19. LUNA
Luna
I wake to a hard chest, remembering that Rome stayed with me last night. He mentioned something about checking up on me but ended up in my bed and repeating the first night we met. As much as I want to say that this man fucked me unconscious, he didn’t. Rome made love to me. Twice. He caresses and holds. His hands don’t roam. He adjusts to my discomforts and every time I tense, he slows down and waits for me to continue rather than dictating.
The one thing I can’t understand is how he both chooses for me and lets me direct the moment. He noticed something that only Griffin has been able to pick up on—that when I’m overwhelmed, I don’t like to choose. I want to be told. I can say yes or no a lot easier than making a full-fledged decision.
A small sigh falls from my lips as I stare at the handsome man resting in front of me. Each glint of metal adorning his face brings out this hardened look that doesn’t match his persona. Granted, I felt every last piece of metal between my legs last night and it was glorious. I clench my thighs together at how thoroughly he took me apart, swallowing my moans as he dominated my mouth and pussy at the same time.
Hovering a finger over his face, I count the piercings, lingering on the angel hoops through his bottom lip. God, he’s gorgeous. I continue my descent, lightly tracing over tattoos, realizing that many of them are raised. I had figured that out the first time we slept together but truly seeing it is completely different. The little light wafting through the window shade gives me a different view of this man and from what I see, his past is tortured, more so than mine ever was.
Still, I continue exploring, loving the way he tenses beneath my touch but doesn’t move further. It’s only when I reach his cock that Rome shifts, a hand settling on my waist. I ignore his touch, seeing through my hand as I wrap my fingers around his cock, trailing a line to the tip where that piercing is.
“Fuck, Luna.”
His cock immediately starts to harden in my grip and his fingers dig into my waist, drawing a gasp from me. Now determined to make him fall apart, I begin to stroke, running my thumb over his tip several times until I feel pre-cum coating it. I coat his cock with it, enjoying the way his hips slowly start rocking into my hand.
“Luna, you keep doing that, I’m going to come in your hand.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
“God, no.”
I pick up my pace, his deep groans giving me the confidence to continue. His hips stutter as his face scrunches up, his cock pulsating in my hand. His release fills my palm, dripping onto the sheet, and covering my bare pussy. The warmth of his cum makes my cheeks heat at the thought of that being inside me and I make a plan to ask him to go bare next time. I want to truly feel him. Both of them.
“That’s a wonderful way to wake up, sweetheart.” Rome kisses my forehead before climbing off the mattress, gloriously naked. He stretches and looks around for his boxers but I’m more intrigued by the mess on my hand. Sitting up as well, I stare at his release, rubbing my fingers together before sticking one into my mouth. Rome groans. “Fucking hell. Luna, sweetheart, we have shit to do and as much as I want to keep you in that bed all day, I need you not to do that.”
I giggle and then tense. It’s been a while since I’ve made that sound and even longer since I haven’t repeatedly checked for my bag. Rome makes me feel safe. So do the others.
Complying with Rome’s request, I climb off the mattress after wiping my cum-covered hand on his shirt. We both need showers and coffee before either of us is going to function.
“Luna, you realize that I can’t be seen walking down the street in that, right?”
I stare at the mess I’ve created and then glance up at him apologetically. “Um… oh! I still have Griffin’s shirt. You can wear his.” I’m not sure that will be much better. No doubt Spring Haven will be exploding with gossip. Rome shakes his head as he points to the bathroom for me to take my shower first.
A full, hot shower later, I’m standing by the door and wearing the last pair of clean clothes I have with my bag strapped to my back. I hope Ms. Elrod has a washing machine. Rome steps up beside me wearing Griffin’s shirt, a little too tight for him, showing off all those beautiful muscles beneath the fabric. He’s handling one of the treats he brought last night, unwrapping it and holding it up to my lips. “I meant to feed you last night but I got a little preoccupied,” he says sheepishly.
The slice of cake makes my mouth water so I lean forward and take a healthy bite, moaning as the flavor spreads across my tongue. Rome’s eyes darken, his tongue running along his top lip.
I snatch the cake from him and then reach for the coffee from the little table. We don’t have time for another round and now I’m sore again. Four times in two days? I’ve somehow hit the jackpot. Stuffing the rest of the dessert in my mouth, I wash it down with the coffee, trying not to groan as the lavender and vanilla flavors spill down my throat. Maybe I should have taken my time to enjoy it but I’m hungry and anxious and those two things mean I will devour any food that comes my way.
“Ready?” Rome asks as he throws open the door.
“Not really but I have to be.”
