33. Lila
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Lila
I woke up to the soft glow of morning light spilling through my curtains and the faint snuffle of Biscuit curled up at my side.
For the first time in what felt like weeks, my chest didn’t feel like it was weighed down by a thousand stones.
The heaviness of fear, of indecision, of guilt… it wasn’t gone, but it had lessened, like a storm clearing after a long, relentless night.
And in its place was something new.
Determination.
I sat up slowly, stretching and rubbing the sleep from my eyes as Biscuit yawned and gave a little wiggle, demanding his morning attention. I ran a hand over his soft fur, the simple act grounding me.
I didn’t know exactly when it had happened, but somewhere between the chaos of Rick’s appearance, the guys standing steadfast beside me, and the endless whirlwind of emotions, something had clicked in my mind.
This was what I wanted.
The thought should have scared me.
It was unconventional. Messy.
The kind of thing that could turn my life upside down even more than it already had.
But when I thought about Jaxon’s fiery protectiveness, Ryan’s quiet strength, and Colt’s playful resilience, the fear didn’t feel as overwhelming.
I wasn’t just drawn to them… I loved them.
Each of them.
And they loved me, too, in their own ways. I could feel it in every touch, every look, every unspoken promise that they would stand by me, no matter what.
If I was brave enough to reach for it.
Biscuit barked softly, breaking me out of my thoughts, and I smiled down at him. “What do you think, buddy? Is it crazy to think this could actually work?”
He tilted his head, as if weighing my question, and let out another bark.
“Yeah, I thought you’d say that.” I sighed, but it wasn’t a sigh of defeat.
It was a release.
After a quick breakfast and a walk with Biscuit to settle my nerves, I got in my car and drove over to find the men.
I had a feeling they’d be at Colt’s place because it was nearest to the police station. I just hoped they were all together.
The closer I got, the more the nerves kicked in.
Determination had been easy in the safety of my room, but now, staring down the reality of telling all three of them what I wanted—what I hoped they wanted, too—felt overwhelming.
When I pulled up, I noticed Jaxon’s truck in the driveway, Colt’s motorcycle leaning against the side of the garage, and Ryan’s Jeep parked next to the curb.
They were all here. Perfect.
Or terrifying.
“Okay, Biscuit,” I said, glancing at him in the passenger seat. “This is it. Wish me luck.”
He gave a small woof, tail wagging, and I took that as a good sign.
I stepped out of the car with my faithful corgi in tow and walked up the pathway, my heart pounding as I knocked on the door.
Colt answered, his face lighting up when he saw me.
“Hey, Trouble,” he said with a grin, leaning casually against the doorframe. “To what do we owe the honor?”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the smile that crept onto my lips. “Is everyone here?”
“Yeah, we’re in the kitchen. Come on in.”
He stepped aside to let me in, his playful energy as comforting as ever.
The house smelled like coffee and bacon, and I found Jaxon leaning against the counter, mug in hand, while Ryan stood at the stove, flipping pancakes. It was such a normal, domestic scene that I almost forgot why I was there.
“Morning,” Jaxon said, his blue eyes locking onto mine. “You okay?”
Ryan glanced over his shoulder, his expression softening when he saw me. “Hey, Lila. You want some coffee? Breakfast?”
I let Biscuit loose to sniff and shook my head, my hands fidgeting at my sides. “No, I’m good. I actually… I need to talk to you all.”
The casual atmosphere shifted instantly. Jaxon straightened, setting his mug down, while Colt’s playful grin faded into something more serious. Ryan turned off the stove, wiping his hands on a towel before leaning back against the counter.
It was time.
Time for us all to work out if we were all in.
Time to make this official…
I swallowed hard, my hands twisting together as the three of them watched me, their expressions varying but equally intense. Jaxon’s sharp blue eyes locked on me with a mix of curiosity and concern, Ryan’s steady green gaze softened with quiet patience, and Colt’s lips twitched, as though he was fighting the urge to crack a joke to break the tension.
This was it.
No turning back.
“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” I started, my voice shakier than I’d expected. “About… us. About everything that’s happened. And what I want.”
Colt leaned against the edge of the table, folding his arms, while Jaxon moved closer, his jaw tightening. Ryan simply waited, his calm presence giving me the courage to keep going.
“And?” Jaxon prompted, his tone careful, as though bracing himself.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to meet their eyes.
“I know this isn’t exactly the easiest situation. It’s… messy, and it’s unconventional, and there’s a lot that could go wrong. But the truth is…” I paused, steadying myself. “The truth is, I don’t care about any of that. I care about you. All of you. And I want this to work.”
Ryan’s eyes widened slightly, his breath catching, while Colt let out a low whistle. Jaxon, ever the steady force, crossed his arms as he studied me.
“Go on,” he said, his voice low.
