A Twist of Lemon

35. Atticus

Chapter 35

Atticus

I ease myself out of bed, watching as they instinctively curl into each other. My muscles ache pleasantly as I stand, a reminder of what happened an hour ago. I pause for a moment, drinking in the sight of my two lovers tangled together on the rumpled sheets. Ezra's arm is draped protectively over Lemon's waist, her curves fitting perfectly against his lean frame. A surge of possessive pride swells in my chest.

I could stare at them for hours, memorizing every curve of their bodies. But duty calls. I pad silently to the en-suite bathroom, my bare feet gliding across the floor. The cool air raises goosebumps on my naked skin.

I flip on the lights, squinting slightly at the sudden brightness. The oversized soaking tub dominates one corner, big enough to comfortably fit all three of us. I knew requesting this was a smart move no matter how ostentatious someone may think it is.

I turn the taps, adjusting the temperature until it's just right—hot enough to soothe aching muscles, but not scalding. As the tub fills, I add a capful of jasmine bath oil. The soothing scent fills the air, mingling with the rising mist, and I feel myself relax just a bit.

Once the bath is ready, I return to the bedroom. Ezra stirs slightly as I approach, his eyes fluttering open. "Shh," I murmur, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I've got her."

Carefully, I slide my arms under Lemon's sleeping form. She's so delicate in my arms. Her head lolls against my chest as I lift her, a soft sigh escaping her lips. I cradle her close, marveling at how small she feels against my broad chest.

I carry her to the bathroom, my steps measured and smooth so as not to wake her. The steam envelops us as I enter, the air thick and fragrant. Slowly, gently, I lower Lemon into the warm water.

She stirs as the water laps at her skin, green eyes blinking open sleepily. "Atticus?" she murmurs, voice thick with sleep.

"I'm here, lemon drop," I reassure her, my hand cradling the back of her head. "Just relax. Let me take care of you."

I ease her back until she's reclining in the tub; the water coming up to her chest. Her dark hair fans out around her, like inky tendrils against the white porcelain. I can see the marks we've left on her body. The bruises blooming on her hips, the redness from my beard.

Leaving Lemon to soak, I return to the bedroom. Ezra's sprawled across the bed now, taking up the space Lemon and I left. His body is on full display. Taut muscle and smooth skin marred by scratches from earlier. My cock twitches at the sight, but I push the desire aside. There'll be time for that later.

I approach the bed, reaching down to scoop him into my arms now. He stirs, brown eyes blinking open lazily .

"What're you doing?" he mumbles, squirming half-heartedly in my grip.

"Taking care of you," I reply simply, tightening my hold.

Ezra huffs, a hint of his brattiness creeping into his voice. "I can walk, you know."

I can't help but chuckle at his petulance. Even after being thoroughly spent, he still has to maintain that cocky facade. "Shut the fuck up and let me take care of you, brat," I growl affectionately, nipping at his earlobe.

He shivers in my arms, going pliant. "Fine," he grumbles, but I can hear the pleased note in his voice. "Have it your way, Daddy DomDom."

His head drops to my shoulder, warm breath ghosting across my neck.

I snort, adjusting my grip as I carry him to the bathroom. "That mouth of yours is going to keep getting you in trouble."

Rolling my eyes, I carry him to the bathroom, his warm weight comforting. I can count the number of times I’ve carried him like this on one hand. Lemon's eyes light up when she sees us, a soft smile gracing her lips. I lower Ezra into the tub beside her. The water sloshes as he settles in, automatically pulling Lemon against his chest. She goes willingly, nestling into the crook of his arm with a contented sigh.

I step into the bath, sinking down into the warm water with a contented sigh. Immediately, they both curl into me, Lemon on my left and Ezra on my right.

I wrap an arm around each of them, pulling them close. The jasmine-scented haze rises around us, cocooning us in our own little world.

