To Have Her

It was Lily's senior year graduation, she was relieved, she'd finally be done with this city and her best friend's big bad triplet brothers.

They always picked on her and made her high school a living hell.

They were unmistakably good looking but hell will let loose that she saw them in any way than her tormentors.

Either way, she couldn't think of them in any kind of way as she couldn't hurt her best friend.

It had been their pact for a decade.

They stepped out of the auditorium in their graduation gowns and mortar board, as Harper's classy parents, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood approached both girls.

Lily always saw Harper's parents as a hers as she had been abandoned by her father after the death of her mother.

She loved and admired the couple.

"Congratulations, girls! We're so proud of you both," Mrs. Blackwood exclaimed, giving them each a tight hug.

"Thanks, Mrs. Blackwood," Lily said with a smile.

Mr. Blackwood clapped Harper on the shoulder. "You two have come a long way. Now, onto the after party!"

Harper's eyes lit up. "Oh yeah, Mom has been talking about this for weeks!"

Mrs. Blackwood beamed.

"Yes, indeed! I've got everything planned out. It's going to be a blast."

Lily's stomach tightened as Mrs. Blackwood mentioned the party. She had been dreading this moment, knowing that the triplets would be returning home from their basketball game. She exchanged a nervous glance with Harper.

"And guess what, girls?" Mrs. Blackwood continued. "The triplets will be back just in time for the party!"

Harper's face lit up even more, but Lily's heart sank. She forced a smile.

"That's great," she said, trying to sound enthusiastic.

The thought of facing Harper's triplet brothers made Lily's palms sweat.

They had been tormenting her since freshman year, and the idea of spending another evening with them was far from appealing.

She just wanted to get to college as soon as possible.

They were making their way to the car but Lily stood still.

"I won't be coming." Lily managed to say, causing Harper to frown.

Harper tugged at Lily's arm, her eyes pleading.

"Come on, Lily, you have to come to the party. It won't be the same without you."

Lily hesitated, glancing at Mrs. Blackwood for support. "I don't know, Harper. I'm just not in the mood for a party tonight."

Mrs. Blackwood stepped in.

"Oh, sweetie, please come. It's a special night, and we want you to be part of the celebration."

Lily felt torn. On one hand, she wanted to support and be with Harper and her family.

On the other hand, the thought of facing Harper's brothers filled her with dread.

Harper squeezed Lily's hand.

"Please, Lily. I promise it won't be so bad. And besides, Mom has been looking forward to this party for ages."

Lily sighed.

She knew Harper meant well, and Mrs. Blackwood's encouragement was hard to resist.

"Okay, fine. I'll come."

Harper's face lit up with relief.

"Yes! You won't regret it, I promise."

They finally made their way to Blackwood mansion after a few stops at the store and an ice cream shop.

Darkness covered the sky, and friends from high school were already there.

Harper had convinced Lily to change into one of her white party dresses as she informed her that Harvey McClooney was present at the pool area.

Lily harbored a massive crush on Harvey since freshman year and maybe tonight she hoped he'd notice her.

The girls made it to the pool area, music blaring through the speakers and newly graduates dancing around, some lurking at the bar area.

She could tell that someone would definitely spike the drinks.

But then again it was a party, so who cares?

"Let's get some drinks." Harper suggested, pulling her towards the bar.

They took a few shots and Lily knew she was in for it.

"Hey, Harvey's over there." Harper leaned and whispered, causing Lily's eyes to roam the pool area until her eyes landed on the brightest pair of deep brown eyes.

She was mesmerized, sometimes she wondered what his dark curly hair smelt like, but once she caught a whiff of clary sage, she wondered a lot about it.

"Go over to him." Harper nudged her shoulder.

"Say hi or congratulations." She convinced her.

Lily was shy , but with the effect of the alcohol taking its toll on her, she moved.

Rubbing her wet palms on either side of her dress, she moved to him.

They began to talk, and during the whole time, Harvey had his eyes on her, she felt noticed and this crazy fluttering feeling had her.

There was a loud commotion at the other side of the pool, causing Harvey's gaze to avert from Lily.

She silently cursed under her breath, she knew who it was.

It always had to be them.

Looking over to the other side, they dumped someone into the pool, causing a loud splash as the triplets laughed along with their friends.

Lily rolled her eyes.

She looked up at Harvey, with a sudden courage, taking his hand in hers.

Her actions even shocked her.

"Wanna to go somewhere more private?" She asked.

"Sure."

Lily couldn't hide her smile as she led the way, but not before her eyes met the Eldest of the three, Andrew, his lips forming a thin line.

