SEAN

"Stop it..." The little girl drawled, placing her hand in front of my phone's camera lens, "you're making me nervous." She whined, turning to Rose with pouty lips and big doe eyes, "Does he have to be here?" Came her little whisper but I heard it and bit back my chuckle.

"Sean," Rose cut me a warning glare but I could see the corners of her lips twitching into a smile. I wanted to see that smile just so I could stare at those cute fucking dimples of hers, "you're distracting Claire and I'd really appreciate it if you'd stop."

The suggestive smirk that marked my face had her rolling her gorgeous blue eyes. She definitely saw my question from a mile away, "What do I get in return?" I licked my lips and allowed myself to take her in. She wore a bright orange sundress that ended mid-thigh, leaving her long legs bare to my hungry eyes.

"If you don't shut up and behave I'm going to let Claire kick you out of this room," she chastised at the same time blood pooled behind her cheeks. She couldn't hide her blush from me even if she wanted to.

"You win, princess," I surrendered, locking my phone and pocketing it, "carry on with your lesson. I'll just be here sitting in the fucking naughty corner."

"Sean!" Rose's eyes widened, looking at me absolutely appalled, "watch your language, please."

"Oops," placing my index finger over my lips, I nonchalantly answered, "my bad."

Watching her teach Claire made me realize how vastly music played a part in her life. This was her life and being here, doing this, meant that she was in her element and was completely comfortable letting herself be free. It was fucked up, the situation we found ourselves in but — at the same time — I found it completely worth it. Dean had gotten the privilege of enjoying her company. He saw all of this and got to experience her smiles, her giddy laughs, her playful glares. I never had that chance so I treasured these moments more than I should have.

When we were kids, I use to listen to Rose play the piano. Dean would sit beside her, teaching her different songs each time. I would never forget the two emotions I felt while watching them even as a wet behind the years eight-year-old. Jealousy was the first emotion and I wasn't ashamed to say it. My jealousy stemmed from Rose coming in and stealing my brother's attention. He was my best friend after all. Over the years, it remade. I was jealous that a beautiful girl like her chose him. Of course, he was the safe bet and I treated her like shit but I watched her and found myself enjoying how little things made her happy. It was then I realized I didn't stand a fucking chance because it would cause a bigger rift between my brother and myself.

Then everything just turned to white, hot anger and whenever she stepped foot in front of me, I couldn't help but take it out on her. Because making her hate me sounded better than giving her the chance to get to know me. It was safer that way but we still somehow landed ourselves here.  I watched Rose laugh at something Claire said, head tilting back and eyes closing as her dimples made their appearance. Her veil of dirty blonde locks sat in waves, encasing her.

"You better catch yourself, Black," Rose quipped, winking at me cheekily and breaking my stupor, "before I have to wipe the drool off your chin."

I snorted, covering my hand over my mouth to hide the smile on my face, "It can't be worse than you drooling on my shoulder the entire flight here, Rose," I loved watching her reaction every time I purposefully rolled her name off my tongue.

She clutched the edge of her seat and held her breath, turning her focus to Claire, "Your mom should be here soon, want to stop here for today?"

The little girl shrugged a shoulder, "Sure, can I wait downstairs?"

"I don't see why not. Just make sure not to leave or go anywhere until your mother comes to fetch you, you hear?" Rose warned, looking at her sternly. She was surprisingly excellent with children, including Lydia, Damien, and Lance.

Claire nodded her head vigorously, sliding off the stool and skipping her way out of the room humming a happy tune. If Rose had a normal childhood then she would have probably looked as happy as that little girl. But her childhood was filled with dark secrets that apparently only I knew. It meant a lot knowing she trusted me enough to share that bit of her life with me but I wondered what it meant for us in general.

Rose inched her way toward me, fidgeting with her dress. I gladly met her halfway, wanting to take her into my arms just so I could feel her body mold mine. But I held back. We needed to go at her pace and I knew my change of attitude around her still confused her. I also didn't want to touch her when she didn't want to be touched. Communicating and consent would be a big thing for me after what she told me.

