“Nice to meet you all.” I smile.

“Uncle Denny, she’s hot,” one of the older boys yells out. I think his name is Dean.

“Yes, Dean, she is.” Aedan winks at me.

“Are you Denny’s girlfriend?” the youngest boy asks.

I glance up at Aedan and start to say something, but he interrupts me.

“Yes. Well…That is if she will have me.” I get goose bumps.

“Yes,” is all I can manage to get out. I know I’m blushing in front of these people that don’t know me.

“Okay, guys. Enough of putting Jesse on the spot and ogling her like a piece of cake. It’s time for brunch to be made. Jesse, you want to help us, dear?” Mrs. Hughes asks me with a smile.

“Yes, Mrs. Hughes, I would love to.”

“Oh, there will be none of that. You can call me Nila. Mrs. Hughes was my mother-in-law.” She chuckles and puts her arm around my waist. We walk to the kitchen.

I look back and smile at Aedan. He looks like he is on top of the world.

“Now, dear, I’ve heard a lot about you over the years, but I want to make sure that boy of mine is treating you okay. He can be a little pushy sometimes when he goes after something he wants.” She pats my hand.

I laugh. “Pushy? Demanding, maybe? However, he hasn’t been anything but a gentleman to me.” I think about the way he looked at me that night in the club. I should have played into his little trap, but I don’t think everything would have worked out like it did.

“That sounds like him. I know he sounds all big and mean, but he is really a big teddy bear.” She looks up and smiles at me. “I hate to ask this because it’s kind of rude of me, but you do know how to cook, right?”

I suppress a giggle. “I’m used to that question, so no worries. Yes, my mom used to cook for us and she made sure we all knew how to cook before she passed away. She always said, ‘No matter how much money you have, a homemade meal from the heart couldn’t be bought.’ I grew up being her right hand woman in the kitchen. She wouldn’t even let the maid help her.” I smile at her.

“Aw, thank you for sharing that with me. I’m sorry about your mother and sorry to sound so rude. It seems like less and less people know how to boil water these days. I mean, it’s good for my business, but it’s nice to cook with someone who knows their way around the kitchen.” She gives a small smile. “Leigh,” she says, shaking her head, “can’t boil a pot of water. Luckily she married a chef or she would starve.” She chuckles.

“Aedan seems to know his way around the kitchen. And he made us a pizza the other night that was amazing. If you don’t mind me asking, what are you going to bake today? Aedan said you like to stock his freezer with
goodies
.”

“Whatever you would like me too. What are you favorites?”

Say what? “Oh, I can’t ask you to do that. This isn’t my house.”

“Of course I can. You’re staying here for a while and there should be foods you like here too.”

I stare at her, speechless, and Aedan comes in with his coffee cup in his hand. He gives me a kiss on the cheek and walks to his mother, kissing her cheek as well.

“Aedan, what are some of Jesse’s favorite baked goods?” she asks, ignoring that I’m in the room.

“Umm. She loves Better Than Sex Chocolate Cake. She was talking to Laney about it the other day. I have no idea what it is, but if it’s as good as she was making it out to be, it’s pretty amazing.” He winks at me. I know I’m completely red in the face. “And she loves scones.”

What? How does he know about the scones? Of course. He followed me that morning.

“Poke cake, Denny. It’s a poke cake. And yes, they are pretty good.” She swats him out of the kitchen. “And I love scones too. They are easy to make. Do you know how to make them?”

“You got me there. I didn’t pick up the baking like my sister and brother did. I can cook, but I can’t bake unless it’s from a box.”

“No worries, dear. I’ll show you a few recipes and write them down for you later on. That way you can make them whenever you want them.” She pats my hand again and goes back to rummaging through the fridge.

So far, this family isn’t anything like what I thought they would be. Because Aedan is so high-strung and meticulous, I thought maybe his family would be that way as well, but they are so carefree and lovely. I can see myself falling in love with them like I have with Aedan.

Love? Am I in love with him? I mean, do I really know him?

Yes, without a doubt, I love him. He makes me feel like his emotions are sincere and not because my dad pays his salary.

I have a feeling that Aedan would give up his job to be with me, but I wouldn’t ask that of him. I’m glad he didn’t have to choose, but I’m trying to figure out how this is going to work out when I take over the company. I guess it’s something we will have to talk about next week. I’m sure my father will have some advice, advice I should have listened to six years ago.

***

Aedan

Jesse looks right in place in the kitchen with my mother. I hope my mother hasn’t scared her away. She can be blunt at times. I had to go in and check on them to make sure my mom hasn’t made Jesse feel uncomfortable in anyway. When I walked in and heard Jesse say this isn’t her house, it gutted me, but she does have a point. Baby steps, right?

With my scone answer, I think she realized that I do know more about her than she thinks I do. I love how my family has instantly accepted her. I’ve never seen my nephews attach themselves to someone like they did with her. Of course, they are blunt, like my sister and mother. Leigh needs to teach those boys how to filter themselves.

I need to get with Johnson and figure out who is available to come and patrol the house starting tonight. I think two people are enough, but I’ll get his thoughts. Since this is my personal space, I’d like to get another opinion so I don’t miss something.

Speaking of Johnson, where the hell is he? And Laney isn’t down here either. Shit. I bet I’m going to have to pay up because I’m sure Laney has met her match.

Mom announces that brunch is ready. Those two can eat later. I’m getting it while it’s hot. Sunday’s with my family rock.