Fallen For Three

Chapter 16

SIXTEEN

It’san amazing feeling to be reunited with the trio. I missed them and we were ecstatic when we got back together last night. We fucked all night, of course, and the experience was different this time. It was gentle and pleasant, unlike our rough and wild moves.

I sit in the bath as the warm water envelops me. I close my eyes and let out a contented sigh. Suddenly, the door opens. I open my eyes and see Cain walking in. He sits beside the bath and looks at me with concern in his eyes. “Are you ok, princess?” he asks gently. I offer him a small smile.

“Yeah, it’s nice being back,” I reply. Wanting to prolong my relaxation, I reach for the hot tap and turn it on, letting the sound of the water fill the room.

“Can I ask you a favor? Could you please take me to my house? I haven’t been back there for a while and need to pick up some bits. If that’s ok,” I say.

Cain’s expression softens and he nods. “Of course,” he replies. “Whatever you need.”

Cain slowly undresses himself, one piece of clothing at a time, until he stands bare-skinned. He takes a deep breath and enters the warm, inviting bath, feeling the soothing water envelop his body.

We sit across each other in the serene water. I reach out and gently place my hand on the scar adorning his chest. He looks down and a subtle smile appears on his face as he places his hand over mine, intertwining our fingers in a tender embrace. The water around us seems to be still, the only sound we hear is the rhythm of our breathing.

“How did you get that scar?”

He responds softly, “My days in the army.”

Without a second thought, I lean in and place a gentle kiss on his scar, hoping to alleviate any pain or discomfort associated with it. I know not to ask questions.

I make my way over to Cain and sit down between his legs in the warm water. I can feel the bubbles tickling my bare legs as I adjust my position. As I lean back, I feel the warmth of his chest against my back and sense his steady breaths. It’s a comfortable and peaceful moment. I’m glad to share it with him.

We immerse ourselves in the warm water, the bubbles create a soothing sensation on our skin. His lips start exploring my neck. The world around us fades away as we get lost in the moment, savoring every touch and every breath.

The door unexpectedly opens with a creak and Mike barges in, abruptly cutting short our private moment. “I’m sorry, I gotta take a leak,” he exclaims.

Cain curses under his breath, clearly annoyed. Mike hurries to the toilet and begins to relieve himself. Despite the situation’s awkwardness, I can’t help but giggle at the absurdity of it all.

“So this is what it’s gonna be like living with you three?” I tease, a smile playing on my lips.

Cain emerges from the bath, his toned frame glistening with water droplets. He grabs a soft, fluffy towel and holds it up for me, a gentlemanly gesture that makes me blush a little.

Mike finishes urinating and adjusts his clothing before washing his hands thoroughly. As he finishes up, Cain rolls his eyes at him. I stand up in the bathtub, the warm water cascading down my body as Cain wraps the towel around me, providing a comforting embrace.

As we makeour way down the road towards my house, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia for my humble abode. Finally, we reach our destination and pull up outside my house.

Suddenly, my eyes catch sight of a box sitting at the front door. “Looks like I’ve had a delivery,” I exclaim, feeling a bit curious.

“Stay in the car,” Cain orders, his voice stern and unwavering.

His sudden demand takes me aback. “Wait, what’s going on?” I ask, my heart racing with anticipation.

Mike, Nate, and Cain leave the Jeep and walk to the house without a word. Cain picks up the box and opens the lid, revealing its contents. Nate’s face falls and the three of them turn around to look at me. I can’t help but feel a sense of dread as I watch them from the car.

I open the car door and jump out, my curiosity getting the best of me. Mike runs up to me and stops me from getting closer to the box. “What’s going on?” I demand, my heart pounding in my chest.

Cain draws closer and he opens the lid. I feel a knot forming in my stomach. Inside the box, I can see a single eyeball staring back at me, surrounded by a dark, murky fluid. Seeing it makes me feel queasy and I can’t help but heave a little. Alongside the eyeball, there’s a crumpled piece of paper, which I can only assume contains some sinister message.

Nate places his hand on my back and calmly says, “Go back in the car. We will deal with this, baby.” I shrug him off.

“Is that a real...eyeball?” My voice trails off, barely above a whisper.

