Claimed by my Brother’s Best Friends (Alyssa) novel Chapter 81

Nikolai

Mason and I are watching Zuri, since King went upstairs to comfort Alyssa. After watching her break down in Gray's office and not being able to do anything, it's only fair that he be the one to do it.

Knowing him, though, he's probably fucking her by now. There's no doubt in my mind that she's losing herself in him, using his body to cope with what happened today.

I walk back into the living room with Zuri's bottle to find her curled in Mason's lap, her eyes focused on the book he's reading aloud. She looks fascinated, her tiny hands patting the pages like she can actually follow along with him.

"What nightmare-inducing book are we reading today?" I tease, plopping down on the couch.

Mason barely glances up. "The Green Mile," he replies. "I brought a few non-horror books for her...figured they were more appropriate."

So, this is something he planned for? And there's a gentleness in the way he handles Zuri, like he cares about her just as much as we do. I can't help but think about what Nina said earlier...about the four of us.

Has he been holding back? And for how long? I need to know. If he's got feelings for her, watching her with me and King must be fucking torture. I can't let my brother silently suffer like that. Not without at least asking.

Clearing my throat, I lean back, fixing him with a look. "Mace...can I ask you something?"

Mason's eyes snap up to mine, his gaze guarded. "What's up?"

No point in beating around the bush now. "Do you have feelings for Alyssa?"

His jaw works, his expression still unreadable. For a long moment, I think he's not going to answer, but then he says quietly, "I think it's clear that I care about her and Zuri."

"That's not what I asked."

He stiffens. There's a flicker of something in his eyes before he finally admits, "Yes."

Fuck. I had a feeling, but hearing it out loud hits different.

"Since when?" I ask, my voice tightening.

He hesitates for only a second. "High school."

High school? Shit. He's been keeping it buried for that long? And he was just never gonna tell us?

I nod, carefully considering my next words. "I think you should tell her when you're ready. She needs to know."

He shakes his head almost immediately. "It's too late."

"It isn't," I counter firmly. "She doesn't know how you feel. For all you know, she might feel the same way. And if she's willing to be with two of us, then what's stopping her from being okay with three?"

He's quiet for a long moment, letting Zuri slap her hand against his, her adorable giggles filling the room. "Even if she does...what about King? Most importantly, what about Gray?"