Page 136 of The Pact

“Sleeping beauty rises,” Sutton says as I hit the top step. I groan internally. All four of them are in the kitchen.

Squaring my shoulders, I don’t let their stares unnerve me—at least on the outside. Thankfully, I’m not the only one who looks a little worse for wear.

Sutton passes me a bottle of ibuprofen and water. I don’t hesitate to down four pills and half the glass.

I shoot a message to Cass as I finish the rest of the glass.

Me: Congrats again, Bride to be! Want to meet up for an early dinner? I have to have another look at that ring. Plus, I have an idea I want to run by you.

Something Damian said last night sparked an idea—wicked little thing. Those words spun around in my head all night long. Dreams of horns, red lace, feathers, and halos gathered into something that could bring business in to the studio—or it might cement my reputation as a harlot. I need to talk it over with Cassie to get her thoughts.

Setting my phone down, I register the smells coming from the stove. “Please tell me there’s something greasy to eat.” I try to peek around Cole, who’s cooking.

He turns with a grin. “Fried eggs? Bacon? Gluten-free chocolate chip pancakes?”

I rush over and give him a peck on the cheek. “You’re a lifesaver. I love you.” He hands me a plate and I load up, eagerly popping a piece of bacon into my mouth. “Oh my God. This is so good,” I moan as the grease coats my tongue.

“Sounds like that bacon is doing a better job than you did last night, Wes,” Sutton teases. I eye him, unamused.

“Not fair. That limo was way too small for me.” He snatches a piece of bacon off my plate. “Blue eyes knows exactly how good I can give it to her.” Wes winks at me.

I swallow and decide I can give back what they’re dishing out this morning. “I don’t know Wes…I mean, it was good and all, but I think you can do better.” I send a wink right back to him.

Wesley takes the plate of food out of my hand and picks me up easily with the other. “Hey! Put me down!” I screech as I beat my fists, uselessly, against his chest. He drops me and my food on the island.

His hands grab at my ass, pressing into the tender spots from last night, making me wince in pain. “Maybe you’re right. I think I’ve been too easy on you. Want me to show you how much of an animal I can be, Thea?” The look in his dark eyes is wild and makes me shudder.

I push him away from me. “Save it for the bedroom.” I try to hide the nervousness in my voice, although it clearly sneaks through.

He laughs roughly as he backs up. “The bedroom seems like the last place you want to be fucked.”

I roll my eyes, but he’s not wrong.

Sutton comes around, handing me my plate. His fingers brush over the bruise on my shoulder and his eyes meet mine, now soft. The wolf adorning his ring finger is in opposition to the sweet man before me. “Are you feeling alright this morning? Hangover aside.”

I know what he’s asking. He wants to know how I am after last night—physically and emotionally. He wants to know if I enjoyed it. I peer over my shoulder and see Cole and Damian casually eyeing me—waiting for my response.

Clearing my throat, I answer honestly. “Yes. I mean, I’m sore, but…” A smile slips over my lips. “I like remembering where I’ve been touched.” My nose bunches at the confession. I must be insane for feeling this way.

Sutton tips my chin up to stare at him. “That’s perfectly normal,” he reassures. “What about here?” He brushes his fingers over my forehead.

I bite my lip. I feel like I can tell them anything without judgment, especially Sutton. However, it’s strange talking about what we did so openly. “It was good for me. I-I liked all the different sensations. I don’t know. There was something about being touched by all of you at the same time that felt…really good.” I push those last two words out quickly.

From behind me, I hear a sharp intake of breath, but I don’t check to see if it comes from Damian or Cole. I meet Sutton’s eyes and then my gaze darts to Wesley, who’s leaning against the kitchen counter. Both echo a nearly similar expression—smugness, desire, happiness, or maybe it’s a mixture.

“How was it for all of you? Was it too much?” I look back at Damian as I ask, knowing I was purposefully pushing his buttons last night.

I think the others get the hint because they remain silent. Damian steps up to the island, taking my chin between his fingers. Leaning in close, he assures me, “You’ll never be too much.” I expect him to close the distance and kiss me, but he backs away. This hot and cold game he’s playing is getting on my last nerve. I’m about to say something when Sutton speaks up.

“Do you know how perfect you are, Thea?” He leans in to kiss me, cupping my neck and brushing his thumb over my jaw, giving me what his brother won’t. “You’re everything we’ve been looking for. You’re ours.”

Theirs. The words sink into me, settling over me like a warm blanket, making me feel safe, secure, and at peace. “And you’re mine. All of you are mine.” I sweep my gaze over each of them, making sure that they know I mean this claim on them. They are mine and there’s nothing in this world that can take that away. Nothing.

Cassie messaged me back while I was finishing my breakfast, agreeing to meet up for dinner. I had a couple of mini family shoots and then I wanted to pick up an engagement gift. I found the perfect thing at a little shop on Main Street—a crystal ring holder.

It’s not much, yet I know she’ll appreciate the thought.

I’m waiting at a table when I see Cassie enter the restaurant and flag her over. She looks about as good as I do after last night.

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