AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Steam billows out from the glass shower door as I turn the scalding stream of water off. Nothing helps me relax more than a near-burning shower—except for this time—no matter how hot I turn the water, nothing can quell the sense of dread twisting my gut. I reach for a white terry cloth towel draped over the rack, seeing the pink hue of my skin from too long under the scorching onslaught of water. I huff out a breath of irritation, willing my mind to focus on something other than my father’s words still ringing through my mind.
Nope, can’t go there, especially since he dropped the bombshell that a few gods are able to read minds as part of their powers, and we have no idea who exactly is on our side. That was the real reason I couldn’t tell the guys. Couldn’t fill my mates in on the dark secret eating me away from the inside. I know they could tell from my face twisted in distress this past week, but they kept their promise—despite how hard it was on them.
Puppies, sunshine, rainbows, those were safe things to think of, right? I pull the towel around my torso and tuck the edge in, my body forcing me to be constantly moving, constantly doing something to keep my mind off of …that, and the impending trial tomorrow. Anxious energy rushes through my limbs, making me feel like running a mile just to work it off. I throw my head back in frustration and let loose a long groan of annoyance, my wet hair slapping against my back with an audible whack.
I’ve been throwing myself into my lessons with Kyros and training with Maximus all week, working myself to the point of exhaustion every day, just to keep my mind clear of thoughts begging to be lingered upon.
Dragging my hand across the fogged surface of the mirror, I glimpse myself in the fresh surface, noticing the deep dark circles lining my eyes. My sleep has been dreamless too, thank goodness, but I go to bed each night, hoping another vision doesn’t come. Especially not after the revelation with Maximus. My heart aches as I dredge up thoughts of that day in the training room. I could see the shadows of the dark memories clear in his gaze, the impact that his power has had on him throughout his long life, and the strength it took for him to overcome that enough to teach me.
He seems to be coping more and more every day with the impact of his power. I just wish there was some way I could help him, that I could ease his burden.
My feet drag with the effort, weary exhaustion weighing down each movement as I shuffle to the door. I sigh in exasperation, my hand clasping the doorknob to pull on my uniform for the day. I pull the door open and close my eyes, not needing to look to trudge the familiar path to my closet, when a loud guffaw stops me in my tracks.
My eyes pop open at the sound, my heart pounding against my ribs as the cool chill of fear grips me. I huff out an indignant sigh. My free hand flies up to clutch at my chest while the other grips my towel, ensuring it stays wrapped securely around my body.
“Seriously?” I grumble, stomping over to the two forms making themselves at home. Adrian lies across my bed, a hand propping his head up as he lazily peruses my almost naked body, his gaze heating my skin at his rapt attention. His gaze finally meets mine, and he gives me a mischievous grin, and I can almost see his lascivious thoughts playing across his face.
His accomplice, Kyros, sits perched on the edge of my bed. I don’t miss the way he watches the water droplet sliding down my damp skin before dipping between my breasts. A shiver runs up my spine, not from the chilled, open-air of my bedroom, but from the wave of desire that rushes over me at the thought of two of my mates in my bedroom and their heated gazes on me while only a towel covers me.
“Come here, angel,” Adrian purrs, rubbing his hand along my plush comforter. I swallow thickly at the implication, my breaths coming in short pants as I remember the two gods pressed up against me at the ball, our bodies moving together as one.
“Nope,” I squeak, taking a moment to collect my thoughts before I blurt, “You’re going to make me late for class.” I attempt to lower my brows into a glower, but I’m not sure it works as I fight back the words of agreement poised on my tongue.
“Classes are canceled today in preparation for the trial tomorrow, so we figured you could use a break,” Kyros says, motioning to the same spot Adrian had moments before. Despite the lascivious intent I see in both their gazes, I see the concern there too. They haven’t missed how hard I’ve focused on training and how heavily this secret has weighed on my mind.
I exhale a deep breath of relief, grateful for these men. I mean sure, it’s not like this is entirely selfless—far from it. But they recognized that I need some sort of distraction before tomorrow, some way to work off the tension and stress stiffening my limbs. It shows they truly know me, know that I need something to keep my mind off of the information I hold under lock and key inside my mind.
My gaze moves between the two of them, seeing the amusement in Adrian’s eyes and the heat in Kyros’. I eye them warily, and take an unsure step forward. Knowing they have something up their sleeves, but I’m not exactly sure what.
“What did you have in mind by a break?” I quirk a brow, wanting to hear the words. I’ve been fantasizing about having Kyros’ and Adrian’s hands roving my heated skin for months now. And I came pretty close to dragging them home with our lustful display at the ball. But I need to hear it from their lips, need to hear that they want it too—to share me in every sense of the word.
“Well, angel, there was a certain … position we were hoping to revisit,” Adrian says pointedly, that devious glint lighting his eyes once more. “One you promised would be continued.”
I bite my bottom lip. Images flash through my mind of the two of them pressed up against me. Their hard muscles trap me between them as their hands rove over my curves.
At my heated look, they both move like ravenous lions stalking their prey. My heart picks up its pace in anticipation.
They both stand a few feet in front of me, their gazes searching mine, waiting for their cue to pounce. Well, if they’re both in, who am I to argue.
My lips curl into a devilish grin and my hand tugs at the edge of my towel. The thick cotton falls from around me, and I hold it out before me, daintily clasped between two fingers before letting it fall to the ground, the damp material crumpling to the hardwood floor.
They follow the movement, hungrily devouring my figure. I can feel their stares hot on me, their desire warming my still-damp skin.
They both cave at the same time, like they practiced the movement. But they more than likely are communicating mind to mind, figuring out between the two of them how best to work me up. Kyros steps in front of me while Adrian’s corded muscles press against my back. Initiating the same position we were in on the dance floor.
Kyros gently trails his fingers across my jaw. His warm eyes take in every inch of my face, like I’m the most precious thing in the universe.
“Sometimes it’s hard to believe this soft skin—” he pauses, brushing his fingers against my jaw to tangle into my damp locks. The motion causes goosebumps along my skin. “—belongs to such a strong woman. I’m in awe of how you rise to every challenge, despite the cards being stacked against you.”
My bottom lip quivers, and I push back the voice in the back of my mind that screams at me to hide the emotion. These are my guys. I trust them with my whole heart. My chest warms and I let my mouth curve up into a soft, sweet smile. I lift my hand to trail across his cleanly-shaven cheek, and lean into the caress of his smooth skin against the pads of my fingers.
Adrian’s hands skim across the bare skin at my waist, splaying his fingers across my stomach.
I exhale a shaky breath, keeping one hand on Kyros, my thumb smoothing over his cheekbone, and my other moving to rest atop Adrian’s. My fingers twine with his as he grips my hand tightly, as though he’s scared I might vanish at any moment.
“I couldn’t do it without you,” I say earnestly, meeting Kyros’ soft gaze. “Without any of you,” I amend, glancing back to meet Adrian’s crystal blue eyes. I see a hint of amusement, but I don’t miss the way they soften at my words. He’s watching me as though he can see every facet of my soul. It sends a shiver up my spine, reminding me of the declaration we both made to each other after my second trial. I love this man, hell if I’m being honest with myself, I’m falling for all of my mates.
“I don’t just mean the training, but the support. Having someone … or someones to fight for, to protect,” I admit softly, my gaze flitting back and forth between theirs, gauging their reactions.
