there, pretty lady." Thomas grinned at me from the kitchen, helping Kevin with the groceries and putting them away in the fridge.330"Hi, Thomas. How's your day been?" I asked, doing my best to keep my voice steady and normal. It would be hard keeping shit from my best friend, especially since he knew me so well, but I had hoped he'd shrug it off as me still being emotional, which I guess he would expect me to be.5"Better now. I've missed my man like crazy," he said, nodding at Kevin. I smiled, but it felt strained, knowing I was the reason he hadn't seen him. Thomas noticed and grimaced. "I really didn't mean it like that. It's like they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder," he said. "I'm also glad that you had him. I know the need for a friend to lean on."47"Yeah, he's been great to me."Thomas didn't know all the details of what had gone down, but I was pretty sure he'd pieced together some of it, like the fact that I'd been dating three men, though he hadn't judged me. Not once.9I turned towards Kevin, who was leaning against the counter with a small smile on his gorgeous face, but he looked haggard. "How was work?"He sighed dramatically. "If I have to work one more shift with Oliver, I will end it all."159Oliver worked at the café with us. He was entitled and lazy because his aunt owned the café and felt he could get away with anything––which was correct; he did get away with not doing shit. I rarely had to work with him, but Kevin wasn't as lucky. The last time I'd worked with him...God, it had been hell. Oliver had busted into the lunchroom while he knew I was changing, which was uncomfortable in itself. Still, worse was the look he'd given me when Mateo picked me up after my shift. Long story short, Oliver had asked me out on several occasions, and I'd given the excuse that I didn't date, which he now knew wasn't true—even though it hadn't been a lie when I'd said it. He hadn't looked too happy about that.212I shuddered just thinking about that guy.2"Eh...Emma?"Shaking off the mental image of Oliver's angry eyes, I looked at Kevin, who was now staring at the bouquet of flowers and forgotten desserts—chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate cake.1"What's all this?" he asked, but he already knew the answer to that, seeing as he'd taken the liberty of reading one of the notes which were currently in his hand. I didn't mind, something I figured he already knew. We didn't keep secrets from each other. I frown. We didn't use to keep secrets. Now, though...it was inevitable."The guys sent me apology gifts." I shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal, but my heart still bounced around just thinking about them. That was...until I remembered the other gift I'd gotten. I had to steel myself from the fright that wanted to take over my body again. I couldn't let Kevin know something was wrong.2He whistled as he read one of the cards. "This makes even me fall a little bit in love with them," he muttered, making Thomas laugh. Thomas didn't know much about...the guys, but at the same time, I didn't care if he found out. It wasn't like I was ashamed, though my mind still cringed a bit out of old habits. "Do you want to talk about it?" Kevin asked louder.4"Not really," I said. If I did, I was afraid I would break down, and I couldn't afford that right now. My mental state was fragile enough already.4"Fair enough, but you know I'm here if you ever do want to talk."1"Yeah, I know. You're a good friend, Kevin."14"You're just as good, girly." He joined me in the living room with a smile, but it dipped as soon as he saw the bag next to the sofa."What's going on?" His eyes went from the bag to me, his gaze filled with confusion and surprise. I could see Thomas quietly walking to Kevin's bathroom to give us some privacy."I think it's time I got back to my own place. I'm sure you're missing some alone time with your man." My smile felt stiff and unnatural, but if he noticed, I hoped he thought it was more so because of what had happened in the past few days instead of what might have happened while he was at work.18"That's bullshit, and you know it. You can stay for as long as you want," he stated, looking about ready to throw my bag back into his room. I knew he wouldn't be a fan of me leaving, especially after seeing how much of a wreck I'd been in. To be honest, I was sure he'd preferred it if I stayed longer.