She scoffed.

Lily led him to the balcony, when Harvey pressed her against the wall.

She could see the desire in his eyes, probably the effect of the alcohol but she didn't mind.

He kissed her lips, and she found herself kissing him back, when he was suddenly pulled from her.

Andrew, Carden and Rune stood before her, Harvey held by Rune's arms over his shoulders.

She narrowed her eyes at the Triplets.

Carden sneered at Lily.

"Well, well, well, look who's getting cozy with a random guy. Is this what you call making a move, Cookie?"

Lily's face flushed with anger, she hated when they called her that.

Andrew and Rune joined in,

"Seriously, Harvey, you could do so much better," Andrew said with a scoff.

"Cookie's not exactly known for her skills in the bedroom."

"My name is Lily." She frowned.

Rune chuckled.

"Yeah, she's about as exciting as a wet towel. You deserve someone hotter, Harvey. Someone who actually knows what they're doing."

Harvey's face contorted with disappointment and fear of the triplets, he had heard stories of their reckless behavior and skull crushing escapades.

He didn't want to be a victim.

At least, he didn't need a black eye.

"I'll get going." Harvey said.

The triplets led Harvey away, Carden threw a smirk over his shoulder at Lily.

"Don't worry, Lily. We'll take care of Harvey for you. Get him a drink and maybe introduce him to a girl who actually knows what she's doing."

Lily's hands clenched into fists at her sides as she watched them lead him away.

How dare they insult her and belittle her in front of him?

Lily stormed back to the pool area, She spotted the triplets across the pool, laughing and joking as if nothing had happened.

Without a second thought, she charged towards them.

"YOU!" Lily screamed as she lunged towards Carden.

But before she could reach him, Andrew and Rune grabbed her from behind, their grip around her arms. Lily thrashed and kicked, but it was a futile attempt.

"Let me go, you bastards!" Lily screamed,

But the triplets only laughed.

And then, in one swift motion, Andrew and Rune lifted Lily off her feet and hurled her into the pool with a cruel laugh.

Lily hit the water with a splash, the shock of the cold hitting her.

Lily managed to reach the side of the pool, and she saw everyone looking down at her.

With the help of Harper, Lily got out of the pool and was escorted inside.

Inside Harper's bedroom, Lily sat on the recliner, draped in a towel.

Tears threatening to slip from her eyes.

She despised how the triplets humiliated her.

"I'm sorry Lily." Harper said, stepping out of her closet with a pair of clean dry pajamas.

"I'm fine." Lily managed to say before biting her lip.

Harper sighed, crouching next to her best friend.

"All this will be over soon." Harper consoled.

Lily took the encouragement, soon she'll leave the city, and the Blackwood boys will be all behind her.

Harper returned to the party, but Lily was too embarrassed to go downstairs.

She stayed, with her laptop on lap as she watched Netflix.

She felt a bit tipsy from the alcohol, but she couldn't stop replaying the scene with the Blackwood brothers.

There was a brief knock at the door, but Lily didn't say a word.

The door opened and it was Andrew.

Her frown deepened, and she stood straight from her slouched position.

"The party is downstairs." She said dryly.

"How do you feel, Cookie?" Andrew's deep voice asked.

She shivered slightly at his tone.

"It's Lily."

Andrew's expression softened as he took a step closer to Lily.

"Look, Lily, I know things got out of hand earlier. I just want to apologize. You don't deserve to be treated like that, and you deserve better than Harvey."

Lily's eyes narrowed at his words, sometimes Andrew was the sensible one.

"And what do you know about what I deserve?" she shot back.

Before Andrew could respond, he reached out and gently lifted her chin, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her body. Lily's breath caught in her throat as she stared up at him.

What was he going to do?

And then, without warning, Andrew leaned in and pressed his lips to hers in a searing kiss. Lily's mind reeled as she felt his lips against hers.

Was her effect of the alcohol playing tricks on her?

But as quickly as it had begun, the kiss ended, leaving Lily breathless. She pushed Andrew away.

"It's the alcohol," Lily muttered to herself, shaking her head in disbelief.

"I never desired you in that way."

Andrew's gaze held steady meeting Lily's eyes.

"I don't regret it," he said firmly.

Lily's heart skipped a beat at his words.

She hated his audacity.

"Andrew, you can't just..." Lily began, but her words trailed off as he moved closer, his proximity sending a shiver down her spine.

"I know you feel it too, Cookie,"

She wanted to correct him, but she couldn't find the words.

