15. Joey
Chapter 15
Joey
I needed a shower after K fucked me from behind in front of the mirror. We both did, actually, but he rinsed quickly and told me to take my time and join them when I was ready. Apparently, Kylian had been pestering him about our whereabouts, but he promised to run interference.
I scrubbed my skin clean and reveled in the post-orgasm bliss for several minutes. Although I recognize it’s not just the orgasms I’m blissed out from right now.
Kendrick took such tender, loving care of me all afternoon. His explanation about the necklace and what it means to him helped me tremendously. It was also the reminder I needed.
Even if I react poorly or am having a hard time, I owe it to my guys to hear them out. Relationships are two-way streets. Or in our case, more like a five-lane highway. I need to try my best to communicate my needs while also staying open as we learn and grow together.
After my shower, I throw on clean sweats and a tank top, then secure my necklace from K in its rightful place. By the time I make my way into the kitchen, I’m feeling so much more settled about this day.
As I turn the corner, I see all four of my guys hovering around the kitchen island, talking among themselves. I pause, letting my gaze drift from man to man.
Contentment washes over me. How lucky am I to be loved by all of them?
As I pad across the floor, Decker spots me first. His dark obsidian eyes bore into my soul, regret and concern radiating from him as I approach.
I go directly to his side, wrap my arms around his waist, and press up on tiptoes. “We’re okay, Cap,” I assure him. Just in case that’s what he needs to hear. Then I kiss him sweetly, letting my hands travel up his broad back until my fingers are tangled in his hair.
Kylian clears his throat.
I break away from my husband, grinning. “Yes, Daddy?”
He stares at me, deadpan, through his glasses. “Come here.”
I give Decker one last peck, then dash into Kylian’s arms.
“You’re okay.”
It’s a statement, an assessment, and a question, all concealed in two little words.
“I’m okay.” I hug him close and let him hold me. I hate that my reaction today affected him. Especially because I suspect Kylian did not contribute to any of the birthday overwhelm, despite being the original source of information.
He brushes my braid out of the way and brings his lips to my ear. “Today has been weird. Tomorrow is Sunday. You’ll be down in the Den by seven a.m. and not a minute later.”
Okay then. That’s a full two hours earlier than our usual Sunday morning routine. Clearly, Daddy wants to play.
I get it. I hate feeling off with any of my guys.
I nod my assent, then rest my cheek against his shirt. Scanning the kitchen once more, I note all the takeout containers and pizza boxes spread across the countertops.
“What’s all this?” I ask, looking from the island to the table.
“Oh, this?” Nicky asks nonchalantly. “This is just a cozy night at the cabin. Dinner, drinks, poker.” He wags his eyebrows at me. Knowing my guys, there’s a very particular type of poker we’ll be playing tonight.
Nicky continues. “You’ll notice we ordered pizza and Chinese food—not because it’s a special occasion, but because we didn’t know what you’d be in the mood for. We’re using paper plates, and we didn’t even bother setting out napkins. Grab a paper towel if you need it.”
I roll my eyes at his ridiculousness. Kylian swats my ass when he notices.
“This is just a cozy night in, the five of us together. Is that okay with you?”
My smile takes over my entire face as I nod. I’m so damn lucky to be loved by them.
Kendrick moves around the island, grabbing a few bottles, then nodding toward me. “I’m making drinks. What’ll it be, Mama?”
I hold his gaze for a moment, a shuddering breath rolling through me when his focus lowers to the necklace and his eyes heat with satisfaction.
“I’ll have a Tom Collins.” As if that’s a surprise to anyone.
With a silent squeeze, I release Kylian, then make my way over to Nicky.
He cradles me against his chest, my back to his front, wrapping his enormous tatted arms around me and holding me with loving care.
Craning back, I say, “This is perfect. Thank you.”
He bends low, nuzzling into my neck, then giving me a playful nip. “I didn’t have the heart to get rid of the cake. It’s out on the deck. We can ignore it completely, but—”
My lips meet his, effectively cutting him off with a kiss. When we break apart, I offer him a reassuring smile.
“It would be a shame to let good cake go to waste.”
Nicky grins right back at me. “My thoughts exactly.”