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.

you like it?" Callan's voice came from the front of the bed, and damn it, why was he so quiet when he walked up on people? Or maybe I'd just been distracted for a second."You remembered," I whispered, in awe of how perfect the stars on the ceiling were. I could almost pretend I was outside, away from the city lights and the polluted air, where I could see the night sky with clarity."Of course, I do. It's one of the best memories I have, and I wanted a piece of that night with me."1Smiling, I agreed easily, "It's one of mine too." It had been my first official date, and the day Callan opened up to me. I treasured that day, like I did with all days that included being with these men.2I shifted my gaze to him, and I almost stopped breathing. I really hadn't been prepared for this view, but oh God, what a delicious view. He was undressed, only wearing a pair of boxers that did nothing to hide the package beneath them. I looked my fill unabashedly, taking in his lean and muscular body. In these past weeks, he'd bulked up quite a bit, making his abs more prominent, along with his strong thighs and arms. I didn't know how it was possible to gain that much muscle that quickly unless he'd been living in the gym.11"Eh..." My brain short-circuited. "I thought you only slept naked?" I blushed the second the words were out. I did not know why I said that. And why the hell did I sound disappointed? I was so not in the mood for any sexy time right now, unless... No. No unless nothing. I needed sleep, nothing else.19Mateo chuckled next to me, apparently finding my question funny."Normally, I do," Callan said amused. I could definitely hear he wanted to laugh as well but thank God someone had the sense to not make me too embarrassed. "But I figured I could manage for a night.""Why?" My mouth formed the question before my brain could catch up. I wanted to facepalm myself hard enough to knock me out for the rest of the night.23Mateo chuckled even louder. Damn him.4"Why?" Callan mused. "Do you want me naked, Bella, is that is?"45"No." I shook my head vehemently, probably overdoing it. "I just want you comfortable, that's it." Was that it, though? Probably not."And it won't make you uncomfortable if I take it off?""Why would it? There's nothing I haven't seen before," I said flippantly, but my heart was beating just a bit too quickly for me to believe myself. Not that I would be uncomfortable, just...aware of his naked body sleeping an inch away from me.2Callan smirked. "If you say so."He grabbed the waistband of his boxer and dragged it down slowly, as if he was giving me time to object. When I didn't he wrenched it off, and all I could do was stare.40His dick was semi hard, curving slightly upwards. The prince Albert piercing glinted from the light at the bedside table, and my mind wasn't strong enough to block out the memory of what the bars of the piercing felt inside me, how they stroke my walls. His dick jerked under my gaze, and I shifted a little in bed. Even as tired as I was, it did nothing for my neglected pussy.28"Unless you want me to sleep uncomfortable tonight, you should probably stop staring at it," Callan commented with an undertone of smugness.10Oh, right. I bit my lip and forced my stare away from him, all the while my cheeks were burning with embarrassment. A moment later, the mattress on my right side shifted under his weight, and I had to will myself to not do or say anything stupid. And then I felt Mateo move off the bed."Where are you going?" I asked, almost in a state of panic. I didn't want him to leave."Nowhere, babe. I'm getting ready for bed."37My eyes widened at the new nickname. What was it about these men and nicknames? Not that I didn't like it, I did, very much so.7Telltales of clothing landing on the floor made it hard for me to not look, but I managed. The fear of something more stupid coming out of my mouth was enough motivation.2The door to the bedroom opened up suddenly, and a large body appeared in the doorway. I froze for a heartbeat before realizing it was Gideon.16"Did you watch the tapes?" Mateo questioned as he returned to the bed, sliding under the comforter I was sharing with him. Callan had one of his own, which was probably a good thing. I'd probably struggle to fall asleep if I had to feel his naked body against mine throughout the night.

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.

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.

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.

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