I re-entered the bedroom, Mateo had made himself comfortable on one side of the bed. He gave me one of his cheeky smiles, though I wasn't oblivious to the slight strain to it. All things considered, they were taking the news well—or at least, they were keeping it together for my sake, which I appreciated. I couldn't handle much more today.Callan brushed past me to use the bathroom."You mind if I stay here?" Mateo asked, and while it sounded like teasing, his eyes remained serious enough for me to understand he needed to know if I was okay with it or not. He was on the top of the comforter, still dressed as if he was prepared in case my answer was no.YOU'LL ALSO LIKETHE CONTRACT (The Chosen Series #2)274K13.5K{MATURE +18} I am strong, I am resilient, I am fire... ******************************************************************************************* Grabbing hold of my...Saving Leah2.1M52.3KSaving Leah Series Book 1 Buy an edited and refined version on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PTD577S/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=saving+leah+book&qid=1607281...Paint Me, Professor | Student-Professor Erot...2.8M70K18+| COMPLETE✔️ "Ali..." He sighed, his breath tickling the skin of Alison's neck. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, admiring her beauty, how youthful...My Master, My Husband (BOOK 1)804K14.4KTHIS BOOK IS 18+/ NOW ON KINDLE VELLA WITH SOME ADJUSTMENTS! "Alright, I'll tell you the rules twice, and I'll need you to memorize them, write them down and give t...Dominant & Submissive | 18+52.7K1.6K"Good girl, now, call me Daddy!" He whispers, his voice sexy as fuck. "Daddy!" I voiced out, but it came out as a whispering threat. "Louder!&q...They Echo Me129K3.7KCats In the Cradle Sequel Daniel and Emma have been married for nearly one year, and they couldn't be happier. Their marriage is perfect on paper: very-best friends-tur...Yes, Sirs (Book 1 of Desire's Den)62.3M1.4M"You were ours from the second we saw you," he stated as if I didn't have a choice in it, and the truth was, I didn't need to because he was right. I was their..."The more the merrier." I smiled. "I've been sleeping like shit recently, but you guys make me feel safe.""I'm glad you feel safe with us, gorgeous. Trust me, nothing will happen to you as long as we're here." His comment made my heart skip so many beats, I was damn near having a heart attack.3He patted the middle of the bed. "You should probably get your butt in here before Callan comes and take up the entire space with his massive ego."30A startled chuckle escaped me, and I froze slightly at that sound. When was the last time I'd laughed? Like a natural kind of laugh that hadn't been forced? My guess was when I'd still been with the guys.2"Well, what are you waiting for?" he teased, and without even trying, he was easing my tension. Taking his advice, I climbed onto the mattress and settled in the middle on my back, staring up at the ceiling without registering anything but how natural this felt. The strange thing about all of this was...it wasn't awkward. Since I met them, we'd spent almost the same amount of time apart as together, yet, whenever we were around each other, it was like no time had passed at all, and we fell right back into the comfortableness of being together. The butterflies swirling in my stomach told me I liked that, very much. Though, even though we seemingly fit together as we once did, I couldn't help but wonder if anything had changed—the space I'd left between us on the bed was showing how I couldn't quite let my entire guard down and truly believe everything was like they used to. Before today, I had known the guys had wanted me back, but what if they'd changed their minds now that I came with a lot more baggage? What if I were only here right now because they were too good to send me away unprotected?1I stiffened, not liking the road my thoughts were taking me."Hey," Mateo said lightly. I could sense his eyes on me, but I didn't turn towards him. "What's happening in that mind of yours now?""A lot," I admitted. "We probably have much to talk about, don't we?"Mateo made a sound of agreement. "Yes, we do, but it can wait until you're rested and feeling up for it. There's no stress, gorgeous. Take your time. We'll be patient until you're ready.""Thank you, I—" I gasped. My eyes focused on the ceiling, seeing what I'd been too distracted to see."What?" Mateo asked alarmed."The stars..." The ceiling had been painted black and there were stars everywhere, it hadn't been here the last time I'd spent the night. It reminded me of Callan's playroom, but instead of hundreds of miniscule dots randomly places, these looked to be the exact image of the night sky. There were five stars in particular which shone the brightest, which was the constellation of Cassiopeia.38It was breathtaking, and heartwarming.He remembered.

