Page 102 of Succumbed

Course after course of stunning authentic French cuisine is served. I’d eaten at some of the top restaurants in both Paris and the Bay, and none held a candle to the delicious comfort of the evening’s meal.

As the city darkens around us, soft music reaches us from the rue below. A band is playing on the corner, romantic instrumental tunes floating through the air. I smile and let myself relax in my chair, my last glass of wine half-gone as I swing it in time to the music.

“Dance with me.”

I look up at Linc, returning his wide smile as I rise and accept his hand. There’s barely any space, but Declan and Shane make quick work of moving the table carefully to the side. Linc presses his forehead to mine as he wraps his arms around me, pulling us flush against one another. My eyes flutter closed as I raise one hand to cup his nape, the other flat against his muscular chest.

“I never want this day to end.” His breath washes over my lips and I hum in agreement.

We sway comfortably together for several long minutes before Shane steps up and gracefully cuts in. Linc happily hands me over, his touch lingering on my waist. Shane wraps one arm around me, holding my hand on his chest between us.

“Thank you.” His deep voice is so quiet I barely hear him.

Searching his gaze, I smile softly. “For what?”

His arm tightens as he draws a long breath. “Being gentle with Linc. Being in the moment with us today.”

I rest my head against his shoulder, squeezing his hand as emotion wells in my chest. “It’s been perfect, Shane. Enlightening, even. I should be thanking you.”

He kisses the top of my head. “Thank Linc and Dec. They need it more than I do.”

Chuckling, I look back to meet his piercing blues. “I see you, Shane Kelly.”

“Oh?”

“You’re their glue. You’re our glue.” I tighten my arm around his waist, my thumb stroking along the small of his strong back as we move to the music. “I don’t know everything you’ve said and done to keep Linc grounded or urge Declan to open up, but I’m grateful. We wouldn’t be here now without you.”

“I’d do anything for them, Lex,” he murmurs.

“I know.”

His gaze searches mine. “I’d do the same for you.”

It isn’t a declaration of love, but for Shane Kelly, it’s damn close. I can feel the tears gathering in my eyes, hot and insistent, faint panic rising through me at the thought of our perfect day being the last we spend together like this. The four of us, bantering, laughing, and experiencing somewhere–and something–new.

Before I can collect myself enough to respond, Shane looks behind me and motions someone over with a jerk of his chin. Declan steps up a moment later as Shane slowly releases me, his gaze knowing. He presses his lips to the back of my hand, then leaves us staring at each other across the meager dance floor.

Declan clears his throat, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he grips the back of his neck. He looks young, almost boyish, as he glances up at me through long lashes.

“I’m not much of a dancer,” he mumbles.

“Neither am I, Wilde.”

His eyes flash at the nickname, some of his nerves falling away as he steps up to take me in his strong arms.

“I saw a new side of you today, Lex.” His broad hand is firm on my back, the heat of him searing through my thin sweater.

“I could say the same about you.”

“This version of you…” his voice trails off. He takes a long breath, as though steeling himself. “You’re just so much more, Lex. I admired you when I only saw the business side of you, but I realize now that it’s just one of your many facets.”

My chest pinches at the sincerity in his words. His expression is open, his eyes shining with a vulnerability I’ve never seen from him.

“I understand why Linc and Shane want more of you,” he murmurs, “when there’s so much more of you to experience.”

My breath catches, my head swimming with the possibilities. It’s easy for me to envision life as the four of us, even though I’ve only ever imagined a future alone before now. The prospect is as exciting as it is panic-inducing.

“I’m pretty fond of this version of you, too, Declan,” I demure.

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