Semua Bab Want Me Back? Ask My Brothers First: Bab 41 - Bab 50

~NATE~“We believe you arrived with one of the contestants, Miss Ava Sterling, correct, sir?”The second security officer’s question only deepens the frown already pulling at my brow as I follow them into the security office.Several monitors line the walls, each displaying footage from different sections of the building.“Yes,” I answer. “Why?”The two men exchange a glance before one of them steps toward a monitor and begins rewinding the footage.“Actually, sir, there appears to be a problem.”The video stops.A hooded woman appears on the black-and-white screen. She’s inside the gallery.At first glance, nothing seems unusual. Then I notice the way she keeps looking over her shoulder before approaching one of the displayed paintings.Her movements are hurried and nervous like a thief as she lifts the artwork and quickly leaves the room.My confusion grows.“What’s this supposed to mean?”The officer turns toward me. “Does she look familiar?”I study the footage, but the hood obscu

~LORETTE~“Cheers to Lori, the newest champion in the family!” Jace’s voice booms through the dining room as he pops open a bottle of wine.Laughter immediately erupts around the table. Everyone raises their glasses.“To Lori!”The sound of crystal clinking fills the room. Warmth spreads through my chest as I look around the table. Jace is grinning from ear to ear. Lucas looks like he’s personally won the competition himself. Hunter and Ella can’t seem to stop smiling.“You’ve made us proud, Lori,” Lucas says. “Ridiculously proud.”I laugh and shake my head. “You guys are acting like I won an Oscar.”“You practically did.” Jace shoots back. “And don’t even start with the humble act. You earned this.”I feel close to tears, being surrounded by people who celebrate my victories as though they’re their own.A few minutes later, my brothers pull Marcus into a video call.His face appears on the screen almost immediately.“Congratulations, Lori.” His usual stern expression brightens with

~LORETTE~ “What’s the condition?” Nate asks, studying my face as though the answer might be written somewhere in it. “Well…” I arch a brow, fighting back the smug smile threatening to escape. I’m already enjoying this far more than I should. “You’ll have to make me comfortable enough before I agree to talk about anything.” He raises a brow as though he’d been expecting something far more outrageous. “That’s it?” A quiet laugh slips from him. “Trust me, you’ll be as comfortable as possible.” If only he knew. “Great.” I flash him a sweet smile and stroll over to one of the couches before settling into it. “Then let’s start with dinner.” “I want something warm, spicy, and comforting. Perfect weather for it.” I rub my stomach dramatically. “I’m starving.” “Done.” He nods without hesitation. “I’ll get the cook.” “What cook?” He pauses and turns. “The one who’s making your dinner.” I fight back a laugh. “I think you misunderstood me.” I point directly at him. “I wa

~NATE~Shit.Who the hell could be at the door?I wasn’t expecting anyone tonight, and Grandmother rarely comes to the mountain mansion, especially during a storm like this. So who could possibly be here?The interruption managed to clear some of the haze clouding my mind. Desire still courses through me, my hardened cock painfully aware of Lori’s naked body beneath mine in the warm water. She’s breathing just as hard as I am, her cheeks flushed, lips swollen from my kisses, and for that brief moment, I simply stare at her.A wave of frustration crashes through me.If that doorbell hadn’t rung, I would’ve taken this much further. I would’ve finally given her what she’s secretly craved all these years, and once she remembered exactly how good we are together, she’d stop this stubborn act and come back home where she belongs.But of course, it’s only an interruption. I’ll get rid of whoever is outside, then come back and finish what I started.“Stay here and wait for me,” I tell her,

~LORI~“Dear, are you okay? You don’t look well.” Ella’s concerned voice follows me as I drag myself into the kitchen, wrapped tightly in a blanket with my laptop tucked under one arm. I’m terribly down with cold but I need to sort through the offers this morning and finally decide what direction I want my career to take.“I’m fine.” I lie, only for another sniffle to betray me.Ella gives me a look that clearly says she doesn’t believe a word of it. Shaking her head, she turns back to the stove and pours a steaming herbal tea into a cup.“Honestly, Lori, you should’ve stayed at the mansion last night instead of coming home in that cold. Now look at you.”I lower myself onto one of the kitchen stools with a quiet sigh, silently regretting my decision for what feels like the hundredth time.If I’d known I’d end up catching such a terrible cold, I would’ve swallowed my pride and spent the night in one of the guest rooms.But then again… how could I have stayed after Nate obviously plan