"What do you want to do for the rest of the day?" She cocked her head up, blue orbs meeting my dark brown ones.

Fuck, I would willing drown in those eyes of hers, or even her p—

"Sean," she called, dainty hand cupping my cheek. A hiss left my lips at the feel of her skin against mine — so soft and so cold. She was about to pull her hand away when I caught it and leaned into her touch, "it looked like you were lost there for a second," her voice was quiet.

My gaze dipped to her lips and on instinct, her tongue darted out to moisten the plump flesh. That didn't help me. All it did was let my mind run freely, different images flashing in my head as I imagined doing so many things to her. I wanted to feel her, every part of her but I needed her to want me just as bad.

"We could..." I breathed, trying to think of a good answer that wouldn't make me sound like a horny bastard that never tasted pussy in his life, "do whatever you want to do."

Her perfect teeth bit down onto her bottom lip. Closing the space between us and locking her arms around my neck, she ordered, "Just kiss me, Sean."

She didn't have to tell me twice. I grinned, bringing her body to mine and connecting our lips. They were just as soft as I remembered them and because of her strawberry lip balm, they tasted sweet. I had to keep reminding myself to take it at her pace because every part of me screamed to ravage her. As bad as that sounded, I'd only do things to her body that would have her squirming in pleasure. I wanted to worship every inch of her skin and show her that she was worth being adored in that way.

A groan vibrated in her chest as my tongue entered her mouth, moving with hers so she wouldn't feel dominated. She needed to know that she had control until she was ready to shift that control over to me. The least I allowed myself to do was let my hands roam her clothed body freely, loving the way her every curve felt to the touch. In one fluid motion, I lifted her and felt her legs wrap around me tightly.

I walked her over to the piano, feeling her shudder against my body as her delicious skin made contact with the cool, wooden surface, "You're driving me insane," I mumbled between kisses, gripping her firmly by the back of her neck with one hand while my other glided up her thigh.

She pulled away, lips continuing their assault down my cheek, leading to my ear, "You've been driving me insane ever since I've met you," she cooed in a sultry voice that had my cock straining in my jeans, "it's time I returned the favor."

"That's one heck of a revenge plan you've got there," I groaned as she began nipping and sucking down the length of my neck, "you're going to make me hard and then leave me to fend for myself?"

Rose hummed in response, pulling back to grin cheekily at me, "That's the plan."

"You're evil."

"I learned from the best," she shrugged, lacing her slender fingers into my hair.

My eyes fluttered close and a sound of approval reverberated through the room. I could remain like this forever — with her arms and legs secured around me, "Have you thought about what you're going to tell Dean?"

I felt her muscles grow taut. She was putting it off until the last possible moment and I didn't approve of that. He was my brother, he deserved to know the truth. It was better if he heard it from her and not from somebody else. Peeking at her with one eye, I waited patiently for her answer.

"I'm waiting for the right time," she sighed, burying her head into the crook of my neck and inhaling, "what do you expect me to tell him? Hey Dean, turns out I may not love you after all because I might have developed feelings for your identical twin brother. That sounds a bit harsh, don't you think?"

She was so skinny that I could encase her with my entire body. Using the palm of my hand to rub soothing circles on her lower pack, I murmured, "Rather just put it out there. Rip off the fucking band-aid so it doesn't hurt as bad."

"You know it's still going to hurt him," Rose deadpanned, "And the last thing I want to do is hurt him because he's been there for me when I needed him."

"I know, princess," running my fingers through her long locks, I cooed, "I just rather he know so I don't have to lie to him. You know I've never lied to my brother. It's the one thing I've never done and here I am doing it for you."

"Thank you, I know you hate lying to him but give me time. I promise I'll tell him soon," the gentle kiss she pressed to the sharp curve of my jaw had a shiver rippling down my spine.

"Fuck," I cursed, tightening my hold on her. If never letting her go was an option I would have grabbed it with open fucking arms.

