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

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.

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.

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."Do you mind telling me what you need it for?"He didn't answer, but instead powered it off, and went off to find a...paperclip? He then popped open the SIM tray and removed the SIM card before locking everything inside one of the drawers in his desk. All the while I watched with a confused look on my face.1"Who's had access to your phone?" Gideon demanded when he sat back down.23"What? No one. Why? What's going on?""I suspect someone has downloaded one or multiple spywares on your phone. If my suspicion is correct, then you need to think hard on who's had access to it."8I gaped. That couldn't be right...could it?"You're not serious, are you?" I asked, looking at Callan and Mateo to see if they found the notion just as ridiculous as me. They didn't find it funny.4"I'll have someone look at the phone tomorrow. I'll also see if they can restore the video that was deleted, but I doubt they'll be able to. If he knows how to delete your texts, there's a big chance he'll know how to delete them in its entirety. In the meantime, you need to write down a list of everyone who could've gotten to your phone."6"Sure, I will—" A big yawn cut me off, making my heavy eyes water just a little. God, I hadn't even noticed how sleepy I was until now."This is enough for today. We'll talk more about this tomorrow." Callan rose from his seat. "Come on, let's go home."7I stiffened, revolting at the thought of going home. What I absolutely did not want to do was go back to my place. Now that he had snuck up on me like this, I didn't feel safe anymore. Let alone in my own apartment with that damn flimsy door.2"My apartment," Callan explained. "We'll all stay there tonight and discuss our options tomorrow. Mateo's place isn't as secure as mine, and Gideon's is too far away."9Oh. Well in that case.3Letting go of Mateo, I accepted the hand Callan held out and let him pull me up. My legs staggered a little, reminding me of my exhausted state. I felt unburdened after filling them in on everything, but also more tired. My emotions and my mind had gone through the wringer tonight. I would feel better after a good night's rest—something I would finally get now that I knew I would be safe and watched over by the guys. Small mercies.Gideon didn't seem like he wanted our conversation cut short, but when he looked at me, he didn't object. Instead, he waved us along. For a moment, my chest tightened in disappointment, but then he explained. "You guys go ahead. I'm going to copy tonight's security videos and bring them with me."8When the door opened, and the sound of the nightlife poured in, I flinched. While we hadn't been in the office that long, I'd still expected the club to be closed by now.Instead of walking to the front entrance, they led me to the back of the building and turned left, towards the back entrance that no one used, except, perhaps, Gideon.Mateo opened the door for us, but I paused, making Callan bump into me. "What about my stuff?" I'd almost forgotten about it. Not that I anything too important in my bag; nothing I couldn't live without for a day or two."We'll tell Gideon to bring it with him when he leaves," Mateo said. "Now let's get out of here, you're practically falling asleep on your feet."

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.