Chapter 9
Carina
“I’m sorry, girl. You did what??”
I laugh, hearing myself tell this outrageous story. No wonder Lissa is confused. It sounds like some Hallmark Channel Christmas rom-com.
When I saw Lissa’s name pop up on my phone, I knew instantly I needed to tell her about my predicament. We’ve been friends for the last several years and she knows all about Dylan, the divorce and the struggles I’ve had coming back from all of that.
“Yea, I know it sounds crazy,” I say. “Less than a week ago I was living in New York with no job, no money, just trying to deal with the aftermath of this completely shitty divorce. Now I’m in Switzerland, of all places, for the holidays with these three men. And I kind of want them all…”
Lissa laughs. “You should completely go for it. You deserve it.”
“But I work with these guys. And I need this job. Desperately.”
“It sounds like they’re all onboard though. And, I mean, if they don’t have a problem with it, why should you?”
“Well, they’re not all onboard. William, the super controlling one, I’m pretty sure would never give in to this… whatever this is. He’s way to tightly strung.”
“Okay, but the other two are game. And you obviously want them. What’s the harm?”
“The ‘harm’ is what if everything goes sideways and I end up back in the city, broke and unable to pay my rent?”
“Or you could end up in one of their penthouses, living the life. Have you thought about that?”
I laugh loudly. Leave it to Lissa to see the bright side of all of this.
“Live a little, babe. You’ve had so much heartache the last few years. If these men are as hot as you say they are, I’m sure the sex is going to be off the charts.”
“If the foreplay is any indication of that, you are so fucking right…”
“I’ve got to start my shift but promise me you’ll let me know what happens. And I want all the details.”
"I promise I'll tell you everything," I say, smiling into the phone. "Every dirty detail."
"You better! Love you, babe."
"Love you too."
I hang up and flop back on the luxurious bed, staring at the ceiling.
I’m so happy to have someone like Lissa in my life who doesn't judge me for any of this madness.
Most people would think I've lost my mind, but she just wants me to enjoy myself.
After Dylan tore my self-esteem to shreds, it's exactly the kind of support I need.
With a sigh, I roll off the bed. It's getting late, and my body is still adjusting to the time difference. A hot bath might help me relax and sort through my thoughts about Travis, Knox, and William.
The bathroom is something out of an architectural magazine—all marble and gleaming fixtures.
The claw-foot tub sits majestically in the center, deep enough that I could practically swim in it.
I run my fingers along the smooth, cool edge.
I've always loved baths, finding them meditative, but my tiny New York apartment only has a cramped shower stall.
I turn the ornate brass taps, and water thunders into the tub.
I rummage through the toiletries in the linen closet and find a small bottle of bath oil that smells like heaven.
This is exactly what I need—a proper soak in a tub built for a princess.
I have no idea why I haven’t already indulged in this.
Too busy worrying about everything going on, I guess.
Pouring a generous amount of the oil into the stream of water, I watch as it creates iridescent swirls on the surface. Steam rises and fills the room with the delicate scent of jasmine. When the tub is nearly full, I slip out of my clothes, leaving them in a careless pile on the floor.
I ease into the water with a sigh that feels like it's been trapped in my body for days. The heat immediately seeps into my muscles, dissolving the tension I didn't even realize I was carrying. I slide down until the water reaches my chin.
God, this feels incredible. Like being wrapped in liquid silk.
My thoughts drift to Knox. The way his eyes darkened when he kissed me earlier, his hands firm on my hips. The rasp in his voice when he whispered what he wanted to do to me. I run my fingers along my collarbone, remembering the trail his lips took.
A shiver runs through me despite the heat of the water.
Then there’s Travis. So different, but equally intoxicating. That night in the library, the way he looked at me. And he was patient… so patient with me. Not pushy in the least. It make me want him so much more.
My fingers trail to my nipple, teasing it to a hard peak as I imagine their hands on me instead of my own. The water sloshes gently around me as I arch slightly, my breasts rising above the water's surface. The cool air makes my skin pebble, sending a delicious contrast to the heat of the bath.
Would Travis be gentle? Would Knox be rougher, more demanding? My breath quickens at the thought. And William... despite his rigid exterior, I can't help but wonder what passion lurks beneath.
I stop for a moment, sitting up partially. What am I thinking? I've never entertained the idea of sleeping with multiple men at the same time. That's not who I am. Or at least, it wasn't who I was before taking this job and coming to Switzerland. Before meeting them.
I sink back into the water, trying to clear my head. It's one thing to fantasize, but another entirely to act on these impulses. If things went south, I'd be left with nothing again. Worse than nothing—with embarrassment, awkwardness, and no job.
But just as I try to banish the thoughts, they flood back with even more intensity. Images of all three men flash through my mind and my body responds instantly to these fantasies, demanding attention.
"God," I whisper to myself.
I close my eyes and let my head fall back against the edge of the tub.
Almost without conscious decision, my fingers slide lower into the water.
One hand cups my breast, my thumb circling my nipple while my other hand drifts between my thighs.
The warm water makes everything slick as I find my clit, gasping slightly at the contact.
Images flash behind my closed eyelids—Knox's intense gaze, Travis's gentle smile, even William's stern expression softening as he looks at me. I imagine it's their hands touching me, not my own, and the fantasy is so vivid it almost feels like they’re here with me.
I increase the pressure, circling my clit faster as the tension builds inside me.
The water laps against the sides of the tub as my movements become more urgent.
My breathing grows ragged, and I bite my lower lip to keep from making too much noise.
The last thing I need is for one of them to hear me.
Or maybe that's exactly what I want.
"Fuck," I breathe, so close to the edge now.
My orgasm crashes over me suddenly and I ride the waves of pleasure, my fingers slowing as the sensation finally begins to fade.
I slump back against the tub, my breathing gradually returning to normal. The momentary relief is already fading, replaced by an even deeper yearning.
I thought maybe this could be my solution. I could just retreat to this bathroom every night, fantasize about them, and take care of my own needs. Keep things professional during the day. No complications, no risking my job, no messy entanglements.
But who am I kidding? This little session didn't satisfy me—it only intensified everything. Now I'm even more curious about what it would feel like to be with each of these men fully. Under them, moving with them, feeling them deep inside me.
I want the real thing. All of them. The fantasy isn't enough.
With a sigh, I pull the drain plug and stand, water cascading down my body. I reach for one of the plush towels hanging nearby and wrap it around myself, the soft fabric a poor substitute for the touch I'm craving.
After drying off, I pull on my silky pajamas. The cool fabric slides against my skin, still feeling overly sensitive from my bath activities. I run a comb through my hair and catch my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks are flushed, eyes bright. I look... alive. More alive than I've felt in months.
I pad barefoot across the hardwoods and climb into the king-sized bed.
The sheets are crisp and cool against my skin, but as I stretch out, the emptiness of this massive bed feels overwhelming.
I pull the duvet up to my chin and stare at the ceiling, listening to the quiet of the house settling around me.
It's strange, lying here alone when I know they're all just down the hall. Each, perhaps, thinking of me too.
I wrap my arms around myself as I imagine what would happen if I got up right now. I could walk down that hallway and choose a door—any door—and raise my hand to knock.
Would Travis answer with that soft, surprised smile? Would Knox pull me inside without a word? Would William's carefully maintained control finally crack?
My heart races at the thought. But instead of acting on the thought, I roll onto my side, hugging a pillow to my stomach. And tonight, that will have to do. But who knows about tomorrow…