“More rules,” Lawson mumbles.
“We can take turns,” Hunter says, pushing away his plate. “Only two of us will stay the night, and we can switch off.” Lawson growls, and Hunter narrows his eyes. “We don’t want to invade your life and home. As you know, it’s going to be difficult to be away from her. I know she’s your friend, and you expected a different situation. We'll try to give you time with her without us hovering.” I stare at Hunter, enjoying the timbre of his voice. His hair is shaggy, and I want to run my fingers through it. Between sitting on Lawson’s lap, him feeding me, and the presence of all four of them, I’m finding it hard to concentrate.
“Haven.”
“Huh?” I focus on Rylee.
“What do you want? Are you alright with that?” she asks.
“Yes.” I lick the syrup from the waffle off my lips.
“I need to go to the store.” She scoots back her chair.
“I’ll take care of it,” Remy offers.
“I appreciate it.” She stands and looks at me. “Let’s have a chat before I go.”
“Alright.”
“No listening,” she demands, pointing her finger.
“Promise,” Remy says, grinning.
Rylee grabs my hand, and I follow behind her. She pulls me into her room, then into the bathroom. She lets go and turns on the shower and the sink. I frown.
“Just in case they lied. It'll at least muffle the sound,” she says, and sits on the sink. “Now, tell me what you're thinking.”
“What I’m thinking…” I brush my hair back with both hands, fisting it. “I’m thinking they cast a spell on me. All I want to do is whatever they want. I have no control over my body, and I don’t want to. They make me feel.” I drop my hands. “You know how long it’s been since I’ve truly felt anything. But I don’t want to upset you. This wasn’t the plan. I came here for you. I feel guilty because I do want to spend time with them. This whole situation doesn’t seem real.” I pace to the shower and back. “Rylee, I feel them.” I press my palm to my heart. “Somehow, I know this is where I’m supposed to be. How do you have a relationship with four men? I thought one was a lot of work. My heart is urging me to give in, and trust that they won’t tear it apart.”
“Shit.” She jumps down and grips my shoulders. “I never meant to make you feel guilty. I’m being selfish. I know how hard it would be for them to be separated from you. I’ve seen the bond happen many times. They are already devoted to you. I want you to be happy. I should be thrilled for them. It’s not easy to find your mate, and I need to celebrate it.” She smiles and steps back, leaning on the counter. “You don’t have to stay here. It would be easier if you stayed with them. I’m glad that this means you will move here, and after the bond is complete, I’ll see more of you.”
“I don’t think I want to leave your place yet. I need some time.” I tangle my fingers in my shirt. “But it’s not fair if I don’t give this a chance.”
“Well, you know you’ll never be without food,” she snorts.
“I’ve never been fed in my life,” I whisper. “They’re obsessed with food.”
“They’re obsessed with you,” she drawls.
“I know the feeling. How is this possible?”
She shrugs. “It’s the universe at work. No one knows why. You just go with it.”
“I’m trying, and it’s easier than I expected.”
“I’ll give you some time. I need to go to the gym and the store,” she says.
“I love you.” I hug her.
“Love you too. I’ll text you when I’m coming home.” She pulls away, turning off the water, and walks to the door.
“You don’t need to do that. It’s your place.”
“I don’t want to interrupt sexy time,” she mumbles.
“I would never,” I gasp.
“Who are you kidding?” She opens the door, raising a brow.
