shook his head in confusion. "For someone who broke up with them because they broke your trust, you sure trust them a lot."18Well...he got me there. I hadn't really thought about the trust issue lately. I guessed I'd been distracted and not realized that maybe the trust between me and the guys weren't that broken after all; maybe it had just been bent, like a bond that was a little frayed at the edges, but still holding on. Because throughout the stalker situation, there had only been one place where I felt like I was safe and cared for, and it was with my men. You had to have trust to feel safe with someone, didn't you?1I didn't comment to his statement. Instead, I moved our conversation along, shifting the focus back on his and his boyfriend. It was a dirty trick. Kevin was too in love to not talk about his relationship when prompted, and it didn't seem he noticed the not-so subtle manipulation on my part.1It was nice to just be able to listen while he told me about the sweet things Thomas had done for him, like surprising him with a candlelit dinner after Kevin came home from work or taking him out on a trivia night when he'd been stressed—he didn't mention what he'd been stressed about, but from the look Kevin gave me, I gathered it was because of me. They'd both already given each other keys to their apartment, which some might think is too soon, but it wasn't like I could talk—I fell in love with three men during a few weeks' arrangement, it that wasn't soon, I didn't know what was.1When it had been time for Kevin to leave, he'd asked if we could hang out soon. My reply had been vague, and it brought me no joy to see his smile falter as he walked away without calling me out on it.1He'dnoticed the distance I was putting between us, and it seems he wasfinally...unfortunately...taking the hint. And it broke my heart in a differentkind of way than leaving the guys did.

My place was tiny, but with two grown men, it felt like the room had shrunk. They took up the entire space, and not one bit of me didn't like it. This was probably the safest I had felt since the photos had arrived. But while I appreciated them taking care of me after the horrifying ordeal at the nightclub, a huge part of me was worried that letting them stay would come back to bite me in the ass. I'd already established that my stalker was beyond insane, what with his gifts and all, so while he'd agreed it would be best to let them stay for a little bit, he could just as soon change his mind.5My eyelids lowered, and for each minute that went, the heavier they got. Exhaustion gripped me tightly, and all I wanted to do was sleep, even if my stomach was empty and aching."Hey, Bella, you can't sleep just yet," Callan whispered softly. "You need to eat something first. Gideon is finished soon, and afterwards, you can sleep as long as you want."I murmured something back, not quite sure what I said. My body complained that I wasn't lying down, but I figured Callan wouldn't allow me to do it until I'd eaten. He was bossy like that when he wanted to take care of me. The thought warmed my sleepy body.Tired of holding my head up, I leaned into Callan's shoulder instinctively. He rearranged us, so I laid underneath his arm, on his pec, instead. It felt good—too good. A sigh left me as he continued playing with my hair, stroking it softly. If he thought that would help me stay awake, he had another thing coming.3When I was with them like this, it felt like no time had passed since we were together. There was this kind of comfort they provided that never quite went away even with the strain between us. It was kind of like a true friendship, where it could go ages until the friends met again, but once they did, it was like they'd never been gone from each other.1"That feels nice," I admitted when Callan stopped playing with my hair, and instead began massaging my scalp. I'd taken an aspirin half an hour ago, but it hadn't kicked in yet; the massage gave me some relief from my headache.1"I'm glad, sweetheart. Just stay awake for a little while longer, okay?" Callan talked to me softly, and the affection in his voice squeezed my heart. I gave a sound of confirmation.These men...they were like a drug; it had been awful going without them, but when I was finally in their company? I was in blissful heaven.The scent of pesto filled the air, making my stomach hurt with how empty it was. I couldn't remember the last time I'd eaten until I felt full, maybe the first time Gideon surprised me with breakfast, and that was over a week ago.