“No, it looks like a sheep’s eye. Whoever sent it is just trying to scare you,” Mike states.

I can barely bring myself to ask the next question. I turn to Cain, trying to read his expression, and ask him directly, “What does the note say, Cain?”

His voice is barely audible as he mumbles, “An eye for an eye.”

“I have a feeling it’s from Archie.”

They all exchange glances that convey more than they let on. Sensing that something is amiss, Mike suggests we head inside the house. Confused and anxious, I follow them as we approach the door. Unlocking it, I step into my humble abode, feeling like it had been ages since I last set foot in it.

Cain gestures for me to sit on one of the chairs at the table. As I settle down into the seat, my mind races with questions about what is happening and why everyone seems to be acting so strange.

Cain begins to divulge a series of shocking revelations to me. He starts by explaining how I am listed on a particular website and how my fate lies in the hands of potential buyers. He reveals that Dan, who was initially in charge of the order, couldn’t complete it, and now Archie has taken over. The weight of his words leaves me speechless and utterly petrified. I feel lost and helpless, unsure of what my future holds.

Cain tells me that there are specific videos of me that are being sought after, whether it be footage of me alive or deceased. As I try to process this horrifying information, tears begin to well up in my eyes. I explained that Archie mentioned that I owed him something and that he believed in the concept of an eye for an eye. How his words left me feeling uneasy.

“We can’t even go to the police,” I cry.

At that moment, Mike leans down to my level, his voice reassuring as he says, “We are going to keep you safe–”

However, before he can finish his sentence, Cain’s urgent interruption cuts him off mid-sentence, “We’re all going away. We are gonna get away from here. We just need to find somewhere to stay.”

Suddenly, an idea strikes my mind. I know somewhere we can stay, just a two-hour drive from our current location. Without wasting time, I take my phone from my pocket and dial a number to make the necessary arrangements. I put the phone on the table and put it on the loudspeaker.

“Hello,” a quiet, elderly voice says.

“Nan, it”s me…Tessie.”

“Oh, Tessie, dear. Are you ok?”

“I’m fine. Nan, I need your help.”

“Is everything ok, dear? Are you in trouble?”

“No. I just need to get away. Can I stay at yours, please?”

“Of course you can…”

“Is it ok if I bring my… uh…boyfriend and two of his friends?”

I look at the trio, their eyes meeting in an unspoken moment of curiosity. Mike gestures towards Nate with a subtle hand movement and silently mouths the word boyfriend. Nate, in turn, responds with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders.

“Of course you can, dear. Did you want to stay in the main house with me or the guesthouse?”

“Can we stay in the guesthouse, please, Nan?”

“I will get Amara to clean it and put fresh bedding down.”

“I can’t thank you enough. We will be there tonight.”

“Ok, dear. Safe journey. I will see you later.”

“Bye, Nan.”

After ending the call, I explained to the trio that I had called my grandmother, Mavis. I went on to tell them that she resides in a grand estate with a guesthouse, a vast forest, and even a serene lake.

Nate can’t help but ask, “So, you must be rich?” I quickly reply, “No, not me. It’s my grandparents who are wealthy. Although my grandfather passed away three years ago.”

I cry, not because I mention my grandfather, but just the whole situation.

Nate pulls me close and envelops me in a warm embrace. As I lean into him, he whispers reassuringly, “Don’t worry, baby. Cain will sort this out soon enough and we’ll be back here before you know it.”

Cain and Mike come over and join in the embrace, wrapping their arms around me. Amidst my tears, I managed to ask them, “What about work and everything?”

Cain explains that he has some holiday time owed to him that he can use. Mike reassures me that he can teach his lessons online and take medical leave, reminding me that spring break is just around the corner. Nate chimes in, confidently saying he is his own boss and can easily find work anywhere.

“We better start packing,” Mike states.

Nate, who seems lost in thought, replies, “Before we hit the road, I need to make a quick stop somewhere.”

The Jeep is tightly packedwith everyone’s luggage as we embark on our long journey to my grandmother’s house. I sit in the front seat next to Cain, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face and the cool breeze through the window. Before we hit the main roads, Nate insists on quickly stopping somewhere. As we pull up to a massive care home, Cain announces that he and Mike will wait in the car. Nate jumps out of the car and rushes to my side, opening the door for me and extending his hand. I take it and leave the car, slightly puzzled. “Why are we here?” I ask, with a curious look on my face.

