Page 93 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

Lucian raises a brow.

“Isn’t this the part where you issue some terrifying command?”

His expression doesn’t change. “No.”

That is somehow worse.

Caleb loosens his bowtie. The small movement makes my pulse jump.

Lucian takes one step closer. “The marriage was not your choice.”

The words hit me with enough force that I stop breathing for a moment. He has never said it that plainly. Not once.

His midnight-blue eyes remain locked on mine. “This is.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then we enjoy some time together. Perhaps drink some champagne.” He shrugs. “Go to bed.”

With both of them. For the first time ever.

I look between them. “You expect me to believe you’ll simply go to sleep?”

Lucian’s voice becomes very quiet. “No. I expect you to believe we will be miserable, aroused beyond reason, and probably impossible to live with tomorrow.”

That almost pulls a smile from me. Almost.

My heart begins to beat harder.

The decision I faced at the altar was never real. This one is.

That should make it easier. It doesn’t.

Because I know what I want.

I want these men.

I have wanted them since before I knew what to call the feeling. Maybe since the first time Lucian kissed me and fury did absolutely nothing to stop my body from responding. Maybe since Caleb stood behind me and touched me with a gentleness that made his strength even more dangerous. Definitely since the Retreat. Definitely since I lay naked on their sofa and discovered I could not make myself come while they watched until I finally asked them for what I needed.

I take a slow breath. Then I reach behind myself for the buttons on my dress.

Lucian’s gaze drops to my hand. “Let me help.”

Under his skillful touch, the first button comes free. Then another. I begin to tremble.

“Relax,” he encourages softly.

I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I’ve been to the club with them. Stripped myself bare in front of them. Touched myself in this same living room while they watched.

But this is different.

I’m their wife.

And this is the first time we’ll have actual sex.

Finally the last button surrenders.

Caleb moves closer and settles his strong hands on my shoulders. I draw a breath and tip my chin back as the dress falls, fabric whispering down my body to pool at my feet.