We walk downstairs in silence, Rome gathering my hand in his when we make it out onto the sidewalk. It’s early enough that Ms. Elrod hasn’t taken up residence at the front desk but not early enough to avoid stares from some of the older crowd in Spring Haven. Still, walking beside Rome feels comfortable and the warmth of his hand is perfect. This is the longest amount of time I’ve spent with one man since Griffin, too scared that I would bring my problems to their door or that one of them could be after me.
“Where’d you disappear to in your head? You know the walk over here is less than five minutes.”
“Just thinking.”
“Mmhmm.” Rome twists toward me, a devilish grin sitting on his lips before he leans down to kiss me. It’s quick and light but there seems to be a joke I’m missing. “Luna, I’m going to enjoy every last minute you give me. Kisses and all. However, Griffin’s just inside, and no doubt he saw that.”
I frown. “So, you’re in competition? I don’t like that.”
Rome snorts. “No, but I think both you and I know what Griffin is into. I can’t imagine the type of shit you two must have gotten up to in college. I’m just curious who introduced it first.” I can’t hide my blush and that just makes Rome laugh. “See? Be careful. Nova is a kinky bastard and he’ll take you up on probably every fantasy you’ve ever thought of.”
I swallow. “I’m… I… there’s nothing between Nova and I.”
“Not yet, sweetheart. But it’s inevitable.” He kisses my forehead and then pushes me toward the office door before heading to the café. I don’t know what to do with that information. Nova is inevitable. Do I want him to be? Am I really that selfish to want three men?
I step inside and Griffin is inches away, nearly vibrating out of his skin. His arms spread wide and I fall into them, Griffin running his nose against my cheek as he takes me in. When I wrap my arms around his neck and tug him closer, he melts. “I’ve forgotten how good it feels to have your arms around me.” One of his hands sifts up into my hair, a grunt pulling from his lips when he realizes it’s been tied up again. He always loved my curls loose. “Did Rome take care of you?”
He asked something similar before. “Why would you ask that?”
“Because the man looked like he was going to die last night when you didn’t answer any of his texts. I also saw that sweet kiss he gave you a few moments ago. Rome isn’t sweet, precious.”
“What?”
Griffin pulls away a little. “Rome bakes but that’s probably the sweetest thing about him. Sure, he can be gentle but that man isn’t sweet, not unless he cares.”
“Seriously?” That surprises me. “And you’re okay with this?”
“Luna, knowing that you’re taken care of means way more to me than anything else. I fucking love that it’s Rome, knowing that you’re safe in his hands. That if you have a problem, you have more than just me to run to.”
“And Nova is okay with this?” My insecurities are getting the better of me again as I pull away, wringing my hands together. Griffin looks at Nova the way Griffin used to look at me, the way he does look at me.
“Am I okay with what?”
My eyes widen as Nova appears from the staircase, dressed in a different set of lounge clothes than yesterday. The long-sleeve black shirt tightens around his torso, showing off many of the same muscles that Rome has. He’s still sporting dress pants but sleek black sneakers complete the look. His mussed silver and black strands curve around the sharp angles in his face, those piercing blue eyes a few shades lighter than yesterday. I’m not sure I have ever been so impressed by a man in all black. Griffin chuckles and I shake my head, realizing that I was staring.
Nova steps toward us, his gaze locked on me. “Am I okay with what, Luna?”
“Fuck. This. It’s messy and weird and now you’re looking into these men and-” Nova raises an eyebrow and it’s almost like a command to calm down. I do. Immediately. And the rush of emotions that comes with obeying has me a little scared.
“What happened isn’t your fault, Luna. It’s the fault of a man who you’ve never met trying to crawl out of the grave he’s dug himself by throwing someone else in. I’m making sure that doesn’t happen.”
Violence laces his words. I should be appalled at what Nova is insinuating but I’m really not. “That’s not what I was talking about.”
“I was. However,” Nova’s tone drops to a purr and I watch as he steps up behind Griffin and wraps his arms around the man’s shoulders. “I’ve told you before that it’s okay. Besides, Griffin likes to be held.” Griffin shudders as Nova presses a kiss to the man’s ear. I bite back a moan, watching them together, understanding the dynamic. Griffin was always the dominant one when we shared. I switched back and forth, depending on the situation but Griffin always directed the scenes.
Here, with Nova, it makes sense though.
There were a few times I took charge when it was just Griffin and I but it always felt strange, like there was a dynamic missing. I didn’t want to command Griffin and him listening to me did nothing for either of us.
