Broken kingdom

Oakley closes his eyes. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m busy.”

“Come on, Oak. Please.” His voice cracks. “I miss my son goddammit.”

“I miss you too, Dad,” Oakley whispers and there’s no denying the pain laced in his words. 

“I don’t know what happened, but whatever it is we can fix it—”

“I have to go,” Oakley interjects. 

“Okay.” Wayne clears his throat. “But please stop by soon and meet Clarissa Jasmine.” 

“I’ll think about it,” Oak finally says before he hangs up. 

Silence sits heavy between us for what feels like an eternity. 

Finally, I find my voice. 

“I’m not trying to tell you what to do—”

“Then why does it sound like that’s exactly what you’re about to do?” Oakley snaps. 

I’m not the type to tiptoe around shit—even when my boyfriend’s being a dick—and right now is no different. 

“Look, I get that everything is fucked-up when it comes to you and your family, but don’t punish your baby sister for it.” My gaze rises to his. “She deserves to know you.” 

As much as I hate the thought of Crystal being back in his life, I really want him to start a relationship with his sister. 

His jaw tics. “Trust me, she’s better off not knowing me.” 

“That’s not true,” I argue. “You’re her big brother. You’re the one she’s supposed to go to when she fucks up so bad and she’s too afraid to tell your dad, but she needs someone to help. You’re the one she’ll look up to and spill all her problems to. You’re the one who’s go

My chest squeezes. “I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have Jace or Cole…” Tears prickle the back of my throat. “Or Liam.” 

For as short of time as he was here, I’ll always be grateful for him. 

Shoulders slumped, Oakley scrubs a hand down his face. “I want to meet her. So fucking bad, but—”

“But nothing.” I wrap my arms around him. “Fuck Crystal—and no, I do not mean that in the literal sense because I’ll saw your dick off—but you have to stop blaming yourself for what happened in the past because you can’t change it.” I drop my forehead to his. “Focus on repairing your relationship with your dad and building one with your sister, because they love you and they’re your family. And at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”

He hugs me so tight it hurts. “Thank you.”

“For what?” 

“Being you.” His blue orbs take on a sincere glint as he cups my cheek. “You might just be the best thing that ever happened to me.”

I start to tell him the same, but then my phone rings.

Huffing, I bring it to my ear. “Hey, Jace.” 

I hear the hustle and bustle of people in the background. “I’m leaving the airport now and should be at the house in twenty. Where are you?” 

Late last night I told Jace that Oakley scooped me up on his dad’s motorcycle and brought me to shelter. He was so relieved we were safe he didn’t give either of us the third degree and I’m pretty sure he’s going to worship the ground Oakley walks on for the next month or so. 

However, being the overprotective brother he is, he decided to cut his trip short to come home and make sure I’m okay. 

“We’re leaving soon,” I tell him. 

“Good. Do you guys want me to stop and pick up breakfast? Ask Oak if he needs anything.”

I cup the phone. “Jace wants to know if you need anything?” 

Oakley waggles his eyebrows seductively and mouths, ‘I need to fuck you again.’ 

A rush of heat flows through me. 

“Nope, Oakley’s good,” I tell Jace in a hurry as Oakley proceeds to kiss down my neck. “However, there’s still a lot of traffic on the road so we might be a little while.” 

I quickly disco