"Good," Kellan said. "Now come here."
She walked toward him on shaking legs. This was it. The point of no return. And god help us both, I couldn't wait to ruin her.
NAOMI
Istood there in my underwear and felt the weight of their gazes like physical touch. Kellan behind me. Rowan in front. Both of them studied me with an intensity that should have made me feel exposed. Instead, I felt... powerful. Like I'd made a choice that was entirely mine, and they were responding to it.
"Wait," I said, before this could go any further. "Kira. My friend. She's downstairs. She'll worry if I just disappear."
Rowan's expression didn't change, but something flickered in his brown eyes. Approval, maybe.
"Smart," he said. He pulled out his phone and typed something quickly. "I'm having security let her know you're with us. That you're safe. She can stay as long as she wants, and leave when she wants. Drinks are on the house."
"And if she wants to check on me?"
"Then she can." Kellan's hands slid from my shoulders down my arms, his touch feather-light. "We're not holding you hostage, sweetheart. You want to leave, you leave. But if you're staying," his fingers traced back up, leaving goosebumps in their wake. "Then you trust us to take care of you."
My phone buzzed in my clutch, which was still on the table by the door. Through the designer bag, I could see the screen light up. I excused myself and went over to it to read the screen.
Kira, my favorite Beta
Security just told me you're upstairs with the owners. ARE YOU INSANE???
Okay fine you're an adult. But I'm staying until you come back down. Text me every hour or I'm calling the cops.
And USE PROTECTION.
Okay. I will.
Despite everything, I smiled, put my phone back inside and returned to where I was standing before.
"She okay?" Rowan asked.
"She's threatening to call the police if I don't check in every hour."
"Good. She should." He moved closer, close enough that I had to tilt my head back to maintain eye contact. "You should have people who protect you."
Something in his tone made my chest tighten. Like he meant it and he actually cared whether I was safe. I pushed the thought aside. This was one night. Just one night.
"So," I said, trying to regain some equilibrium. "What now?"
"Now," Kellan said, his breath warm against my ear, "you answer some questions."
"What kind of questions?"
"The kind that help us understand what you need." His hands settled on my hips, holding me in place. "Have you ever submitted before?"
"No."
"Ever been with two Alphas at once?"
Heat flooded my face. "No."
"Ever been with an Alpha at all?"
I hesitated. "No, all the ones that I’ve met were assholes and filled with disappointment."
Kellan's laugh was dark. "We're not assholes. And we’re definitely not going to disappoint you."
