Page 91 of Burning Bridges Duet

“How are you feeling? Did you sleep okay?” he asks.

I nod and look around, taking in my surroundings. I realize I’m in a room I don’t know, but a quick glance makes it clear that it’s River’s. There’s a big desk with three monitors on it, a TV mounted on the wall across from the bed, with multiple game consoles attached to it, and beside the bed sits a beanbag. Still, his whole room is tidy and clean and just as big as Ryder’s.

“I don’t remember coming in here,” I say, and he chuckles.

“You fell asleep in my arms, and we couldn’t get you to let go of me, so I improvised.”

I blush as the memories flood back and cover my face with my hands. I had a fucking breakdown, and River was my victim.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to break down on you like that, I just—” I start, but he interrupts me with a gentle shushing sound and takes my hands away from my face before planting a soft kiss on my nose.

“It’s okay. I hate that you’re hurting so much, but I’m glad I could be there for you. I know you’re strong and capable, but I’m here to give you a break if you need someone else to be your strength for a while.”

His words are so comforting that I feel my eyes tear up again, but this time, it’s out of gratitude. I lean into him and wrap my arms around his neck, feeling safe and loved in his embrace.

“I missed you so much. I thought I would never see you again,” I whisper, and he squeezes me tightly.

“Weeks, months, years—it doesn’t matter. I would have found you, Liv. I’m not gonna let you disappear from my life. I just got you.” His words comfort me, and I relax a bit.

We stay like that for a while, just holding each other and enjoying the moment. Finally, he pulls away and looks at me with a smile.

“Come on. You can go have a shower, and I’ll let Jaxon know you’re awake so he can do his magic.” My belly growls, and he laughs. “Let’s go before you starve. You slept through the night and nearly a whole day.”

I look at him in shock, now feeling my bladder too.

“I needed a break too, don’t worry,” he says, and I get up and let him guide me out of his room.

As the hot water trickles down my body, I let out a deep sigh. The past few days have been a nightmare, but I’ve come to the realization that I overreacted. Yes, Liam found out where I am and wrote me a terrifying letter, but he’s still locked up and unable to do anything about it. He can only terrorize me with his words, something he has done before when I was back home. Not opening the letters helped, even though it was always a hit to my progress when one arrived, but I can handle letters. I refuse to throw away my new life, my friends, and the guys just because of that. Stepping out of the shower, I wrap myself in the plush towel that River laid out for me. I’ve already used a spare toothbrush and Chase’s hair products, which are way better than mine. I need to know where he shops.

I put my damp hair in a high ponytail and dress in the boxer shorts, sweatpants, and T-shirt River brought in earlier. I think they’re Chase’s, since he’s the smallest of them, but they’re still way too big on me. I tie the strings of the sweatpants tightly, trying to keep them from falling down. As I look in the mirror, I can’t help but notice how ridiculous I look in the oversized clothes, but at least they’re comfortable. I wish I had some lotion or oil for my skin, but I’ll have to make do without it. How do guys manage to have such nice skin without using moisturizer?

Focusing on getting through the rest of the day without any more breakdowns, I take a deep breath and head out of the bathroom, ready to face whatever comes my way.

I make my way to the living room, where the guys are all seated on the couch and watching a show on TV, but they stand when I come in. Jaxon comes over to me and pulls me into an embrace.

“I hope you like scrambled egg breakfast burritos for dinner,” he whispers in my ear, and a weight falls from my shoulders. I thought he was going to demand answers from me.

“I know I’ll love them since you made them,” I say, and he kisses me quickly before letting go and heading to the kitchen.

I take a quick look at the clock on the wall and find it’s already seven pm. Chase pulls me in next and cups my head in both his hands, his eyes hooded.

“I so like you in my stuff, gorgeous,” he says before lowering his head and kissing me gently.

It’s a good kiss, and butterflies erupt in my stomach as I realize he’s never kissed me like this before. Chase is a great kisser and lover. We did kiss during sex, but never just like a simple kiss. As much as I want to push away the thought, the truth is that practice makes perfect, and he’s had a lot of practice.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts, and smile at him.

“Thanks for the clothes, Chase. They’re comfy,” I say, trying to stay on topic.

He grins at me, obviously pleased with himself, and heads to the kitchen to help Jaxon.

“Twin sandwich!” Ryder shouts before I get squished from the front and the back, though River is noticeably gentler in his squishing from behind me. I laugh.

“I missed you, baby,” Ryder says, then pulls me in for a passionate kiss that leaves me feeling a bit dizzy. River, meanwhile, moves my hair to the side so he has free access to my neck and starts to kiss me there, sending shivers down my spine. I gently push Ryder away, feeling way too horny for the setting.

“Guys…” I say breathlessly.

Ryder chuckles as Jaxon and Chase enter the room with plates of food.