Free Always with You (WIth You Trilogy) by R. J. Sable Page A

questioningly.
    “I don’t want to talk about it,” I retorted bluntly, clamping my jaw firmly shut and deciding I wasn’t going to speak another word on the subject. My love life was not something I wanted to discuss with my brothers.
    “You want ape shit on him for no reason, Jelly.”
    I scowled and tried to force myself up off his lap but he held me in place. Knowing I wouldn’t win a battle of strength with him I just crossed my arms and sulked like a six year old.
    “Are you going to talk to me?” H e demanded.
    I let my silence speak for me.
    “Fine,” he growled, standing up suddenly and almost sending me flying onto the floor. He caught my arm and helped me regain my balance. “I have to go,” he said, moving to the door without looking back at me. “If you have questions, talk to Xander.”
    “Ian, wait,” I pleaded. “I don’t want you to leave like this.”
    He was going away, most likely to do something dangerous. I didn’t want our last words to be hostile. I heard him sigh before turning around.
    “I’m sorry,” I apologised immediately when he opened his arms to me and let me hug him again. “I know the last thing you need when you’re away is to be worrying about me. I’ll behave , I promise.” I must have made this promise to him a dozen times before. I hoped he knew that I really would do my best not to cause him to worry.
    “I know,” he said, returning my hug. “ I just need to know you’re safe while I’m gone. I love you, Jelly.”
    “I love you too,” I whispered back, happy to hear the words that came so rarely from my big brother’s lips, even though I never doubted his love for me or my brothers.
    “I’m off, who’s coming back with me?” He announced once I’d followed him back into the lounge.
    Matt stood up and nodded, it looked like Craig was about to say something too but he obviously changed his mind when he heard Matt’s decision.
    “We might stay in Bradford tonight,” Rick explained, glancing at Craig.
    Craig nodded and stood up as well. The twins gave Ian a cl ap on the back but didn’t speak. Ian understood. We were all familiar with the awkward goodbyes every time he or Karl went away.
    I hugged Ian, Matt, and Craig once more and thanked them for everything they’d done today. I hugged Ian for a few seconds extra and hoped he understood my silent plea that he return home in one piece. Ian rubbed my back gently before releasing me. He exchanged a few quite words with Xander before he left and then they were gone.
    I was sort of glad the twins stayed because I still hadn’t really spoken with Xander and things were going to get awkward between me and my new babysitter once we were alone with Adam. I was still gutted about Jason and knew I was bound to be rubbish company if anybody tried to talk to me.
    “Cheer up, Jellybean,” Danny encouraged. “How about we eat ice cream and watch ‘A Bug’s Life’ on the sofa?”
    I smiled meekly, realising that they’d stayed to try and cheer me up. “I’m not really hungry,” I admitted.
    “No, but we are,” Rick grinned, already on his way to raid the freezer.
    I rolled my eyes before noticing Xander still stood by the door. It occurred to me that we hadn’t actually discussed where he was staying.
    “You mind watching an animated film?” I asked him, hoping he’d take it as an invitation to join us. I wasn’t happy with the situation but it wasn’t his fault.
    He shrugged and sat down on the end of the sofa in the corner of the room. Great , I sighed inwardly. He doesn’t talk much . The two of us were going to have to get used to awkward silences.
    “I’m sure you could stay here if it’s ok ay with Adam,” I offered, my polite conversation running dry.
    “Yeah,” Adam nodded. “Might as well use one of the spare rooms. Bradley and Eric won’t be back for a while.”
    Xander nodded.
    Yep, man of many words this one . I sighed inwardly once more and tried to repress my dread of