As I gaze around at the stunning surroundings, I am immediately captivated by the beauty of the lush gardens that surround me. The gentle sound of the water fountain outside adds a sense of tranquility to the atmosphere. The window flower boxes are a sight to behold, with their vibrant blooms that seem to burst with life and vitality.

“You’ll see,” Nate replies, holding my hand tightly as we walk into the care home, our footsteps echoing through the hall.

We arrive at the front desk and a friendly nurse greets us. I feel Nate’s hand in mine and we walk down long hallways. Finally, we reach a door and Nate knocks before leading me inside. My eyes adjust to the dim light and I see a woman with a neat, gray bob sitting in a chair by the window. Suddenly, it dawns on me that this is Nate’s mother.

Nate walks up to his mother and pulls out two chairs, placing them alongside her. We both take a seat.

His mother greets us with a smile, “Hello.”

Nate responds politely, “Hi, how are you?”

She replies, “I’m ok. But can I ask, do you know when my father will pick me up?” I notice Nate looking at me, so I place my hands on his, offering my support.

I glance over at Nate’s mother. I notice that she’s wearing a cozy, red, wool jumper that seems to suit her well. Even though her age has slightly weathered her features, it’s evident that she must have been a stunning woman in her younger days. Sitting in my chair, I can smell a faint yet soothing aroma from her. It’s a blend of fresh cotton and lavender that’s both refreshing and calming. My heart aches for Nate as I realize his mother doesn’t recognize him. It’s a heart-wrenching moment that I can only imagine must be incredibly difficult for him.

“This is Tessie. I spoke about her the other day. Do you remember?” he inquires.

I look at her and she stares at me momentarily, examining me. “My, my,” she remarks, “you are a stunning little creature, aren’t you?”

I feel my cheeks flush and reply, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Greenman.”

She doesn’t reply to me. She turns to Nate and asks, “So, what’s your name?”

Nate replies calmly, “I am Nate.”

I could feel his hand tighten around mine.

“Lovely to meet you, Nate. This must be your wife?” his mother asks.

We both just smile at her. We both don’t know what to say to her.

“I wanted you to meet her. She means a lot to me,” he says with a hint of eagerness in his voice. His mother giggles with a child-like innocence, gazing out the window with a twinkle in her eye.

Nate informs his mother that he is going away for a while but reassures her that he will call every week. His mother nods and bids him a lovely holiday. Nate stands up from his chair and I follow suit. I notice that he is trying to hold back tears. I give him and his mother some privacy and walk towards the door.

I hear Nate say, “I love you, Mom.”

His mother replies with equal affection, “I love you, too, son.”

I stop in my tracks and turn around in shock. She remembers him.

Suddenly, Nate drops to his knees, crying uncontrollably. His mother places her hand on his head and comforts him. The sudden emotional outburst takes me aback. Nate looks up at his mother through tears and asks, “You remember me?” His mother looks at him with a mix of sadness and love in her eyes and replies, “Of course I remember my only son.”

He says with a sense of urgency, “I’m going to say this fast, as I fear you might forget me soon. But I want you to know I love you so much, Mom. Your love and sacrifices have made me who I am today and I will always be grateful to you for that.”

As Nate cries, she lovingly strokes his head, trying to soothe him. Suddenly, she turns her head, meeting my gaze, and whispers something into Nate’s ear. I can’t quite make out her words, but they seem to affect her deeply as she tears up and tightly squeezes Nate’s hand before kissing it tenderly.

Nate rises from his knees and stands up to his full height. His mother releases his hand and gazes up at him, her eyes widening in surprise. “You’re a towering young man, aren’t you?” she remarks absentmindedly.

It’s clear that she has forgotten who Nate is again. A wave of sadness washes over me as I watch the scene unfold.

His mother slowly rises from her chair. She turns to Nate and says, “It was wonderful meeting you, but I am feeling quite exhausted and would like to take a nap now, please.”

Nate nods understandingly and replies, “Of course, we will catch up soon.”

He walks over to me and I reach out to grab his hand. We exit the room together and I quickly embrace him as soon as we are out of sight.

