Silent Scars (Surviving #4) Read Free Page A

with her inappropriate fantasies.”
    “Because she clearly hasn’t met the green-eyed Adonis. Even she would be slightly swayed from boobs if she saw him.”
    “Just kill me,” I uttered, covering my face again. My father had no qualms about flaunting his sexuality since he has been out and proud since the age of fourteen. My grandmother found his stash of porn and quite bluntly said she had no issues with him being gay, but he had to find a way to give her grandchildren. My mother and he had been best friends since they could walk. She’s had a bit more of a struggle with being open about her sexuality. She tried to convince herself she was in love with my dad, but the reality was – she loved him, just not in a romantic fashion. They lived together since attending university. They were like an old married couple in every sense, apart from my dad was happily devoted to his partner, Alec. Mum was a little more commitment phobic. She lived in one half of this generous house, and Dad and Alec lived in the other. The kitchen was pretty central, so we all usually congregated at meal times. They both wanted children, and when Mum asked my dad to be a donor he jumped at the chance. They made a pretty awesome parenting team.
    “This house is insane,” I grumbled.
    “What’s he done now? Still droning on about his crazy idea of a bodyguard?” Alec chuckled, finally coming to my rescue. He always acted as my saviour when Dad was being insane. Alec was totally on board with me about not employing someone to be by my side twenty-four seven. He pressed a kiss to my forehead when I laid my cheek against my arm to look at him. I lifted my head and smiled when he walked over to my dad and slid his arm around his waist to kiss him on the cheek.
    “I was telling her about Will’s arse.”
    My cheeks turned pink when Alec gasped and covered his mouth.
    “Oh Aloura, my God, it’s like a firm peach. I dream of having cheeks like that.” Alec patted his backside.
    “Oh, please! I refuse to compliment what you already know is perfect.” Dad huffed and sipped his coffee.
    Alec frowned, as if remembering something. “I didn’t expect him today. Isn’t his girlfriend due to have twins anytime soon?”
    “He wasn’t supposed to be meeting me today. But I think he feels he needs to introduce Ryan personally. We’re meeting him shortly. Apparently he’s Will’s brother.” Dad grinned. “Can you imagine? More of those sexy genes in the world.”
    I rolled my eyes.
    The sound of heels clacking against the wooden floor warmed me.
    “Mum, save me, I need to schedule some therapy with you immediately.” I sighed dramatically as she entered the kitchen. “It’s been nothing but talk of men, arses, and men’s rude bits.” I did an exaggerated shiver, making her mouth curve in a gorgeous smile. She worked at the hospital as a child psychologist, helping kids pre and post surgery. I looked very much like Mum, jet black hair, tall frame, and brown eyes. I wished I’d inherited her gorgeous olive complexion, but instead I had Dad’s pale skin tone.
    “Yucky things.” She hugged me before grabbing a coffee.
    “Even you, Sally, would be impressed by his gorgeous package.”
    “Sorry, babe.” She kissed his cheek and sat down, opening the newspaper. “When it comes to a man’s meat and two veg, I am definitely a vegetarian.” She smirked at me.
    Meet the Cavendishes – my family was insane.

My hands were fisted in my lap as I tried not to fidget as my brother drove us towards his newest client. I hated being a passenger, more so after my convoy was blown to smithereens. It was the loss of control and the way Will insisted on chatting my fucking ear off making the tension build within me.
    “Listen, I know you don’t really want to take this job.”
    “I never said that.”
    “I distinctly remember the words ‘I ain’t no fucking babysitter’ and ‘I’d rather cut off my nut sack before some rich princess makes me