He opens the box. The aroma escapes and runs straight up my nose, down to my stomach, where it growls in betrayal. His brother leans forward, salivating at the sight of it.
“Good. What else do you have?”
That meal looks remarkably delicious. But I can’t let on that I’m growing more impressed by his effort. Already more of an effort than my ex, who used to get his panties in a bunch when I forgot my lunch at home and asked him to bring it to me.
“Glad I bought choices,” he mutters to himself, closing the lid and placing it next to the coffee.
“Turkey and avocado wraps cut in half. Yogurt with walnuts and honey. Fresh mango and pineapple. Two boiled eggs with salt. Protein packed.”
His eyes track mine with every item, begging for approval.
“Acceptable,” I say, moving toward the coffee and plucking it from the table.
The heat seeps through the cup, warming my palms. The first sip is always the best, and when I moan with pleasure, both men stop and stare.
“Fuck if that sound didn’t give me a stiffy.”
My patient falls back against his pillow, straining with pain but still watching me drink my coffee. For fun, I let my tongue run across my lips, collecting any remains.
“Damn DSLs.”
His brother’s eyes darken. He moves to the edge of his chair, as if he’s going to get up, but doesn’t. I hide my smile behind my coffee, relishing the instant response I get from them.
Raging bulls, huh?
These two are enough to put up with. I have to admit, his offer of being sandwiched between them was on my mind the rest of my shift. It’s something I’ve been intrigued by but would never do. I don’t trust men already. So why would I trust two? And to be trapped between two of them? That’s loco.
“Is that all you brought?”
Massimo clears his throat and slowly shakes his head. Another box appears, and rather than go over it, he simply opens the lid to show me. Some lasagna with a salad and bread. There’s no way I can eat all of this. It would be a soggy mess by the time I lug it to the subway station and then to my home.
“Good boy.”
The word lands like a crown on his head. He doesn’t gloat. He doesn’t smirk. He sits taller, waiting for the following order.
“Unfair,” Emilio mutters, pointing his finger at the spread. “She can’t eat all that. I could?—”
“Enough. Eat your food so you can have pain meds. We start weaning tomorrow, and your abrasions are really going to be hurting.”
He turns away with a huff and digs into what remains of his tray. It’s not enough, but with how much and how strong the pain meds are, we don’t need him nauseated either.
“Bueno.”
I step toward the food. Massimo stands up this time. Partly blocking the tray and my dinner.
“Now, it’s my part of the deal.”
I cock my head, knowing full well he doesn’t have a deal. I gave him orders, and he followed. That’s the end of it.
“No—”
“Yes.”
His one word lands cold to my ears while his hand is warm on my arm. Searing into my flesh. It’s suddenly hot in here. Hotter with him touching me. With them on my mind the entire shift, especially while taking care of his brother and getting hit on, there’s attraction there. Who wouldn’t find them attractive? He said it himself. But that’s the bad part, they know it. I’d be one-and-done with these two. I don’t have the time or energy for casual sex. I work far too much for that nonsense.
“Stay here and eat with us.”
“Aw man, I don’t want to watch her eat if I can’t have some,” Em whines like usual. He’s immature. Whines like a baby every time he doesn’t get his way. Which is always in here. “Mas, I know we want to fuck her, but there has to be some other way.”
