Kate wakes up next morning to an empty bed. Her first instinct is to panic, worry, but then she remembers Seth whispering in her ear telling her to sleep, and Richie's gentle kiss on her forehead promising they'll be back, and the fear subsides.
Sunlight streams in through the windows, a golden haze warming her skin as she lies there. The horrible images from her nightmares return and the reality of it not involving her brother isn't much comfort when she remembers that what she dreamt did happen to Seth and Richie. She feels sick to her stomach at the thought of them being beaten and tortured. If Richie hadn't killed that son of a bitch already, she'd be lining up to do it.
Thinking about the monster they had as a father only reaffirms how incredible her own dad was and how lucky she and Scott were to have him. His gentleness, kindness, the way he loved his family so deeply and unconditionally - she'd taken it for granted only to realise too late how unique and special it was. She'd been blessed with two loving parents and then there was Seth and Richie who weren't even lucky to have one.
She aches with sadness and longing as memories of her family flood her brain. Christmases, Thanksgivings, birthdays, they were filled with love and laughter except for those rare occasions when her mom wasn't feeling well and it was too much for her to handle. Even then, her dad took the time to ensure everything else was perfect for her and Scott. Tears burn her eyes as she thinks of her brother. They used to fight like cats and dogs but when push came to shove they always had each other's back. Until that night at the Twister when she gave up on him, and regretted it ever since.
She gives herself a mental shake, swiping her tears away. Feeling sorry for herself isn't going to help her accomplish anything, and there's too much to do than sit here and agonize over old memories.
A quick glance at the clock reveals it's one in the afternoon. She slides out of bed intending to take a shower when she feels the soreness between her legs. With the exception of that crazy nightmare, last night had been amazing. For so long she'd fantasized about Richie, and their time together had been much more than she could have imagined - just like it was with Seth. And then there's that voice again, telling her how wrong it is that she slept with both Richie and Seth in the last two days. Her intense feelings for the brothers used to make her feel dirty and horrible but now it's different as she's finally starting to accept her love for both of them. And that annoying voice? It lessens every day, making it increasingly easier to ignore. Nothing will replace the loss of her family but Seth and Richie are like a soothing balm to her wounded soul and loving them makes her feel whole, alive again.
She takes off Richie's shirt and steps inside the shower, turning on the hot water.
Wrapping a towel around her body, she exits the bathroom to find Seth and Richie back in the room. Richie's sitting on the couch, long legs propped up on the coffee table while Seth is resting on the bed, partially sitting up. They're arguing about what to watch on TV but stop the moment they notice her.
Her pulse quickens, the swift rush of anticipation surging through her body as Seth's eyes linger on her. She turns to Richie to alleviate the thick tension that's suddenly developed but he's no help either, staring at her intently.
She turns around to find something to dress in - the dress from last night is torn on the bathroom floor - but then remembers her stuff is still in Seth's room. Shit. Reluctantly she turns back around and yup, they're still ogling her. "Where did you guys go?" she asks, hoping a conversation will distract them enough to stop.
"To get more info on Conrad Ford," Richie drawls, his gaze trailing down her body.
She gives him a quizzical look.
"We don't know who's fucking with your head, but maybe viper fang bitch does," Seth adds.
"And if we have the ring that'll kill her, we'll have leverage to make her talk."
"Exactly," Richie replies.
"So we're going back to the sex club," Kate sighs.
Richie shoots her an irritated glance. "No, we're not."
Seth turns off the TV before turning his full attention towards her. "Richie and I are going to talk to the dude who pimps out girls to Ford."
"Okay. I'll go with you."
Richie chuckles while Seth shakes his head 'no'. "I don't think so, princess. He works at a strip club."
"Yeah, so? I've been to one before, remember? I doubt this one will have vampires stripping," she points out, rolling her eyes. "And it makes sense for me to go there. I'll convince the guy to send me to Ford. That way I can get into Ford's house and look for the ring."
"The answer is no," Richie states calmly.
"I wasn't asking your permission, Richie!" she snaps.
"No, Richie's right. You're staying away from that sick fuck."
