52. Gabriel
I walk into the bathroom and close the door behind me.
Fuck.
I slump against the door, limbs spent, and I look up to the ceiling and try to calm my thoughts.
That was so perfect, so intense, it was everything.
I push off the door, throwing away the condom and grip the vanity, my head hanging between my shoulders.
I push out my breath and turn the water on cold. I splash my face and wash up.
I should tell them to leave. Tell them this was great and make up some shit about an early meeting.
Because, I know, if they sleep in that bed beside me, the lines will not just be blurred, they’ll be obliterated.
And if I allow myself to fully submit to this growing obsession, I’ll no longer be able to pull a trigger if I need to.
And that could cost me my life.
I yank the hand towel from its hanger and cover my face with a whispered curse. I need to collect myself, and I need to be composed. Taking a deep breath, I throw the towel in the hamper and grab a replacement from the closet. After one final determined look at my reflection, I open the door.
Neomi lies in the middle of my bed, draped over Lars. They look so fucking beautiful together like this—spent and satiated. My heart does a treacherous flip, and I know I don’t have the willpower to ask them to leave.
Lars turns his head on the pillow, and tentatively says, “Hey, I can call my driver if you want your bed to yourself.”
I surrender to my want all too quickly and shake my head. “No need. You’re welcome to stay. Would you like some water?”
“That would be great, thank you.” Neomi smiles.
I pull on a pair of clean boxer briefs from the dresser and walk to the kitchen. I look into the living room and see the scattered pieces of clothes and tossed shoes. The piano sits in the corner of the as if it could testify to the sins of the evening.
I open the fridge and grab bottles of water. I set two on the counter as I open a third and take a drink. I look down at the counter and see my phone. Picking it up, a notification flashes.
Snake Charmer: Did you make contact?
I’ve been awake for a while now watching them sleep. Neomi’s back is curled against me, her forehead against Lars’ chest. Lars has his arm across her, hand on my hip.
He looks so peaceful like this, relaxed, breaths soft and even. I’ve watched him for weeks and he’s always guarded and focused. Part of me loves the power and composure he holds when he moves through his world. But right now, I want to imprint this version of him somewhere deep inside me.
Neomi takes a deep breath, moving between us, stretching her legs. She discovers Lars asleep, then glances over her shoulder at me.
“Hey,” she whispers, voice soft.
I brush her hair back to expose the soft skin of her shoulder. I place a kiss there. “Good morning, Siren.”
She hums. “I slept so good.”
“You didn’t move all night.” I kiss her skin again. “Are you a coffee drinker?”
“Coffee would be amazing.”
She rolls onto her back, and the movement causes Lars to stir.
He squeezes my hip, smiling eyes meeting mine as he aligns his body against Neomi’s.
“Did I hear someone say coffee?” he says, voice rough with sleep.
“I’m about to make some. There are towels, robes, and extra toothbrushes in the bathroom closet if you need them.”
I pull back the duvet and plant my feet on the floor.
The air is cold compared to the warmth of them in my bed.
In one night, all boundaries were crossed and now my body craves to be near them.
Before I leave the room, I lean down, kneel on the bed and place a soft kiss on Neomi's cheek and then to Lars’ neck.
They both grin, Lars sighs with the contact of my lips on his skin and I soak in the sound. I walk to the kitchen and go through the motions to start the coffee. I check my phone and there’s another message.
Snake Charmer: Eye on the prize. The faster you get the key, the sooner we’re both free.
I hear footsteps approaching and lock my phone, placing it face down on the marble. Lars and Neomi enter the room, wrapped in fluffy terry cloth. I take a deep breath to calm my pulse. I need the next contact set before they leave, I know this.
But right now, seeing them in my kitchen, I know I’m completely fucked.