**First off, I want to give a huge shout out to my first reviewer, ToriBlock! Thank you so much for your kind words and I hope Chapter 2 lives up to your expectations. Secondly, BDS does not belong to me as much as I wish it did. Please enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing!**

Chapter 2

Sunlight across my face woke me in the morning, the smell of coffee thick in the air. I panicked as my eyes adjusted to my surroundings. I didn't know where I was. I sat up quickly and my stomach lurched.

"Easy lass. Drink this."

I was handed a mug and I took a long drink of searing hot, black coffee. I must have made a face because my companion laughed. The sound pierced my head. It looked like a hangover would be following me around today.

"Ugh! Could've put sugar in it at least."

"Sorry. Didn't have any."

I focused on the voice and the face came into clarity. I was looking at the sleepy face of Connor MacManus. His hair was tousled and he really needed to shave, but even so, he looked good enough to eat.

"Best not let me brother hear them thoughts. He be jealous enough as it is, me getting to watch ye sleep all night."

I groaned. "Didn't think I said that out loud." I took another sip of coffee and handed it back to him. "Don't think I can drink that."

I looked around at the so-called apartment and grimaced. There were two mattresses on the floor, including the one I was still sitting on. There was a table and two chairs and that was it. It was just an open room. The bathroom was just a shower head and a toilet. The kitchen was a counter and a microwave. It made me grateful for what I had.

"Ain't much, but eh… it's home."

Shit. I didn't mean to make him feel bad. I grabbed his hand. "I'm sorry."

He shrugged. "I'm going to run and get us some breakfast. Murphy took an extra shift at work t'day so he won't be back fer a while." He handed me some clothes. "They'll be big, bet at least they're clean."

He took off before I could say anything else. I used toilet and turned the shower on to rinse my face and ended up washing up quickly. The water was cold, but it woke me up. I wrapped up in a towel and attempted to comb out my hair with my fingers. Giving up, I pulled it into a messy bun. I needed to get it cut desperately.

I picked up the clothes that I had left on the mattress and smiled. The t-shirt was snug. It was the curse of decent sized boobs, but the jeans were falling off of my hips. I grabbed a belt that was on the table between the ashtrays and made it as tight as I could. I rolled the pants up a few times so I wouldn't trip.

A low whistle caught my attention while I was gathering my stuff. I turned and caught Connor staring at me, bags of food in his hands. "Tis a nice view, lass."

He set the bag on the table and pulled out Styrofoam containers with plastic forks. We enjoyed the diner food in silence. I didn't think he realized how much I loved the little sausage links until I speared one of his.

"Aye?" He grinned and got himself a piece of my pancake. "Two can play at that."

It surprised me how comfortable I was around him. He liked to laugh and was easy to talk to. I should have been freaking out considering that I had just met him and his brother, but instead I was simply enjoying myself.

"I should get going. I have work today," I explained, searching out my shoes.

"I'll walk wit ye." He grabbed his coat.

"You don't need to do that. I'm sure I can figure it out."

He reached out and touched my shoulder. "Nay, lass. Tisn't safe, especially with that 'mistake' o' yours out there. I'll walk wit ye then head into work meself."

Our walk took a long time as they apparently lived close to the bar. It was nice. I found myself telling him about my family and my life in the Midwest.

"My mom died when I was young and my dad was a deadbeat. He was never around. My grandmother raised me as best as she could. I miss her."

He placed his arm protectively on my back as he guided me across a street. "Ever think of going back?"

I shook my head. "There's nothing for me there. I'm from a small town in Illinois and let me tell you, Friday nights consist of cow tipping." He laughed but I wasn't joking. It sucked. "So when I moved here six months ago, Gram sold her house and moved into one of those retirement communities. She met a nice man who plays bingo with her on Tuesdays. She's doing really well. I just wish it was a little easier for me."

"Tell me." He was so sincere, I could tell he really wanted to know. He had his hands in his pockets, but lifted his arm so I could hook mine around his elbow.

"I did the typical thing. I packed up my car and drove out here for a man, my college sweetheart. I was so excited that I didn't call to tell him I was here, I just let myself in. He apparently forgot to tell his other girlfriend that I was coming." That memory still stung. "I had no money and nowhere to go so I spent the night in my car. I scraped together the change from under the seats for a cup of coffee early the next morning. That's how I met Aileen."

"She was just finishing her shift. We got to talking and she let me crash on her couch until I got back on my feet. She got me the job at the bookstore and from there I applied for jobs through the newspapers and magazines. I do editorial reviews for extra money. I got an apartment and a new boyfriend. You can see how well that worked out."

We stopped and he turned me to face him. He tilted my chin to look at the damage to my face. I hadn't even looked in the mirror so his expression told me everything I needed to know. I tried not to, but a tear slipped down my cheek. He caught it with his thumb and wiped it away.

"No more cryin' over 'im. Ye hear me?"

I nodded, but doubted I could keep that promise. I don't know who it shocked more when he leaned over and softly pressed his lips to mine.

