Kenney, Laina - Overexposed [DIG Security 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Laina Kenney Page B

his meals and cigarettes.”
    Locke sounded aggravated, and Avelyn sighed. She knew how angry Locke had been. She had seen the fury on his face when he looked at the man who had attacked her. Billy was lucky to be alive.
    She was just glad that Locke had such self-control. At least Locke wouldn’t be going to prison for killing the man in front of those same thirty witnesses.
    “And Paddy O’Neill? I’m not sure why he focused on me, but Billy said he loses interest in a woman quickly. I want it to be true.”
    Locke rubbed a big hand over her back.
    “Conn’s friends in Ireland are investigating Paddy’s criminal activity and searching for your father as a witness. I’m betting Paddy will end up in prison himself sooner rather than later. In any case, we’re aware of him. You’re safe, I promise.”
    Avelyn’s stomach was a flurry of butterflies. She wanted another moment to gather her thoughts, but she had already put it off long enough. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
    “Locke, I’ve been thinking,” she began in a soft voice.
    His arms tightened.
    “Don’t go,” he said. “Don’t even think about going.”
    “What?”
    She was startled that he would jump right to the conclusion that she was leaving. Whatever gave him that idea?
    “Where the hell is Sam? Wait until Sam and I can talk to you.” He looked around as if Sam would magically appear just because someone mentioned his name. When that didn’t happen, he bellowed, “Sam!”
    When Sam came running around the corner of the house, Locke said, “Avelyn’s been thinking.”
    She almost laughed. He spoke as if her thinking was the worst thing that could happen. Avelyn brushed Locke’s arms away and stood up.
    Locke rose to his feet as well.
    “Sam, I was thinking—”
    “Don’t think about going home yet,” Sam said. “There are great universities here in Texas. You could transfer here and finish your schooling.”
    “That’s right,” Locke said. “And you already have family here. Your Uncle Conn misses you and would love to have you stay.”
    Avelyn looked from one man to the other with her hands on her hips and a scowl on her face.
    Really, that was the best they could do?
    “I know Uncle Conn would love that. He’s already said it. But what about you?” she challenged. “How do you feel about the idea of me staying?”
    Sam grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips.
    She waited.
    “I love you,” Sam said into her palm. “You’re beautiful inside and out, honey girl. I’d feel blessed if you stayed in Texas with us.”
    Avelyn caressed his face. Her wonderful poet.
    Locke moved up and turned her away from his brother. He cleared his throat and the sound was painful.
    “I never believed in love at first sight until I saw you. I love you even when you’re in a temper,” her warrior said. His dark-blue eyes were bright with feeling, and her own eyes welled up with tears.
    Locke snatched her into his arms for a sweet, hot kiss. Avelyn’s head was spinning, and her pussy was wet by the time he let her up for air.
    “Locke and I, we’ve talked about this a lot,” Sam said, pressing his lips to her throat. “We want you to stay with both of us. Stay for as long as you want to. For as long as you’re happy.”
    “Forever. It has to be forever,” Locke said, frowning at his brother. “You can go to school here and live with us at the ranch. It’ll be perfect.”
    Avelyn laughed. He made it sound so easy.
    “I’m finished with school for a while,” she said. “I have my Masters Degree in Theatre, and I’m tired of exams. I don’t want to study anymore. I want to work in my field. You may have noticed I’ve been on the phone for two days.”
    Both men nodded. She could see the questions in their eyes, but they seemed reluctant to ask.
    “Well, I have a job offer from the University of Texas San Antonio to be their full-time production advisor in the first-year drama program, but I wasn’t sure I would take it.