by Janie Marie
“Easy,” he said, walking toward her and squatted at her knees. “I’m only saying this because it seems like you want to be alone. I don’t want to force you, no matter how much I agree with him that you’re ours. I just can’t bear watching you push him away.”
Lips trembling, she reached out for David’s hand. He was careful, so careful, as he held it. He gave her that gorgeous David Leodegrance smile and kissed her fingers. So much fire, not the cold, rough touches from last night. “That’s my brave girl.”
She released a breath, laughing weakly when she only felt him and didn’t see or feel Dylan or Stephen, and she gripped his fingers tighter. “Please don’t think you mean less to me.”
His smile widened. “I know it isn’t less. I just know he’s your world. If there’s one of us that you keep with you always, it should be him. I’ll follow if you let me.”
“You promise?” She growled at herself for sounding so weak and pathetic.
“Don’t get upset,” he said soothingly. “And I promise. I want to be on the other side, Jane. Even if he’s your world.”
“You’re my sun,” she whispered, wiping away a tear.
Now his smile was radiant, warming her entire being. “Then may I suggest you look at what I’m trying to show you? Because if you push that bastard away, my girl breaks.”
Guilt flooded her. Ryder was beating himself up because he had promised to keep her safe from Dylan, and now she was telling him he couldn’t touch her.
David stood, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “I love you.”
She stared up at him, saying the same with her eyes.
He grinned, kissing her cheek this time. “Do you want him?”
“Yes.” Her head bobbed. “But both.”
“You have to get him first.” He smoothed her hair back. “Do you want me to help?”
Nodding, she reached up to his lips. His smile was so incredible. “I hurt him.”
“I know,” he said, kissing her fingertips as he pulled the covers back. “I’ll help you heal him.” Tugging more, he had the bed completely uncovered. “Lie here for a moment. I’m going to go grab something from my bag.”
“He’ll come out before then.”
Taking a step toward the door, he smiled. “That’s the point. You need to show him you’re comfortable with him again. You in his bed, wearing nothing but a towel, waiting for him, that’s a start. I’m going to go get the next step. Unless you want me to leave for a while.”
“Come back.” She didn’t want him to leave. He was being the strong one for her, and she needed to lean on someone right now.
“I’ll be back.” Then he left, quietly shutting the door behind him just as she tugged the blanket over herself.
Only a few seconds passed before she heard the shower shut off. She tried to be calm, to force her mind to leave last night behind, to embrace everything her guys offered. It just wouldn’t stop, though. The fear that it would be the same, that they’d treat her the same way.
“What are you doing?”
Jane gasped, her eyes flying open as she realized she’d shut them. Ryder stood at the center of his room, sweatpants slung low on his hips, his muscles full and glistening where his hair still dripped onto his skin.
He glanced at his bedroom door causing his hair to fall over his eyes. “Did he leave?”
“He went to get something,” she told him as he stared at the clothes on the floor.
“You didn’t want to wear what I picked?” Fiery green flames locked onto her face. “Is that where he went—to get you clothes?”
She trembled, though she wanted to be brave. She didn’t want Dylan and Stephen to take her loves from her. She didn’t want to lose the magic Ryder created. So, trying to be the girl she wanted to always be—Ryder’s, David’s and Tercero’s girl—she sat up and let the blanket and towel fall to her waist. If she was going to bare herself to anyone, it was Ryder.
His gaze didn’t leave her face though. “Cover yourself. I’m not touching you until you say and looking isn’t going to help me. It’s going to piss me off that my beautiful girl can’t stand to have me near her. So, cover yourself and get dressed.”
He turned to leave the room, but she jumped up. “Ryder, please.”
“Get dressed,” he said, holding the doorknob but not looking at her.
No matter how dirty she still felt, she wanted Ryder. If she was going to lose him, he’d have to walk away. She wasn’t going to push him away. She was going to cling to him.