“You’re so strong, baby,” I whisper in his ear.

“She remembered me for a moment…”

“I know, it was lovely.”

I stand on my tiptoes, feeling the warmth of his tears as I wipe them away from his face. He turns his head to look at me and I can see the gratitude in his eyes as he kisses me softly on the cheek.

“Thank you, baby,” he whispers, his voice choked with emotion.

“For what?”

“Meeting her,” he replies, his voice catching in his throat. “I wanted her to meet you. You two are the most important people to me.”

As I look into his eyes, I can see the depth of his love and the sincerity of his words. I lean in and gently kiss his lips, feeling his arms wrap tightly around me. We walk hand in hand out of the care home and I can feel the weight of his hand in mine, the warmth of his touch filling me with an overwhelming sense of comfort and security. We make our way to the car where Mike and Cain are waiting, ready to take us on our next adventure.

The Jeep moves forwardand it feels like we’ve been driving forever. The serene melody of Ellie Goulding’s Starry Eyed fills the car, perfectly complement the starry night sky that’s just appeared as the daylight fades away. I’m sitting on the front seat with Cain’s hand resting on my thigh and his other hand confidently steering the wheel. Meanwhile, Nate is smoking a cigarette with the window rolled down as the smoke dissipates into the night air. The comforting presence of the three of them makes me feel so calm, as if nothing can go wrong.

Mike speaks up from the backseat, his stomach growling audibly. “I’m so hungry,” he complains.

I turn to face him, offering a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. We’ll be there very soon. My nan always has plenty of food on hand. You won’t go hungry for long.”

“She won’t mind all of us staying, will she, princess?” Cain asks, his hand gently caressing my thigh. I shake my head. “No, not at all.”

I hear Nate’s voice from the back. “The question is, who is the boyfriend?”

The trio all laugh. I can’t help but roll my eyes at their juvenile humor. Feeling uncomfortable, I didn’t know how to answer Nate’s question. However, before I can say anything, Cain gently squeezes my thigh in a reassuring manner. In response, I place my hand on top of his.

As we drive past the church, I notice a familiar sight–a fake cow. It stands in a patch of green grass, tethered to a post, as if waiting patiently for something. I can’t help but wonder why it is there in the first place.

Mike asks, “Did I just see a fake cow outside a church?”

I chuckle and reply, “Yeah, it’s been there since I can remember.”

We drive through the peaceful and quaint town. I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. It’s been years since I last visited, yet everything looks exactly as I remember it from childhood. The familiar storefronts and buildings line the streets, unchanged and timeless. The serene atmosphere of the town seems to wrap around me like a warm blanket and I can’t help but feel a sense of comfort and familiarity in this place that holds so many memories for me.

As we drive down the road, I nervously give Cain instructions to turn right. The thought of seeing my nan again after such a long time makes me uneasy. The last time I saw her was at my grandfather’s funeral and the memories of that day still haunt me. My nerves intensify as we approach the road to my nan’s and I can’t shake off the feeling of unease.

We begin our drive up the winding gravel path toward my grandmother’s house. Towering cypress shrubs flank either side of the road, their branches reaching up towards the sky. As we approach the massive brick estate, I can’t help but marvel at how little it has changed over the years. The white windows, framed by ivy that creeps up the walls, still glimmer in the sunlight. Two balconies overlook the gardens from the upper windows, adding to the estate’s grandeur. The gardens themselves are a sight to behold, with vibrant flowers blooming in every corner. The old oak tree still stands strong, its branches providing shade to the grassy lawn below. I spot the swing that I used to play on as a child, still hanging from one of the sturdy branches. As we pull up, my grandmother stands outside, looking just as I remember her. Her hair, now a soft shade of gray, is pulled back into a neat bun. She wears a light blue jumper and baggy jeans, giving off a comfortable and humble vibe. Despite the grandeur of her estate, she remains small and slight, standing no taller than five feet. She stands there, patiently waiting for our arrival, a warm smile spreading across her face.

As I open the car door, a rush of excitement floods through me.

Stepping out onto the gravel, I take a moment to breathe in the familiar surroundings. A gentle breeze ruffles my hair.

My nan’s arms outstretched in welcome. “Tessie, dear,” she says, her voice filled with love and affection.