She knew she should push him away, to put an end to this before it went any further. But despite her better judgment, she wanted him.

"I can't," Lily whispered, her voice barely audible as she struggled to resist the pull of his domineering presence.

Andrew leaned in for another kiss and Lily felt her resolve weaken further.

Desire emitted off Andrew and it turned her on further, his hands roamed her body, his fingers finding its way beneath the waistband of her pajamas.

He touched her at her soak femininity and she shuddered at the contact.

Andrew gently lifted Lily off the recliner, With practiced ease, he began to undress her, his hands moving with a purpose, his mouth found its way to her areolas, sucking and teasing it.

And when his teeth grazed it lightly, she let out a soft moan.

She needed him.

His warm calloused hands were between her hot thighs.

"I've never...I'm untouched," Lily whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.

Andrew's eyes fell on her lips and he brushed a gentle kiss against her forehead.

"I'll be gentle,Cookie. I promise," he murmured.

'It's Lily.' She wanted to correct, but she was too immersed in the waves of pleasure that kept knocking her off.

Her back hit the bed, Harper's bed but Lily allowed herself to surrender to the moment. As he undressed himself, revealing his monstrous member, Lily gulped, she doubted such would fit into her.

But as Andrew pressed his length into her, Lily's doubts melted away, replaced by a burning need that threatened to consume her, Andrew's large hands muffled her moans

Andrew's length filled her and Lily felt a rush of sensation unlike anything she had ever experienced before. She gasped as she felt him swell inside her.

Her fingers dug into Andrew's shoulders as he moved slow and deliberately.

She surrendered herself to the pleasure, losing herself, Lily felt herself unraveled, her body tensing with the intensity of her release. She cried out his name, as she hit her peak.

She felt Andrew come and Thank goodness for the condom he had on, his thrust began to falter as he collapsed on her.

For a while, they simply laid there. Lily reluctantly pulled away from Andrew.

"We should go," she whispered, her voice tinged with sadness as she looked into Andrew's eyes, she had just betrayed her best friend.

Andrew nodded.

"Yeah, you're right,"

Together, they dressed in silence. Andrew made his way back to the party and Lily ran to her house.

It had been almost a month, and everything seemed back to normal, and it wasn't very weird that she was avoiding the Blackwood mansion as Harper thought she was still upset about the pool incident.

Lily was waiting to get into college, but over the past few days she had been experiencing terrible morning illnesses.

She decided to go to the hospital, when the doctor advised her to go for some tests.

Lily's heart pounded with fear as she sat in the doctor's office, her hands trembling in her lap.

"I'm sorry, Lily, but the tests confirm that you're pregnant," the doctor said gently.

Lily felt her world shatter in an instant.

There was no doubt the baby was Andrew's, but her stomach churned with guilt.

Motherhood at 18 was daunting enough, but the thought of facing Harper's wrath was even more terrifying. She knew her best friend would never forgive her if she found out about the baby.

Reaching home, Lily rushed to her bedroom. Lily's hands shook as she hastily packed her belongings.

She knew what she had to do, even if it meant leaving everything and everyone she had ever known behind.

She grabbed her bag, some cash and a photo frame.

She made her way to the nearest bus station with only one conflicting thought. She could live without her best friend but she couldn't live with the idea that Harper hated her.

She knew she couldn't stay. She couldn't bear the thought of facing Harper, of seeing the disappointment and betrayal in her best friend's eyes.

And so, with a deep breath and a silent prayer, Lily boarded the bus, leaving Tacoma for good.

7 years later

Lily's POV

If I'd known that I'd have Carden Blackwood's face between my thighs in less than two hours, I would've been slightly more uncomfortable. As it was, I was able to face Harper, my best friend, without wanting to run

and hide.

It had been seven long years since I disappeared.

I moved to Louisiana, started working as a floral designer at a boutique flower shop.

Had my little Angel, Daphne and began to run my own boutique flower shop.

Life was good, and became better when I ran into Harper two years ago in Chicago.

We established contact again and it was as if I never had a child.

I wasn't going to let her find out.

And to be on a safe side, I had Daphne stay with my neighbors most days.

Harper, dressed in a pretty blue sundress, took a long pull from her cocktail and leaned into me. "Can you believe it's finally happening?"

I squeezed her arm and smiled. "I'm so happy for you, Harper. You deserve this."

She rolled her eyes.

"I'm not sure anyone deserves the monstrosity that is

this wedding, but I'll take it."

"You deserve it. It could be even bigger and you'd still deserve it."

