Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Henry was snuggled up in his uncle's arms, looking cleaner than his little face had ever been since Cooper got home.

During the holiday festivities, Molly found herself surrounded by a familiar bunch of younger siblings. "Hey, Jade, why did you get to marry your brother?" one of them asked. Molly chuckled, "Chad isn't my real brother."

"Why isn't he your real brother?" they pressed.

Molly sighed, feeling a headache coming on, "He just isn't, alright?"

Finally out of patience, Molly called out, "Chad, help me out here!"

Chad strolled over with a grin.

Where there's Wayne, there's always fun and company.

Over in Newtown.

Annie was taken aback at first, but then recognized the round face before her, "Wait a minute, you're Conner?"

Conner reluctantly looked up, his face still swollen, "Why doubt yourself?"

Annie examined his face, trying not to laugh, "You haven't done anything terribly wrong, have you?"

Conner, with a bruised lip, shot back, "Even if I had, who'd dare mess with me on my turf?" Remembering his sneaky so-called friend, Conner wondered how he had ever trusted him, "Who tipped you off?" Annie, ever the vigilant one, recalled she was supposed to be on duty for the holiday. But Easton, noticing she hadn't been home in over six months, granted her leave to spend time with her family.

Normally, the head of the Nettleton family would be the first to know about anyone coming or going in Newtown, including her.

As the holiday rolled around, he hadn't come by for free meals or sent anyone to bother her, which was odd for him.

Had something happened to him?novelbin

Worried, Annie went to check on him and was greeted by his unrecognizable face in the living room.

The once handsome features were now a mess of bruises.

Annie covered her mouth, stifling a giggle, "Are you absolutely sure you didn't do anything awful?"

"Who's it for?! Who's always longing for their sweetie? I just swapped a secret for some sweetie, and got walloped by her dad," Connerfumed, thinking of his brother.

He thought the beating was payback enough, but that sly devil! He deliberately wanted Annie to see him like this.

"Andre did a number on you?" Annie tilted her head, scrutinizing, "Wow, he really did a thorough job."

Conner pointed at Annie, "And you're praising him! If you'd just gone on a date with me, I wouldn't have had to trade secrets for sweetie and get beaten up."

"Let's call it what it is, sweetie is sweetie." Annie settled beside Conner, her laughter ringing out as she took in his face.

Conner muttered, "Heartless woman. Now that you're here, you might as well help me with some ointment."

Annie pulled out her phone, "Only if I can take a picture first."

"If you take a picture, you're out of the Nettleton family today," Conner warned.

His embarrassing moments were not for public viewing.

Just then, an assistant brought over

the medical kit, and Annie, still laughing, accepted it gracefully. Opening the kit, she looked at Conner's face with amused eyes.

swng

Her slender fingers dipped into the ointment, and as she applied it gently while holding back a giggle, she said So that's why you didn't come bothering me, you were laid out by Andre. When I head back to the squad after the break, I need to prepare a nice gift for the Cedillo family to thank Andre."