Kevin had already gone to work by the time my alarm rang. I didn't have any classes until later today, and for once, I would show up, even if one of those classes I had was Mateo's.4My thoughts went back to the guys like it always did. In the weeks that I had known them, they'd taken over my entire mind, and if I could admit it to myself, they'd taken over my whole heart as well. That was why what they'd done cut me so deep because I hadn't just trusted them; I'd fallen for them too.7What if...Kevin was right. If I searched hard enough, I would always find something to worry about next. What if they hurt me again? What if I would never be able to trust them like I'd once done? What if I decided to let them go and then regret it for the rest of my life? There were so many things I could second-guess about, and I would never get an answer to them until I made up my mind.3So, instead of what ifs, I focused on what I truly wanted. Did I want them gone, or did I want to give them a second chance and work through this? I deep dived into my feelings and analyzed each one of them, trying to find out which one of those options appealed the most to me. A smile tugged on my lips as I realized my answer. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders when I knew what I was going to choose. Decision making always did that to me, it weighted me down, even the smallest thing, but when I finally made up my mind, I was a hundred percent sure and felt a hundred times lighter.1The intercom buzzed to life, bringing me out of my overactive brain. Walking to the door, I pressed down on the intercom that would allow me to speak."Who is it?" I asked.1"I have a delivery for one Emma Fields?" A woman asked through the speaker.109Puzzled, I told her I'd be down to collect it. What was this about a delivery? I couldn't stop wondering about it as I went down the two flights of stairs and opened the door. I didn't even notice the woman as my eyes zeroed in on the massive bouquet she was holding. It was a beautiful mixture of white, blue, red, but mainly lavender-colored flowers.10My breath caught as she handed it to me. "Can you sign on this tablet?" the woman asked, offering a pen. I did as she asked, and then she was on her way.Breathing in the scent of the bouquet, a small smile rested on my lips. I had an idea, or three, on who sent this to me, and my heart was going crazy thinking about either of them sending me flowers.26I spied a note in the bouquet, and I hurried upstairs so I could read it. Kevin being the lover of flowers and plants, already had many vases to choose from, even for one as big as this.Putting them in the water, I snatched the card, eager to see what it said.My favorite color is blue. Callan's color is red. Gideon's is white. If you mix every one of them together, you'll get lavender.104You once told me that was your favorite color.9No one could suit us more perfectly than you.1You match us, Gorgeous.2Yours truly, Mateo

I re-entered the bedroom, Mateo had made himself comfortable on one side of the bed. He gave me one of his cheeky smiles, though I wasn't oblivious to the slight strain to it. All things considered, they were taking the news well—or at least, they were keeping it together for my sake, which I appreciated. I couldn't handle much more today.Callan brushed past me to use the bathroom."You mind if I stay here?" Mateo asked, and while it sounded like teasing, his eyes remained serious enough for me to understand he needed to know if I was okay with it or not. He was on the top of the comforter, still dressed as if he was prepared in case my answer was no.YOU'LL ALSO LIKETHE CONTRACT (The Chosen Series #2)274K13.5K{MATURE +18} I am strong, I am resilient, I am fire... ******************************************************************************************* Grabbing hold of my...Saving Leah2.1M52.3KSaving Leah Series Book 1 Buy an edited and refined version on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PTD577S/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=saving+leah+book&qid=1607281...Paint Me, Professor | Student-Professor Erot...2.8M70K18+| COMPLETE✔️ "Ali..." He sighed, his breath tickling the skin of Alison's neck. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, admiring her beauty, how youthful...My Master, My Husband (BOOK 1)804K14.4KTHIS BOOK IS 18+/ NOW ON KINDLE VELLA WITH SOME ADJUSTMENTS! "Alright, I'll tell you the rules twice, and I'll need you to memorize them, write them down and give t...Dominant & Submissive | 18+52.7K1.6K"Good girl, now, call me Daddy!" He whispers, his voice sexy as fuck. "Daddy!" I voiced out, but it came out as a whispering threat. "Louder!