"Sean, you're crushing me," she wheezed, tapping my back frantically.

I instantly let go of her, dropping my arms to my side. The whole gentle thing still wasn't my forte and I wasn't going to learn to be gentle overnight. It would take me a lot of time and practice, "I'm sorry..." The words left my lips so fucking freely when around her especially since I found myself constantly apologizing.

"Uncle Sean," the sound of shrieking children cut through the room causing me to wince.

Both Rose and I whipped our heads toward the entrance, finding Lacy at the door with eyes so wide that it would probably roll the fuck out of her head and land at my feet. Rose made quick work of untangling herself from me, closing her legs and smoothing her dress over. Her entire body tinged a deep hue of pink to which I chuckled.

Kneeling on one knee, I caught Lance and Damien as they ran up to me and ruffled their hair, "What are you guys doing here?"

"Mother wanted to see the kids," Lacy answered, clearing her throat and pretending as if she hadn't seen Rose and myself in — what I assumed — looked like a compromising position, "you two should join us. Dylan's working late but Axel and Macy will be here along with Macy's parents."

"Sounds like some fucked up family reunion. That's a hard pass from me, "I grumbled, standing to full height and squaring my shoulders, "I'd rather eat my foot."

Rose nudged me in the ass with her foot, smiling innocently when I quirked an eyebrow in question, "It's not going to be that bad. At least you'll have me here."

"You drive a hard bargain, princess, but my answer is still no," I declared, hardening my glare so she would know I meant the words.

Rose pouted her bottom lip, pupils dilating until all that remained was a thin line of blue around them, "Please."

"Rose," I warned and watched in satisfaction when she subtly pressed her thighs together.

"Sean," she challenged, leveling me with a glare, "don't be a jerk."

"How am I being a jerk?"

Her gaze dipped and I followed it to the two boys staring up at me expectantly. These boys and I needed to have a serious discussion about using those eyes to land me in situations I didn't want to be in. But I couldn't say no to them so, with a sigh, I nodded my head in agreement. Lacy's face lit up with a gleaming smile and I had a strange feeling that she planned this.

"Using your kids against me, shame on you," I taunted, shaking my head slowly in disappointment.

"Don't get me started on my kids," she glanced at Rose and then back at me, "We're going to have a serious discussion about this soon."

"Can't fucking wait," I sarcastically replied with a tight-lipped smile.

"Language," Rose reminded, nudging my ass with her foot once more.

With one final glare, Lacy ushered the boys out of the music room, closing the door behind her. From my peripheral, I saw Rose moving her foot. Before she could touch my ass, I gripped her ankle, pulling her forward until her she was at the very edge of the piano, and hiked her thigh up to my torso. She released a breathy moan as her center made contact with the uncomfortable bulge in my jeans.

"Now, where were we?" I whispered, my voice turning husky. With my index finger, I traced her collar bone, traveling down the valley of her breasts. Every intake of breath she took caused her tits to swell and her taut nipples to poke through the thin fabric of her dress. I could see the outline of her nipple piercings and I'd be lying if I said I weren't salivating at the sight.

"I think..." Her sentence trailed as a jagged breath left her parted lips, "we need to get ready."

She was right. I needed to prepare myself for dinner with my entire family. With great fucking reluctance, I pulled away and helped Rose off the piano and back onto solid ground. She ran her hands down her dress and then took a deep breath in before releasing it.

"Why do you hate your parents so much?" She quizzed and I narrowed my eyes into slits.

"You really do think I hate the entire world, don't you?" I counted, lacing my fingers with hers and leading us out of the room.

"Again, you act as if you do so don't blame me for thinking you do."

"No, I don't hate my parents," that wasn't a lie, "I just avoid them at all cost because I don't necessarily agree to with everything they say. That's the one difference between my brother and me. He's always listening to them and taking into consideration what they think. Whereas, I just don't give a fuck. I do what makes me happy and everyone else can go lick ass."