I quicken my pace, eager to envelop myself in her embrace. As I reach her, I feel her arms wrap around me, pulling me close. The scent of her perfume washes over me, a comforting blend of floral notes and subtle musk, reminding me of countless happy memories spent in her company.

At that moment, surrounded by the familiar sights, sounds, and scents of my nan’s house, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. No matter how much time passes or how far I roam, It always feels like home with her.

“Did you have a safe journey?” my nan inquires.

“Yup, arrived in one piece. I see the town hasn’t changed at all.” I chuckle, pulling back slightly to meet her gaze.

Her hands still grasp my arms; I feel a sense of reassurance in her touch. Her eyes, filled with curiosity and warmth, roam over me, taking in every detail as if to reaffirm that I’m truly here, standing before her.

For a brief moment, we share a silent exchange, a bond strengthened by years of love and understanding. Then, her gaze shifts behind me and I follow her line of sight to see the trio stepping out of the Jeep.

As we walk over to them, anticipation bubbles within me and I wonder how my beloved nan will receive them. With a mix of nerves and excitement, I listen as she breaks the ice with her characteristic directness.

“So which of you is my granddaughter’s boyfriend, then?” she asks in a playful, inquisitive tone, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

The trio exchange glances, silently communicating as they gauge each other’s reactions. Then, with a sudden surge of confidence, Mike steps forward, his voice steady and polite.

“I am. It’s lovely to meet you. I’m Mike,” he declares, extending his hand with a gesture of greeting.

My nan meets his gaze, her expression softening into a smile as she takes in his appearance. She appraises him with a discerning eye. Her years of experience grant her an uncanny ability to read people easily.

With a nod of approval, she accepts his hand, her grip firm yet welcoming. “Likewise, Mike. It’s a pleasure to meet you finally,” she replies, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

And in that moment, as their hands clasp in a silent exchange of acknowledgment, I feel a sense of relief wash over me.

“So, who else do we have here, then?” My nan’s voice carries a genuine curiosity as she tucks her hands into her pockets, exuding a sense of casual ease. Her eyes sweep over, a glint of interest dancing in their depths.

With a smile, I take the cue to introduce Cain and Nate as Mike’s friends, their names rolling off my tongue with a sense of familiarity. My nan nods politely, her gaze shifting from one to the other as she extends her hand in a welcome gesture.

She shakes their hands firmly, her grip strong yet inviting, a silent acknowledgment of their presence. Her eyes linger on Cain for a moment longer, her gaze appraising as she takes in his stature with a quick, discerning glance.

“You are all very tall men, aren’t you?” she observes, her tone light, a hint of amusement tinging her words. A collective chuckle ripples through the group, breaking the ice and easing any lingering tension.

With a nod of agreement, my nan gestures toward the house, her invitation clear. “Please, let me show you around,” she says, her voice brimming with hospitality as she begins to lead the way.

We step behind her, anticipation building with each passing moment. As we follow her toward the house, I can’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for the warmth and acceptance radiating from my nan.

“Amara, my housemaid, has gone home for the evening. However, she has set up the guesthouse for you lot. I have also filled your fridge with food and any essentials you might need,” my nan announces as we follow her into the lobby.

I take a moment to glance around the familiar surroundings, noting the unchanged elegance of my nan’s home. The polished oak table commands attention in the center of the room, adorned with a delicate vase of lilies that fills the air with a subtle floral fragrance. Beyond it, the grand staircase stands tall and majestic, a testament to the timeless beauty of the house.

Nate offers thanks, his voice tinged with genuine appreciation, but he hesitates momentarily, struggling to recall my nan’s name.

“It’s Mavis. You don’t have to thank me, dear,” she reassures him with a warm smile.

“Wait, Amara still works here?” I can’t help but express my surprise, my voice tinged with astonishment. Memories flood my mind, recalling the image of the kind-hearted Greek lady who has been a fixture in my nan’s home for as long as I can remember.

“Yup. Almost thirty years now,” she confirms.

As we explore the various rooms of my nan’s house, I find comfort in the reassuring squeeze of Mike’s hand in mine.

Cain and Nate follow closely behind, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors as we move from one room to the next. Each space holds its unique charm with traces of my nan’s personality and warmth.

