All Chapters of Her Craving, His Brother : Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Lumi POVI parked two blocks away from the hotel lounge Wren had picked, even though the spot she suggested had a valet. Briggs had refused to open up to me and that I couldn’t push. Something about meeting Wren on her terms felt too much like walking into a trap already set. The afternoon sun was too bright for how heavy my chest felt, and I sat in the car for an extra minute just breathing. My phone buzzed with a text from Briggs asking if I was okay. I typed back that I was fine and would call him after, even though fine was the last thing I felt. He’d wanted to come with me. I’d said no. This was between me and Wren, and dragging Briggs into it would only give her more to twist.The lounge was one of those places that tried too hard to look exclusive—dim lights, leather chairs that swallowed you, soft jazz that made every conversation feel like a secret. I checked in at the desk and was led to a corner table near the window. Wren was already there when I arrived, which annoyed m

Briggs POV We were still standing outside the courthouse when the weight of the day really hit her. Lumi clutched those island papers like they were the only thing keeping her upright, eyes glassy from everything Caius had thrown at her. I kept my arm around her waist, guiding her toward the passenger seat without letting go. She’d just asked what she should do about the island, and I’d told her the choice was hers, but I wasn’t going anywhere. That seemed to crack something open in both of us. The drive back to the penthouse was quiet at first. She sat close, her hand resting on my thigh like she needed the contact. Lumi stepped inside looking wrecked—eyes red, shoulders tight, the island papers still clutched in one hand like they might burn her. I crossed the room in two strides and dragged her against my chest, arms locking around her like I could shield her from the whole damn day. “Fuck, baby,” I muttered into her hair. “You’re shaking.” She stayed pressed against me f

Clover POVI stepped out of the shower still half-laughing at the mess with Cameron. The hot water had washed off the awkward residue of his wrong-name moan, but my brain kept replaying the “open relationship” pitch like it was a bad rom-com line. I wrapped a towel around myself and padded into the bedroom, phone in hand, when it buzzed with a message from my spa manager.“Client requesting the full facial with you specifically. Said it’s urgent and only you’ll do. She’s already here waiting.”I stared at the screen for a second. Normally I’d have rolled my eyes and stayed home to overthink Cameron’s latest disaster, but the idea of escaping my own four walls sounded way too good. At least at the spa I could focus on someone else’s pores instead of my own life choices.“Be there in twenty,” I typed back, already pulling on jeans and a loose top. No way was I hanging around here replaying how Cameron had basically auditioned me for his open-relationship fan club. I grabbed my keys and

Clover POVThe hotel door clicked shut behind us, and the low hum of the city outside faded into nothing. Brianna’s hand was still in mine, her grip firm and warm, pulling me deeper into the dimly lit room. The bed loomed large, but neither of us reached for it right away. Instead, she backed me against the wall, her body pressing close, and the air between us crackled with everything we hadn’t said at the club.“Finally,” she murmured, her voice low and husky, lips brushing my ear. Her short hair tickled my cheek as she leaned in, and I could smell the faint mix of gin and her perfume. “I’ve been wanting to do this since you laughed at my terrible lines downstairs.”I laughed again, but it came out breathy, already edged with need. “Then stop talking and show me.” The words slipped out bolder than I felt, the whiskey still buzzing through me, loosening every restraint. My hands found her waist, sliding under the hem of her blazer to feel the heat of her skin.Brianna didn’t hesitate.

Lumi POVBriggs cleared our plates and leaned against the counter, watching me with that half-smile he wore when he was about to throw something unexpected my way. “So,” he said, “after everything this morning, I’ve been thinking. Is there anything you actually need? Like a new car to get around easier, or maybe something bigger—like starting a business of your own?”I hesitated, pushing my hair behind my ear. The idea had lived in the back of my mind for years, buried under everything else. “It’s kind of silly, but I’ve always dreamed of opening a women’s empowerment lounge. Nothing like a spa, just a place where women can come for workshops on confidence, financial independence, self-defense basics, and creative stuff like writing or art sessions. All services are strictly for women only. A safe space to connect and grow without the usual noise.”Briggs nodded slowly, like he was turning the idea over in his head. “That doesn’t sound silly at all. Sounds like something you’d be g