I gave him a weak smile. "You were one of two who knew about the shower. My landlord would've never done it, and you were the one who'd care enough to fix it." Too bad I didn't realize that before this morning. If I'd been with them when I had gotten the pictures, then maybe...maybe I didn't have to keep it a secret because they would've seen it themselves.12"Goodbye," I said with a heavy heart as I followed Gideon out the door.12The sound of the door shutting felt final, but I tried to shake it off; I'd been through much these past days and I was just being dramatic. Hopefully.We exited through the back door, and I was again thankful to avoid Jennifer. Seeing her was the last thing I needed right now.24Gideon's black muscle car was parked beside Callan's Porsche. He opened the door for me, and it still amazed me how they opened upwards instead of sideways like the cars I was used to.21As I settled in my seat, Gideon walked around to the driver's side. The car felt cramped as he sat down. His presence took up most of the space, overwhelming my senses. There was something to be said about being in an enclosed area with him, and I didn't dislike it one bit.Throughout these weeks I had spent with him, I'd noticed the looks he'd gotten from other people. Many of them had been scared and skittish being close to him, and most had taken either a step back or simply froze. I'd never experienced that with him. Sure, he could seem frightening with his build, tattoos, and dark expression, but I'd only ever felt safe with him. Like he could protect me...26"Are you still staying at Kevin's?" His quiet but deep voice caressed my soul, almost making me sigh in wonder and wistfulness.50"Mine. I moved back a few hours ago," I whispered back, matching his own volume.2When I talked to him—matching him whisper for whisper—it was always done unconsciously. People said the eyes were the windows to the soul, but if they were the windows, then the voice was the music of the soul because the voice revealed everything if you only knew what to listen to, and my soul was speaking to his.19Like I'd come to expect when I caught a ride with him, we didn't talk. The silence with him was always lovely—a reprieve from the loud world. I was mentally exhausted and couldn't think of anything more to say, so it was better that we didn't need to say anything at all. I was sure there were things I'd regret not telling them, but as soon as I got into that meeting room, my mind drew a blank.6I leaned back in my seat, enjoying having Gideon beside me. I already missed the other guys, but for the moment, I had him, and I would appreciate it for as long as I could—which would be thirty blissful minutes.

away the almost still whole toast, I was on my way to the bathroom when a sharp knock on the door froze me completely. Loud noises had become a trigger for me; my mind always aware of my surroundings, even in my own apartment, and my ears picked up every sound around me which made loud noises in particular intensify.3Three more bangs on the door followed shortly after, making every muscle in my body stiffen."Emma, I know you're in there. Open the hell up!" Kevin shouted from the hallway.5I flinched from the angry tone in his voice, but my heart restarted when I realized it was my best friend on the other side of the door.For a short while, I hesitated to let him in, unsure if letting him in would be a smart idea. He had made me overthink every choice I made; worse than I've ever overthought before.When Kevin continued to create noises, I knew I either had to open the door, or he could damn well kick it in with the force he was using behind his knocks."I'm not asking again, Emma. Open the fucking door." When he banged extra hard, enough to make the wooden door tremble, I hurried towards it.3"I'm coming!" I shouted back as I gave the door a hasty inspection. I'd thought the wood was thick enough, stable enough, to handle a few kicks, but now I wasn't so sure, and that made my pulse soar. If he truly wanted to get inside no matter the consequences, would I truly have been safe? Was I just kidding myself the entire time with the extra lock and the bolt?4YOU'LL ALSO LIKEYes, Master2.9M94.9K| MATURE CONTENT | "You are fuckíng mine. Do you understand that?" That harsh growl echoed in my head.. His words scarring my mind. I could feel the heat 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...Not So Delicate ||18+67.4K1.5K"Bastard." She whispered. "Your bastard." He whispered back. ~~~~~~~~★~~~~~~~~ A shy at first girl but wild once you get to know her. Her innocence i...My Master, My Husband (BOOK 1)803K14.4KTHIS 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...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 Debt1.9M62.2KThe anticipation is too much. I found myself praying for The Boss just to say something, anything. "Strip." Anything but that. My eyes widened to sau...JAKE'S UNDOING (18+) ✔ (LOVE AND OBSESSION...7.4K88Jake despised weak women, especially women who showed interest in him. A strong and independent woman was what could drive the beast in him, but there was Cassie. Adopte...When I finally opened it, I was greeted with a wild-looking Kevin. His hair was going in all directions as if he'd put his fingers through it too many times, and his eyes were wide and kind of crazy."What's gotten into you?" I asked, feeling wide-eyed myself as I took in his anxious form.He barged inside the second there was space enough for him to do so. No 'hello', no 'how are you'. He simply pushed his way inside my apartment.1"What's gotten into me?" he practically yelled, growing almost hysteric. I hurriedly closed the door; worried the other tenants were going to call the cops with all the noise going on."I'll tell you what's gotten into me. I had to hear from your ex-boyfriend that you were fucking attacked at work. Do you have any idea how that felt? Not knowing that my best friend was assaulted. I'll answer, it felt like hell, because I wasn't there for you, and I wouldn't even have known about it if Callan hadn't called me." His rant started out angry and harsh, but his voice broke at the end, the sound of it contained the type of hurt I never wanted to hear from Kevin.