“ No ,” Griffin says as he catches onto my thinking before I do, a wild smile spreading across his face. I startle and frown before images of our college days flit through my mind. Hell, Griffin offered up a show yesterday in the kitchen, asking if I wanted to watch—if I wanted Nova to touch me. If I’d let that gorgeous man eat me out while Griffin watched.
My breath quickens as I try to hide what I’m thinking about. My fingers curl around the straps of my backpack, my gaze flitting between the both of them. Nova raises an eyebrow again, his hold tightening on Griffin’s shoulders. “What does she want, Fin? What’s going through our girl’s mind?”
Our.
He said our.
I’m sure it was the slip of a tongue but god, it sounds perfect when it rolls off of Nova’s.
“Luna wants to watch,” Griffin sighs, leaning back against Nova. “We were into a lot of things in college. Watching, performing. I told you this. I’ve mentioned it before.” Griffin sounds almost agitated but I know for a fact that he’s just trying to disguise what he wants, just as much as I am. We both think we’re being selfish but the growing bulge between his thighs tells me otherwise.
If either of them were to come closer, they’d be able to feel the heat rising off my skin or notice my nipples pebbling beneath my shirt.
Nova grins as he stands up fully. “Ah. Good to know.” He wraps a hand around the front of Griffin’s neck and squeezes just enough to draw a gasp from my lover’s lips. Griffin’s hips buck forward as Nova twists him around and devours his lips in a rough kiss. I stand there, watching, intrigued by the dominant display. “Griffin, I think you and Luna have some work to do. As do I,” Nova mentions as he pulls away. “Luna, do you have any other information that might help me?”
I’m just there, my panties damp as Griffin unsuccessfully tries to catch his breath. “Wait what?”
Nova chuckles, a deep hearty sound, and steps around Griffin to place himself in front of me. His gaze dips down to my shirt, no doubt catching on to how turned on I am at the moment. He doesn’t touch me but that almost makes this moment worse as he bends down just enough, his lips hovering over mine. “Information, angel. I’m wondering if you have some.”
My entire body alights with need as I tremble beneath his attention. Is this what caught Griffin? This intense blue stare with an insane focus? “Um, yes?” I say softly. His breath fans across my lips and I step back, horrified when I catch a second scent. Lemon. The body wash from yesterday was his. Why the fuck didn’t Griffin say anything? Shaking off that thought, I slip off my bag and reach inside, scrambling for the paper I received six years ago, the contract that my father—John Williamson—supposedly signed. “Here.”
Nova straightens up and reaches for it, his elegantly long fingers brushing mine. I don’t miss the faded tattoos on the back of his hand, those lines bleeding and following up his arm. “And what is this?”
Is he wholly unaffected or just playing with me? I’m confused and hot and needy. Griffin is no help as he reaches down to adjust himself, pure as-shit sunshine radiating from his expression. He’s enjoying this.
“Luna, focus. ”
I want to stomp my foot and ask him how the hell I’m supposed to focus when he’s purposefully confusing me by almost kissing me like that but I just clear my throat. “The contract that was delivered to my house six years ago. It has my father’s signature and his thumbprint which says they can come after family.”
“Mmm, this will be helpful. Why don’t you get started on Griffin’s manuscript and I’ll bring you something to drink before I look into this?”
Nova isn’t really asking, Griffin tugging me toward the table we were at yesterday. “Welcome to Nova.”
“Seriously?”
“He can get really intense but fuck, it’s amazing.”
“I can see that.”
Griffin’s grin widens. “I thought you were either going to combust or jump his bones.”
“The thought occurred to me but I already have two men, Griffin.”
“You’re allowed to be selfish, Luna. You deserve to be selfish.” He pulls me against his side, content to hold me there as I pull his manuscript from my bag and set it on the table. It’s strange mixing business with pleasure and yet, it feels normal. Comfortable. It reminds me of the dreams I used to have—granted there were fewer men but Griffin would return from teaching while I poured over a manuscript. Our nights would delve into erotic chaos as we shared each other or found excitement somewhere else. “The question is,” Griffin halts my movements as he pinches my chin and twists my face to look at him. “Do you want to be selfish?”
“I-”
“Nova wanted to do a lot more than just kiss you and I’m sure Rome would keep you in bed forever if time would allow it.”
“And you?”
“I never want to let you go. From my sight, my side, my bed.”
I bite my lip, thinking. “You feel the same way about Nova, too, don’t you?” He nods. “I want to be selfish. So much. But it’s hard when I haven’t been able to.”