"Are you kidding me? If the two of you didn't come charging into the club like a bunch of assholes I'd probably already have the ring by now!"
"Get over it. What's done is done," Seth says in a condescending tone.
"No, I'm not gonna get over it!" Kate yells, shaking her head with anger. "I'm not some helpless kid you need to protect."
"We know that," Richie says, standing up and heading to the mini-fridge in one fluid gesture. He grabs two beers and throws one to Seth before leaning back against the TV stand. His gaze is glued to her neck, his blue eyes a startling shade, and she has a sudden flash of him kissing that oh-so-sensitive spot. "But that doesn't mean we start whoring you out either."
He grants her a small smile and she realises he's purposely fucking with her head. "I've been on my own for a long time. I know how to take care of myself." Her attention wavers back and forth between the brothers, leveling them both with a cold stare. "If the two of you think you can start bossing me around, you're wrong. I'm your partner, not your hostage. And if either of you have a problem with that, feel free to get out."
"It's Richie's room." Seth smiles smugly, taking a drink of his beer.
"Fine. Then I'll leave."
"You're not wearing any clothes," Richie points out.
"I don't care."
Head held high, she turns around to go to the bathroom to retrieve her torn dress when Richie suddenly grabs her waist from behind, pulling her up close against his body. She can hear the amusement in his voice as he nips her earlobe, whispering in her ear.
"I love it when you get all pissy."
"Is that why you're always acting like a jerk?" she retorts.
"Maybe."
She turns around in his arms, refusing to fall for the twinkle in his eyes. "I'm serious. You and Seth can't treat me like I'm some kind of china doll. I'm not weak."
"Don't you think we know that?" Richie asks.
"You're the strongest one here," Seth says quietly, cocking his eyebrow at her when she darts a quick glance in his direction.
"Then act like it."
"Okay, okay. Enough with the feminist diatribe," Richie murmurs, running his fingers through her hair.
"You're a woman. We heard you roar," Seth pipes up, smirking.
"Shut up," she grumbles.
Richie's thumb strokes along her bottom lip, caressing her while he leans in to kiss her cheek, and she feels that mad swirl of electricity run down her spine, making her tingle from head to toe. As much as she wants Richie though, she can feel Seth's gaze boring into her back and it pulls her out of the moment, makes her hesitate. Richie senses her discomfort immediately.
"What's wrong?" he asks, cradling her face.
"I..." She steals a quick glance at Seth.
"I think she's feeling shy," Seth teases.
Kate removes herself from Richie's arms, her cheeks flushed. "I just think we need to talk about... us."
Seth's loud groan reverberates about the room. "Why do chicks always want to talk things to death?"
Richie's hands span her back. "Okay. You want to talk. Let's talk."
"Not when you're standing so close to me."
He chuckles, exchanging an amused look with his brother. "Where would you like me to stand?"
"How about you go sit with your brother and stop acting like an ass?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
He saunters towards the bed and takes a seat along the edge. Both brothers are watching her closely and she feels her throat dry up with nervousness. The truth is even if she is getting comfortable with her feelings for them both she has no clue how such a relationship is actually possible. And as awkward as this conversation may turn out to be, it still needs to be had. She folds her arms across her chest. "I don't know how this is supposed to work between us."
"It's not rocket science," Richie declares arrogantly.
"Richie, shut up. Let her speak." Seth turns his focus back on her. "What do you want to say, Kate?"
She bites down on her bottom lip. "I love you both, I don't want to hurt either one of you. And I guess... I'm always gonna worry that if I'm with one, the other will feel neglected."
"We're not kids," Richie states.
"But you act like you are," she mutters.
"We know what we signed up for. You don't need to worry about us."
"I'm always gonna worry, Seth. Don't you get that?"
"Kate." Richie's voice is raspy and seductive as he commands her closer. "Come here."
Her heart starts racing, her body taut with tension but also excitement. "Why?"
"Because I want to watch you fuck Seth."
She swallows an audible breath. "And what if I don't want you to watch?"
Richie smirks. "Then I'll leave. But is that what you really want?"
"No," she replies, realising it's the truth.