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Roe stilled. His body turned to stone, tears instantly springing to his eyes and overflowing, tracking down his cheeks. The heartbreak in his eyes before he slipped them closed stole my breath, ripping out my heart and shredding it to a million pieces.
“You bloody well do your job,” he ordered, his voice barely a hoarse whisper, his index finger pointed at me. “Keep my little girl safe, Ez.”
“Always,” I promised, and Roe nodded, his jaw clenched tight and lips pursed. I made my way to the front door, knowing he would want some privacy. “Yours is the most important friendship I’ve ever had, Roe. I hope you understand that. I don’t want it to be over, but if you decide we’re done, you should know that I’ll always cherish you. I want your blessing, but I won’t wait for it.”
“Keep my daughter safe, and I’ll give you anything you want.” He shook his head and wiped the tears that had tracked down his face.
“I’ll do that anyway.” I tapped the doorframe with my hand. “I’m sorry, Roe. Not for falling for Zali—I could never be sorry for that—but for not talking to you about it. For disrespecting your position as her dad and my best friend and for dumping this on you. The moment I know something, you’ll be the first person I call.”
“Protect her, Ez. Please, I’m begging you.”
“With my life.” I slipped out the door, closing it quietly, and made my way to my car. There was only one place I wanted to be—in their arms.
Twenty
Tristan
I
hung my jacket on the back of my office door and pulled it open again when the quick rap of knuckles sounded. No doubt I looked like a goof when a giddy butterflies-in-your-belly grin split my lips just at the sight of Zali and Flynn.
Zali didn’t wait for an invitation before breezing in and grabbing my butt as she walked past. “Is your passport in order?” she asked me the moment I closed the door behind Flynn. But she looked distracted, gazing around my office while a slow, supremely satisfied smile tilted her lips.
She could pull off any outfit, but the one she had on was one of my favourites. She’d paired white sneakers with tailored cornflower blue shorts and an adorable little top that tied up between her breasts. Her hair was in loose braids, the pigtails hanging over her shoulders so damn innocent that I wanted to strip her out of everything and bend her over my desk.
Sucking in a breath, I tore my gaze away from her and immediately zeroed in on Flynn. He was…. How did I get so bloody lucky?
He was our angel. Just as gorgeous as Zali, he was dressed in cream linen pants and a white button-down shirt. The ensemble was the epitome of style in a relaxed summery way, the complete opposite to my dark suits and shirts.
“Tris?” Flynn asked, biting back a laugh as I jumped.
“Sorry, what?”
“He’s reminiscing. This office holds fond memories,” Zali teased.
“Drooling,” I corrected, reaching for them.
Flynn was the first to step into my embrace, and I captured his lips with my own, our tongues slowly exploring together as I tangled my fingers in his hair and moaned into his mouth. God, I’d missed them. We’d been together most of the morning, but having them sit in my class while I delivered a lecture, unable to touch either one of them, was hellacious.
Zali slipped her arm around my waist, and I pulled back, the three of us keeping our heads close. I sucked in a lungful of air, taking their combined scents into me and holding my breath. I wanted them like that forever—under my skin and wrapped around me at the same time.
“Fuck, I missed you,” I whispered on a rush, sliding my lips against Zali’s.
She deepened our kiss, and the first touch of our tongues was like electricity zapping through my veins, lighting me up and sizzling every neuron inside me.
Flynn cleared his throat, and Zali reluctantly pulled back. “Okay, yeah.”
She straightened her spine and lifted her chin, morphing into the woman I’d seen in class that first day. It was like an armour she donned, but this time it wasn’t to fight with me. I knew she was pulling herself together, forcing back the desire still swimming in her eyes. If I slipped my hand between her legs, I knew she’d be wet.
Humming, I flicked my gaze down and bit my lip. I wanted a taste. Just a hint. One swipe of my tongue against her core. It would never be enough, but a little persuasion sometimes went a long way.
“No,” she chastised me, playfully narrowing her eyes. “No sex. This is important.”
I blinked, snapping out of my lascivious thoughts. “Sorry,” I apologized, forcing my brain to come back online.
“I’ve been doing some research,” Zali started, and the playful smile that hadn’t left my lips since they’d walked in slipped away.
I knew what she did for a living, and I knew she was still doing it. It didn’t make it easier to hear. Every one of my fears roared up, blindsiding me. My eyes locked on hers, and the colour drained from my face as fast as my stomach bottomed out. I swallowed, trying to stop myself from being sick, my stomach flip-flopping, and not in the good way.
