Sun, Sea, and the Princeton Brothers – Part 1

Sakura woke the next morning feeling both exhausted and apprehensive—exhausted due to the modeling work yesterday and apprehensive because today was the day she had promised Sebastian and Darcy she’d give them her answer. And honest to God, she wasn’t looking forward to it. Of course, she hadn’t a clue as to how and when it had happened, but sometime last night, perhaps during her sleep, she had made a decision that would change her life forever. Or perhaps not, depending on how one viewed the outcome of her confession.

“That was a big sigh for so early in the morning, Sakura,” Jane said from across the room as she brushed her blond hair still wet from her shower. “What’s wrong?”

Straightening herself in bed, Sakura shook her head in the negative. “Nothing. I’m just feeling a bit off today. That’s all.”

In her bed, Akira rolled over onto her side. “That’s normal, especially after your hard work yesterday. But don’t worry. When today is over, you can relax and enjoy the vacation. We’re going over to St. Thomas Island tomorrow, so that will be fun.”

Although Sakura smiled and nodded in agreement, deep inside, she felt anything but at ease. She knew whatever the outcome of tonight’s confession, the result would determine how she felt the rest of the trip.

“You want to use the bathroom first?” Akira asked.

Sakura nodded.

When she was done with her shower and reappeared again in the bedroom, she was wearing a pair of skinny jeans and a gray T-shirt.

Feeling a lot better, she said to Akira, “I’m done. You can use the bathroom now. Oh yeah, and the cold shower is nice in this heat.”

Akira nodded as she got out of bed, yawning at the same time. “I’m still sleepy.”

Sakura smiled with amusement. She assumed Akira wasn’t a morning person. Of course, it was still six a.m. “Has Jane left already?”

Akira nodded. “Work to do.”

Sakura wasn’t surprised. She knew Jane had a lot to do before everyone else arrived for the photo shoot.

“Okay, I’ll see you downstairs, then,” she said as she headed toward the door.

“Yes, and make sure to tell the Princeton brothers to leave some breakfast for me,” Akira joked.

Sakura chuckled. “Will do.”

After shutting the door behind her, she instinctively scanned the hallway as her heart pounded in her chest. Today of all days, she didn’t want to see either Sebastian or Darcy so early in the morning, especially when she was going to confess to them and tell them her final decision.

Noting that all was clear, she dashed toward the stairs, her feet light and quick across the floor. Just as her pounding heart was calming down, she rounded the corner. Of course, her eyes were on the steps, and she didn’t see one of the Princeton brothers heading toward her.

“Sakura?” Hayden’s voice came her way.

Sakura raised her head, and because she wasn’t looking at where she was going, she walked right into the man.

Oof!

She missed a step and found herself falling forward.

Hayden reacted by swiftly grabbing her arm and pulling her to him before she had the chance to fall down the stairs.

In a second, Sakura found herself embraced in the man’s strong arms, her face buried against his massive chest.

She licked her lips as she raised her head. “Sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

Hayden moved back a little, touched the small of her chin, and tilted her face toward his. With a dashing grin, he said, “You’re notorious for doing that, aren’t you? Lucky I’m around.”

“I guess so.” This was followed by a frown.

Hayden noticed her troubled face. “What’s on your mind?”

Sakura was surprised at his question. “Nothing.” She shook her head.

Hayden raised an eyebrow. “That was too quick of an answer for my liking. Give me another one.”

Sakura thought the man sounded rather demanding, which was very typical of a Princeton. She brushed away the hand holding her chin. “It really is nothing, Hayden. Well, at least nothing that concerns you.”

“You know,” he said, “you can always count on me to help relieve your troubles. After all, we’re family, aren’t we?”

His words made her heart ache with emotion, the kind she’d wanted to feel since she was a child.

Family. It was indeed true that they were family, since she was the Princeton brothers’ adopted sister. Well, ex-adoptedsister to be precise, since she had changed her last name from Princeton to Tanaka.

She nodded. “Yes, we are family, aren’t we?”

“So?” he asked, his dark head cocked to one side as he studied her with interest. “What’s bothering you? Surely, it’s not about work.”

Sakura shook her head. “It’s not that. Rather, I’m quite happy that it’s the last day and everything. I’m looking forward to it being over.”