"Even bigger than a two-week-long event planned by my neurotic wedding planner and paid for by my neurotic brother? You do realize that there's a dance planned, right? A full-on fucking flash mob dance. And a karaoke night. I'm not sure I was thinking clearly when I signed on for all of this."

I laughed.

"Harper, the dance was your idea!"

"You're right. It's all starting to feel a bit much now. People don't do this. People don't have weddings like this. Who do I think I am?"

Leaning into her, I squeezed her face in my hands lovingly.

"You're Harper Blackwood. You're amazing, and you're having the wedding you deserve. End of story."

"You're right. That it is the end of the story, anyway." She turned to face me fully and caught my hand in hers.

"I'm so sorry about Everett."

My stomach tightened and I fought to keep the scowl off my face. Letting go of her, I leaned back in my seat. "Screw Him."

"I agree. Screw Everett."

Harper's words brought a rush of mixed emotions swirling inside me. I appreciated her support, but talking about Everett only dredged up painful memories I'd rather forget.

I had dated Everett for almost a year and six months and it was the worse.

"Yeah, screw Everett," I muttered, forcing a smile as I tried to push aside the memories of his toxic behavior.

Harper reached out and squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with concern.

"You know you're better off without him, right? You deserve someone who treats you with respect and kindness."

I nodded,

Deep down, I knew Harper was right. I deserved better than Everett's manipulation and abuse.

But despite how much I wanted to move on, Everett's persistent calls and stalking left me feeling trapped.

I knew I needed to cut ties with him for good, but the fear of his retaliation kept me paralyzed.

"You know you should have told me earlier about him." Harper reasoned.

"I would have helped."

I took a long sip of my margarita.

"What was I supposed to say? The man I thought I loved turned out to be a manipulative jerk, at best?"

Harper's expression softened as she reached out to touch my hand.

"Did he at least show any signs of changing? Any remorse for his actions?"

I sighed heavily,

"Why do you think I've been so on edge lately? Everett's constant calls and stalking have made me feel like I'm living in a nightmare."

Harper's eyes filled with anger on my behalf.

"Lily, I'm so sorry. You deserve so much better than that. You deserve to be happy and free from his toxic influence."

I managed a weak smile.

"Thanks, Harper. We can't all attract angels like you."

Harper chuckled.

"Well, I guess I got lucky in that department. But you, my friend, deserve nothing but the best."

Of course.

Jason was kind, handsome, funny, and he'd literally give his life to make Harper happy.

After a while, my best friend attempted to pull me to the sauna but I pulled my best friend into a tight hug and shook my head.

"I love you. I'm fine. I think I'm going to take a nap before the barbeque tonight. It was a long flight and I'm exhausted."

"You promise you're okay?"

I smiled but remained silent. I wasn't okay but I knew I'd be okay.

I was just overthinking what Everett might pop up and do if he found out I was here.

"Fine, fine. Just take your nap. I'll make sure that we cheer you up tonight.

I frowned and Harper seemed to understand.

"I'll be there to protect you from my big, bad brothers." She laughed.

"It's not like when we were kids, though, Lily. They've grown up some."

I knew they had. I'd just seen an article on Andrew while flipping through a magazine the week before. He was edging his way towards becoming a billionaire and the journalist had captured his stern stare in the photograph they'd printed. It should've been a sin how beautiful the triplets were. Too bad they were the worst set of people.

"Oh, come on, Lily. Things are different now. How long has it been since you've actually spent any time with them?"

"About seven years, by choice." I shuddered at the memories and backed away.

"I'll be there tonight, of course. I'll be the one with bells on, happy for you."

"Don't be late!"

Smiling, I waved goodbye to her and strode towards the front desk.

I hadn't bothered to check in before meeting Harper at the bar. Despite my personal problems and my funky mood, I was so happy for her. I was eager to spend the next two weeks prepping for the wedding with her and just being with my best friend. We'd been busy in our own lives lately, and I hadn't seen her enough.

The front desk receptionist greeted me warmly and tapped away at her computer for a moment. She was just about done with me when the phone rang and she had to answer it. I was daydreaming about the bed that I knew would be super fluffy when she gasped and dropped the phone.

"I have to go." Tears filled her eyes, and she backed away. "Oh, my god. I have to go."

She fled from the front of the resort, leaving me standing there, staring after her in shock. I felt terrible for her, and terrible for just standing and watching her, but I was also a little shell-shocked.

It took a minute for someone else to help me, and when they did, they seemed as flustered as I was. The older man apologized profusely, despite me telling him that I was fine. Still horrified, the man quickly handed me a key card and a certificate for a free massage while I was at the resort.

