Chapter 53
Alara
" Y ou realize how corny that sounds, right?" I roll my eyes at Lane.
"Whatever it takes to win your heart, my lady." He bows in front of me.
Gone is the serious, dominating creature he turns into during sex.
He's shifted back into his typical sarcastic self, which I must admit I really like.
Once inside the room, I see Nix waiting for us.
His hair is wet, and the sheets have been changed, which warms my heart.
It's kind of endearing how far each of these men is willing to go for me in such a small amount of time.
"Thank you,” I say, before pressing my lips against his.
He doesn't ask what for, and honestly, I don't know if I could limit it down to just one thing. This whole group scenario is all because of him. It most likely would have happened on its own, but he saved me from potentially months of doubting myself and my feelings.
"Slide under the covers so I can keep you warm," Nix insists.
When I go to move, something is tossed directly on my head.
"Put that on first," Lane hisses .
I turn to see him also throwing a shirt in River’s direction. He actually went and got us clothing from his room to wear. That's cute as fuck. Still, I feel like I should mess with him.
"I don't know. I think Ender's might fit better." I giggle, thinking about how that might be true.
"Put the shirt on, pet." He tilts his head to the side, giving extra emphasis on the 't' at the end of the word pet.
I definitely hit a nerve.
"I think I'll pass. You're not asking very nicely." I grin.
River chokes next to me, likely trying his best to hold in a laugh. He knows exactly how demanding his boyfriend likes to be, and how much he hates being told no.
"Fine. Please put the shirt on," Lane concedes, but I still don't think that's enough.
"That still sounded a little mean." I slide the towel off and instantly feel eyes roaming up and down my now naked body.
He sighs loudly. "Alara, would you please wear my shirt to bed?"
"Good boy." I nod, finally pulling the cotton fabric over my head and slipping under the covers with Nix. I'm still not wearing any underwear, but the shirt is long enough that it doesn't matter.
I might pay for it the next time we're together. I just can't bring myself to care. Being a brat is fun. I should do it more often .
River lifts the covers and takes the spot on the other side of me, sandwiching my body between him and Nix. After Lane turns off the light, he joins us on the other side of River.
I consider whether or not we should talk about what happened, but I decide against it. Instead, I enjoy the harmonious silence we all share until sleep finally pulls me under.
***
I wake up sometime later, completely alone. The sun shining through the window tells me it's morning, which means I must have slept uninterrupted the whole night. I’m a bit confused as to why I’m alone, though. Where the hell did the guys go?
I flip the covers off and reach for my phone. Sliding through the notifications, I see a message from a number I don't recognize.
Unknown: This is Glen. I need you to meet me at ten am so we can finish your paperwork. There was a document you forgot to sign. I'll send the address once you confirm back.
Me: Hi, yes. I can meet you at ten.
Glancing at the time, I see it's a little past nine. That's plenty of time to get dressed and make my way to wherever he wants.
Glen: Great. Can you come alone? I know the guys will probably want to tag along, but I’d like the opportunity for the two of us to get to know each other without their influence. It shouldn’t be any more than thirty minutes.
That seems odd, but I push it to the back of my mind. Surely, I'm just reading into things. He wants to get to know me. It's normal to want to get to know someone you will be working with.
Rolling out of bed, I stretch and take note of my sore muscles. It’s a steady reminder of the fun that was had in this bed. It was the first of many fond memories we’re bound to make together over the next few months.
It’s time to throw on something cute. I start with a blue jean skirt that stops about mid-thigh and choose a pair of fishnet tights to wear beneath it.
The skirt is long enough that it should be safe enough to keep someone from getting a glance at one of my butt cheeks.
I top it off with a pair of black shorts underneath as an extra precaution.
I reach for my black and white Converse, lacing them up, and top it off with a simple black long-sleeved mesh shirt with a Metallica t-shirt over top of it.
Once the shirt is tucked into the top of my skirt, I fidget with my hair, pulling it up into space buns, and decide to leave a few pieces hanging in the front.
For makeup, there’s really no need to go all out. I opt for a bit of mascara and a red lipstick. The outfit came together perfectly. One last look in the mirror later, I nod and make my way out of my room.
Lane's room is the first place I pop my head into, but he’s fast asleep with River next to him. The two of them must have come back in here after I fell asleep. The bed was pretty tight, so it makes sense, but I can't help but feel a bit disappointed.
Deciding not to bother them, I turn in the other direction and make my way toward the delicious smell coming from the kitchen.
The first thing I see when I round the corner is Ender at the stove.
This man loves to cook. It’s something I didn’t expect from him, but it adds a layer of complexity that I’ve grown to adore.
I’ll keep that special fact to myself, though.