“Did I wake you?” Preston whispered as Isaac stirred.
I shook my head. “I was already half awake.”
Isaac pulled me tighter with his arms as I tried to look around. “Whose room are we in?”
“Do you remember the double doors we passed upstairs when we gave you the tour?” Preston replied as he rubbed my arm. “This is the group bedroom.”
“Oh. That explains this massive bed we’re on.” I was pulled tighter again to Isaac. “Good morning, Isaac.”
He kissed my shoulder and slowly released my body. “This is how we should wake up every morning.”
“Agreed.” Preston kissed me on the other shoulder.
In my mind, I secretly agreed as well, but I was far too embarrassed from last night to suggest anything. I wish I were bold enough to ask if we could make this our everyday.
Preston sat up in bed. “We need breakfast and showers. Ivy, would you like to shower here or back at your place?”
“Probably my place,” I said quietly. “I can get ready for class quickly there.”
“Let’s get moving then. I’ll get breakfast ready for everyone, then I need to take a quick shower. If you don’t mind waiting, I’ll be your ride today.” Preston stretched his arms as he stood up. “After the day is done, since Dem and I are going to take you to the fundraiser this evening, do you mind if I get ready at your place?”
“Of course not,” I agreed, feeling a bit more excited now. My body was practically begging to spend more and more time with my packmates whenever I could.
Isaac wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his chest again. “You can stay with me till breakfast.”
I loved that suggestion, so I cuddled deeper into his arms, and we chatted softly about our schedules for the day.
Once I was out of bed, the rest of the day seemed to fly by quickly. Breakfast was delicious—eggs over toast with fresh-cut fruit. Preston drove me home so I could shower and change. Next was company class, where half the room glared at me while I tried to focus. Rehearsals followed with Preston and me practicing our duet for the upcoming show, followed by Isaac’s new piece. After rehearsals, I stopped by Demetrius’s office to pick up my tailored dress for tonight. We had a chance to chat briefly, but soon, Preston was there to walk me back to my apartment, carrying our garment bags in hand.
Back at my apartment, we had about an hour to waste before getting ready, so we killed time watching TV. Well…it started out watching TV, but soon our lips were locked together as we passionately made out on the couch, cautious not to push each other too far. I just couldn’t get enough of his intense eyes and that delicious scent. His hands did wonders as they explored my body with a delicate touch.
After last night, I kept a closer guard on my desires, but even that wasn’t as easy as it seemed. If we didn’t have an event to go to, I would have easily been lost to him.
A text from Demetrius brought us back to reality and scrambling to get ready. Within fifteen minutes, we wereboth dressed and polished, ready to go—temptation somehow averted.
***
Demetrius
The car idled in line for valet in front of a beautiful, ornate building. Tonight, this building would host the fundraiser for the State Arts Society Council, but also give Preston and me a chance to see how Ivy did in the public’s eye. This event felt very red carpet, and as we waited, Preston and I gave Ivy some tips on how to handle any press, pictures, or questions that might come her way.
“I’m a dancer in the company. Deny all rumors of me being an omega. I’m just dating Preston right now, nothing big.” Ivy repeated back a few lines we’d practiced as she casually bumped into Preston in the back seat.
“I very much appreciate being the one who gets to ‘date’ Ivy tonight,” Preston smirked at me.
“Yeah, I bet.” I glanced at Ivy in the rearview mirror of the car. She looked lovely in the dress I’d picked for her. “I’d love to be with you during this event, but if both Preston and I are seen courting you, everyone will quickly figure out what’s going on.”
“I get it,” she said back. Our eyes connected in the rearview mirror, sending a spark of lightning down throughmy spine. I was honestly not sure how much longer I could keep denying myself from her. This was all for the good of the pack, I told myself. Let them get closer first.
She turned to Preston with a seductive smile. “So what level of dating are we? Is this casual? Are we holding hands, friends with benefits? How affectionate should I be?”
I laughed as Preston seemed to be stuck trying to answer her question. Finally he responded. “I’d say we’re definitely intimate lovers. I’ll need you hanging all over me tonight.”
Ivy laughed as she rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I’m sure you’d love that.”
The valet opened the doors, allowing Preston and me to step out, followed by Preston helping Ivy. We turned to a row of cameras set up, casually taking our pictures. I kept a close eye on Ivy to ensure she didn’t grow nervous, but she reacted to the scene like a polished professional; her shoulders back, chin lifted, and a dazzling smile on her face.
Soon, the questions started to roll.