I am not," I protested weakly. I so was.Mateo chuckled. "Whatever you say, gorgeous. I'm just calling it like I see it."2The drive to Callan's apartment was over in a blink, and not because I fell asleep, even though it was a struggle to a keep my eyes open, but by being with my men again...time simply flew by. I hadn't wanted to sit in the front; it felt too vulnerable at that moment, so Mateo forwent the front seat too and chose to sit at the back with me. For the entire trip to Part Avenue, Mateo held my hand. I hadn't remembered he'd been this touchy, but I couldn't exactly complain when I held onto him just as he held onto me.I had known that I'd missed this, but I hadn't known just how good it would be to be with them under no false pretenses from either side.As we got into the elevator, I leaned my back against Callan's front, letting him take some of my weigh while still holding hands with Mateo. The closer I got to a bed, the heavier my body got; it felt like I could sleep for days.The apartment was just like it had been the last time I was here. The modern style with its clean lines and black and steel details were still as meticulous...and still as unpersonal. As beautiful as it was, it was also cold and empty—of warmth, but also in the sense that this place lacked the homeliness that homes should have."Do you want any food before you go to bed? Margareta should have left something for us," Callan offered.10"Thank you, but no. I don't think I can stomach anything right now," I answered honestly, and God, why did honesty taste so sweet?"If you're sure..." Callan didn't seem all that happy about it, though he accepted it, nevertheless."What about a shower before bed?" Mateo suggested, and I smiled softly at the way these men were trying to take care of me even though I'd been lying to them for weeks.1"I would've loved to, but I—" I yawned."Come, let's get you settled," Callan said as he put his hand on my lower back and steered me towards the bedrooms. "Mateo, will you get a water bottle from the fridge?" he asked over his shoulder."Sure thing."I followed Callan down the hallway, and I couldn't help to wonder which room he would put me in. Was it too much for me to hope that he would let me sleep in his bed tonight? Maybe I was. We weren't together anymore, thanks to yours truly.He paused outside his door, and my pulse sped up as he seemed to debate on something."Is it okay for you to sleep in here tonight?" he asked. "With everything that's going on, I would like to have you close.""O-of course," I answered, biting back the smile that wanted to steal my entire face.With a smile of his own that he didn't try to hide, he nodded, looking as relieved as I felt. "Good." He opened the door and waited for me to go in first.For some reason, even though I had slept here before, it felt like that one step inside would seal my fate, for better or for worse. 11

I snuggled into the blanket. The added weight around my torso and legs made me feel secure, like it was grounding me as much as the guys did. Or maybe it was the alcohol that was doing it. I took another sip just in case."Sweetheart," Callan broke the silence with a soft voice. "I don't know what's been going on with you, but I need to ask you, are you okay? Truly okay?" It sounded like it had been a tough question to ask, like maybe he was afraid of the answer.My mouth opened, ready to tell him I was fine and that he didn't need to worry, but...I was sick and tired of all the lies; there had been too much lying between us since I met them, though now, it was two-sided. So instead of continuing lying, I let out a breath I'd been holding in for weeks, and then, I shook my head and gave them the answer I had wanted to say to anyone and everyone for a long time. "I don't...These weeks have been a lot and, I'm...I'm just so tired."16It was almost like Callan looked relieved, as if he'd expected dishonesty. Clearly, I wasn't fine, and they could see that, but it was another thing for me to finally admit to it.Callan put his arm around me and gathered me against his side, still mindful about the handholding with Mateo. This was...this felt nice. Warmth massed inside my chest, and it flared until my entire body glowed with it.This. The peace...the quiet...the safety. I'd missed this.Of course, just as I was reveling in this feeling and began to relax, the door flew open, and an angry looking Gideon stormed inside. It almost made me flinch, but I was too exhausted to move.Gideon took note of our cozy position, and for just a split second, the anger washed away and was replaced by something I couldn't quite grasp before his jaw tightened once more. It couldn't have been fondness, could it?"Do you want to tell us what the hell this is?" Gideon demanded, slamming a piece of paper on the table in front of us. My stomach twisted as the words from him stared back at me.6Keep your promise my dear, and I'll keep mine. I am always watching. 52

