Fallen For Three

Chapter 1

ONE

As the firstrays of the sun make their way through the small opening in the curtains, I slowly open my eyes and look around the room. My gaze falls on Tessie, who is still sound asleep beside me. Her face is relaxed and calm; she seems lost in a blissful slumber. The subtle light of the morning sun casts a soft glow on her face, making her light brown hair shine with an almost gold hue. She looks angelic. Tessie must have been completely exhausted after the night we had. Vivid images of last night flood my mind and a grin spreads across my face that I can”t seem to shake.

I realize that Nate and Cain are no longer in bed with us. I can hear the faint sounds of pots clanging and a low murmur of voices coming from the kitchen. I carefully slide out of bed, making sure not to disturb Tessie. The floorboards creak slightly under my weight as I tiptoe towards the door.

I step into the kitchen and the aroma of sizzling bacon immediately greets my senses. The sound of clinking utensils draws my attention to Nate, topless, preparing breakfast while Cain enjoys his cup of coffee at the table. Cain lifts his gaze from his cup, revealing a sly grin as he acknowledges my presence. I reciprocate with a nod and make my way over to the kitchen table, settling myself into a chair.

“Morning,” Cain groggily says while putting his cup down on the table.

Nate approaches the table with a firm grip on a cup, gently placing it in front of me.

“Here you go, dude.”

“Thanks.”

I reach for the warm ceramic cup and feel the steam rising off the coffee. I take a gentle sip, savoring the rich flavor. Meanwhile, Nate walks toward the kitchen counter, picking up a butter knife and a loaf of bread. He smoothly spreads the butter over the fresh slices.

“I’m guessing she is still asleep?” Cain questions.

“Out like a light,” I reply while taking another sip of coffee.

Nate walks toward the table with a plate of piping hot bacon sandwiches in his hands. He cautiously places the plate down.

Nate takes a seat at the table while glancing at the door. “Well, I hope she wakes up soon,” he says, a hint of concern in his voice. “I made her breakfast and it’s going to get cold.”

I grab a bacon sandwich from the plate, take a bite, and savor the combination of crispy bacon, soft bread, and a hint of tangy sauce that adds a burst of flavor.

Cain takes a bite of his sandwich and says, with a mouthful of food, “Just let her rest.”

Nate”s head moves up and down in agreement as he grabs a sandwich from the plate and takes a chunk out of it. A brief period of silence follows, everyone absorbed in their own thoughts.

“So, last night,” I say, breaking the silence.

Both Cain and Nate turn their heads toward me. Nate has a sly smirk on his face as he takes another bite of his sandwich.

“Was fucking perfect,” Cain remarks while crossing his arms and slumping back into the chair.

As I savor another bite of my sandwich, the atmosphere falls silent again. We”re all preoccupied with memories of last night”s events.

Suddenly, a noise emanates from the bedroom, shattering the silence that has enveloped us. Our heads snap in the direction of the noise and all eyes are now fixed warily on the door.

Tessie appears at the kitchen entrance, her body covered in an oversized t-shirt that engulfs her tiny frame. She stretches her arms, letting out a deep yawn, and then rubs her eyes. She has tied her hair in a messy ponytail and her makeup seems to have faded. In my opinion, she looks stunning even without makeup.

Cain rises from his seat and strides purposefully toward Tessie. As he nears her, he gently places his hands on her waist and pulls her close. Their eyes meet and he leans in, his lips meeting hers in a tender, passionate kiss.

“Good morning. Nate made you some breakfast,” Cain says, gently touching Tessie”s back and guiding her towards the table.

“Morning. Oh, brilliant. I’m so hungry,” Tessie says in a croaky voice.

Nate rises from his seat and makes his way over to the kitchen counter. He reaches for the coffee pot and carefully pours Tessie a hot cup of coffee.

Cain pulls out a chair for Tessie. She takes a seat with an exhausted look on her face. Despite her tiredness, she manages to flash a smile in my direction.

I slide the plate of warm, crispy bacon sandwiches across the table to Tessie.

Nate joins us all with a steaming cup of coffee for Tessie and sits at the table.

Tessie takes a bite of her sandwich, nodding her head. “Thank you, Nate.”

Cain moves a bit closer to Tessie and looks at her with concern. ”How do you feel after last night?” he asks in a stern, but gentle tone.

“Fucked and tired.” Tessie giggles.

Cain raises his eyebrows for a brief moment with a smile on his face. We all snicker at her response.

Nate leans in toward Tessie. With a sly grin, he whispers, “Well, there”s more to come, baby.” Before she can react, he quickly kisses her cheek.

