Chapter 29
Maryanne offers everyone a choice between beer or wine with dinner, and I don’t hesitate to accept a glass of red. There’s absolutely no way I’m getting through this meal without a little liquid courage.
Tasha, Johnny’s new girlfriend, is so painfully nice that I want to scream. The minute she walked through the door, she complimented my outfit and gushed about how inspirational I am for surviving Darren’s attack.
Yeah. I don’t hate her. I hate that I like her.
She’s smart, thoughtful, emotionally intelligent… all the things Johnny should want in a woman. And judging by the way he can’t keep his eyes off her, he agrees. She’s stunning on the outside, too: silky black hair, glowing almond eyes, and flawless dark skin. Honestly, who wouldn’t be into her?
At the table, Axel and Nik sit on either side of me like guard dogs. Johnny and Tasha sit across from us, with Maryanne and Ben anchoring each end. The meal is… nice. Polite. Almost too polite.
We compliment Maryanne’s cooking. We talk football with Ben. We mention upcoming graduation plans. And of course, we learn that Tasha is pre-law. Naturally. Because if perfection wasn’t enough, she also has ambition and a ten-year plan.
Despite Maryanne’s announcement that we’re all allowed “just one,” the alcohol keeps refilling itself like magic, and by the time Ben and Maryanne excuse themselves to leave the “kids” to hang out, I’ve got a warm little buzz going.
That’s probably why I don’t immediately react when Nik drapes his arm across the back of my chair fingers grazing my arm. Or when Axel starts absently playing with a lock of my hair. It’s affectionate and innocent, but it doesn’t go unnoticed. Especially by Johnny.
I meet his gaze across the table, and the look he gives me is sharp enough to sober me up.
“Let’s go for a swim,” Axel suggests, draining the rest of his beer. It’s November, but with a heated pool, it’s not the craziest idea.
“Tasha didn’t bring a suit,” Johnny says quickly.
“She can borrow one of mine,” I offer. We’re close in size, and the words are out before I can stop them. I mean it to be helpful, but from the glare Johnny levels at me, I may as well have invited her to snort a line.
“That’s a great idea, beautiful,” Nik says, trailing his finger lightly along my bare shoulder. I smile at him, grateful for the support.
“Swimming sounds fun,” Tasha agrees easily. “I’ll take you up on that suit.”
“Awesome. Let’s go.”
As Tasha and I head up the stairs, I hear murmured voices in the kitchen. Low and angry and definitely male. I don’t need to guess what the problem is.
I lead her into my room and dig through my drawer for options. I hand her the one she picks out. It’s a sleek, white one-piece with sheer paneling around the waist and tiny straps. It’s sexy but tasteful.
I grab my go-to red bikini, the one that makes me feel a little brave, and head into the bathroom to change.
“I’m heading down, Lina! See you out there!” Tasha calls as I finish up.
I touch up under my eyes, fluff my hair, and take one final breath before a few light knocks come from the door to Axel’s room.
“Lina?” he calls softly.
I pop the lock, and he steps in with Nik right behind him.
My brain short-circuits. Both of them are shirtless. Axel’s body is solid muscle, carved from all his gym dedication. Nik is leaner but just as devastating, with that relaxed swagger that makes him seem effortless.
My eyes drift down to the cut of their abs, then lower… Damn those swim trunks.
“Damn,” Nik says under his breath, an exact echo of my own thoughts. His eyes sweep over me. “You’re killing me.”
I grin, heat blooming in my cheeks. I’ve been consistent with my workouts since the attack, and this is the strongest I’ve ever felt, in both my body and maybe even my spirit.
“Thanks,” I say, pleased and flushed and slightly overwhelmed.
“About ready?” Axel asks, eyeing me like he’s trying to memorize the view.
“Yep. Just need to grab a cover up.”
“Don’t bother.” Axel tosses me a towel. “It’s dark out. No one’s gonna see anything you don’t want them to.”
Nik catches a second towel and tosses me with a wink. “Not unless you want us to.”
I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling. With them, this might actually be fun.
I follow them down the stairs and out the back door onto the patio. Someone already turned on the pool lights, casting a soft blue glow across the surface. In the water, Johnny has his arms wrapped around Tasha. I try not to let my face fall at the sight, but it twists something inside me anyway.
Nik sprints forward and cannonballs into the pool. Water explodes around him, and Tasha lets out a surprised squeal as it splashes her.
“Come on in!” Nik calls, grinning.
I pad barefoot to the edge. He holds his arms out. “Jump. I’ll catch you.”