“Of course you are.”

She smiled. “Yes, of course. What about you?”

Hayden raised a brow and then shook his head as he chuckled. “Oh no you don’t. You’re not getting away with it that easily. Don’t change the subject, princess.”

Sakura raised a brow at him in return. “So I’m a princess now, am I?”

“Like I said.” Hayden moved his face toward her until they were nose to nose. “Don’t just go cunningly changing the subject. I won’t fall for it. Now, what’s the problem? Won’t you at least confide in your brother Hayden?”

Your brother Hayden… Suddenly, Sakura felt emotions swelling up inside her, and tears started brewing in her eyes. He was referring to himself as her brother, and that made her happy. So happy, in fact, that she felt like crying. Damn!

And he was acting all brotherly and caring, too, which broke through the cold, invisible shield she’d put around herself since her childhood. Out of all the brothers, Hayden was the first to behave this way toward her, which pleasantly surprised her. Of course, Nicolas had shown some indication that he’d watch out for her as well, but not openly as Hayden had.

Unexpectedly, she felt as though she might just break down and pour out her heart to the man. She wanted to tell him all about her feelings for his brothers Sebastian and Darcy, her final decision, and her dreaded confession coming tonight.

She was about to succumb to her desire to confide in the man when they were interrupted.

“Hayden, what the hell are you doing?” Tristan was coming down the stairs.

Behind him, Logan said, “Why are you two in the middle of the stairs, blocking the way?”

Conrad was with them and came to a stop behind Sakura. He peeked at her face and noted her teary eyes. Instantly, he turned an accusing stare on Hayden. “Did you just make Sakura cry?”

Hayden frowned at his brothers. “No, I didn’t.”

Touching Sakura’s arm, Conrad asked, “Sakura, are you okay? Did Hayden do something to you?”

Sakura nodded, which made Hayden widen his eyes in shocked surprise. “What? But I don’t remember doing anything to you.”

Both Tristan and Logan glared at Hayden now, demanding an answer.

“Really, guys. It’s not like that.”

Conrad said, “You were forcing a kiss on Sakura, weren’t you? That’s why she’s upset.”

“Why, you cheeky bastard,” Tristan said.

Logan shook his head in disappointment.

“What?” Sebastian’s voice came from the landing above them. “Is this true, Hayden?”

Hayden rolled his eyes. “You guys are blowing things out of proportion.”

Standing beside Sebastian, Darcy said, “Then why is Sakura upset?”

Both Tristan and Logan nodded.

Shit! Sakura thought. She was hoping not to see either Sebastian or Darcy so early in the morning. But of course, here they were at the top of the stairs, looking all too fresh and handsome for her liking.

Avoiding any eye contact with the two men, she said, “Guys, please stop it. It’s nothing like that. And I wasn’t crying.” She changed the subject. “Let’s go for breakfast. I’m hungry. We have a long day at work today.”

Conrad wasn’t listening to her. “But I saw tears. Are you sure Hayden wasn’t trying to kiss you? You don’t have to lie to protect him, Sakura. Just tell us the truth.”

“We can’t let Hayden off the hook until we know what’s going on,” Logan said adamantly.

Sakura sighed. It appeared she had no choice; otherwise, they’d be here all morning.

“It’s because Hayden said he’s my brother and I can rely on him to help with my troubles.” She admitted. “It makes me happy.”

That had all the brothers stare at her with blank expressions, including Hayden.

“You’re happy just because Hayden said he’s your brother?” Tristan asked.

“And you can rely on him to help with your troubles?” Logan asked.

Sakura nodded.

Conrad chuckled. “Is that all? But you already know that. We’re your brothers, so you can always rely on us.”

Sakura couldn’t help but smile at Conrad. God, he was so sincere.

Suddenly, tears were coursing down her cheeks, and Conrad panicked. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

Tristan said, “You can rely on all of us, Sakura. We’re family.”

Sakura nodded. “I know that now.”

Above them, both Sebastian and Darcy were smiling.

Sakura noted them looking at her and blushed profusely. God, she couldn’t believe she was crying in front of them because of something so insignificant. Well, insignificant to them, but not to her.

She cleared her throat and said, “Shall we go down for breakfast?”

The brothers nodded.