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.

And that's why you've set up cameras at your place," Callan guessed. He didn't even need me to confirm it. "Has he been in your apartment?"I nodded. "Once. He'd left a box on my bed."The atmosphere in the office as I revealed that, was choking.Callan and Mateo cursed, both of them grabbing a tighter hold on me, but it seemed they did it unconsciously. I snuck another peak at Gideon, he looked deadly calm, and for some reason, that was more terrifying than his fury.3YOU'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..."Has he been in touch with you outside of these notes and gifts?" Callan asked, practically biting out the words. I was finally being honest with them, but they took no pleasure in the type of honesty I offered—neither did I.1Again, I nodded. "He's called me a couple of times. Each time, he used some kind of device or app that made his voice all distorted. All I could make out was that he's a man. I've also received texts from him, and...""And?" Mateo prompted softly.I closed my eyes, trying to stave off the imagery of blood, and the sound of bones breaking. "He beat up Oliver and sent a video of him doing it."Callan jerked, and for once, he looked almost apprehensive. "He did that?""W-what do you mean?" I asked slowly, uneasy about his reaction."Bella...I saw Oliver that night. You're telling me the guy who's stalking you was the one who beat Oliver?""I—" I shook my head, confused. "What were you doing with Oliver?""Sweetheart, you have another thing coming if you think we'll let anyone harass you. I was going to talk with Oliver and warn him off you, but someone had gotten to him before me. Now I know who.""But who told you...?" Of course. Kevin would've told him about the incident, especially now that they were all buddy-buddy with each other."Doesn't matter. What does matter is that he almost killed Oliver. Do you still have the video? We might be able to glean more information about this guy from it.""No." I shook my head. "I wanted to use it as evidence and bring it to the police, but it got deleted right after I'd seen it.""Deleted?" Gideon questioned in that low voice of his. This time though, his tone was dark enough to send shivers through my body. "Did you delete it?""Why would I do that? No, I didn't. It just vanished.""Fucking hell." He slammed his glass on the table and held out his hand. "Give me your phone.""Why?""Baby, just give it to me," he ordered gruffly.84Something in my brain switched at the command. Without registering it, I placed my own glass down and started searching my pockets for my phone. When I found it, I immediately handed it to him.

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.

cleared his throat as he took me in as well."You...ah..." He cleared his throat again as his eyes slipped down the modest cleavage of my dress. His gaze was like a physical touch as it dragged across the swell of my breasts. My skin prickled with it, making my nipples tighten into hard points underneath my bra. It was like my body was disconnected from my brain because, after that phone call, I really shouldn't be getting turned on right now, but I was. I so was.60"You took a while, and I just wanted to check in and see if you were okay," he finished with a swallow, looking back up.8"Oh, sorry, I must've forgotten the time." I smiled, but it was just as strained as his had been."That's okay, I don't mind waiting, but Callan and Gideon are getting a bit restless." At the mention of the other guys, his phone dinged once. "And that's probably them again," he said but didn't make a move to answer it.25"Right, we should probably go meet them. Are they at the club?" I made sure to lock my door before we made a move down the stairs.As if our bodies weren't aware of the current issues between us, they drew together, with his hand automatically going to the small of my back and my muscle immediately relaxing into his touch. The warmth of his hand radiated through the thin fabric of my dress, and I almost sighed at the pleasant feeling of his hand on me.2"Yeah, they're waiting for us in the meeting room," he answered, guiding me carefully down the steps.4The meeting room... Would it be the same room where we went through the BDSM checklist together? I didn't ask, but I couldn't help but wonder. While a part of me hoped for it, another part didn't want to relive the memory of my first real taste of that lifestyle. Because I knew I wasn't just taking a step back from the men but from the club as well. 4No men meant no play; and even if the unknown man allowed it, I wouldn't want to be with anyone but my guys.12My eyes scanned the street as we got outside, but I relaxed a little when I didn't see anyone.4It was a chilly night, and I'd stupidly forgotten to grab a coat before I headed out.5Mateo, noticing my slight shivers, quickly draped his suit jacket over my shoulders. This time, my smile came easier.12"Thank you," I said sincerely as I put the key in the door to the building and locked up that one too. The jacket smelt like him—like the rosewood soap he preferred and an undertone that was entirely from him, sweet and understated. Being surrounded by his scent muddled my brain, making me forget everything for a brief moment.4As I stepped towards his parked car, he rushed to open the door for me. The gesture warmed my chest, but only for a second before I remembered that this was likely the last time it would happen. Yeah, that thought snuffed out the warmth quickly.26As comfortable as his car truly was, it wasn't comfortable at all. It had more to do with the tension between us than the cushy seats. I think Mateo understood that this wouldn't be a pleasant meeting because he wasn't normally this...stiff. His smile was forced, his breathing was too controlled, and his gaze...whenever he looked at me...it was heavy with something—something I tried distancing myself from because if I didn't, I might just break and risk it all.