Chapter Six #4
Salem took a visibly deep breath before slowly blowing it out.
“I’m sorry I made you two feel as if you’re anything less than my entire world.
Even though I really hate when people say it’s me, not you, it was me.
Not you. I’m determined now, though, and I have a pretty strong spine, so you don’t have to worry.
One way or another, I will make us work and we’ll be happy, because you two are all that holds me together. I won’t lose you.”
Quest kissed Salem’s cheek. “We believe in you.”
Love filled Dodge’s chest as he stared down at his beautiful men. His eyes stung. He couldn’t believe this was real. “I love you both so much.” Even he heard the way he struggled not to cry .
Two sets of gorgeous eyes focused on him, looking concerned.
“I love you too.” The simultaneously spoken words of affection had Dodge struggling even harder.
He had to stop before he fell apart. Unfortunately, he gasped for air and realized too late he was already too far gone. Quest and Salem sat up.
Salem eyed him, looking ready to jump in, however needed. “Tell me what to do.”
“Take a breath. You’re holding your breath.”
Dodge did as Quest demanded. His head cleared. Quest was a little more used to Dodge’s panic attacks than Salem. Still, they always made him feel dumb. A lot of things made him feel stupid, but his own body betraying him was a new level.
“Sorry.” He took a shaky breath. “You two should kiss or something to distract me.”
Quest and Salem exchanged a glance. Salem smirked. They looked his way and all thoughts of coming unglued vanished. He needed whatever they had planned for him.
Salem couldn’t explain what happened after his argument with Shaw.
He hated when people shouted. Between Shaw’s anger, drunken state, and hateful words, Salem had broken.
He had already been under the stress of feeling like he would lose Quest and Dodge any second.
Having Shaw confirm his fears—that he was too cold to love—had just been the final straw.
There was no way he could have anticipated Dodge and Quest’s reaction or confessions.
While Salem had known JD married their mothers to have the sons he wanted, he hadn’t known how much he had saved them from.
Salem should have, though. That was who JD had been.
He rescued people who had no chance of saving themselves.
Now, Salem felt at peace in a way he couldn’t recall feeling.
Even when he had gone to live with his grandfather, Salem had lived in constant fear of being sent back to his parents.
The only time in his life he had felt secure was the three years before his first night with Quest and Dodge.
That night had upended him and sent him spiraling.
Once again, he had been that kid who knew nothing but fear and pain.
Salem saw the truth now. That night changed nothing.
Not really. They weren’t hiding any longer, but the love was untouchable.
Unshakable. If anything, they were stronger.
The neediness in Dodge’s eyes called to him. So did the helplessness in Quest’s gaze. This was his comfort zone. He could be the glue that held everyone else together.
“Come here.” Salem drew them closer. He kissed each one, taking his time and showing his love. “Let’s go.”
Dodge and Quest looked confused as Salem climbed from the bed.
Salem didn’t stop. He opened the French doors that led outside to their pool on the beach.
Perfect landscaping gave them privacy, but the sound of crashing waves still drowned out all other sounds.
He felt the guys’ stares upon him as he walked into the pool, nude and ready to play.
The boys needed some fun. Being this serious all the time wasn’t like them and couldn’t be good for their mental health.
Two huge bodies cannon-balled into the water, soaking him.
They both came up laughing while Salem fought to wipe the water from his eyes.
The laughter that filled the air was like a healing balm on his heart.
Dodge and Quest didn’t stop chasing and dunking him until he cried for mercy.
Then he found himself sitting in the hot tub between them with someone’s hand on his dick and someone fingering his ass.
Salem couldn’t say who did what because he was too busy jacking two cocks and fighting two tongues.
They moved leisurely. There was no hurry.
They had the rest of their lives. Salem couldn’t believe how quickly he went from scared to sure of them.
This was real. Always had been. They would grow old together, living and loving until they died.
The whispered “I love yous” were as endless as they were breathless.
When Salem came, he saw their entire beautiful future unfold before his eyes.
He sent a prayer of thanks to JD in heaven.
Salem knew who he owed for this flawless life. He never forgot it.