"Ye're still the most beautiful lass I ere met."

I gave him a shy smile and tugged at him to start walking again. We finally made it to the store where my friend was pacing in front of the window. She saw us and her jaw literally dropped to the floor. In the doorway, I slid my arm out of his and shifted uncomfortably.

"Thanks… for everything, Connor."

He leaned in for another quick kiss. "Murph will be by ta walk ye home and change yer locks."

"Look, I really don't need a babysitter. I'm sure the two you have other things that you would rather be doing."

He shook his head and looked at me intently. "Aye, but all of them involve you."

He waved and made his way down the street, glancing back occasionally to see if I had gone inside. Before he was out of sight, I did just that. Aileen was waiting to pounce.

"Who was that gorgeous man? And why are you so late? Do I have him to thank?" I took off my coat and she started laughing. "Now I must really thank him!"

"And his brother," I muttered.

"Brother?"

I nodded. "Yeah, the Irishman from yesterday. They're twins."

I gave her the briefest of descriptions of the past twenty-four hours, even admitting that she had been right about Richard all along. She checked me over and made sure I was physically okay before wrapping me up in a hug. I let out the emotions I had bottled up from last night and she just held me.

"There, now love. It will be alright. Seems as if that one that brought you in this morning is going to make sure of that."

That dried my eyes. The thought of Murphy walking me home made me smile and the look of joy on Aileen's face made me laugh. "I know it will be."

The day passed slowly and I tried to keep busy. I didn't want to dwell on Richard but every time a shadow passed in front of the window, I jumped. I didn't think he would bother me here since we kept a loaded gun under the counter just in case. This was South Boston after all. Even so, I was nervous. At six o'clock, we closed up and made our way outside. Connor was true to his word. Murphy was leaning against the side of the building, smoking a cigarette.

When he saw me, his face lit up and he gave me a big hug. "Fuck girl, glad ta see ye're okay!"

I couldn't help it. I grinned. After last night, I knew the cursing wasn't directed at me. It was just part of who the boys were. "Hey Murph. This is Aileen."

They shook hands and Aileen made him promise to look after me. She got into her car and drove away.

"Ready?" I asked. He held his arm out to me, just like Connor. These boys were mirrors of each other.

Getting home was fun. While Connor asked about me, his brother told me about them. Apparently, he had left the meat packing plant early to run home and shower before coming to get me. I was grateful because even with the snow starting to fall, I was close enough to notice how good he smelled. It was a combination of soap, cigarettes, and something that was entirely him. It was intoxicating.

"This is me." We had reached my building and I was suddenly dreading going inside.

"Lead the way."

I tried not to show how relieved I was, but it was a weight off of my shoulders. The stairwell was empty and so was my apartment. Murphy insisted on checking it out before I even went in. I went in to change my clothes while he pulled a few tools out of the box under my sink. I could hear him messing with the door so I gave him some space. I was lucky to have a washer and dryer in a closet in the hallway so I threw the jeans into it along with some other dirty laundry. The shirt I folded and hid in a drawer. It smelled like the boys and if by some chance this all turned out to be some crazy dream, it was my souvenir.

I made my bed, finding clothes that were Richard's. I found a box from when I moved under the bed and I made my way through the apartment. Anything that was his, was a gift from him, or even reminded me of him went into it. It filled up pretty quickly, but it felt good to get rid of all of it. I told Murphy that I was just heading down to the dumpster and to make himself comfortable.

"What do you know? The whore returns."

I dropped the box on the ground next to the trashcans and turned. Richard was waiting for me, very angry and very drunk. "Just leave me alone, Richard." I went to move past him but he blocked my path.

"Don't think so. I saw you with those men. How long were you sleeping around on me? You didn't come home last night. I knew you were with them. You're nothing but a dirty little slut who needs to be taught a lesson."

He lunged at me, but I backed up against the wall. He moved around me, stalking me. He lunged again and I closed my eyes, waiting for the impact that didn't come. I gave it a moment for looking around and seeing Connor holding Richard in a choke hold.

"Get inside, lass," he said and I didn't need to be told twice.

I made it to my apartment and closed the door behind me. Murphy was sitting on the couch, watching television. It was so similar to what Richard would do, even down to the beer he had snagged from my fridge, but Murphy looked like he was supposed to be there. He fit in. He heard me come in and moved his arm so I could sit next to him on the couch.

"What's wrong?"

I shook my head. I was too upset and worried about Connor. Instead of answering, I snuggled into him, pulling his arm around me. He held me, probably figuring it out.

"He'll be fine. Con knows how to take care o' himself." I didn't believe him. I knew what Richard was capable of. "Look at me."

I saw it in his eyes that he knew what he was talking about. It didn't mean that I had to like it. Staring at him, I found myself wondering if he kissed as good as his brother.

"I'm better. More practice."

He was grinning like an idiot and I really needed to work on not saying things out loud. To prove his point, he lowered his mouth to mine. He cupped my head with his left hand as he deepened the kiss. My arms wrapped around his waist, fingers digging into the small of his back. He nudged my lips with his tongue, asking for entrance. How could I say no?