&q...They Echo Me129K3.7KCats In the Cradle Sequel Daniel and Emma have been married for nearly one year, and they couldn't be happier. Their marriage is perfect on paper: very-best friends-tur...Yes, Sirs (Book 1 of Desire's Den)62.3M1.4M"You were ours from the second we saw you," he stated as if I didn't have a choice in it, and the truth was, I didn't need to because he was right. I was their..."The more the merrier." I smiled. "I've been sleeping like shit recently, but you guys make me feel safe.""I'm glad you feel safe with us, gorgeous. Trust me, nothing will happen to you as long as we're here." His comment made my heart skip so many beats, I was damn near having a heart attack.3He patted the middle of the bed. "You should probably get your butt in here before Callan comes and take up the entire space with his massive ego."30A startled chuckle escaped me, and I froze slightly at that sound. When was the last time I'd laughed? Like a natural kind of laugh that hadn't been forced? My guess was when I'd still been with the guys.2"Well, what are you waiting for?" he teased, and without even trying, he was easing my tension. Taking his advice, I climbed onto the mattress and settled in the middle on my back, staring up at the ceiling without registering anything but how natural this felt. The strange thing about all of this was...it wasn't awkward. Since I met them, we'd spent almost the same amount of time apart as together, yet, whenever we were around each other, it was like no time had passed at all, and we fell right back into the comfortableness of being together. The butterflies swirling in my stomach told me I liked that, very much. Though, even though we seemingly fit together as we once did, I couldn't help but wonder if anything had changed—the space I'd left between us on the bed was showing how I couldn't quite let my entire guard down and truly believe everything was like they used to. Before today, I had known the guys had wanted me back, but what if they'd changed their minds now that I came with a lot more baggage? What if I were only here right now because they were too good to send me away unprotected?1I stiffened, not liking the road my thoughts were taking me."Hey," Mateo said lightly. I could sense his eyes on me, but I didn't turn towards him. "What's happening in that mind of yours now?""A lot," I admitted. "We probably have much to talk about, don't we?"Mateo made a sound of agreement. "Yes, we do, but it can wait until you're rested and feeling up for it. There's no stress, gorgeous. Take your time. We'll be patient until you're ready.""Thank you, I—" I gasped. My eyes focused on the ceiling, seeing what I'd been too distracted to see."What?" Mateo asked alarmed."The stars..." The ceiling had been painted black and there were stars everywhere, it hadn't been here the last time I'd spent the night. It reminded me of Callan's playroom, but instead of hundreds of miniscule dots randomly places, these looked to be the exact image of the night sky. There were five stars in particular which shone the brightest, which was the constellation of Cassiopeia.38It was breathtaking, and heartwarming.He remembered.

away a lonesome tear, I swallowed down the lump in my throat and steeled myself to go downstairs to Mateo.12This meeting...it wouldn't be easy, but it had to be done. It had to. I couldn't start doubting my decision.4I felt like a self-sacrificing idiot, but wasn't that how it should be if it meant keeping those you cared about safe?14A knock on the door made me flinch, still feeling the effects of the phone call."Gorgeous, are you ready?" Mateo's voice was like a balm for my nerves, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I could breathe easier. The only person outside my door was one I cared about. 37"I'm coming right now," I told him, surprised when my voice came out steady. Beating down whatever hesitation I might've still felt, I went to the door and opened it.5YOU'LL ALSO LIKEYes, Sirs (Book 1 of Desire's Den)62.3M1.4M"You were ours from the second we saw you," he stated as if I didn't have a choice in it, and the truth was, I didn't need to because he was right. I was their...Submissive Desires345K3.7KThis story is really HOT. Like really really really HOT. It's essentially about a college student learning about her hidden desire to submit to a man, with the help of h...Lusting After Lucifer (18+) ☑259K2.5KThis is an erotic romance. Recommended 18+! Completed. Excerpt: His mouth was back on mine in an instant, the door behind us rattling loudly as he thrust against me. &qu...Solicitude394K7.6KRated R "Please, faster," I begged but he didn't oblige. "No, my control, my pace," he said. Then, I felt his lips on mine as he continued easing in...Sometimes he loves me140K3.2K‼️Content warning and trigger warning‼️ This is a dark romance and contains mature content that is not suitable for all readers. The trigger warnings include: - Assault...DOMINANT✔ (DSD SERIES, BOOK ONE)1.3M31.4K⚠️⚠️Rated Mature ⚠️⚠️ 🌟🌟I do not own rights to images on the cover or the song lyrics in the book. All rights go to the photographers and writers. 