Before running away, the woman had mentioned I was to go down the grand stairs and towards the right, but looking at the room number on my key card, I needed to go left.

I took my time moving through the resort, looking around. The grand ceilings, the tall walls of natural stone, the sweeping wood floors, it was all so stunning. The whole resort felt warm and comforting. It was a modern cabin that I never would've been able to afford if the entire event wasn't being paid for by the Blackwood brothers.

I felt small walking through the huge, window-lined hallway that led to the rooms. Everything was so pretty, and the snow on the ground outside made me feel like I was in a winter wonderland. Harper was a very lucky bride. She was going to have the most beautiful wedding, at the most beautiful resort. It was impossible not to feel the smallest smidge of jealousy, but I really was so happy for her.

Finding my room, I stared at the plaque on the double doors in confusion. It read Gaya Suite. I didn't think I'd gotten a suite. With the triplets paying for everything, I was surprised that I'd gotten anything at all. I half expected my key card to not work as I swiped it, but it did.

Feeling a bud of excitement blossom in my chest, I hoped that things were taking a turn for the better for me. I could hope. It was fine to hope.

Pushing into the suite, I looked around in awe. More of the cathedral ceilings stretched into the entrance, with beautiful hardwood under my feet. Plush rugs led farther into the suite. I could see a massive fireplace glowing with a real fire on the other side of the room, next to a wall of windows that looked out over the tundra behind the resort.

Excitement had me rushing into the back part of the suite, the bedroom. A massive bed looked welcoming, and I couldn't help but jump on it. Staring up at the ceiling, I breathed out a sigh of relief. Things were going to be okay.

Based solely on the comfort of the bed under me, I knew things were going to be okay.

Plus I remembered I had to call Daphne when I realized that I could hear a shower running from one of the other rooms nearby. How strange.

I wouldn't think that sound would carry so easily in such a nice resort. I walked towards the sound, wondering how quiet I was going to have to be during my stay. A door off the other side of the bedroom, as tall as two of me, seemed to be the source of the sound.

I grabbed the big handle. Pressing my ear to the door, I frowned as a low grunt filled my senses. Without another thought, I pushed open the door, expecting to see a closet that shared a wall with the adjoining suite. Instead, I found myself standing in a bathroom, across the room from Carden Blackwood.

Carden Blackwood, standing in a steamy shower, one arm braced on the wall, one big hand wrapped around his equally big cock. Fist pumping, he jerked himself off with a slow intensity that instantly flooded my panties with desire. Too much man, too much testosterone, too much cock.

I gasped and turned my back, something that was harder than it should've been.

"What are you doing?"

The water turned off, and a low growl filled the bathroom.

"What am I doing? What are you doing?"

I peeked back at him and squeaked when I found him still naked, still standing with his cock in his hand, he should have a towel on by now.

"Oh, my god. What are you doing?"

"You already asked that." He growled.

"I think it's pretty fucking obvious what I'm doing. Now do you mind telling me why you're in my bathroom?"

"Your bathroom? This is my bathroom!"

"Sorry, Cookie, but this is my bathroom. My bathroom and my room. How'd you get in?"

I felt my face go blood red. Was I in his room?

"A key. I got a key from the front desk. It had this room number on it."

"Someone fucked up."

I braced myself against the door and nodded. "Seems that way."

"I'm getting over the shock." Carden's smooth voice sounded from right behind me. "And I'm not all that mad about it."

Stepping back into the room, I hurried to the end of the bed, where my purse was, and glanced back at him. Still naked. "There was a woman with a cat, and I guess that's what happened. I'll go."

"A cat?"

I cast one last long look at the view from the suite and shook my head.

"Never mind. I'm going. This was not how I planned on starting this trip. I'm so sorry to interrupt."

I groaned to myself when I realized I'd just apologized for absolutely no reason.

I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I grabbed my purse and tried backing away without looking back at Carden.

Shit, It wasn't easy. He was god striking. They'd always been godlike striking, though. There'd always been something about them that made my blood heat up just a little bit too much.

"It's good to see you, Cookie. You look good."

I frowned.

"It's Lily, always has been." I moved forward.

"You don't have to leave."

My head snapped to face him before I could think twice.

"What?" His crooked grin was so damn panty wetting with that fucking dimple.

"Stay."

I stared into his face. He was older now; his face was broader and stronger.

Those hazel eyes weren't as mean as I remembered them in my head. They were warmer, sensual with thick black lashes that I could practically feel brushing my skin. I repeated that same question.

"What?"

Carden smiled. "Stay, Cookie."