44
THEA
I can’t fucking do this.I’ve been pacing in my room for ten minutes. My hands are shaking. What was I thinking? I can’t show up with four guys to Cassie’s party. That’s it, I’m telling them not to come—I’ll go alone. Shit. I can’t do that. That would break their hearts.
When I brought up the party last week, Damian and Cole seemed hesitant at first, but eventually, they all agreed. If I tell them to stay home, they’ll think I’m ashamed of them. When in reality I’m ashamed of myself for being such a coward. No! Woman up, Thea.
“Thea, we have to go. Traffic is going to be a bitch,” Damian calls out.
Smoothing my hands over the emerald satin of my strappy floor-length gown, I check myself in the mirror before I leave. I’ve pinned my hair up, leaving a few dark curls to frame my face. I’ve gone with a smokey look that makes my blue eyes pop, added pink to brighten my cheeks, and kept my lips neutral with a coat of gloss.
My handbag matches my nude five-inch heels. I look entirely unlike myself—sultry and elegant. The slit in the dress hits the top of my thigh. Maybe it’s too much, however, I have nothing else to wear.
Pushing out a breath, I force my anxiety out and square my shoulders confidently. Here goes nothing.
With each step up the stairs, I let the worry fade away and try to harness the excitement I felt the day Cassie invited me. I wonder what the guys are wearing—that helps distract me.
I’ve only ever seen Damian in a suit. They’re all beyond sexy in their everyday clothes. In tailored suits, they are going to be batting the ladies away tonight.
Hitting the top step, I see them all standing in the kitchen—beers in hand. They haven’t noticed me yet, so I silently appreciate the sight of my four boyfriends waiting for me. Clearing my throat, they turn all at once. My breath rushes out and I’m biting my lip—they look so much better than I imagined.
I watch as their eyes take me in, feeling my cheeks redden under their gazes.
“Fuck me,” Wesley growls, his eyes darkening.
That confidence I was trying to muster comes full force, going straight to my head—giving me a buzz. He knows how to do that to me, how to pull out some inner lioness who knows exactly how much power she holds. I saunter towards him, tilting my head to gaze into his eyes. “Already have,” I tease and give a coy smile.
“Careful, blue eyes, we might not make it to the party if you toy with me.” His hands rest on my hips. I don’t miss how he digs his fingers into my skin—a reminder of what he wants to do to me every time we’re together.
My palms smooth over Wesley’s deep blue jacket—it matches his pressed and fitted pants. Beneath it, he’s wearing a casual shirt. He’s the least dressed up of the four. I smile at that. It makes sense. That feeling of knowing what to expect from him and who he truly is comforts me.
I push up on my tiptoes and kiss him. Thankfully, the heels make it easier than usual to reach his mouth. I should wear them more often.
My eyes shift to Cole, who’s standing next to him. For once, I don’t have to stare up at him. Still, I give him my innocent doe eyes, knowing that’s exactly what he likes.
He’s wearing a steel colored suit with a white button up beneath it. It fits his body perfectly. I know what’s under that shirt and it makes me rethink going tonight. Momentarily. My hand travels up his sculpted torso until I reach the skin peeking out from the buttons he’s left open near the collar.
“Love, you look absolutely stunning. How’s Cassie supposed to compete with this?” He takes my hand from his chest, lifting it high. I give him a spin.
“There’s no competition. She’ll be just as gorgeous,” I state confidently.
Taking a couple of steps over, I’m in front of Sutton.
He’s in a deep forest green suit with a black button up. His is my favorite. Maybe it’s because we’ve chosen nearly the same color. My fingers trace over his jaw and I guide him down for a quick kiss. “You’re so handsome.”
Sutton shakes his head. “I don’t even have words, baby. I’m convinced I’d do anything for you. Just ask me.”
I laugh at his words. He’s always had a way with them.
“Thea, I’m entirely serious. Tell me anything you need, want, or desire. I will crawl on my hands and knees across nails, glass, coals, whatever it takes to make you happy.” My chest tightens and my smile fades. I swallow hard. How do I respond to something like that?
He pushes a curl from my face, his eyes taking in every detail of me, as I do him. I forget that anyone else even exists. It’s only Sutton and I.
“Jesus, are the theatrics necessary?” Damian grates out the question, pulling me back to reality. I give Sutton a kiss before moving on.
He’s wearing all black. Damian pulls off the color so well. Most of his tattoos are hidden. However, peeking out from beneath his cuffs, I see two familiar ones that can’t be covered. Both hands are disguised, one looking like a skeleton’s and the other like a robot’s. Then, where the top button of his dress shirt is undone, I see more ink. I’ve only glimpsed the edges of it a handful of times.
Damian isn’t smiling. He isn’t staring at me with lust, affection, or anything else I expect. Whatever’s churning in him feels a lot like impatience or anger. But I don’t know why. The last time we were together it was wonderful. Something about his bad mood is starting to rub off on me.
Sutton nudges him. He only says, “You look beautiful. Let’s get on the road.” My smile and confidence falter. What the hell did I do wrong?