My fingers trace idle patterns on their skin, mapping out the dips and curves I know so well. Ezra's head rests on my shoulder, his breath warm against my neck. Lemon's hand finds mine under the water, our fingers intertwining.

I let us just be for a few minutes before I grab a washcloth. "Let me take care of you both," I murmur, dipping the cloth into the warm water.

I start with Lemon, gently washing away the sweat and cum. She hums softly, leaning into my touch as I work. When I'm done, I move on to Ezra, my touch just as tender.

Gently, I begin to wash Ezra's back, wiping away the sweat and grime. He sighs contentedly, leaning into my touch.

"This is nice," he murmurs, eyes half-closed in bliss. "Maybe you can carry me around more often."

I chuckle, moving to wash his arms. "Don't push your luck, brat."

I finish washing Ezra, my hands lingering on his smooth skin. Then I turn my attention to myself, scrubbing away the remnants of our night. The warm water soothes my aching muscles as I clean every inch.

Just as I'm about to hoist myself out of the tub, Ezra's hand catches my wrist. His eyes, usually full of mischief, are soft and sincere.

"You've done good," he says, his voice husky. "Go ahead and relax for a few. I'll take over for a bit."

Before I can protest, he's climbing out of the tub, water cascading down his lean body. He grabs a towel, giving himself a cursory dry before padding out of the bathroom, leaving wet footprints in his wake.

I settle back into the water, pulling Lemon closer. She nestles against my chest, her wet hair tickling my skin.

Time seems to slow as we soak. Lemon's fingers trace lazy patterns on my chest, her touch igniting a low burn of desire. But for now, I'm content to simply hold her, to feel her soft body pressed against me.

Ten minutes crawl by, marked only by the slow drip of the faucet and our synchronized breathing. The water's starting to cool, and Lemon shivers slightly against me.

"Time to get out, lemon drop," I murmur, pressing a kiss to her damp forehead.

She makes a small noise of protest but doesn't resist as I stand, lifting her with me. Water sluices off our bodies as I step out of the tub, Lemon wrapped in my arms like a precious treasure.

I grab a fluffy towel, wrapping it around her. She sways slightly, still groggy from the warm bath. I steady her with a hand on her waist as I grab another towel for myself.

"Where's Ezra?" she asks, voice still thick with sleep.

"Let's go find out," I reply, leading her out of the steamy bathroom and back into the bedroom, curious to see what our troublemaker has been up to.

The bedside table is laden with a steaming pot of tea, glasses of water, and a platter piled high with an assortment of fresh fruit and what looks like cheese. The cheeky bastards even lit a few candles.

"Well, well," I drawl, unable to keep the impressed note out of my voice. "Looks like someone's been busy."

Ezra grins, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "What can I say? I aim to please."

I roll my eyes, but there's no heat behind it. "Come on, lemon drop," I murmur, guiding Lemon toward the bed. "Let's get you settled."

She's still a bit wobbly on her feet, so I keep a steady hand on her lower back as she climbs onto the mattress. Once she's settled against the headboard, I grab one of the glasses of water and press it into her hands.

"Drink up, pet," I instruct, my tone leaving no room for argument. "You need to hydrate."

Lemon obediently takes a few sips, her throat working as she swallows. When she's drained half the glass, I set it aside and gesture to the steaming teapot. "Tea?"

Lemon nods, wrapping her delicate hands around the warm ceramic. "Thank you," she murmurs.

"Here," Ezra says, offering her a slice of ripe mango. "Get some sugar in you."

She reaches for the fruit, but then hesitates, her brow furrowing. "What about the cheese? I'm vegan, remember? I can't?—"

Ezra cuts her off with a fond eye roll. "I know, bellezza. I haven't forgotten. It's all vegan-friendly, Atticus will survive."

I can't help but chuckle at the surprised look on Lemon's face. "Our playboy can be thoughtful," I tease, ruffling Ezra's hair.

He ducks away, but not before I catch the pleased flush on his cheeks.

