That pressure in me hits a tipping point, and I gasp as the first tingles start to build. I cry out. “I’m gonna come.”
“Yes, baby,” Griffin growls. “Let go. Let me see you come. I want you crying out my name as your pussy pulses. And don’t you dare close those thighs.”
I force my legs wider and rub furiously at my clit to the sounds of Griffin fucking his hand, then my eyes roll back inmy head, pleasure detonates inside me, and I’m screaming my husband’s name as I writhe and whimper in front of the phone, so he has a front-row seat.
“Oh, fuck,” he groans. “Fuck, baby, I wish I was coming inside that tight pussy.” And then his abs contract, his jaw clenches, and hot ropes of cum paint his hand and stomach. Little aftershocks of pleasure roll through me as I continue to circle my clit until Griffin’s body stops spasming and his hazel eyes meet mine. He appears as dazed and satisfied as I feel. And just as disappointed that we’re states away from each other.
“You’re everything,” he says, still languidly stroking his softening cock. “Everything.”
I don’t have to wonder if he actually means it. I know he does. And I’m realizing that I feel the same way about him.
If I’m honest with myself, I’ve felt that way for a while.
Griffin yawns. “Let’s get cleaned up and ready for bed. I want to fall asleep with you next to me.”
And we do. I lie in bed, still on the video call, the rhythmic sound of Griffin’s breathing lulling me to sleep.
thirty-three
MIRA
My stomach isabout to eat itself.
“You need to calm down, sunshine.” Griffin reaches over and gives my hand a squeeze as he pulls into a guest spot at Maddox and Isla’s building. “Everything will be fine.”
I’m not sure that’s true. So far, all our interactions with my brother and his fiancée have been in group settings with plenty of distractions to keep him from looking too closely at the evolving dynamic between me and his best friend. But tonight? Tonight, we’re having dinner. Just the four of us. To say I’m nervous is an understatement.
I’m so scared, I may throw up. What if we do something or say something that outs our secret? What if Maddox beats the shit out of Griffin, gets arrested, kicked off the team, then disowns me? Coming here tonight was a mistake.
“Mira.” Griffin’s voice is low and reassuring, and as soon as he parks the G-Wagon, he turns and takes my face in his hands. “Baby, take a deep breath.” He sucks in a deep lungful of air, and I mirror him. “Good. Again.”
“I’m fine,” I tell him after exhaling deeply. “Sorry. I’m just worried.”
Griffin searches my face, a little divot forming between his eyebrows. “You’re worried your brother will find out about us.”
It’s not a question. He knows that’s what has me panicking. “Yes.”
“Would it really be so bad?” His frown deepens and my stomach lurches at the undertones of hurt coloring the question. “What if we use tonight as an opportunity to tell them we’re married? There won’t be anyone else around. We’re not out in public, and we’re coming off a win, so your brother will be in a good mood. Plus, I’m sure he spent all last night getting laid by Teach, so really, I’m not sure there could be a more perfect chance.”
Despite my anxiety, that makes me chuckle. It’s tempting. I hate keeping secrets, and this is a big one. The biggest. But I’m not as optimistic as Griffin about my brother’s reaction. The last thing I want to do is screw things up between them, let alone do anything to hurt the team’s unity and chance to take the season to the Cup. Not when they’re doing so well.
“I think we should wait.” When Griffin’s expression crumples, I hurry to add, “I don’t want to take away from Madds and Isla’s engagement, you know? And I don’t want to mess things up for you and my brother.”
Griffin’s hazel eyes bounce between mine as he studies me. Whatever he sees makes him sigh deeply. “Mira, I’ve been friends with your brother for a long time. We’ve been through lots of shit together. I love him like a brother, and I know he feels the same way about me. If he can’t see that we’re perfect for each other and learn to be happy for us, that would suck, but ultimately it’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
He is?My traitorous heart skips a beat before it races. While I don’t want Griffin risking anything for me, I also can’t denythat primal longing to have someone fight for me, to claim me against all odds and sayfuck itdespite all the things they stand to lose. What person doesn’t want that? I think you’d be hard pressed to find a red-blooded woman alive who doesn’t dream of being the most important thing in her partner’s life. I’m no different.
But I’m also a coward.
“I don’t want you to risk your friendship or your career for me.”
Griffin sighs, leaning forward and pressing his forehead to mine. “Mira, I love your brother, and I love hockey. They’re two of my favorite things in life. Maybe the top two until you came along. But now? I’d give them both up in order to keep you, and I wouldn’t even blink.”
Why does he have to be so perfect? And why am I such a scaredy cat? All of this should be a no-brainer. I should sayYes, of course you’re right. Let’s tell my brother we’re married. Let’s tell the world.But the words won’t come out of my mouth. They’re stuck in my throat, and no self-pep talks or internal guilt trips can dislodge them.
“Griffin…” My voice is weak and so am I. I’m incapable of finishing the thought.
My husband sighs, his eyes closing as his hands tighten slightly on my face. “Right. Let’s go, then.”