We pile into the limo that’s parked out front. As I sit between Wesley and Sutton, I stare at the back of Damian’s head. He keeps his gaze on the divider that separates us from the driver. My eyes bore into him as I wonder what his problem is.
Sutton leans over. “Don’t take it personally. He’s had a bad day. Major issue with a client and some other stuff.”
Taking a few deep breaths, I try to let the frustration go. I’m going to have fun tonight. Who knows, maybe I can lift Damian’s spirits. If not, I won’t let him bring mine down.
By the time we arrive at the hall Anthony’s rented for the party, we’ve finished a bottle and a half of champagne. I haven’t eaten in hours, so it hits me hard.
I’ve all but forgotten about Damian’s pissy mood. It was easy with Wesley and Sutton distracting me. They doted on me—pouring me drinks, showering me with compliments, running their fingers over me, and kissing up my arms and neck.
Now, I’m thoroughly hot and bothered getting out of the limo without a way to satisfy my need.
Inside, I find Cassie easily. She’s surrounded by friends, ones I don’t know, who wish her a happy birthday and hand her presents.
“Birthday girl!” I scream out as I try my best to run to her in heels. I throw my arms around her affectionately. She returns it and I know she’s had a few drinks too.
Cassie points out a closed off booth and table that she’s reserved for us. She tells us to enjoy ourselves—even giving each of my guys a hello and a hug. I’m jumping up and down inside. Things are changing, I can feel it.
Wesley wastes no time flagging someone down to bring over a bottle of tequila. Two shots later and Sutton pulls me to the dance floor. Cole follows shortly after.
The alcohol takes over and my body moves to the rhythm of the music pumping through the speakers. It’s something dark and sultry, exactly what Cole would listen to.
Putting his hands on my hips, Sutton brings our bodies closer. My arms snake around his neck. I feel the cool metal of his lip rings brush against the sensitive flesh of my ear. “If you planned on being the most beautiful woman here, mission accomplished,” he whispers. I grin stupidly. I don’t know how he does it, but Sutton has a way of making me feel like I’m the only one he’s ever had eyes for.
Our hips sway together and I can’t help the heat from earlier returning. Then there’s a hand on my lower back. Cole. He wants some attention too.
I break away from Sutton, backing up a step so that my ass presses against Cole. My hips move in slow, calculated circles as I reach up and wrap my hand around his neck. My fingers push into his curls. I enjoy the feel of his silken hair against my skin.
Twisting my head, I stare up at him. “Thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t have all of this.” My eyes shift to each of his brothers.
“You’re welcome.” He gives me a soft smile and a kiss on my head.
I’m lost to the beat as my lids fall shut. Cole holds my hips as he grinds into me. My eyes open and I see Sutton devouring us with his gaze.
Holding out a hand, I invite him to join us. My fingers brush over his cheek before hooking under his chin. I guide his mouth to mine, not wasting time on being sweet. I’m hungry for him.
Swiping my tongue over his bottom lip, tasting the lingering salt and lime on him before slipping into his mouth. Sutton matches my eagerness, swallowing the moan that slips from me. White hot electricity courses through my veins.
I should care that we’re on display. Surely we’ve drawn a crowd. However, I can’t muster shame or anything close to it. I can only focus on the overwhelming desire that is pushing my sanity and dignity over the edge because right now, I just want to fuck both of them.
Eventually, I pull away from Sutton to catch my breath. A quick glance around tells me that no one cares what we’ve been doing. It’s dark aside from the colorful flashing lights and everyone’s too wrapped up in themselves to pay any attention to me.
Well, everyone except Damian and Wesley who have their eyes laser focused on the three of us. I need water and a moment to rest my feet. My soles are stinging. “I need to sit for a few minutes,” I call out, breaking away from them, not waiting to see if they follow.
I hurry back to our booth. There’s plenty of seating, but I grab a water bottle off of the table and plop myself into Damian’s lap. His body goes rigid and I roll my eyes. Modesty from the man who literally spanked me on the dock a week ago? That’s rich.
Despite his less than welcoming body language, I don’t move—instead I settle in closer.
Uncapping the water, I drink nearly the whole thing. Sutton and Cole take a seat in the booth, not interested in dancing with any of the women who tried to grab their attention after I left.
“You can dance with them,” I say loudly over the music, tipping my chin at the blonde and redhead who are staring at us. “I won’t get jealous. I promise.”
Cole and Sutton don’t look amused. But it’s Wes that speaks. “Blue eyes, we have no interest in dancing with anyone except you. And we don’t buy for a second that you wouldn’t get jealous. Just like we wouldn’t let another man dance with you.” I give him a look of defiance. In my head, I tell myself I can dance with whoever I want. “You’re ours,” he asserts.
The words chase my rebellion away. Between the way he says it and his set jaw, I know he isn’t joking. What would they do if someone else tried to dance with me? The memory of Damian throwing a punch and threatening Gavin comes to mind.
I swallow hard and break Wesley’s stare.