We enter the game room and a sense of nostalgia washes over me as I take in the familiar surroundings. The pool table sits in the center of the room, its surface adorned with dust from neglect.

“Anyone good at pool?” My nan’s voice breaks the silence, her eyes twinkling with anticipation as she surveys the group. Nate’s gaze locks onto mine, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes as he gives me a smirk and a playful wink just before my nan’s attention entirely turns to us. I feel a rush of warmth flood my cheeks as I quickly avert my gaze, hoping to conceal my embarrassment.

Before I can respond, Nate takes the initiative, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he gestures towards me.

“Tessie is good at pool,” he declares, his tone laced with jest as he tries to tease me playfully.

I shoot him a quick scowl, my lips twitching with a hint of amusement despite my attempt to maintain a stern expression. Cain nudges his shoulder.

“He’s lying, Nan,” I interject.

My nan continuesthe tour of the house and we eventually arrive at the kitchen. The kitchen space is pristine and immaculate, almost as if it has not changed since I last visited. The walls are painted crisp and clean white, contrasting perfectly with the dark countertops. The real centerpiece of the kitchen is the massive island situated right in the middle, adorned with sleek stools.

I am greeted with the delightful aroma of roast chicken. “It smells like chicken in here. Have you been cooking?” I ask my nan.

“I thought you might be hungry, so I made you something to eat. It’s down at the guesthouse. All you have to do is warm it up.”

Admiring the family photos on the walls, Mike turns to my nan and says, “Oh, Mavis, you shouldn’t have.”

“No, really, it’s my pleasure,” she insists. “It’s nice having guests and the company. But I will say, it is my bedtime. I’m getting old and can’t stay up anymore. I will unlock the door each morning at six. You can come up whenever.”

We all leave the kitchen and go to the front door. We exit outside into the chilly night air.

“You can either take the car down to the guesthouse, or I have a golf buggy now,” Nan chuckles.

“A golf buggy?” I ask, surprised.

“My legs, dear,” she says, with a twinkle in her eye.

With a soft chuckle, I gently kiss my nan’s cheek. “Night, Nan. I will be up here tomorrow morning,” I say, my voice filled with affection and gratitude.

As I pull back, I notice the trio following suit. Each plant a tender kiss on my nan’s cheek before offering their own words of farewell. “It was lovely meeting you,” they chorus in unison, their voices carrying genuine warmth and appreciation for the hospitality they’ve received.

“Sleep well, dears. I’ll see you in the morning,” she says, her voice filled with maternal concern.

We climb into the car, the engine purring to life as we set off into the night. The gravel road stretches out before us, illuminated by the moon’s soft glow.

We approach the guesthouse and the drive seems to be no longer than two minutes, if even that. The guesthouse is in a tranquil, small forest with a natural and breathtaking view. As we get closer, the house comes into view, surrounded by tall trees that create a sense of seclusion. The lights are on, casting a warm glow that welcomes us. The guesthouse boasts a charming porch that wraps around the entire perimeter and invites us to take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us. “Wow, this is truly beautiful,” Nate exclaims, mesmerized by the picturesque setting.

We quickly jump out of the Jeep and begin to gather our belongings.

With a gentle smile, Cain takes the bag from my hand and says, “I’ll take that. Go inside, princess, and get the dinner warmed up.” I hand him the bag, kiss him on the cheek, and make my way inside. The interior of the house hasn’t changed a bit. The dark, solid wood floors gleam in the warm light and the massive stone fireplace stands tall, emanating a sense of comfort and warmth. The familiar scent of the house fills my nostrils and I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia.

I scan my surroundings and my eyes land on the rich, dark red sofas inviting me in. The solid oak coffee table in front of me is sturdy and elegant with intricate carvings etched into its surface. The fresh flowers that Amara has thoughtfully placed around the house add a vibrant pop of color to the otherwise muted tones of the room. As I move towards the kitchen, I can’t help but appreciate the fully stocked shelves and neatly arranged pantry. My nan’s exceptional organizational skills are evident in every nook and cranny of the room. The fridge door is adorned with family photos and magnets. I look closer and can see a handwritten note from my nan that warmly welcomes me home.

