I settled back against his chest, reveling in my lost omega purr. I ran my nose along his neck, trying to breathe in more of his sweet floral scent. It had a hint of spice to it—cardamom and cinnamon.
“I don’t want you to feel anxious about what we did, because I loved it,” I said softly. “I loved seeing you letting go.” I paused and then added, “And it wasreallyhot.”
I glanced up in time to catch Henry’s grin, loving the way a pink flush spread across his cheeks. He was so freaking cute, and now I knew his secret—he had a filthy mouth.
“I don’t know why I liked it so much,” he admitted. “I’ve never done anything like that.”
“Maybe you like it because it’s not something you would normally do or say,” I said.
“I never would,” he said fiercely.
“I know. That’s why I love hearing it from you. Because I know that’s not what you really think of me. We’re just playing a game.”
“I loved it, too,” he said quietly, as if he were making a confession.
I pressed my smile into his skin, overwhelmed by the lightness in my chest. My eyes grew heavy, but for once, I didn’t want to leave this moment and slip into the oblivion of sleep. Liam shifted closer to me even in his sleep, his arm brushing against my side.
Everything would be perfect if Gray were here. My heart clenched at his absence.
“Are you alright, darling? You got all tense.” Henry ran his hands down my back.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to relax. “Yeah, I’m good.” I closed my eyes, focusing on the feel of his skin against mine.
I’d never thought I would experience a heat and had been terrified when it started, but now I wished it had lasted longer so I would have an excuse to keep these guys by my side.
45
WESTIN
Morning sunlight streamed through a crack in the curtains as I tiptoed out of the bedroom, leaving a sleeping Liam, Henry, and Bear. My heat was over, having lasted just under a day like Liam had predicted, and I was starving.
I carefully closed the door behind me and started when I saw Gray sitting on the floor, his back against the wall by the bedroom door.
“Oh my god,” I said, clutching my hand to my chest. “You’re here.” A mix of hopefulness and trepidation grew in me.
His eyes widened. “Of course I am.” There were dark marks under his eyes and his face was unshaven. He looked like he hadn’t slept at all.
I shifted my weight. My pussy and ass were sore, and my emotions were volatile with all the hormones still coursing through me.
“You didn’t want to… participate?” I asked.You don’t want me? A lump formed in my throat.
“What?” A growl ripped through Gray’s chest as he leapt to his feet and closed the space between us. “I thought I was goingto fucking die staying out here, but I knew I didn’t deserve to be in there with you. Not after what I’ve done.” He lifted his hand and trailed his fingers down my arm, his movements hesitant.
“But when you came to the house…” I trailed off, remembering the feel of his knot inside me.
“I couldn’t stand seeing you in pain. I can tolerate a lot in life, but not that. But once we were here with the others, you didn’t need me anymore.”
“But what if I wanted you?” I whispered before I could stop myself, my eyes flitting back to his.
Gray’s hands came to my hips, his grip tight as he pressed my back against the wall.
“You want me?” His voice was hoarse, and his eyes shone with vulnerability.
I wanted to say yes, but the pain of how he’d treated me this past week wouldn’t go away. He seemed to understand my hesitation, cupping my face with both hands. His grip was gentle, but there was a desperation in it all the same.
“I said it yesterday, but I’ll say it again—I believe you. I believe every word you said about your symptoms, about all of it. I never should have believed your uncles.” His face contorted with anguish.
“They can be convincing,” I said, unable to meet his intense gaze.
