I adore my alone time with each of them, but sometimes I worry that I’m not reaching for Archer as much as I reach for Julian. Why is that? Do I feel the need to prove my adoration for Julian more? Or is it because I trust Archer will always come to me when Julian might not?
As Archer slips his tongue between my lips and kisses me softly, I wind my arms around his neck and press my body against his. I don’t care that he’s sweaty or has that musky scent of exertion. I want Archer in all the messy, beautiful pieces.
I think he intended for it to be a quick kiss, but I don’t let go and he growls into my mouth as if pleased to feel me kissing him back so passionately. His palm glides down my spine, and he cups my ass in his large hand, giving it a ravenous squeeze.
“See,” he whispers as his lips find the soft spot under my ear. “You spoil us.”
When Archer hugs me tight in his arms, I feel the gratitude. I’ve never felt so special and loved in my life, and when the doubts creep in, the ones that make me wonder what it is about me they treasure so much, I do my best to shove them away. Archer, Julian, and I complement each other in a way I didn’t even know was possible.
Before the kiss can get too heated, he releases my body and pulls away. Then he picks up the red pads on the bench and slides them on his hands. “Throw a few punches while you’re down here,” he says playfully. “Let me see what you’ve got, Chef.”
I roll my eyes with a sigh. “I’ll be terrible at this.”
“No, you won’t.” He smacks the pads together and holds them each in front of his chest. “Give it to me.”
I chuckle lightly as I throw a weak swing to the right one.
Archer smiles and presses a kiss to my forehead before giving me tips. “Feet apart, baby. One foot back, like you’re ready to run.”
I do as he said and swing again, this time a little harder.
“That’s my girl. Now turn your whole body into it. Power from your hips and shoulders, not your arms. Imagine you’re punching every bigoted boss you’ve ever worked for.”
I smile up at him, seeing him so brilliantly in his element. The more I swing using his advice, the better I get. And I must admit, it does feel good. It gives me a sense of power and strength that I like.
Before long, I’m punching faster and harder with grunts and even a small bead of sweat on my brow. By the time I’m exhausted, Archer is grinning widely. He pulls me into his arms again and kisses me hard on the cheek.
“I fucking love you.”
With a proud feeling, I hug him back. Then he pulls me over to the bench and forces me to drink from his water bottle.
“What’s for dinner?” he asks.
“Pasta,” I reply, slightly out of breath.
“Julian’s still upstairs?”
I nod, taking another drink. A thought courses through my mind as I stare at Archer.
With a hint of discomfort under my skin, I glance down as I say, “I feel like he’s holding back with me.”
Archer tilts his head. “What do you mean?”
“I gave him blanket consent, but I don’t think he’s ready to accept it yet.”
Archer nods his head before looking away, so I know he knows it’s true. With every sexual interaction between us, there is a moment of honest conversation, and I adore them both for that. Julian respects my boundaries and my perspective. But most days, while I’m sitting around him, I wish he’d just fuck me without any warning, and part of me thinks he wants that too, but he won’t do it.
“I know what he wants, and I’ve told him I want it too, but for some reason, he won’t take it. Do you think he’s not ready, or does he think I’m not ready?”
“Knowing Julian…” Archer replies. “I bet he thinks you’re not ready.”
“Then how do I express this to him? I’ve tried to make him understand that I don’t need him to coddle me with this. I’m ready.” Maybe it’s the adrenaline from the punching, but I am feeling powered up.
“I think it’s coming from a place of love and maybe a little shame,” he says with a wince. “He doesn’t want to hurt you, Freya. Julian isn’t used to relationships, and I think deep down he’s afraid if he lets his true desires out too soon, he’ll scare you away.”
“That’s sweet, but I’m not some delicate rose.”
Archer leans forward, pressing his lips to mine. “To us, you are. Freya, we are just a couple rich guys who had the world handed to us, and it doesn’t seem fair. Then we got you, and I know I speak for him when I say out of everything we have to lose, this relationship is the most important to us. I never had to work for my inheritance, but I will work for this.”