Nate”s words make Tessie”s face light up with a smile. “I like the sound of that,” she says, her cheeks turning a rosy shade.

Cain places his hand on the back of Tessie”s chair and explains, “I’ve got work tonight. Nate and Mike will be here, though.”

Tessie appears puzzled by what Cain said. Her facial expression reflects her confusion.

“Wait, I”m confused. Am I not going back home?”

Cain bows his head with his lips tightly shut, his gaze fixed on her face.

I decide to say something before Cain does. “Not yet, Tessie. It’s safe if you stay here for a while. It’s the only way we can keep you safe until Cain finds out about the whole Dan situation,” I explain while placing the palms of my hands on top of the table.

“I”m going to ask someone at work to do some digging for me. I’m owed favors,” Cain expresses.

Tessie still looks puzzled. “Okay. What about college? What about work? What abo–”

Nate interrupts Tessie, “It’s all sorted, baby. You will continue going to college. Mike can keep an eye on you there. I know you work from home on your laptop, you can do that here, as well.”

Cain gently places his index finger under Tessie”s chin and turns her head toward him. He looks deep into her eyes.

“Listen, Dan was capable of anything. He raped and killed a girl. Luckily, we got to you in time in the forest. We don’t know who this other person is and what they are capable of. Mike and I will also be moving in. It”s just temporary. You are staying here and we are keeping you safe. That”s final,” Cain says in a terse voice.

I can tell by the tone in his voice that Cain is angry when he mentions Dan’s name. He’s right, though. We don’t know what this other person is capable of doing.

Tessie slumps back in her chair and her eyes glance over us.

“I guess you’re right. Well, I need to return to the house and get some stuff, then.”

“That’s fine. I will take you, baby,” Nate offers, putting his hand on her knee.

Tessie crosses her arms, throws a glare at all of us, and says in a sarcastic tone, “Just because I”m staying here and I’m the only lady in the house, doesn’t mean I”m going to be your slave.”

“What kind of slave would that be?” I ask, chuckling and winking at her.

“Very funny,” she quips.

Tessie”s lips curl into a mischievous smirk as she brings the coffee cup”s rim to her mouth, taking one last sip before placing it back on the table.

Nate rises from his seat, picking up all the empty plates and cups from the table.

“Thank you for breakfast, Nate,” Tessie says, stretching her arms above her head and yawning.

Nate smiles and nods his head.

Cain wraps his arm around Tessie”s shoulder as she leans toward him. He suggests, “When you and Nate head back to your house, you can swing by town after to get more food. It”s unhealthy to survive on bacon and beer, which seems to be all Nate has in his fridge.”

“I do like bacon. However, I’m not a fan of beer. By the way, I’m not a great cook, so don”t expect amazing meals. I live off pasta or ramen noodles,” Tessie rambles.

“Not a fan of beer?” I scoff. Tessie lets out a little giggle.

Cain rests his chin on top of Tessie”s head. “It would be a good idea if we all take turns cooking. We can’t have you living off ramen, either,” he says.

As I rise from my chair and make my way to the kitchen, I am greeted by a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. Without hesitation, I roll up my sleeves and wash the plates, vigorously scrubbing away any remnants of food. Meanwhile, Nate takes it upon himself to tidy up the kitchen, wiping down the counters. Cain and Tessie remain seated at the table, lost in each other”s company. Tessie snuggles up to Cain, resting her head on his sturdy chest.

As Nate approaches the table, he takes a cloth and meticulously wipes it down. He looks at Tessie and says, “We’ve got to get going soon, baby, so you better start getting dressed.” His voice is calm and collected.

“Okay,” Tessie says as she rises from the table. Cain gives her a quick, gentle kiss to her forehead. She smoothes out the oversized t-shirt, tugging at the hem to cover her ass.

As Tessie walks towards the bedroom, Nate and I gaze at her ass. Cain notices our actions and responds with a disapproving scoff.

I return to the task at hand and carefully place the plates in the cupboards, letting out a content sigh.

“She was amazing last night, wasn”t she?” Nate asks in a quiet voice, crossing his arms.

I pivot my body, facing away from the kitchen counter. I feel the smooth surface against my palms as I lean on it. “I’ve never come like that before,” I confess.

I wasn’t lying. No woman has ever made me come like that. Whenever I have fucked other women in the past, they would ask me to hurry up and come. I used to lie and say I already had to make them feel better.

“You better be gentle with her tonight while I’m at work,” Cain warns, leaning forward with his eyes fixed intently on the door. He shifts in his chair and places his elbows on his knees, creating a sense of focus and intensity.

“Us be gentle? You’re the one who loves choking her. You made her unconscious last night,” I state, glaring at him.