"So you're not an ass licker?" She had a coy smirk tugging at her lips. I should have expected that response from her. She wasn't the most innocent apple in the basket but I tried not to think about that because she wasn't in her right senses when doing that shit. The thought of someone's hands all over her still pissed me off.

Reciprocating her smug expression, I said, "Not unless it's your ass."

She giggled, blood pooling behind her cheeks, "Smooth, Black."

Leading her down the staircase, I heard the sounds of people laughing and chatting. A grimace instantly found its way onto my face. I may not have been an introvert but I still hated being around too many people. It was too much of an effort to keep a smile on my face and keep up conversations I didn't even want to be having. Unfortunately, it was too late to turn and run.

Rose kept her hand in mine as we entered the dining room. Macy stood at the threshold with Mason in her arms. The first thing she did when she saw us was openly glare at our joined hands, then she raised a brow im question. Before she could say anything, her husband was at her side, taking Mason out of her arms.

"Leave the lad alone," Axel warned her and I swear she turned into a fucking puddle just looking into his eyes, "are you two staying for dinner?"

"They didn't give me a choice," I scoffed, pulling Rose under my arm. She didn't fuss, snaking an arm around my torso and settling into my side as if she belonged there. I had the urge to bend down and kiss her head but that would be taking it too far. She was trying to make me comfortable so I couldn't do something that would make her uncomfortable.

I spotted my parents with the triplets, Lacy hovering over them to make sure her kids were alright. Macy's parents were with them as well, "Looks like the only people missing are my brother and Dylan." I mused.

"You should be happy your brother isn't here," Macy quipped, "I can't imagine you'd be by her side if he were."

"Okay," Rose interjected, "I already feel bad enough, let's not make me feel worse. Can we just get seated and start dinner. I'm starving," on cue, her stomach rumbled.

We had a massive dining room. Over the years, the style of it had changed. My mother had bought a glass dining table with black chrome legs. The entire room was essentially black and silver with an over the top chandelier hanging from the ceiling. When I was younger I always wanted to swing from the damn thing. It sounded like a fun idea in my head. It was the only thing that remained after the countless remodeling this room went through.

I made sure to sit far away from my parents so they wouldn't find the need to strike up a conversation with me. Pulling out Rose's seat, I waited for her to get comfortable before taking my seat next to her. She placed a dainty hand on my thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. If she moved her hand a few inches up she would feel the tent she caused in my jeans.

I still couldn't figure out how my brother lived with this woman and kept his shit together.

"Is everything alright, Sean?" My mother — Caroline — asked, concern clear on her face.

"Yeah, everything's good," I voiced through gritted teeth. Part of me wanted Rose's hand to remain there and maybe inch upward while another part needed to calm the fuck down because...

What the fuck?

"We're glad you joined us for dinner," my father — Jackson — declared. I wished he would have ended the conversation there but he dared to keep going while I dealt with a deeper inner conflict, "How's New York been, Dean mentioned that you just finished an internship at some publishing house."

Subtly covering my hand over Rose's, I sighed and moved her downward, "Yeah, I wanted to focus on my Economics major maybe move toward that line of work." I mostly didn't want to do the same thing as my brother only to be compared to him. No one knew it, but it wasn't only Dean who had been presented with the summer program opportunity. I declined it because I knew he would be taking it.

The conversation expanded from there, everyone else in the room joining until there was no need for me to talk so, like the kids in the room, I remained silent and ate the serving of salmon in front of me. I didn't mind just sitting and watching Rose animatedly discuss something she was clearly passionate about.

When she felt my eyes on her, she turned to me with her dimpled smile, "Is something wrong?" She quizzed, shifting a lock of my hair away from my forehead.

"Everything's perfect," I murmured.

She leaned in, flicking her nose with mine before whispering, "Might want to readjust those jeans of yours, they look little too snug."

Groaning, I readjusted my jeans and muttered, "You're going to be the death of me woman!"

If im being honest.. I'm dying with the sexual tension between these two at this stage🙃🥴 but anyway...
HULK SMASH THE STAR AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.