I settle onto the bed beside Lemon, one arm draped around her shoulders as she nibbles on a strawberry. Ezra sprawls out at the foot of the bed, popping grapes into his mouth with careless abandon.

The room falls into a comfortable silence, broken only by the soft clink of teacups and the occasional rustle of sheets.

I watch Lemon as she savors the fruit, her lips stained a deep red from the berries.

"Lemon," I begin, my voice low and steady. "I want you to go back to school. "

She freezes mid-bite, her green eyes widening in shock. "What?"

"I want you to finish your final semester and get your degree," I continue, my tone leaving no room for argument. "I'm going to pay for it."

The strawberry falls from her fingers, landing with a soft thud on the bedspread. Her mouth opens and closes, no sound coming out. I've never seen her so flabbergasted.

"I…I don't have to," she finally stammers, shaking her head. "Atti, that's too much. I can't?—"

"Yes, you can," I cut her off firmly. "And yes, you do. You would be done already if the situation had been different."

"But—" she starts to protest again, but I silence her with a look.

"No buts," I say, cupping her face in my hands. "You deserve to finish what you started. To have that degree in your hand. No strings attached, no deal or agreement. No tit-for-tat. You want us and we want you."

Tears well up in her eyes, spilling over onto her cheeks. I brush them away with my thumbs, my heart clenching at the sight of her vulnerability.

"Wait a fucking minute," Ezra sputters, sitting up so fast he nearly knocks over the tray. "You're sending her away? For a whole semester?"

I turn to look at him, barely suppressing an eye roll at his dramatic reaction. His hair is sticking up in all directions, his eyes wide with disbelief. He looks like a disgruntled kitten, all puffed up and ready to hiss.

"Jesus Christ, Ezra," I mutter, pinching the bridge of my nose. "No one said anything about sending her away. The school is literally on the other side of New Haven. "

Ezra's brow furrows, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "But…but..."

"But nothing," I cut him off, my voice firm but not unkind. "Lemon deserves to finish her degree. It's important."

Ezra's shoulders slump, a pout forming on his lips. "I know that," he grumbles, picking at a loose thread on the bedspread. "I just…I don't want her gone all the time."

I can't help but soften at the vulnerability in his voice.

"She won't be gone all the time, you drama queen," I assure him. "I'll assign her a driver to take her to and from campus. She'll still stay here with us."

The tension visibly drains from Ezra's body at my words. "Oh," he says, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Well, that's different then."

I shake my head, unable to keep the fondness out of my voice. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

Ezra's grin turns cheeky. "Yeah, but you love me anyway."

"God help me, I do," I mutter, before turning my attention back to Lemon.

She's been watching our exchange with wide eyes. I cup her face in my hands again, my thumbs stroking her soft cheeks.

"What do you say, lemon drop?" I ask gently. "Will you go back and finish your degree?"

She nods, a small, tentative smile blooming on her face. "Okay," she says softly. "I'd like that. To finish my degree. It's important to me."

Relief floods through me, a tension I hadn't even realized I was carrying melting away. "Good girl," I murmur, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Hell yeah! Our girl's gonna be a college grad!"

Lemon giggles, the sound light and carefree .

"Alright, alright," I grumble, though I can't keep the smile off my face. "Now that we’ve settled that, can we please get some fucking sleep? We're all exhausted, and I have a meeting with my contractor tomorrow."

Ezra's eyes light up with mischief, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "For your sex club."

I roll my eyes so hard I'm surprised they don't fall out of my head. "For fuck's sake, Ezra. We’re not calling it a sex club, so use that marketing brain of yours and come up with something classier for God’s sake."

"Potato, po-tah-to," he sing-songs, dodging the pillow I chuck at his head.

Lemon dissolves into giggles again.

"Come on, you heathens," I say, moving dishes back to the end table. "Bed. Now."

Ezra and Lemon look at each other before both of them salute me and climb under the duvet.

These fucking brats.

My fucking brats.