I jumped down off the counter and turned to them both in fury. “I can’t believe you two are ganging up on me!”
Oliver was starting to get mad now, “That’s not what this is, and you know it! I’ve let this go on as long as I’m going to.”
“Oh, really. You think it’syourdecision?” I knew I was being irrational, but I’d gone too far to back down now.
“Firefly, you’re only hurting us both. If you can look me in the eye and honestly say you don’t want me, I swear I'll leave you alone. But if you feel the same way about me as I do about you, then you need to stop running so fast and let me catch you already.” Deshawn looked at me with a pleading expression.
Oliver pulled me into his arms and hugged me. Saying he spoiled me and tolerated my theatrics is an understatement. So, for him to stage this intervention, he must be fed up with me denying Deshawn.
I struggled for a moment, infuriated that they were making me face this now.
“You’ve denied him long enough. It’s time to come to terms with this.” My gentle giant said firmly.
I looked into his beautiful eyes and felt my anger draining away. Itwastime, and I knew with my very soul that Reverie would want me to be happy.
I nodded, then kissed his chest, taking comfort in his arms for a few minutes.
I pulled away reluctantly, then approached Deshawn. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
“With everything that I am,” Deshawn spoke solemnly.
“Okay then. I’m done running.” I stepped closer to him.
“It’s about fucking time!” He pulled me into his arms and began spinning me around.
“Stop! I’m going to be sick, you crazy fool!” I couldn’t hold back my laughter.
He stopped spinning and squeezed me tightly. “You know what this calls for?”
“What?” Oliver asked, grinning.
“Sunday snuggles.” He lifted me and carried me over his shoulder back to my room, leaping onto my bed with me in his arms.
Oliver was right behind us and cuddled me from behind.
For the first time since Reverie left, I felt whole.
Before guilt could sneak in again, I felt Oliver kiss the back of my neck. “How about we take our Sunday Fun Day to the next level?”
“What did you have in mind?” Deshawn grinned.
“Maybe a little Faction bonding time?” Oliver asked, teasingly.
I turned onto my back, where I could look into both of their faces. I could feel Oliver's breath on my neck and Deshawn’s hand brush mine in a silent claim. Their gazes pinned me in place, different but equally consuming-one fire, one storm.
No one moved. Not yet.
My heartbeat stuttered, caught between them, every second pulling the air tighter, heavier, until it felt like the world itself was holding its breath.
“Look at me,” Deshawn said finally, voice low, deep, threaded with something dangerous.
I obeyed-not because I wanted to, but because resisting him had always been a losing battle. His eyes caught mine and held,heavy with heat and promise, the kind of look that unraveled walls brick by brick.
From behind, Oliver shifted-a subtle movement, but it made my breath hitch. His heat brushing my spine, his presence coiled tight like a predator waiting for the right moment to strike.
“You know what this means,” Oliver whispered darkly.
My lips parted, but no sound came out. I could feel the storm gathering around me.