“Then this is me giving you permission even though you don’t fucking need it. Be selfish, Luna. Take. We’re offering, so take. ” He leans forward and kisses me, cupping my cheek in his hand.
“As much as I’d love to watch this, I’m sorry to break up the fun.” Nova’s commanding voice is back and I pull away to see a gray-looking liquid in a mug sitting before me. Steam rises from it and Griffin grimaces at my side. I don’t understand why it’s here or what it is or why Rome hasn’t returned with coffee. More coffee. Nova rolls up his sleeves, those beautiful tattoos making an appearance. He has to be doing this on purpose to invoke a reaction. Or I’m just a horny bitch. “It’s good for you, an herbal remedy for energy.”
The gray liquid doesn’t look appetizing in the slightest. “But-”
“Angel,” he purrs, walking around the table to sit beside me, his elbows propped up on his knees. My eyes widen at the second use of the pet name and I try to even my breathing so he doesn’t see how much it affects me. “Rome mentioned that you were drinking coffee all night and that you had one this morning. No more. You need your sleep and energy, and your health is important.”
“You guys are talking about me?” I squeak and I should have known they would. Of course, they would. Communication is important. Hearing that it happens, though, is different. Griffin squeezes my knee but I’m still focused on Nova. I start to tell him that I’m not all that happy about it when my phone buzzes in my pocket. Probably Max. I slip it out and tense, quickly denying the call. It’ll go to voicemail and no doubt, they’ll get a message saying that my inbox is full.
I refuse to listen to the messages, knowing that it’ll throw me into a downward spiral of terror.
“Was that them? May I see?”
Nova’s hand is outstretched and I hesitate before dropping my phone into his palm. His fingers catch mine and we stay there for a few moments, tears welling up in my eyes at the unspoken promise in his. I really do feel protected between these three. “You’re going to find them, aren’t you?”
“I have a few people who can look into it. You guys work. I’ll just be upstairs if you need me, okay? I’ll have your phone back to you in a little bit. Thank you for trusting me with it.” A soft kiss on my wrist has me relaxing before he reminds me to drink my tea and then disappears up the stairs, leaving me alone with Griffin.
“No wonder you fell in love with him, Griffin. God, I think I died and went to heaven.”
“They’ll take care of you if you let them.”
I snort. “You make it sound like this is a forever thing.”
“And you make it sound like you’re leaving in two weeks. No, Luna, don’t do that. Just try, okay?”
I huff out a sigh and nod. I don’t want to plan for a happily ever after when it’s not promised and I’ve been let down before. Changing the topic slightly, I start fingering the pages of his manuscript before turning to him. “Yana is coming.”
The color drains from Griffin’s face and I laugh. “Why? What happened? Shit.”
I shrug. “Max mentioned Yana is trying to draw up some press before you do that press conference in Red Brook. Why, what’s wrong?” I sift through everything I know about Griffin Solace or at least the tattooed bad-boy writer that Yana created. I can’t remember most of the scandals but there were a few. “Were any of those stories true?”
“Not one. She’s never visited though. Well, once or twice. She just latches onto something, throws it to the public, and they eat it up. Spring Haven doesn’t read into any of that shit so I’m still the boy who never left but if Yana is coming here?”
I scoot closer to him and snuggle into his side, wrapping my arms around his waist and placing my chin on the edge of his shoulder. “We’ll figure it out.”
Griffin stares at me, those gray eyes brightening several shades. “You said we.”
“I did.”
“Fuck yeah, we’ll figure it out.”
I nod to his manuscript. “We also have to figure that out.”
“I can do that.”
“Before Yana gets here. She’s going to want to see progress and if we don’t have anything, she’ll spin some weirdass web of something that the press can latch onto. How they aren’t banging down your doors, I’ll never know.”
Griffin shrugs. “Probably the only thing Yana has ever done right. Threatened the press, saying that if they ever threaten my safety they’d be charged with trespassing. Well, Nova wrote up the contract and shoved it down Maximillian’s throat. Yana didn’t have much of a choice if they wanted me to write so she does a pretty good job of enforcing it. There’s a trickle here and there, looking for me, but for the most part, Spring Haven is just that— a haven. ”
“Let’s hope Yana isn’t about to fuck all that up.” I know for a fact that our happiness will be short-lived. These three men have told me that I can be selfish in their own ways but when the PR manager shows up, it’s all hands off. After three days around these men, I’m not sure how I’ll survive. I take a sip of my tea and realize it doesn’t taste half as bad as it looks. However, if I have to drink it, I will not be shamed for putting a little more sugar in it. Well, a lot.