🌟🌟 CHRISTINA HASE ...Saving Leah2.1M52.3KSaving Leah Series Book 1 Buy an edited and refined version on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PTD577S/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=saving+leah+book&qid=1607281...My breath caught the second I stepped outside as his warm ocean eyes connected with mine. There were so many feelings flashing through his gaze. Still, I didn't let myself read them, too afraid I would see something there that would make leaving even harder. Though, I didn't know if it would be possible for it to be harder than it already was.7His usually easy smile that showcased his beautiful dimples was nowhere to be found. Instead, it was strained and sad. The last time we had spoken, I'd come at him with all my hurt and betrayal, and to say it had been a tough conversation would be an understatement. I could still recall the last time I spoke to him in the park when I confronted him about what they'd kept from me. I'd been a little broken and a little scarred and a whole lot hurt.32Mateo was the one I found the easiest to approach, which was why I'd wanted to talk to him first. He always had this laid-back way about him that had drawn me to him right from the start. It made me feel safe and calm, which I had needed the most when it became time to deal with their betrayal. 16Even with the sadness surrounding us both, I still felt the easiness of being with him now; my soul yearned to never let go of that feeling of tranquility he provided.2There was this instant humming beneath my skin as I joined him outside my apartment. Every cell of my body begged me to cross the small gap between us and fling myself into his arms and the safety of his embrace. Even with the trust currently broken between us, I didn't think my craving for him and the others would ever go away.8He was wearing a dark blue suit that was fitted to his broad shoulders and narrow waist. Two of the buttons on the white shirt underneath his jacket were undone, and I just knew it was because the formal wear felt stiffening to him. He was more of a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy, but damn...he looked good in it.37It had only been a couple of days since I'd seen him last, but standing in front of him now, it felt like ages ago. The sight of him was heartbreakingly beautiful.5I noticed he'd been able to get inside the building, but I didn't comment on it. If Callan still had the key from when he fixed the ceiling and shower, then Mateo had probably borrowed it from him. Frankly...it made me feel safer knowing they could reach me if I needed them.

cleared his throat as he took me in as well."You...ah..." He cleared his throat again as his eyes slipped down the modest cleavage of my dress. His gaze was like a physical touch as it dragged across the swell of my breasts. My skin prickled with it, making my nipples tighten into hard points underneath my bra. It was like my body was disconnected from my brain because, after that phone call, I really shouldn't be getting turned on right now, but I was. I so was.60"You took a while, and I just wanted to check in and see if you were okay," he finished with a swallow, looking back up.8"Oh, sorry, I must've forgotten the time." I smiled, but it was just as strained as his had been."That's okay, I don't mind waiting, but Callan and Gideon are getting a bit restless." At the mention of the other guys, his phone dinged once. "And that's probably them again," he said but didn't make a move to answer it.25"Right, we should probably go meet them. Are they at the club?" I made sure to lock my door before we made a move down the stairs.As if our bodies weren't aware of the current issues between us, they drew together, with his hand automatically going to the small of my back and my muscle immediately relaxing into his touch. The warmth of his hand radiated through the thin fabric of my dress, and I almost sighed at the pleasant feeling of his hand on me.2"Yeah, they're waiting for us in the meeting room," he answered, guiding me carefully down the steps.4The meeting room... Would it be the same room where we went through the BDSM checklist together? I didn't ask, but I couldn't help but wonder. While a part of me hoped for it, another part didn't want to relive the memory of my first real taste of that lifestyle. Because I knew I wasn't just taking a step back from the men but from the club as well. 4No men meant no play; and even if the unknown man allowed it, I wouldn't want to be with anyone but my guys.12My eyes scanned the street as we got outside, but I relaxed a little when I didn't see anyone.4It was a chilly night, and I'd stupidly forgotten to grab a coat before I headed out.5Mateo, noticing my slight shivers, quickly draped his suit jacket over my shoulders. This time, my smile came easier.12"Thank you," I said sincerely as I put the key in the door to the building and locked up that one too. The jacket smelt like him—like the rosewood soap he preferred and an undertone that was entirely from him, sweet and understated. Being surrounded by his scent muddled my brain, making me forget everything for a brief moment.4As I stepped towards his parked car, he rushed to open the door for me. The gesture warmed my chest, but only for a second before I remembered that this was likely the last time it would happen. Yeah, that thought snuffed out the warmth quickly.26As comfortable as his car truly was, it wasn't comfortable at all. It had more to do with the tension between us than the cushy seats. I think Mateo understood that this wouldn't be a pleasant meeting because he wasn't normally this...stiff. His smile was forced, his breathing was too controlled, and his gaze...whenever he looked at me...it was heavy with something—something I tried distancing myself from because if I didn't, I might just break and risk it all.