“It means a lot, to have you on my side,” I said. “Thank you.”
They stood up, standing in a semicircle. I threw my arms around them. All three embraced me. My heart ached with how much I cared for them. Knowing that they were by my side did wonders to calm the constant anxiety and stress I’d been feeling for weeks.
“I’m sorry,” Jaeson said into my hair, “for what I said to you at my office. It was thoughtless of me. I never meant to hurt you.”
“Apology accepted.” I felt warm, comfortable, relaxed between all three of them. I felt safer than I had for a while.
“I just want to be with all of you,” I said before I could stop myself. “I’m tired of the rumors flying, and the suspicion, and taking so much heat for coming out as that author…” I looked at all three of them. “Do you understand?” I asked. “Do you all feel the same?”
They looked between each other with varying expressions on their faces.
“I have to admit,” Luka began, “I’ve found myself jealous at times. I regret that I haven’t been able to make myself as available to you as I’d like.”
“Full disclosure,” Jaeson said, “I asked Aubrey to the ball and told her I didn’t want to go with anyone else. But I want to make it clear that I am all the way in with this. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot like that. I can get over myself. I can accept that I share you with my best friends.”
“Brothers,” Riot added. “We’re brothers. And we can handle it.”
Luka rested a hand on my cheek.
“Your happiness comes first,” he said.
Tears began to sting the back of my eyes. I blinked them away. I was lucky to have these men in my corner, lucky they were willing to work together to manage their jealousy, to put my happiness first. I couldn’t imagine how hard it must have been for them.
Luka brought his face down to mine. I held myself still, anticipating. His lips touched mine, so soft as he directed the kiss, holding me in place. He explored my mouth thoroughly, taking everything he wanted. I gave it to him freely.
My heart fluttered as he pulled back. I leaned in for more.
Jaeson was there to catch me. Our embrace was firm as he gently nipped my lower lip. The sensation provided only the smallest hint of pain but it was enough to send a rush of excitement down my belly and between my legs.
When he let go of me, I turned my head to Riot. He didn’t make me wait. His kiss was tentative, gentle at first, before he gave himself over to his desire, turning the kiss into a fierce battle of lips, tongue and teeth.
I moaned into his mouth, and the boys all took their cue, resting their hands all over me, sliding over the fabric of my sundress, running over the swell of my breasts, skimming my bare shoulders. I felt worshipped, revered, and for one perfect moment I was utterly at peace, knowing I was exactly where I was meant to be.
“Luka?” Cynthia called out from the main room. “You’re in on a Sunday?”
We all froze, lips and hands halting. We separated from each other, careful to do so quietly. Luka adjusted his tie and took his suit coat in hand.
“It’ll be all right,” he said, throwing me a half-smile. He walked out the door with the confidence of a man who had nothing to worry about or be ashamed of. On his way out of the office, he flicked the light off and closed the door.
“Cynthia,” I heard his muffled voice say through the door. “You caught me red handed. I was doing some last minute preparations for tomorrow’s issue. I’m just on my way out. May I accompany you anywhere?”
We waited for Cynthia’s reply. I didn’t know if she would care if she saw us together. I imagined her reply being something along the lines of who gives a shit, but I couldn’t take the chance.
“Just left my jacket behind,” she said.
I heard the door open and close. The sound of their conversation was muffled as they walked away from the club room.
Before I could reach out for the light switch, Jaeson’s arms wrapped around my middle and he nibbled at my ear. Riot’s hand ran along my shoulder and down my arm, squeezing my hand.
“I wish I could stay for this,” Riot whispered.
“Fuck, man, tell me about it,” Jaeson said.
I exhaled slowly, trying to keep from getting too keyed up, and opened the office door. When we got to the main area, I turned and looked to both of them.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you,” I said. “All three of you. Someone pass that along to Luka, okay?”
We left the building, carefully and through different doors. I hated the sneaking around, but still, my heart was singing, flying up in the clouds.
I found myself wondering, not for the first time, what it would be like with all three of them. Not just separately, but together.
They would do anything for me. And they were proving it every moment.
Maybe it wasn’t a ridiculous thought at all.