Someone cleared their throat behind us, making me jump up. Connor was in the doorway, his face unreadable. I threw my arms around him, starting to cry again.

"Are you okay?"

He held me close. "That 'mistake' o' yours won't be bothering ye agin."

I could feel them looking at each other and pulled away. "Oh god." I hid my face in my hands.

"I think she's a bit worried, Con. Told her not ta, but women don' really listen."

"No, it's not that." I went into the kitchen and started digging in the fridge for something to eat. I didn't have much but I still had a jar of sauce and a box of pasta in the cabinet.

Arms naked around my waist. The stubble that rubbed my cheek told me it was Connor. "Ye're worried about me seein' ye kissing me brother?"

I nodded. I was the whore Richard had called me. I didn't think my face could turn any redder until he started to laugh. "I share e'erything else with 'im. I think we cin share as long as I get ta kiss ye too. That okay wit you, Murph?"

"Well, fuck yeah it is. I ain't givin' her up either."

My head was spinning. Both of them? I went from a shitty relationship to two gorgeous Irish men who wanted to share me?

"I don't want you guys to be a rebound from Richard," I admitted. It was a very real possibility, especially with how recent the asshole had been ejected from my life.

I let myself be turned around. His face was so full of… something. It was raw and a little scary, but when he kissed me, it just felt right. "Ain't gon ta happen. We ain't gon ta let it."

I leaned into him and listened to his heart beat for a few minutes until his stomach grumbled. Murphy heard it and laughed. I squeezed him once and pushed him back.

"So I guess asking if you are hungry is a stupid question." I got out a pot and filled it with water, adding salt and a handful of parmesan cheese. "But I will ask how the hell you knew where I lived. I never told you."

He held up my wallet. "Fell out o' yer purse. Forgot ta give it back this mornin'."

Well, that at least made sense. It was the only thing so far in my life that did. I doctored up the jar of sauce with a few dried herbs that I had left and dished out big bowls. My apartment didn't have a table so we ate in front of the television. Murphy had found a rerun of Jeopardy and we took turns guessing the answers. My boys were smart.

My boys? I looked at them, Murphy sitting on my left on the couch and Connor on the chair with his feet propped up on the long coffee table I had rescued from the trash. Richard was never mine. I had been with him for half a year but remembering all of it, I knew I was right. As for Connor and Murphy, funny though as it sounded, I was already feeling very possessive of them. It may have only been twenty-four hours, but I think they may have felt the same.

It was getting late by the chimes of my grandfather clock on my desk. We had all been fighting yawns for the better part of an hour. Thank God tomorrow was Saturday because I definitely needed to sleep in. Connor pulled me to my feet, Murphy right behind me. Being sandwiched between them could easily become my favorite place in the world.

"Don't leave." My request was barely above a whisper. I knew that I wouldn't be able to sleep without them. I was still too shook up and I was prone to nightmares even on a good day.

Murphy led me down the hall to my bedroom while Connor cleaned up. It wasn't a large apartment but Aileen's son had been able to squeeze the secondhand queen size canopy bed into the limited space. I could only hope that the three of us would fit. I used the bathroom first, changing into sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. My reflection showed the black eye I would sport for a while but the bruise on my cheek had faded tremendously. I grabbed my brush and let Murphy take his turn.

I sat on the edge of the bed and began the long task of ahead of me. The knots in my hair seemed to have multiplied since that morning. I started at the ends and worked my way up, cursing the wavy texture the entire time. By the time I was done, it swept over my shoulders and was baby soft. It was then I realized that I was being watched. Murphy leaned in the doorway, a small smile on his face. I held out my hand to him and he came willingly, brushing my hair to one side to lay a kiss on the side of my neck.

I pulled back the covers and climbed underneath, grateful my apartment was warmer than theirs. Murphy undressed and moved in behind me, pulling me to lay against him head to toe. His arm found its way around my waist, holding me in place. I couldn't move even if I had wanted to. He nuzzled his face into my hair, and within moments was sound asleep, snoring softly.

"Tis worse when he drinks," Connor promised me as he kicked his shoes off.

I got to watch him as he pulled his shirt off over his head. He was skinny but muscular. Murphy had a bit more to him, but both of them were perfect. Connor's jeans joined his shirt on the floor and he joined us in the bed. There wasn't a lot of room, but we made do. Rather, Connor made do by mirroring his brother, pressing against me from the front.

"Yer beautiful," he whispered, running his knuckles down my cheek.

I leaned in for the kiss he was offering. The spark between us was growing, more noticeable than it was this morning. It was just as intense as what I had with Murphy, but different. We must have annoyed the sleeping one who shifted to hold me more firmly.

"Fuck it all, will ye two knock it off?" he growled.

One more kiss to each of them and we settled in for the night. Before I gave in to sleep, I had a momentary pause of panic. What the hell was I getting into?