I eagerly reach for the succulent chicken dish that Nan had prepared earlier and placed it inside the oven to warm it up. The aroma of the spices and herbs wafting from the dish fills the kitchen, making my mouth water. As I wait for the chicken to heat up, I hear the sound of the trio bringing in their luggage and chattering among themselves. I pause momentarily and lean on the kitchen counter, taking in the sounds of their chatter and the feeling of warmth and coziness surrounding me.

I catch a glimpse of Nate turning the corner and my heart races. He looks so handsome in his crisp, white t-shirt and his tattoos on display.

“You ok, baby?” he asks.

“Yeah. I’m just warming up the chicken,” I reply.

Nate walks towards me, places his warm hand on my cheek, and kisses me on the lips. I can’t help but feel grateful for having him in my life. I’m the luckiest girl to have the three of them.

We walk into the lounge area and I notice Mike struggling to light the fire. Cain is already seated on the sofa and I take a seat next to him. He warmly puts his arm around me and I feel comforted by his presence. “Your nan is lovely, by the way,” he says, breaking the silence. I smile, feeling grateful for the compliment. “Yeah, she is. It’s been ages since I’ve seen her. Unfortunately, she and my mom don’t get along very well.” Nate joins us, taking a seat beside me.

“Really? She’s lovely, though.” he says, sounding a bit surprised. I nod, remembering my childhood visits to my nan’s house. “I know. It’s just that my mom always said she never helped us out despite having so much money…”

Mike exclaims in frustration as he struggles to light the fire. “Fuck’s sake!” Cain notices Mike’s struggle and decides to lend a hand. With one swift movement, Cain lights the fire on the first try. Nate, amused by the situation, lets out a light hearted laugh.

Cain and Mike quietly make their way over to the sofa, joining us as we all gaze intently at the flickering flames dancing in the fireplace. Lost in the mesmerizing glow, I can’t help but whisper under my breath, “I could stay here forever.”

The warmth emanating from the fire envelopes us in a comforting embrace as we sit in peaceful silence, content to just be in the moment.

The savory aroma of chicken fills my nostrils and I am instantly drawn to the kitchen. I swiftly make my way towards the oven and put on a pair of gloves to retrieve the chicken. Its crispy exterior and succulent interior make my mouth water with anticipation. I turn my attention to the freezer, retrieve some frozen vegetables, and heat them on the stove. As I concentrate on cooking, I feel a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist. Cain stands behind me and gazes at the stove with me.

“Hello, princess,” he whispers in my ear.

“I’m trying to cook us dinner here…” I say.

Suddenly, I feel his warm breath on my neck and he kisses me gently. I lean my head back onto his chest, enjoying the comfort and warmth of his embrace as I continue to focus on cooking our meal.

“Can you please get some plates?” I ask him.

Without wasting time, Cain walks over to the cupboard and opens it to retrieve the plates. He then goes to the drawer and pulls out some cutlery, placing them on the kitchen table.

I pick up the serving dishes and arrange the food on the plates.

“Dinner, guys,” Cain’s voice echoes through the hallway, calling everyone to the table. Slowly, I make my way to the table, carefully balancing the plates in my hands. I place them down, one by one, arranging them in front of each seat.

Nate and Mike enter the kitchen. “Oh, damn. Your nan knows how to cook,” Mike exclaims as he licks his lips in anticipation.

We all take our places at the table, eagerly grabbing our forks and knives, and began to savor each bite.

Nate takes a forkful of carrots and looks up at me.

“So, what do you think we should do while we’re here?” he asks.

With a sly smirk, Mike replies, “Well, we could fuck, fuck some more, relax, and drink.”

Cain’s chuckle reverberates through the room.

“I’m not your sex slave, remember!” I retort, the words dripping with a mix of sarcasm and defiance.

Cain grabs my chin and swipes his finger over it, leaving a trail of warmth behind. “Oh, princess,” he says with a sly grin. “You love being our little slave. Taking all of us. You can’t resist us.”

“Yeah…yeah.” I hiss back and take a bite of my chicken.

We savor our meal and the chatter around the table gradually fades away until utter silence envelops the room. I recline on my chair, feeling content after taking the last bite of my food, my stomach comfortably full.

Cain directs his attention towards Mike and Nate, commanding them to wash up. His gesture is firm as he points at them. In response, Mike retorts sarcastically, “Yes, boss.”