Running before he could open the door, she launched her naked self onto his back. “Don’t you dare leave me,” she shouted, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Tingles kissed her forearm and bloomed across her skin where their bodies touched. Jane kissed his back, crying because of the fuzzy feeling on her lips.
Slowly, he brought a hand to her thigh, holding her in place as the other went to her arm around his neck. “You’re touching me, babe.” His voice was low, but it rumbled through his body and hers. “I can’t give you what you want—not touching—with you naked as a damn baby all over me.”
She laughed, kissing his back over and over. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to be sorry,” he said, caressing her arm. “I let you down, babe. I’m sorry.”
“You can’t be there all the time,” she whispered, pressing her cheek against his back as she tried to climb higher. When she was able to press her lips to his neck, she sighed. Every breath he took was a part of her, every shift in his hold brought her closer. “I don’t blame you. I’m just afraid.”
“I know, angel.” He took one step back, his fingers curling around her thigh as he continued walking. “Let go.”
Jane knew the bed was right behind her, but she hugged him tighter. “You’re gonna run from me because I’m stupid.”
He massaged her leg. “You’re not stupid. Well . . .” He chuckled when she let out a little gasp, and it was the best thing to hear him laugh again. “Just get on the bed so I can get you dressed.”
“I’m staying naked until you tell me who you are.” She hugged him tighter, her breasts smashed against his delicious back.
Ryder laughed now. “That’s supposed to be a threat?”
“It’s the best I got right now.” Her whole body melted against him as all the tension left his body.
“So, you’re being our brave girl? My naked little warrior goddess who is gonna fight me until I tell her who I am?”
“Exactly.” She closed her eyes rubbing her lips against the side of his neck.
“Babe, you’re bare ass right now. Your pussy is all over me, and you didn’t want me touching you . . .”
“I know what I said.” She whimpered, fearing he wouldn’t let her get away with what she’d done. “I’m still not getting dressed until you tell me who you are.”
“You know who I am.” He turned his head to the side, coming nose-to-nose with her. “I’m yours.”
“Always,” she said, her lips tingling at how close they were to his.
“Longer.” His gaze flicked to her mouth. “Now I want you to tell me who I am to you.”
Jane lifted herself closer and whispered against his lips, “King boyfriend.”
The smile he gave her was divine. “And you’re my Sweet Jane. Now, give me a kiss before we let Papi inside.”
Even though a tear slipped free, she beamed at him before kissing him with everything she felt for him. It didn’t matter the angle was all wrong, her bad boy made it work before managing to pull her around him.
She whimpered as he suddenly pushed her against the door. She hadn’t even felt him walking toward it.
Ryder squeezed her ass hard but kept his kiss sweet as hell. It was so tender, she stopped breathing because she needed so much more. “Breathe,” he commanded, lifting a hand to her cheek. “Take everything you need from me. I’m yours.”
She nodded, sucking in air as she marveled at how he was roughly palming her
ass and powerfully pressing her against the door, yet keeping his kiss gentle. It was like he was showing her how easily he could overpower her, just like those bastards did with her, but that he would always love her right.
“That’s my girl.” He switched suddenly, kissing her rougher but rubbing away the soreness on her abused flesh.
It took everything in her to keep up with him. She was shaking by the time he breathed in, breaking contact only to kiss her nose, her cheeks, her eyelids. Then he moved her so she could feel his erection.
The fabric of his sweatpants felt rough against her raw skin. She’d forgotten how hard she’d scrubbed in the shower, and she cried out in shock.
He didn’t jump away, but he returned his kiss to her lips. “It’s me.” His hand pressed against his spot. Tingles.
She felt ashamed, but she smiled, nodding.
He didn’t say anything else, but he knocked on his door and received a single knock as a reply. As soon as he moved her away, David entered.
Her blue-eyed boy took both of them in with a faint smile, but he saw the tears clinging to her eyelashes and sighed. “It might take some time, Jane. Don’t be upset with yourself.”
“We can be patient,” Ryder agreed, caressing his spot.
“How about we leave reminders.” David held up a Sharpie.
