Then the lights go out.
Chapter 22
Madi
Ican’t help the surge of fear that bolts through me in the sudden darkness. It taints my scent, turning it bitter.
“Everything’s alright, sweetheart,” Zachary reassures me.
“I’m going to go get some candles. Let’s all go into the living room and bring your wine glasses. We still have half a bottle left,” Alric says. “No one opens the fridge. We won’t know how long the power will be out.”
A warm hand slips into mine. Zachary’s caramel apple scent gives me instant relief, sweetening mine as he leads me into the living room. There’s not much else to do with no power, besides talking and having sex.
I imagine us all fucking by candlelight. Of course, that thought doesn’t go unnoticed. Zach leans down to brush his lips against my ear. “Whatever you’re thinking, I’m in.” I pull him against me and find his lips in the dark, our tongues meeting in the middle for a passionate kiss.
We break apart when Alric arrives and we help him light the candles he’s collected to illuminate the space. All of their handsome features flicker by the golden light. With all three ofthem here, no matter the storm that rages outside, I feel overwhelmed with safety.
It’s a new sensation.
We all sit around the coffee table. “I think it’s time for a game of truth or dare,” Hunter says mischievously.
Zachary laughs. “We haven’t played that since college.”
“Ilikethat idea,” I say flirtatiously, so they know exactly how I want this night to end.
“Hunter. Truth or dare?” Alric asks.
“Dare!”
We all laugh at his eagerness.
“I dare you to kiss Madeline.”
Hunter puts up his hands. “Hey, this is supposed to be challenging, but I’ll take it.” I get on my knees and lean over the coffee table. He does the same and we kiss. It’s slow and greedy and we overexaggerate the motions for the sake of entertainment.
When we pull apart, he whispers against my lips, “Truth or dare, babycakes?”
I think about it for a moment, but I’m not willing to give up my secrets just yet. “Dare,” I say sinfully, already knowing this game is going to end with me naked first.
“I dare you to take off yourtop.” He says the end with a pop, and I never back down from a challenge. I stand, slowly and dramatically, taking off my shirt as if stripping to silent music. I roll my hips, spinning it around above me, and flick it directly into Hunter’s face. He cheers, holding the fabric up in jubilation.
“My turn,” I say, gazing down at Alric. “Truth or dare, handsome?”
He picks without hesitation and with all the confidence in the world. “Dare.”
“I dare you to take offyourshirt. I know whereI want this game to end, but I’ll be damned if I’m the only one naked until we get there.”
Alric leans forward, tugging it off above his head, the way that men do to make sure you know exactly how big their muscles are. Once his shirt is gone, he leans back against the couch, arms resting on the seat cushions, a dark trail of curls peeking up from his spread legs.
My mouth waters.
Alric turns to Zachary. “Truth or dare, friend?”
“Let’s go with truth. Y’all will have to work to see my beautiful body.”
I giggle at that and wait for Alric to pose his question.
“What did you first think of Madi when you saw her?”