It shouldn’t thrill me as much as it does. But I leap, and true to his word, he catches me. His arms lock around my waist, steady and strong. Instinctively, I wrap my arms and legs around him for warmth. His breath stutters.
“Is this okay?” I ask softly, suddenly worried I’ve crossed a line.
“It’s more than okay.” His voice is low, rough with something I’m not used to hearing from him. “I love how you feel in my arms. You just surprised me.”
The spark that occasionally simmers between us ignites in full. I was drawn to Nik from the start, but he’s always followed my lead, never pushing. Now, with his hands on my body and nothing but heat in his eyes, I can’t remember why I haven’t let myself want more of him.
Before I can process the feeling, arms circle my waist from behind. Axel. He presses close, resting his head on my shoulder.
“Quit hogging her,” he whines, hugging me tightly.
Tasha laughs from across the pool. “Are you all together?” she asks, gesturing toward the three of us.
“Together?” I blink, confused. Then, I get it. “Oh. Oh, no. We’re just friends. Axel and Nik are best friends and I’m… I’m the occasional third wheel. Not in a sexual way! There’s nothing sexual going on.”
Dear God, why can’t I stop talking?
Tasha just grins. “Why not? You clearly have chemistry.”
“No, no we don’t,” I say. But I’m still cradled between both of them like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“Stop talking, Princess,” Axel growls in my ear, the sound low and wicked.
Goosebumps erupt across my skin.
“Yeah, okay,” I mutter.
Eventually, we end up on opposite sides of the pool. Johnny and Tasha keep to themselves at one end, whispering and laughing softly, barely keeping their hands to themselves. I have nothing to say about it. Not while I’m being passed between Axel and Nik like a ping pong ball.
They take turns carrying me through the water, tossing me between them, teasing and laughing with me. I join in their banter when I can, but mostly, I just enjoy feeling… held. Safe. Like I don’t have to be anything except here.
By the time Johnny and Tasha climb out of the pool, I’m fading. My head rests on Axel’s shoulder, my body limp and content in his arms. The water is warm. His touch even warmer. I don’t want to move.
The water shifts beside us. Nik swims up behind me and gently brushes my wet hair over one shoulder. His fingertips skim the back of my neck. I shiver.
“Tired?” he murmurs.
“Mmhmm,” I hum. “But so comfy.”
Axel’s lips press to the top of my head. A moment later, Nik’s ghost across my bare shoulder.
I shiver again. Not from cold, but from something much more dangerous.
“Feel good?” Nik breathes against my ear.
“Yes,” I whisper, closing my eyes. “So good.”
Nik trails his lips slowly along my shoulder and up the curve of my neck. When I tilt my head, offering him better access, Axel threads his fingers into my hair and gently tugs until my gaze meets his.
He doesn’t kiss me, not yet. He just watches me.
Watches the way my chest rises and falls faster with each brush of Nik’s mouth.
His eyes flick to the line of my throat, where Nik is kissing, licking, and softly sucking.
My fingers tighten around Axel’s neck, and I hook my legs more securely around his hips.
“Oh,” I gasp when Nik’s teeth graze the tender spot between my neck and shoulder.
Axel’s grip in my hair loosens as I throw my head back with a shuddering sigh. Nik soothes the sting with slow, careful kisses, and I can't stop the low moan that escapes from deep inside me.
Axel’s voice drops to a husky whisper. “Oh, Princess. You need us to make you feel good, don’t you?”
I should be embarrassed, but I’m not. I haven’t touched myself since that morning in the shower—before Darren—and now, all that pent-up need is crashing through me at once. I ache everywhere. But I don’t feel afraid. I feel wanted. Cherished even.
“Please,” I whisper, breathless. “I need you. Both of you.”
That’s all it takes.
They don’t rush me. Instead, they begin to wind me up with nothing more than their mouths and their hands.
Their touches are gentle, deliberate… worshipful.
When one teases, the other soothes. When one bites, the other licks.
Their rhythm is so perfectly in sync that I can’t help but wonder if they’ve done this before.
Nik’s fingers find my chin, tilting it up. His blue eyes are dark with something more than desire.
“I’ve been wanting to do this for so long,” he admits, then finally presses his mouth to mine.
I expect heat, and boy do I get it. I’m frantic with need, but he doesn’t allow me to lead.
Instead, he threads his fingers into my hair, taking control.
He forces me to slow down, guiding the pace.
His other hand cups my face, and his thumb sweeps softly across my cheek, back and forth.
That one gesture shatters me. It makes me feel like I’m something valuable, and I’ve never wanted to be handled with this much care until now.
When he finally pulls away, our foreheads press together. We’re both breathless.
“My turn,” Axel demands, his voice rough and warm.