A new beat drifts through the speakers. I’m desperate to chase away the tension I’m feeling. I have a little more of my energy back, but not enough to hit the dance floor.
Starting slowly, I move my hips in Damian’s lap to the rhythm of the song. I think I hear him groan softly, although I don’t glance back to confirm. Instead, I lean my back onto his chest and let my head drop onto his shoulder.
My lids are heavy with lust as Damian’s breath tickles over my neck. His arm wraps around my waist, locking me in—my body tightens in response.
I pick up the pace, circling my hips purposefully until I feel the press of his cock through the thin satin of my dress. My lips part and I’m lightly panting as I rub against him, wishing I could do much more than this.
“Fuck, she’s going to come if she keeps that up,” Wesley suggests. I look over to find him watching us with desire in his dark eyes.
My gaze shifts to Sutton, who’s next to us. “She likes that, getting off without even getting undressed. Isn’t that right, Thea? Do you enjoy feeling how hard he is through your clothes?”
“Yes,” I whimper as Damian shifts his hips and slides down a bit. He pushes into me and I rub against him in response.
Wesley’s right. I’m going to come if I keep this up. I should stop, but my need is too strong, making me press into Damian harder.
Sutton shifts his body so he’s leaning close to my ear. “How good does his cock feel? Is he getting you wet?”
I nod, his words pushing me close to the edge. “He feels so good,” I moan softly. Damian’s hand tightens around me.
“I bet he’d feel even better if you didn’t have this dress in the way.”
My eyes lock with his. I’m in a blissful haze of desire and alcohol. I’m not sure how he does it or why I let him, but Sutton slides my dress up. “Lift up for me, baby.” I listen. Why do I listen?
The slit and looseness of the bottom of the dress make it easy for him to bunch up the back while keeping the front pulled down.
Sutton brushes a curl from my face and then kisses along my jaw. “Better?” He asks.
Without the dress in the way, Damian feels amazing. Even through his pants and my panties, I’m able to find a rhythm that pushes me towards my climax. “Yes,” I say breathlessly.
My eyes dart over to Wesley who’s palming his cock, wanting to join or stroke himself at the very least. On the other side, Cole has his eyes locked on me. He shifts and I can tell that he’s hard, too. Fuck, why is this turning me on more?
Leaning my head back on Damian, I focus on the rhythm of my hips, how his bulge presses perfectly into my sensitive clit, and Sutton as he talks me through it.
“That’s it, baby. I want you coming all over him. Make a mess of his pants.” He flicks my ear with his tongue before taking my lobe into his mouth, sucking and biting. Sutton’s hand runs over my neck, his thumb brushing over my jaw. I turn to look at him. That burning amber gaze steals my breath.
Damian’s body is helping to push me towards my release, however, it’s Sutton who’s fueling my desire. His velvet voice encouraging me, the feel of his mouth on me, and that ever present charge of attraction between us does things to me I can’t explain.
My hand drifts into his lap and I’m greeted by his matched need for me. His hips arch into my palm, making me moan. “I need you,” I whisper as he stares at me. “Sutton, I need you.” His eyes widen slightly. He wants it too.
“I know, baby. But right now, focus on you.” Sutton’s face is unusually serious. There’s no arguing with him. I nod, even though I don’t agree.
Moving my hips faster, I feel Damian’s body tense. He breathes in my ear, “Tell me when you’re close, princess.”
My eyes hone in on Wesley, all of my senses needing something to chase this release. I watch as his hand runs over his hard cock. Licking my lips, I imagine it in my mouth and fucking me. Oh God.
“I’m close. I’m close,” I pant out the words. Suddenly, Damian lifts me off his lap, breaking the connection. He drops me on the seat between him and Sutton. I’m hearing the clinking of metal on glass, yet my mind is spinning.
My heart races. What just happened?
“What the hell, Damian?” I hiss, glaring at him. A smirk sits on his stupid mouth. He fucking let me do that, just to take it away right as I was about to come. Dick.
“Not fucking cool,” Sutton spats.
I see Anthony at the center of the dance floor, holding a glass up.
Damian leans over and whispers, “I choose when and where we fuck, not you.”
I’m so pissed that my body is on fire, I could smash something or scream. I don’t because Anthony’s asking Cassie to join him on the dance floor.
“Cassie, love of my life. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted. I could lose everything, but as long as I have you, I am satisfied and complete.” I watch as she smiles sweetly at him. They really are the perfect couple. “I wanted to create the most memorable birthday for you and I think I’ve done a hell of a job.” Claps and shouts in his favor ring out. “But I think I can outdo myself.”
I watch as Anthony gets down on one knee and pulls out a small black box. Chills run over my body and I stand up.
“Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
My best friend is smiling and crying and jumping up and down as she screams, “Yes!” Happiness washes away my anger. I lock eyes with her across the room and she holds up the ring finger that’s now adorned with a giant diamond that I can see sparkling all the way from where I stand.
Despite Damian, this night is perfect. He’ll get what’s coming to him, but for now, I’ll revel in my friend’s excitement and joy. She deserves all of it and more.