Claimed by my Brother’s Best Friends (Alyssa) novel Chapter 33

Alyssa

After waking up and taking a shower—since I passed out right after whatever the hell last night was—I begin packing up Zuri's and my things. She had stirred some time during the night, but thankfully, I had formula and water on the dresser. To my surprise, she fell right back asleep, allowing me to sleep a little longer.

I don't know when Gray's flight lands, but I want to be packed and ready for when he gets here.

Finding my way downstairs in the dark with the flashlight on my phone, I head into the living room to search for any toys I happened to leave in here last night.

"What are you doing?" I jump at the sound of King's deep, gravelly voice, my heart racing. I don't know why, but It takes me back to all those times I tried to leave with Zuri, only to find Isaac waiting to catch me.

King, seated in his armchair with a drink in hand, raises a brow at my startled reaction.

"I-I'm sorry, just let me...catch my breath," I choke out, collapsing onto the couch, clutching my chest, which feels like it's being squeezed by an invisible hand. My hands tremble uncontrollably, and my heartbeat roars in my ears.

Okay, I think I'm having a panic attack right now. And right in front of King.

Great.

I'm vaguely aware of King striding across the room and sitting beside me, yanking me into his lap. "I didn't mean to scare you. Just breathe," he murmurs, placing a hand on my chest.

I try to pull away from him, embarrassed. "I'm okay. I just-"

"Breathe."

I obey, closing my eyes and taking deep breaths. His hold tightens, and somehow, it both comforts me and freaks me the hell out at the same time.

We sit in silence for what feels like forever until I can breathe normally again.

"Good girl," King praises. "Now what were you doing wondering around in the dark?"

I hop off his lap, and he lets me, his eyes tracking my every movement.

"Sorry, that was weird. Can we just forget that happened?" I ask with a nervous laugh.

He tilts his head, his eyes raging with intensity. "And what about Niko? I'm sure your brother will be interested to hear that you let him fuck you with a whiskey bottle."

I recoil at his words, shame flooding my cheeks. "Why are you doing this?" I whisper, feeling small and helpless under his imposing figure. My mind whirls, trying to understand his twisted logic.

I watch his throat bob as he swallows, and it's hotter than it has any right to be. No. Stop. Nothing should be hot about him right now.

"You and Zuri will be safer here. Gray won't be able to protect you the way I can," he says between clenched teeth.

"And blackmailing me to get what you want is the answer?" I ask, shoving against his chest, but he doesn't budge. Instead, he grasps my chin in his calloused hand, forcing me to look at him.

His eyes soften slightly, "Stay here just until Isaac is dealt with. Then, you are free to go anywhere you want."

My heart races. Does he know that I planned on leaving after I went to Gray's? No, maybe he just means in general. How could he know? I haven't told anyone.

"Why do you want me here so badly?" I ask, my tone sharp. "So you can use me until you get tired of keeping me around as your little toy?"