“Okay.”
He nods at that, but I don't miss the look that the three of them exchange before we all settle in for the movie.
I lean into Akio’s side and feel Declan’s feet nudge my own. My eyes meet his as his toes slide under the blanket and the game of footsie continues. I can’t help but note both guys being comfortable with my attention being split between the two; as if sharing me is completely normal, and fuck if I don’t want to fall headfirst into that reality.
My heart catches as I glance over at Matteo. His eyes are zeroed in on the physical connection, however innocent, that is taking place between me and his brothers. An inscrutable expression crosses his features, and I find myself worried he will never be open to whatever is growing here, much less interested in being part of it. I refuse to over-analyze what I am feeling, and let the contentment wash over me.
Several hours later, Akio nudges me awake. My feet are tangled with Declan’s while he sleeps, and I’m snuggled against Akio’s chest. There are definitely worse places to be. Bleary-eyed, I glance around the dimly lit room, my gaze connecting with Matteo’s. The only word I can use to describe the look he’s giving me, as I am clearly connected to his brothers, is warm. Maybe I just need to accept that either I can’t read him because of the mixed signals, or that he has no idea what he wants here.
With a soft smile, he says, “I think it’s time to get you to bed, Menace.” He jerks a nod to Akio as he rises, stretches and leaves the room. Declan is still out cold in the chair as Akio and I stand and stretch out our limbs. Akio thumps him on the leg to wake him up.
“Go to bed. We have a busy day tomorrow.” With that, Akio slides his hand into mine and leads me from the room.
We move slowly as we make our way to my room. Once we arrive, we both hesitate, reluctant to let go. I turn to face him as I lean against the door frame, our fingers still linked.
“We’re going to leave this unlocked from now on.” He nods at the open door.
“Oh, yeah?” I arch a brow.
“Outer doors stay locked unless you’re with one of us, but that's more for your safety, so try to behave.” He gives me a pointed look.
“Did you ask Daddy’s permission to unlock my tower?” I can't help but smirk, knowing Matteo would be irritated if he heard me call him that.
I see the shift in Akio’s eyes as they darken. He steps closer, crowding into my space. One arm braces against the wall above me, while the other hand slides up my arm and eventually circles my throat. My pulse spikes in anticipation, and by the glint in his eyes, he’s well aware of the effect he has on me.
“I don't need anyone’s permission, Siren.” His voice is husky as he leans in, his lips grazing my ear, sending chills down my skin with his hot breath. “I do what I want, when I want.” He pauses, nipping my ear. My heart races in my chest as I lean further into his touch, feeling the grip on my neck tighten. “And I take what I want.” He finishes his statement with his eyes searing into my soul a moment before his mouth crashes into mine.
The hand that was around my throat now slides to the back of my neck, and his fingers thread into my hair. He tilts my head back to give him better access as his tongue sweeps past my lips, tangling with my own. His other arm wraps around my waist, pulling my body flush with his. I can feel his erection pressing into me, and I’m desperate to relieve this tension.
Teeth and tongues clash as he dominates this kiss. This aggressive side of him has me grinding against him, ready to submit. His teeth tug on mylip, drawing out a moan from me. He pulls away far too soon, releasing my hair from his grip.
Inviting him in to finish what he just started is on the tip of my tongue when he steps away, his voice huskier than before. “Goodnight, Siren.”
I bite my lip then respond, “Goodnight.” Clearly he kissed me senseless because not a single witty quip comes to mind as he strides away. There’s no denying it now: I want him. I crave all three of them in a way I know I shouldn’t.
Fuck me, where is my vibrator when I need it?
Chapter 21
Declan
Today is all about fixing our fuck-up at the warehouse meeting. Dreary skies weep onto my black Hummer, matching my mood perfectly. Irritation makes me squirm in my seat. I’ve never liked the feelings part of life, I bury them with a good fight or a good fuck. Now I find myself unable to even seek out a random hook up; it creates this pit in my stomach. Like I said,fucking feelings.
I have been tailing Officer O'Brian all morning. Home, hardware store, back home, sneaking drinking in the garage while he fucks with some odd job or another. I watch and wait for my chance. It will come again. The best opportunity was when we were at the warehouse, but with all the chaos and Fallon… Well, catching the cop wasn’t exactly the first thing on anyone’s mind.
I knew the minute I had tossed her the keys that she could run. Maybe part of me wanted her to, despite the bravado I show my brothers. Maybe for the first time in my fucking life someone means more to me than my own selfish desires.
The image of her turning around and running back toward me without hesitation plays through my mind for the millionth time. She could have left, she should have left, but instead, she chose to put herself at risk to help me. I think it was the shock of that action that caused me to getdistracted. Or maybe the fear of her getting hurt. In comes the avenging angel, jacking my blade and… Defending me? The man who treated her like shit. The one who suggested killing her regularly. She chose me in that moment.
My skin crawls with the vulnerability that this image brings. No one has ever chosen me before. Mom was too far gone, chasing that high to the point that she didn't even see me anymore. The guys and I banded together initially for survival, and then in revenge, but there was never a situation of someone choosing me. And yet, Fallon did. I have no idea what this feeling is inside of me, but I know that something has changed. Unsure of when the change started, I know when it solidified. The moment she turned around, when I met that fierce gaze, that determination, that was it. Now she matters to me. I’ll be damned if that hasn't made me…happy?I didn't think I was even capable of that and yet here I am.
My phone ringing over the Bluetooth pulls me from my thoughts. I answer Akio’s call. “Yeah?”
“You busy?”
“Yes, and no. I have a minute.” I listen as I watch O'Brian move about his open garage.
“Look, I’m trying to keep this bitch out of our systems, but every time I put a firewall in place she finds a back door. I’m starting to think Fallon was right about her.”