feel Callan's eyes on me, taking in my position in his arms, but I didn't do anything to meet his gaze. I was done with hope and forgetting my predicament. It didn't help to forget, it only made things worse when I had to face the reality."You know, I came to the club to see you tonight," Callan confessed. "I wasn't going to talk to you or anything, I just missed you."4A soft, barely-there smile touched my lips. I wanted to tell him how much I missed them too, but I swallowed the words."Does that bother you?" he hesitantly asked, as if he was afraid of my answer.2"No, it doesn't bother me," I answered honestly."Good, because I'll probably visit the club again tomorrow, unless...do you want the day off tomorrow? You've been through a lot tonight, and I'm sure Gideon will give you paid leave. After all, this happened at his workplace, and it shouldn't have happened in the first place."He never stopped massaging my scalp, and a soft moan left me at the feeling of his fingers working through the tightness. "But nothing happened, you guys were there to stop it.""And thank God for that. I couldn't handle it if something happened to you. None of us could."1If you only knew how much I feel the same way about you guys, and the steps I've taken so I can make sure that nothing happened to you, I thought.I heard a drawer open and the clinking of what I guessed were the utensils a second before Callan nudged me gently. "Dinner is ready." The smell of pesto grew headier, and I opened my eyes to find Gideon holding a bowl with pasta and what looked to be shrimp in front of me.4With effort, I shifted into a better sitting position to be able to eat, and Gideon placed the dish on my lap. He then went to refill my glass which I'd placed on the nightstand before grabbing a pair of bottles for him and Callan, along with dinner for them both. He took the available seat on my right side, making the bed feel cramped but it was exactly how I wanted it.7The first bite of the dish should've been a delight to my tastebuds after having eaten food that had tasted like cardboard these past days, but it wasn't. It surprised me, how something that smelled so delicious tasted just like a piece of toasted bread with nothing on. From the looks on both Gideon's and Callan's faces, they didn't have the same issue, which meant I was the problem—or rather, my failing mentality was the cause of my problem. It was hard for me to enjoy food these days, and apparently it applied to Gideon's food as well. I forced myself to eat though, trying to sooth the ache in my empty belly.3None of us tried to make small talks, but the silence between us was anything but silent. There was some tension, sure, but most of all, there was a sense of togetherness and the only thing that was missing were Mateo to make us feel complete.2I was so done with this day. So done. Yet...I didn't want this night to end.

away a lonesome tear, I swallowed down the lump in my throat and steeled myself to go downstairs to Mateo.12This meeting...it wouldn't be easy, but it had to be done. It had to. I couldn't start doubting my decision.4I felt like a self-sacrificing idiot, but wasn't that how it should be if it meant keeping those you cared about safe?14A knock on the door made me flinch, still feeling the effects of the phone call."Gorgeous, are you ready?" Mateo's voice was like a balm for my nerves, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I could breathe easier. The only person outside my door was one I cared about. 37"I'm coming right now," I told him, surprised when my voice came out steady. Beating down whatever hesitation I might've still felt, I went to the door and opened it.5YOU'LL ALSO LIKEYes, Sirs (Book 1 of Desire's Den)62.3M1.4M"You were ours from the second we saw you," he stated as if I didn't have a choice in it, and the truth was, I didn't need to because he was right. I was their...Submissive Desires345K3.7KThis story is really HOT. Like really really really HOT. It's essentially about a college student learning about her hidden desire to submit to a man, with the help of h...Lusting After Lucifer (18+) ☑259K2.5KThis is an erotic romance. Recommended 18+! Completed. Excerpt: His mouth was back on mine in an instant, the door behind us rattling loudly as he thrust against me. &qu...Solicitude394K7.6KRated R "Please, faster," I begged but he didn't oblige. "No, my control, my pace," he said. Then, I felt his lips on mine as he continued easing in...Sometimes he loves me140K3.2K‼️Content warning and trigger warning‼️ This is a dark romance and contains mature content that is not suitable for all readers. The trigger warnings include: - Assault...DOMINANT✔ (DSD SERIES, BOOK ONE)1.3M31.4K⚠️⚠️Rated Mature ⚠️⚠️ 🌟🌟I do not own rights to images on the cover or the song lyrics in the book. All rights go to the photographers and writers. 