Cain then grabs my hand, leading me away from the table, creating a sense of intimacy and closeness between us.

I finish washing the dishes as Mike dries them with a dishcloth. He leans against the kitchen counter, lost in contemplation. His gaze penetrates deep into his thoughts as he dries the dishes with a rhythmic motion.

I dry my hands with the kitchen towel.

“You ok, buddy?” I ask, concerned.

Mike looks up at me, his eyes filled with sorrow. “Do you ever think about him?” he mumbles, barely audible. I knew exactly who he was referring to without saying it. “Who, Rhett?” I ask softly. Mike nods. “Yes, all the time,” I respond reassuringly.

The mention of Rhett always brought up a sense of discomfort as we had never discussed what happened in the army. I felt that this conversation was headed in a direction I was unprepared for.

Mike holds a plate while tears fill his eyes. “I could have saved him. I still blame myself,” he says, his voice shaking with emotion.

I reach out and place a comforting hand on his shoulder. “You and Cain did everything you could. Don’t blame yourself. You saved me and I will forever owe you,” I reply, trying to console him.

“Cain saved you… not me,” he mumbles.

He reaches for the kitchen towel to wipe away the tears. With a heavy heart, he barely manages to say, “Man, I miss Rhett. He meant so much to me.” He places the plate on the kitchen side. “Nate, there is something I need to say…” I can see his emotions overwhelm him.

Not wanting to make things worse, I offer him comfort and understanding. “Ay, you don’t have to say anything. I understand. I think I know what went down with you two.”

His tear-filled eyes widen with fear as he processes my words. “You know?” he whispers, his voice barely audible. Sensing his apprehension, I reassure him in a gentle tone, “I don’t judge. We were out there for a long time. I saw you two one night…”

“I want to make it clear that I’m not gay. I’ve fucked many women,” he says earnestly. “I have deep feelings for Tessie and am committed to her. But there was something about Rhett that just clicked with me. One night, we found ourselves getting closer and closer. Before I knew it, we were kissing.”

I see Mike’s tears streaming down his face as I hold onto both his shoulders, trying to comfort him. “Mike, seriously,” I say with a reassuring tone. “I’m not judging you. Love is love and there’s nothing wrong with it.” I can see the pain in his eyes, so I gently grab his head and pull him towards me, embracing him tightly. “Hey...Hey…” I whisper, hoping that my words will bring him some peace. I gently grasp his face with both hands, feeling his tears on my fingertips. Our foreheads meet and I can sense his breath on my skin. Our eyes lock and we profoundly gaze at each other. As the tension builds, I wonder if we are about to share a kiss.

Wait. What. No. What the fuck are we doing…

We both realize what is going on. We instinctively shake our heads and take a few steps back from each other. I let out a sound of confusion, “Uhh...”

He quickly responds with a firm “Uhh. Yeah. No.” However, our attention suddenly diverts as Cain appears in the doorway, wearing nothing but a police vest and covering his cock with his hands.

Mike exclaims, “What the…”

“Where’s Tessie?” I ask Cain. He just walks in and heads towards the sink to fill a glass of water. Cain smirks and responds, “She’s upstairs handcuffed to the bed with a sock in her mouth. She wanted a drink...”

Mike and I exchange a perplexed look, which quickly turns into laughter.

Cain makes his way towards the door. He turns around to ask us a question. “You two wanna join in?” he inquires, a mischievous glint in his eye.

I look over at Mike and smirk, shaking my head. “Nah, we’ll let you have fun playing cops and robbers,” I reply. As Cain steps through the doorway, his backside becomes visible, causing a small chuckle to escape from Mike’s lips.

We step into the dimly lit lounge. I notice the warm glow of the fireplace in the corner. I make my way towards it and sit on the floor. I beckon Mike to join me. As he slumps down, I ask him how he’s feeling. He remains silent, hugging his knees tightly to his chest, his gaze fixated on the flickering flames. After a moment of silence, I speak up, trying to comfort him. “You can’t save everyone, Mike. I understand why you feel the need to, especially after what happened with your family and Rhett.”

The only audible sound was the gentle crackling of the wood burning in the fireplace. Occasionally, a soft moan emanates from the bedroom.