Hope for my own future, for the happiness I’ve found with these three incredible men who surround me now. It’s a strange sensation, this lightness in my chest, as if I’ve been holding my breath for years and can finally exhale.
I think about the love and support they’ve shown me, even when I pushed them away. They’ve stood by me, and now they’re here, protecting me from my own self-destructive tendencies.
The thought of sacrificing my happiness, of marrying someone I don’t love just to save August, suddenly seems absurd.
How could I have even considered it?
The answer lies in years of conditioning, of putting others before myself, but now I see the flaw in that thinking.
Oliver’s plea echoes in my mind, and I realize I owe it to myself and to them to choose my own path. I want the happiness they offer, the love that’s been growing between us.
August has to make his own decision, but so do I.
And I choose them.
“I promise,” I whisper.
It’s a simple phrase, but it carries the weight of my world.
Grey turns my head back to him by my chin, and his eyes lock onto mine with a fiery intensity. His lips capture mine in a fierce kiss that leaves me breathless and dizzy. His lips are firm yet tender, a perfect blend of passion and control. The heat between us rises, my heart pounding in my chest as our tongues dance together. His hands cradle my face, fingers brushing against my skin with a gentleness that contrasts with the urgency of his kiss.
“Ours,” he murmurs when he finally pulls back and lets me catch a breath.
His hands find my hips, and he sets me back on my feet. I’m momentarily unsteady, my legs feeling like jelly, but Oliver’s hand on my upper arm steadies me.
Turning to him, I pull him close with a grateful smile. “Thank you for stepping up for me.”
“You’re wel—” He starts, but I push myself up and surprise him with a kiss, feeling his initial hesitation quickly melt away. His lips are soft and warm, tasting of strawberry Chapstick. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me closer as the kiss deepens.
Pulling back, I notice the lingering smile on his lips, his eyes glazed. Turning to face Misha, I smile at how he’s noticeably shorter than me because of my high heels.
His trademark grin plays on his lips, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Come here, Bug.”
Leaning down, I capture his mouth in a kiss that is just as passionate as the others. His lips are playful and teasing, nipping and exploring. His hands grip my waist, steadying me as our kiss deepens, our breaths becoming one. I start to pull away, but he tugs me back for one last peck, whispering, “Tall, British goddess,” against my lips.
Leave it to Misha to make me feel both empowered and flustered in the same breath.
“Let’s just grab our stuff and go to a hotel, fuck them,” Grey states as he comes to stand behind me, placing a hand on my waist.
“I can’t do that,” I reply.
Even if I’d love to do just that.
Grey’s eyes narrow slightly, and he tilts his head. “I’m sorry, did I just misinterpret the last half hour? You’re coming home with us.”
“I will, but I can’t bail tonight. Let me get through this evening, try to talk to August and Abigail one more time, and then say goodbye to my parents.”
Oliver steps closer, concern etched on his face. “Amelia…”
“I’m not saying that I’m not coming home,” I reassure him, touching his arm. “I just want to leave on the best terms possible. I don’t want to hightail it out of here if I can avoid it.”
Misha grins at Oliver. “She called Seattlehome.”
I did.
Grey sighs. “Fine,” he mutters, giving me a playful clap on the ass. “Lead the way.”
With a nod, I straighten up and check my makeup in the mirror before I step to the door.
