We became our own clan, as Aiden liked to call us. Our shared hidden pain was the very basis of our friendship, which grew into more. It was their honest, simple offering of friendship that broke through my walls. Maddox’s need for companionship gave him the bravery to jump into our conversation one day in line at the student center. Aiden’s need for a roommate brought him to me. That feeling that we, somehow, were different. We recognized that disconnect with others. Three vastly different people, all from dysfunctional circumstances that gave us common ground.

I met Aiden first, then Maddox became part of our small group. They were the brothers I never had-my family. I would lay down my life for either of them, and they would do the same for me. Teasing, over-the-top comments, lots of banter-but we were tight. That was the way we were with one another. “I’m the meat in the Bentley-Aiden sandwich.”Īiden pursed his lips. “Fucking right, Callaghan,” I returned with a smirk. “Top floor so he can look down on all us peons.” “Only the best for Bent.” He grinned with a wink the day we moved in. My room was on the third floor-or the “penthouse,” as Aiden liked to tease me. The wood gleamed in the late afternoon sunshine that poured through one of the many stained-glass windows that graced the old Victorian house. I ran my hand over the smooth oak banister we had restored when I bought the house. After they heard what I was going to tell them, there’d be no more peace for me tonight. I could hear Maddox and Aiden talking, and I went upstairs to change and grab five minutes of peace. He was an endless vacuum and could out-eat both Maddox and me-even when the food was subpar. When Aiden cooked, there were vast quantities-and the primary ingredient was always meat. When it was my turn, there was a lot of takeout. We took turns, but Maddox was the best at it. The house smelled delicious, so I knew Maddox was cooking. I walked in the front door, inhaling deeply.

Similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author. Products of the author's imagination and are either fictitious or are used fictitiously. The characters, events, and places portrayed in this book are Storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any Lisa Hollett-Silently Correcting Your GrammarĪll rights reserved. My brothers.īe sure to sign up for my newsletter for up to date information on new releases, exclusive content and sales. Thank you for selecting this first look at the Vested Interest series.Īiden had jumped up, fist punched the air, and yelled, “That’s how we do it! BAM!”

The amendment melanie moreland