“Yes,” I whisper, afraid if I say it too loud, he’ll pull away.
He brushes his lips gently against mine. Tingles dance where he touches. “If I stay, will you give me all of you?”
“I—” I hesitate. I can’t commit to just him. That isn’t an option anymore. I don’t know if I’d want to. I’m not ready to give up Jack, Eli, Caden, or even Luke.
He breathes out against my lips and smiles. “As much as the others. Will you let me share you?”
“Yes, but it’s for the entire year. You can’t touch or fuck another girl. You have to be all mine.” These terms are nonnegotiable. Especially given the other clause. “The others are getting tested, because…”
Heat engulfs me. This is more embarrassing than anything else and so against everything I’ve learned.
“Because?”
“They want to have sex without condoms. I’m on birth control and have been for a while. And since they know I’m clean, they want to…” I can’t say it.
He captures my lips. My heart races as I open beneath him. He tastes of beer and mint and something uniquely Nico. His kiss is gentle and respectful, so unlike the others. Is he holding back?
It’s a sweet kiss and makes my insides soften. But I miss that edge the other guys have. That element of fear that they’ll push too far. Want too much. That they’ll make mewantto give in.
He pulls away and searches my eyes. “I’m not a virgin, but I got tested before we moved. I can’t promise I won’t want to protect you from them. But I’ll do what I can without breaking any rules.”
“You aren’t going to leave?” I push my fingers through his thick black hair.
“No. I’m here to stay. For you.”
CHAPTER 3
The Initiation
Harper
When the door opens, Caden holds out his hand to me. I search Nico’s dark eyes one more time before I climb off his lap and join Caden. We cross the hall and return to our seats.
“Your decision?” Luke eyes my lips like he can tell Nico kissed me. I resist the urge to touch them.
“I’ll play by the rules,” Nico says.
Jack smiles and practically dives onto Nico’s lap. “Dude, I’ve missed you so much. These guys don’t know how to have fun.”
Eli lifts an eyebrow, and Luke rolls his eyes.
“I guess I should have asked if this arrangement goes all ways.” Nico lifts an eyebrow at Jack’s enthusiasm.
“Most of us only go for females,” Luke says without inflection.
I watch Nico’s face to see how he’ll react to Jack being bi.
“Hey,” Jack says, “if a guy wants to tackle me off the field, I’m not opposed.”
“But not with any of us,” Caden assures Nico. “I’m thoroughly into pussy. Dick doesn’t do it for me.”
“Sorry, Jack.” Nico pats his arm. “I’m not a switch hitter.”
“Your loss.” Jack winks at him. “I’m always open to experimentation,but don’t spread it around school. Wouldn’t want to break anyone’s heart. Besides, I’m taken for the year.”
All their eyes fall on me, and I squirm in my seat. Now that they’ve gotten the talk with Nico out of the way, that means everyone is in. Maybe I could have used him as an out, but I doubt they would have allowed it.
Besides, the more time I spend with them, the less I want out.