🌟🌟 CHRISTINA HASE ...Saving Leah2.1M52.3KSaving Leah Series Book 1 Buy an edited and refined version on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PTD577S/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=saving+leah+book&qid=1607281...My breath caught the second I stepped outside as his warm ocean eyes connected with mine. There were so many feelings flashing through his gaze. Still, I didn't let myself read them, too afraid I would see something there that would make leaving even harder. Though, I didn't know if it would be possible for it to be harder than it already was.7His usually easy smile that showcased his beautiful dimples was nowhere to be found. Instead, it was strained and sad. The last time we had spoken, I'd come at him with all my hurt and betrayal, and to say it had been a tough conversation would be an understatement. I could still recall the last time I spoke to him in the park when I confronted him about what they'd kept from me. I'd been a little broken and a little scarred and a whole lot hurt.32Mateo was the one I found the easiest to approach, which was why I'd wanted to talk to him first. He always had this laid-back way about him that had drawn me to him right from the start. It made me feel safe and calm, which I had needed the most when it became time to deal with their betrayal. 16Even with the sadness surrounding us both, I still felt the easiness of being with him now; my soul yearned to never let go of that feeling of tranquility he provided.2There was this instant humming beneath my skin as I joined him outside my apartment. Every cell of my body begged me to cross the small gap between us and fling myself into his arms and the safety of his embrace. Even with the trust currently broken between us, I didn't think my craving for him and the others would ever go away.8He was wearing a dark blue suit that was fitted to his broad shoulders and narrow waist. Two of the buttons on the white shirt underneath his jacket were undone, and I just knew it was because the formal wear felt stiffening to him. He was more of a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy, but damn...he looked good in it.37It had only been a couple of days since I'd seen him last, but standing in front of him now, it felt like ages ago. The sight of him was heartbreakingly beautiful.5I noticed he'd been able to get inside the building, but I didn't comment on it. If Callan still had the key from when he fixed the ceiling and shower, then Mateo had probably borrowed it from him. Frankly...it made me feel safer knowing they could reach me if I needed them.

My hands tightened into fists. I was this ready to knock some damn sense into him. I wasn't in the mood for this fuckery tonight. All I wanted was to make sure Emma was alright. I'd already spent too much time envisioning all the reasons why she wasn't."Callan, stop trying to fire up Gideon. We all know that's a fight you won't win," Mateo said calmly, but my jaw clenched at the sound of amusement in his voice. I held myself in place though, because even with their joking, the air around them was tense. And I knew, they too, were worried about our girl.1To hell with them for being better than me at managing these pesky feelings.3"So, what's the plan for tonight?" Callan withdrew himself from my area and sat down beside Mateo."I thought you were always the one with the plans?" Mateo asked."Yeah, until I messed it up for all of us. I'll let you guys take the lead tonight."Mateo chuckled. "As if you could ever take a back seat.""Watch me.""Sure, whatever you say. I'm thinking we should talk to her after the shift. See if we can get some answers out of her?" Mateo suggested."And if she doesn't want to talk?" Callan mused. I already knew his mind was making up ideas of what we should do, but he didn't offer any of them up. Huh, seems he really were going to let us make the decision tonight."Oh, she'll talk," I assured them. "We know what she wants. She's just too chickenshit to admit it herself."16"Yeah, but..."I tuned them out, having already decided what I was going to do. They could either sit back or join me. With a lot of effort, I managed to finish up my work right in time for the employees to arrive. Callan and Mateo had already gone by then to the club area.Saving the latest document, I turned off the computer and went after them. I found them sitting at my reserved table, and they were lucky none of them had taken my spot, which had a direct view of the bar.2"Seen her yet?" I asked as I sat down. My eyes scanned the club, but I only saw Mark talking to a new server.1"Nah, she hasn't arrived yet," Mateo informed me.1Good, I wanted to watch her expression when she saw all three of us sitting here. A dark thrill went through me at the thought of cornering her after her shift. She'd be in for one hell of a surprise if she thought we'd go easy on her. It was time to find out why she was avoiding her friend—and most importantly, why she was avoiding us.2At first, I had believed her when she'd said she wanted space, but the longing look she gave me whenever she didn't think I noticed? It told a whole other story. Baby girl wasn't getting rid of us that easily.She wasn't getting rid of us at all. I would make sure of it.You want me to fight for you, baby? Game. Fucking. On.