I felt my cheeks flush, but I pushed forward. “I know what I’m asking isn’t simple. It’s going to take effort. Compromise. But I love you—all three of you—in your own ways. And I want to try. If you’re all willing to, that is.”
There.
It was out.
The vulnerability felt like a weight pressing against my chest, but I held my ground, refusing to let the fear take over.
Colt was the first to speak, his gray eyes glinting with both humor and sincerity. “Damn, Lila. You don’t do anything halfway, do you?”
A nervous laugh escaped me. “Guess not.”
“Good,” Colt said, stepping closer. “Because neither do I.” He reached for my hand, lacing his fingers with mine. “I’m in. All the way. I’ve been in since the moment you walked back into Medford looking like trouble wrapped in a pretty package.”
I felt tears prick my eyes, but before I could respond, Jaxon stepped forward. His hand cupped my chin, gently lifting my face to meet his intense gaze.
“You’re sure about this?” he asked, his voice soft but firm. “Because once I’m in, Lila, I’m not walking away. Not ever.”
My throat tightened, but I nodded. “I’m sure, Jaxon. I want this. I want you.”
Something flickered in his eyes, and then his lips captured mine in a kiss so tender and yet so possessive that it made my knees weak. When he pulled back, there was no doubt left in his expression.
“That’s all I needed to hear,” he murmured, brushing his thumb over my cheek before stepping back.
I turned to Ryan, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, his arms folded as he leaned against the counter. His green eyes searched mine, filled with an emotion so deep it took my breath away.
“This won’t be easy,” he said finally. “People are going to talk. Nate is going to lose his mind.”
“I know,” I said, taking a step toward him. “And I’m prepared for that. I’ll handle Nate. And the town. I just need to know… are you with me?”
Ryan exhaled slowly, then nodded. “Yeah, Lila. I’m with you.” He unfolded his arms and pulled me into his embrace, holding me so tightly I thought I might break—and not in a bad way.
As I rested my cheek against his chest, Colt let out a low chuckle. “Well, I guess this means we’re official, huh?”
I laughed, the sound breaking through the tension. “Guess so.”
Jaxon smirked. “I think it’s safe to say the next few months are going to be… interesting.”
Ryan pulled back, his lips quirking into a rare, soft smile. “But worth it.”
And just like that, I knew.
It wouldn’t be easy. It might even be chaos.
But it was ours.
Colt’s low chuckle broke the momentary silence, his gray eyes gleaming with mischief as he sauntered closer. “All right, lovebirds, I think we’ve had enough of the serious talk for now. What do you say we celebrate this…monumental moment properly?”
Jaxon rolled his eyes, but there was a twitch of a smile on his lips. Ryan, ever the serious one, sighed, though his arms stayed firmly around me.
I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. He was already guessing what Colt was about to suggest.
“Colt,” I said warningly, but the way his grin widened told me he wasn’t about to back off.
“What?” he asked, feigning innocence. “This is a big deal, Lila. We’ve all just agreed to something huge. Feels like it calls for a proper…commemoration, don’t you think?”
Jaxon snorted. “You’re unbelievable.”
“And you’re no saint, Jaxon,” Colt shot back, his grin turning wicked. He shifted his attention back to me, stepping close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from him. His hand brushed my cheek, tilting my face up to meet his smoldering gaze. “Unless you’ve changed your mind, Trouble.”
“I haven’t,” I whispered, though it was barely audible as the weight of all three of their gazes settled on me.
“Good.” Colt’s voice dropped, his thumb brushing over my bottom lip before he dipped his head.
His lips met mine in a kiss that was nothing like Jaxon’s. Where Jaxon was possessive and commanding, Colt was playful and teasing, his lips tugging mine into a slow, tantalizing rhythm that left me breathless.
Behind us, Jaxon growled, impatient. “All right, that’s enough. My turn.”
Colt chuckled against my lips, pulling back just enough to shoot Jaxon a cocky grin. “Always so bossy.”
“Move,” Jaxon said, stepping forward, and Colt obeyed, though not without one last wink in my direction.
Before I could catch my breath, Jaxon’s hands were on me, his fingers threading through my hair as he claimed my mouth with an intensity that made my knees buckle.
His kiss was demanding, searing, like he was staking his claim, and I melted against him, my fingers clutching the front of his shirt as his tongue swept against mine.
Somewhere to the side, I heard Colt let out an exaggerated sigh. “Save some for the rest of us, will you?”
Jaxon broke the kiss with another low growl, his forehead pressing against mine as his blue eyes burned into mine. “You good?”
I nodded, my breath coming in short gasps. “Yeah. Very good.”
Jaxon smirked, brushing his thumb over my swollen lips before stepping back to let Ryan take his place.
Ryan didn’t say a word as he stepped forward, his green eyes dark with desire. Unlike the others, he didn’t rush. His hands cupped my face gently, his thumbs brushing over my cheeks as he studied me, as though memorizing every detail.