Ryder immediately held out his hand for it, and David gave it to him. “I’m going first,” he said, carrying her to the bed.
She had no idea what they were planning, and she moaned as Ryder not only laid her down but pressed his pelvis against hers for a tiny second then kissed down her neck until he reached his spot. Below her heart and to the side. How did it feel so good?
“My spot,” he said, kissing sweetly before bringing the marker to her skin. He signed his name with perfect penmanship. She gasped as he blew to dry it. “This isn’t a caveman thing,” he told her, meeting her stare. “It’s a reminder because you’re going to need help as you figure out how to cope with what happened. Every time it fades, I’m writing it again to show you I’ll always come for you.”
David held out his hand, his smile happier than ever as Ryder made space for him. “He’s using too many good lines.” He pressed his hand over her heart. “I don’t know how I got so lucky that you gave this to me so early in your life, but I won’t fuck up anymore. Is this still mine to share? Because I want this to remind you I’m always your David—always here for you to come to—and I’ll make sure your other half is right there behind you if he isn’t already carrying you home.”
“Damn, Papi’s still got it.” Ryder winked at her. “Both of us, right?”
They were so incredible. Jane nodded. “Both.”
David grinned before pressing a searing kiss to her left breast. “I know this doesn’t mean in any way I’m better, because I’m not.” He held the marker over her heart. “But I’ll cherish that you gave me your heart and allowed me to make up for when I didn’t keep it safe.” Now he signed his name and blew it to dry the ink.
Ryder held his hand over his spot and grinned. “You wanna get dressed, or do you want us to take care of you? Together?”
Her eyes were wide, darting between the two of them. Ryder wasn’t pushing, but she knew he needed her.
David didn’t say anything, but she felt his burning gaze sliding down her body. Goosebumps erupted, and he smiled. “No pressure, baby, but I admit, I want you to have something better to hold onto tonight.”
“I’m telling Kingston I’m staying with her—she can hold onto me,” Ryder said, sliding his fingers across her thighs. “You’re not tense, babe.” She saw herself smiling in his eyes. “There’s my girl. Want us to remind you what we feel like?”
Gosh, what was happening? How did they make her want them when she was almost raped?
“Is it wrong that I like this?” She grabbed their hands and, holding her breath, slid them between her legs. “Is it gross that I’m not screaming like I thought I would?” She shivered as their fingers made the tiniest of movements. Tingles and heat.
They glanced at each other, nodding as Ryder pulled her legs apart more.
“Oh, we’ll make you scream, babe.” He winked at her and both he and David slid their fingers down her slit. “Papi, because I know you’re too rough and baby girl is tender down here, this is mine.” He pushed a finger inside, just one, but it pulled a breathy moan from her. “There’s my girl,” he purred, pushing a second finger as David gave her clit a slow, circular rub. “Uh-uh,” Ryder chided, pushing David’s hand. “You’ll get rough. Take care of her kiss. Just don’t forget her lips are mine most other times.” He moved, settling himself between her legs as David searched her face. Then he pressed a kiss to her pussy. “Both, Sweet Jane?”
She whimpered, throwing her head back as Ryder did things that even Tercero didn’t do to her.
“Jane?” David cupped her cheeks, grinning as she moaned and bucked her hips against Ryder’s mouth. “So beautiful,” David whispered, leaning closer so his lips teased hers.
“Oh, kiss me,” she begged him but grabbed Ryder’s hair as her legs quaked around his head.
He nodded, still teasing her. “Next time we’ll invite Tercero.” She cried out, coming, as every sensation Ryder created mixed with David’s kiss and the promise that he’d keep them together. All of them.
Twenty-Six
Jane pushed her hair behind her ear as she peeked over her shoulder. Ryder and David were drawing stares as they stood side by side, leaning against Ryder’s Camaro. She swore people were pretending to work on their lawns just to get a glimpse of them. Maybe seeing the star football players sitting on the street was snoop-worthy, though.
“Hurry up, babe,” Ryder hollered to her. “Or we’ll really make sure you can’t walk. Look at you, like a baby deer taking your first steps.”
