Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

359. Olivia - 'Surprise' II

I

Ansel and Mose enter the house carrying three large pizza boxes and put them on the dining table, next to the potato salad Jasper and I made. Tyson made crispy onion rings. "I thought you were making burgers?" I ask, confused, while I finish setting the table. Mose puts on an apologetic face while Ansel shrugs. "Change of plans."

Rueben puts a six-pack of root beer on the table. "I bet..." From the couch, Tyson and Jasper watch him intensely. Rueben's eyes narrow to slits. "I'm sure Mose burned them."

give Mose a peck on the lips. "He's doing the best he can. After all, cooking is not that easy, especially since he has little to no experience."

Rueben rolls his eyes at me. "He's Mose's demon, for fuck's sake. He should know how to make simple dishes but he can't even fry some eggs without burning the kitchen."

I press my lips together, not wanting to laugh with Mose present. Rueben is not wrong, but he shouldn't be so direct. "You should be more considerate of your elders," I say, and everyone gives me strange looks. Well, Mose's demon is older than dirt. He must have seen the Big Bang and the formation of our universe."

Jasper can't help himself and says, "His fart was the Big Bang."

"Shit. Don't give him beans! Who knows what will happen if he farts again," Tyson continues the joke.

joins the fun and burps. "Boom!" he says before wrapping his arms around

making me dizzy!"

only stops to tell me, "Love." He still hates talking more than a few words at a time, but I don't need long conversations

die or when I started living again. My heart is not fully healed; it will never be, but each day is better than the other. I never once dreamed of a life where I'm not only loved by Tyson but by four other men. Allowing myself to have feelings for them is hard, but one

would receive something from my grandparents, Jason and my father would quickly snach it away, especially if it was money. This is why Grandpa Jon set a trust fund for me. At school, Jason would try to isolate me from other students. I had a hard time making friends, especially in middle school. It all changed when I met Camila. She never let Jason bully her. Maybe this is what made Jason have his friends target Camila the night of the

new house, but Ansel and Mose's constant vigilance has me on edge. Jasper is now the leader of the group, and he is too

It's all I can say for now. One day, when all the threats have

had for Tyson is no more. It was immature and most of the time, impatient, as there had been moments when I wanted to be with him in ways I was yet not ready. It's better this way, as back then, I was still living in my own world, thinking that once I finish high school, Tyson would take me away on a

feelings that are now blossoming inside my heart are much stronger than the ones from six years ago. I am not the same either. While I'm still

Mose and me. Ansel steps behind me and kisses my neck. "How about we

I

appears on Ansel's face. "I don't want to ruin the

his lap. "Did I mention how much I hate surprises?" My attempts to make Ansel speak are

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