“Ryan,” I breathed, my heart pounding in my chest.
He leaned in slowly, his lips hovering over mine as he whispered, “I’m all in, Lila. All of me.”
And then he kissed me.
Ryan’s kiss was everything I desired and more. It wasn’t about staking a claim or teasing; it was about showing me exactly what he felt, without words.
His lips moved against mine with a tenderness that left me trembling, his hands anchoring me in place as he took his time exploring me. When he finally pulled back, my head was spinning, my body humming with need.
“Well, that was…” I trailed off, struggling to find the words.
“Just the beginning,” Colt said, his voice low and full of promise.
Jaxon crossed his arms, his lips curving into a smirk. “You’re not going anywhere, Lila. Not tonight.”
Ryan’s hand slid to my waist. “Let us take care of you.”
And as the three of them surrounded me, their hands and lips leaving no part of me untouched, I realized I wasn’t just theirs.
They were mine, too.
And for the first time in a long time, I felt whole.
My fingers knotted in Colt’s hair and I lifted my ass upward. Jaxon snuck up behind me and started to trace his delicate touch all over my back and bare skin. I instinctively knew that he was heading between my legs, and I ached for him to touch me there.
I needed him. I throbbed for him. I didn’t have to ignore the desire anymore.
I had been trying to avoid going too deep into the temptation because of what others would think, but caving to this lust was what I needed now.
We were what I needed now.
Swimming in a pool of lust, I brought the guys over to me, and they had their own ways in which they wanted to explore me.
Tongues, teeth, lips, fingers… everything was everywhere. I felt like my whole body was engulfed in sexy as hell flames, every bit of me hot with lust. I couldn’t control myself.
All my thoughts switched off. I became a slave to the phenomenal sensations crashing through my body.
Colt was passionate, eager, excited. Jaxon was tender and sweet. He was kind too, very gentle with his fingers.
Ryan had the most incredible tongue that I had ever experienced. As he explored my body with it, I felt like I was losing my mind. With his methodical way touching of me, checking that I liked what he was doing to me, I was in heaven.
I never wanted this to end. I wanted to remain in this bubble forever.
Pleasure circled through my veins. It flooded me, controlled every part of my body, and I loved it.
Colt, Jaxon, and Ryan were in sheer bliss. I could see it all over their faces—every time I touched them, it made them a little nuts, which only drove intense excitement through my body.
Oh my god.
“Come on, baby, let’s go to the bedroom,” Jaxon said, tugging at my hand.
We tumbled into bed in a heap of limbs and laughter, hastily sorting out body parts again and figuring out who was going to do what.
“I want all of you at once this time,” I whispered to them, my voice sounding thick with lust.
“All of us?” Colt asked me, his voice low.
I nodded.
“Are you sure?” Ryan said, his eyes a little concerned.
“Never been more sure in my life,” I said.
“Let’s not keep the lady waiting, then,” Colt said, tugging me against him where he was leaning against the headboard. I could feel the head of his cock rubbing against me and I moaned a little, grinding into him.
“That’s right. A little lube,” he whispered in my ear. Then, he shifted me, lifting me a bit, and I felt him pressing against my pucker. I gasped a little as he started to push inside of me, the pleasure immediate and incredible.
“Are you okay?” His voice sounded a bit like a growl.
“God, yes,” I breathed out, wriggling, wanting more.
“Don’t leave us hanging, guys?” Colt managed to say, his tone strained.
“Don’t have to ask me twice,” Jaxon said, slotting himself between my legs. And then he was inside of me as well, tearing a scream from my throat.
“Oh my god, oh my god,” I chanted over and over as they started to move in cadence with one another.
“Don’t forget me,” Ryan said, scrambling over and tapping my lips with the head of his dick. I opened my mouth and started sucking on him, gasping and keening in a muffled way as the other two had their way with me.
“Come for us, baby,” Jaxon said to me, his tone breathless.
And I did, with shocking force, seeing stars. My loud cry of pleasure was stifled slightly by Ryan’s cock, and I felt a rush of my own release soak my thighs and spill over Jaxon.
Colt immediately followed me over the edge with a shout, and Jaxon pumped into me two more times before spilling himself as he whispered my name.
“Hold still for a moment, babe,” Ryan told me, pressing forward between my lips a few more times before coming down my throat.
“I didn’t know that… anything could be like that,” I managed to say, leaning back against Colt and panting.
“Hell, neither did any of us,” he replied with a chuckle.
“I love you,” Jaxon said, pressing a kiss to my brow before slipping out of me.
“So do I,” Colt told me, squeezing me close.
“And me, too,” Ryan said, kissing my cheek.
They rolled me onto my side, and Colt went to get some towels for all of us. I basked in the aftermath of the most intensely pleasurable thing I had ever experienced.
I didn’t care anymore what anyone else thought.
There was nothing that could convince me I didn’t want this in my life.