She waved him to be quiet, her face warming as David sent her a sexy smile before he nudged Ryder to be quiet. There was no doubt in her mind they were picturing what she was; her between them as they all lay on their sides. They took turns kissing and touching her as she recovered from the intense orgasm Ryder had given her with his mouth, then she begged for more. For both.
Never had she really expected to make love to these boys. Never did she expect to see them working together to satisfy her. David helped hold her so Ryder could fuck her slow and deep. Each time Ryder thrust, David’s dick slid between her butt cheeks, and when Ryder finally filled her up and pulled out, David was ready. He pulled her against his chest and slid inside her from behind.
Ryder hadn’t looked mad, even though he had been bossy and dominant beforehand. No, when David had her, Ryder smiled, caressing her face as he cooed sweet words of how much he and David loved her. He kissed her when David told him to, and David kissed her when Ryder ordered him. Loving her to the fullest was their goal, and they helped each other even though neither needed it.
Her bad boy smirked at her as he crossed his arms. “Still tingling, babe? If not, wobble your cute ass over here. I’m sure Wendy will understand.”
“Understand?” Wendy said, pulling the door open.
Jane whirled around to face her friend, flinching as Wendy took in the bruising and cuts on her face. “Hey.”
Wendy’s gaze flicked behind her, her jaw clenching. “Did they do this?”
“Of course not.” Jane wanted to be angry, but she was also relieved to know that Wendy instantly had her back. She reached forward, hugging her before she could tear off after the boys.
Wendy returned the hug. “Are you okay?”
She nodded but then shrugged with a laugh. “I just missed you.”
Wendy leaned back, touching Jane’s cracked lip with a frown. “Were you involved in that attack yesterday? I’ve only heard rumors.”
“Yeah.” Jane took hold of Wendy’s hands. “I’m okay. I’ll be okay.”
Instead of asking her for details, she opened the door wider. “Do I need to invite your boyfriends inside?”
Jane grinned. “They said they didn’t want to interrupt.”
“Why don’t they just leave you here?” Wendy shut the door.
“They’re afraid,” she said softly. “To leave me alone, I mean.”
For a long time, Wendy stared at her, like she was pulling everything she wasn’t ready to say from her eyes. Finally, she sighed, tears pooling in her eyes as she hugged Jane again. “I’m here too. Sorry for blowing you off.”
“Me too.” Jane squeezed her tighter. “I’m a lousy friend.”
Wendy laughed, letting her go. “You’re not lousy. You’re just always trying to deal with things alone, and I didn’t help by not embracing the harem thing you have going on. I was wrong for not supporting it when it got real.”
Jane swiped away a tear, smiling. “It’s okay. I can keep my love life away from you.”
Rolling her eyes, Wendy went straight for the freezer and pulled out a batch of homemade strawberry ice cream. “Even if you wanted to be away from them, which you don’t, Ryder would follow you.”
“He’s the sweetest guy,” Jane said, scooping herself some ice cream. Wendy made the best desserts.
“For you.” Wendy dug her spoon into the mix. “You should see him at school without you. Everyone runs from him. David is only slightly better. Do you think you’ll return to Black Hills?”
“I dunno.” Jane shrugged as she thought over everything. More students from Helldonna were arrested because of her. Well, because of themselves. But not all the kids would see it that way. “I liked going to Helldonna. You’d like the guys.”
“More boyfriends?” Wendy’s eyes were wide. “How many? You have the deadly duo outside, Tercero, and the king.”
“Luc broke up with me.” Jane didn’t look up, though her emotions couldn’t be hidden.
Wendy reached out for her hand, gripping it. “Do you want him back?”
Jane shrugged. “I barely know him.” Even as she said it, the loss of what she had started to feel with Luc ripped wide open, and she finally lifted her head, not stopping her tears. “Yes, I want him. Please don’t judge me. I know I don’t need another boyfriend. It’s not like I need extra because they’re amazing with me, but I want them.”
