“I want you to go somewhere for a bit and then break in while I’m alone. Wearing the masks from the Hunt.” My voice grows steadier as I continue. “I want you to act like burglars who decide to take me against my will. Degrade me, call me names,but also... praise me. Tell me how good I feel, how perfect I am for you.”
I step closer to Ryder, placing my palm against his chest.
“I want to be used—passed between you, no regard for what I want. But knowing it’s you three under those masks. Knowing I chose this.”
Liam’s fingers trace my jawline. “And you’ll fight us?”
“Yes. Really fight. Not just token resistance.” I meet his gaze. “I need to feel like I’m giving everything to resist before I surrender.”
“And if it becomes too much?” Dom asks, his voice serious despite the obvious arousal in his eyes.
“Midnight,” I confirm. “Same as before.”
“When?” Dom asks, his voice husky. Liam and Ryder lean forward, eyes darkening with interest.
“Now.” The word tumbles out before I can second-guess myself. “Tonight. I’m ready.”
“You’re sure?” Liam’s eyes search mine.
I nod, my heart already racing with anticipation. “I need this. Today of all days—after Martha’s funeral, seeing that house again, learning my father most likely killed...” I shake my head, unable to finish the sentence. “I need to reclaim something.”
Dom runs a hand through his hair. “We need some time to prepare and give you the element of surprise.”
“Perfect.” I tug at the sleeve of my black dress. “I’ll change into something casual, like I’m just having a night alone at home.”
Ryder steps close, his fingers brushing my cheek. “You remember the safe word?”
“Midnight.” I lean into his touch. “But I won’t need it.”
Dom clears his throat. “If you can’t speak, then you need to hum the national anthem if you need us to stop.” He looks so serious. “Or click your fingers, if you have the use of them.”
I raise a brow. “How likely is it that would be case?”
“Enacting a home invasion with three men and one woman? Very,” Dom states. Then he kisses me, hard and possessive, before pulling away.
“We’ll leave now.” His voice drops to that commanding tone that makes my insides tighten. “You won’t know when we’re coming back.”
Liam’s lips find my forehead. “Lock the door behind us.”
“And don’t peek,” Ryder adds with a wink, trying to lighten the moment despite the tension crackling between us.
They gather their phones and keys. Dom retrieves a duffel bag from the closet—containing the skull masks from the Hunt, I assume. The door closes behind them with a soft click.
I lock it as instructed, then press my forehead against the cool wood. Alone in Dom’s massive penthouse, I suddenly feel small. Vulnerable. Exactly what I wanted.
I change into yoga pants and a thin T-shirt, remove my makeup, and let my hair down. My reflection looks younger somehow, more innocent. The woman who stares back at me is both a stranger and a friend—the person I’m becoming through my relationship with these three men.
My stomach flutters with nervous anticipation as I curl up on the couch with a book I can’t focus on. Every distant sound in the building makes me glance toward the door. Every passing minute amps up the delicious tension.
I have no idea when they’ll return or how they’ll enter. The not knowing is part of the thrill.
44
RYDER
“You have cameras in your penthouse?” I nearly choke on my whiskey, eyeing Dom across the polished bar top. “Jesus Christ, man. That’s some next-level paranoia.”
Dom swirls his bourbon, completely unruffled. “Security is never paranoia when you have assets worth protecting.”