Good, because I want to be here whenever you're going through something." With a last squeeze, he let go of me. He took with him all the warmth as he did, leaving me alone in a guilt wrapped in coldness.Walking over to the bed, I took a seat. "So, what are your boyfriend up to?" I asked, bringing his attention away from my lies and secrets.His grin lit up the place at the mention of his now official boyfriend. Kevin had never been the relationship kind of guy, but I suspected it had been more because he just hadn't found the right one and not because he didn't want to be in a relationship. It made me happy seeing him this in love, even if it brought a small pang in my chest. I mentally shoved away the bitter jealousy, it had no place here when it came to the happiness of my best friend.4Kevin joined me on the bed. "He's out job hunting, but he'll be free this afternoon if you'd want to hang out?" His eyes widened in excitement, "I know! We could go bowling. It's been ages. Or we could go to the arcade."5Kevin's last suggestion took me a little by surprise, but it shouldn't have. The arcade was his place; the place where he found peace and relaxation when he needed it. I'd been there with him a few times, but he didn't share his place with just about anyone. It was further proof that they were a great match.4"That sounds fun," I said regretfully, hating to disappoint him when he was this excited."But?" he asked, hearing the word 'but' hanging in the air. "Let me guess, you can't?" There was a note of...not anger, but frustration in his tone."I have work today, so no, I can't." It wasn't the only reason I couldn't, but I wasn't exactly going to tell him that."Oh," he sounded surprised, like my excuse was actually valid for once. "You're really going after what happened yesterday?"I shrugged. "I need the money. Besides, nothing really happened. The guys were there to stop it."Kevin's lowered his brows. "Still, it must've been traumatic. Are you sure you're ready to get back there this soon after?""Why wouldn't I be? Like I said, the guys didn't let it go that far." Maybe it was the shock, or the thought of staying home alone that made me want to do anything but. It wasn't like I was safe at home either. I gave the untrusty door a side-eye, because I'd now seen that it wasn't unbreakable, and Kevin hadn't even put much effort into making it vibrate like it did.3"Girly, you're taking this way too easily.""Or you're taking it way too seriously," I volleyed, shifting my gaze back to a frustrating looking Kevin.3"Em, someone put their hands on you and wanted to do much more. How are you so calm about this?" he asked."Seriously though, nothing happened. Sure, it was scary when he grabbed me, but it only lasted a second before Gideon and Callan showed up. Gideon will be there tonight too; he'll make sure I'm safe."2He shook his head in confusion. "For someone who broke up with them because they broke your trust, you sure trust them a lot."

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 the almost still whole toast, I was on my way to the bathroom when a sharp knock on the door froze me completely. Loud noises had become a trigger for me; my mind always aware of my surroundings, even in my own apartment, and my ears picked up every sound around me which made loud noises in particular intensify.3Three more bangs on the door followed shortly after, making every muscle in my body stiffen."Emma, I know you're in there. Open the hell up!" Kevin shouted from the hallway.5I flinched from the angry tone in his voice, but my heart restarted when I realized it was my best friend on the other side of the door.For a short while, I hesitated to let him in, unsure if letting him in would be a smart idea. He had made me overthink every choice I made; worse than I've ever overthought before.When Kevin continued to create noises, I knew I either had to open the door, or he could damn well kick it in with the force he was using behind his knocks."I'm not asking again, Emma. Open the fucking door." When he banged extra hard, enough to make the wooden door tremble, I hurried towards it.3"I'm coming!" I shouted back as I gave the door a hasty inspection. I'd thought the wood was thick enough, stable enough, to handle a few kicks, but now I wasn't so sure, and that made my pulse soar. If he truly wanted to get inside no matter the consequences, would I truly have been safe? Was I just kidding myself the entire time with the extra lock and the bolt?4YOU'LL ALSO LIKEYes, Master2.9M94.9K| MATURE CONTENT | "You are fuckíng mine. Do you understand that?" That harsh growl echoed in my head.. His words scarring my mind. I could feel the heat 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...Not So Delicate ||18+67.4K1.5K"Bastard." She whispered. "Your bastard." He whispered back. ~~~~~~~~★~~~~~~~~ A shy at first girl but wild once you get to know her. Her innocence i...My Master, My Husband (BOOK 1)803K14.4KTHIS 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...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 Debt1.9M62.2KThe anticipation is too much. I found myself praying for The Boss just to say something, anything. "Strip." Anything but that. My eyes widened to sau...JAKE'S UNDOING (18+) ✔ (LOVE AND OBSESSION...7.4K88Jake despised weak women, especially women who showed interest in him. A strong and independent woman was what could drive the beast in him, but there was Cassie. Adopte...When I finally opened it, I was greeted with a wild-looking Kevin. His hair was going in all directions as if he'd put his fingers through it too many times, and his eyes were wide and kind of crazy."What's gotten into you?" I asked, feeling wide-eyed myself as I took in his anxious form.He barged inside the second there was space enough for him to do so. No 'hello', no 'how are you'. He simply pushed his way inside my apartment.1"What's gotten into me?" he practically yelled, growing almost hysteric. I hurriedly closed the door; worried the other tenants were going to call the cops with all the noise going on."I'll tell you what's gotten into me. I had to hear from your ex-boyfriend that you were fucking attacked at work. Do you have any idea how that felt? Not knowing that my best friend was assaulted. I'll answer, it felt like hell, because I wasn't there for you, and I wouldn't even have known about it if Callan hadn't called me." His rant started out angry and harsh, but his voice broke at the end, the sound of it contained the type of hurt I never wanted to hear from Kevin.

"Leave him alone. What did he ever do to you?" I demanded, hoping to appeal to whatever sense of decency they might have. One of the bullies, the tallest one, sneered at me and said, "Why do you care? Mind your own business."

"You're always gonna be the most important thing in the world to me, my darling." König's eyes looked up at you, he was almost completely finished with his meal.He finished chewing on the last piece of bacon. "You're too kind. Always too kind." He had an adorable expression on his face, he looked incredibly fond of you, even after all these years."What do I even do to deserve a girl like you?" He shook his head slightly. "I'm just a dumb soldier. I've done things that are...not very nice."☆☆☆☆