Page 156 of Succumbed

Declan sighs exaggeratedly. “No, I didn’t. Mostly, I wanted to see you.” He pauses, fidgeting briefly with the napkin under the bowl in his hand. “I missed you.”

My fucking heart. “Is it so hard to admit?”

His eyes meet mine. “No, I…I’m getting used to saying that shit out loud. It doesn’t come easy.”

“What, communication?”

Declan scoffs, setting his bowl down and leaning back against the couch. “Vulnerability. It’s foreign territory, but I’m…I’m trying to get comfortable with it.”

As I take another bite, I study him. He’s more relaxed in my presence than he’s ever been, even in Paris. After he brought me the photo and apologized, he started cropping up in the group text for the first time since well before the Summit, bantering with all of us. He even started texting me to check in or share little wins as he and the team work through the rush of interest after their grand debut.

Bit by bit, Declan is fitting himself into my life as seamlessly as Shane and Linc fit into his. Almost like a family. For the first time in my life, the thought of having one of my own doesn’t fill me with dread.

“I am and always will be a safe place for you, Declan,” I murmur. “Just like Shane and Linc.”

He looks up and holds my gaze. “I know.”

“Good.” Taking the remnants of our dinner to the waste bin, I turn. “Will you come over with them tomorrow night?”

Since they had both laid my rules to rest, Shane and Linc made a habit of stopping by a few times a week for a sleepover. We had spent little time at their house since Paris, letting Declan dictate his boundaries.

“Not this time,” he says gently, walking over and sliding a hand along my jaw to grip the side of my neck. “I have to pick up our tuxes for the Brightest in the Bay award ceremony on Friday.”

I frown and lean into his touch, hands resting on his chest. “You could come after, if you wanted to.”

“I do.” His fingers flex against my throat with intent, the command in the subtle move going straight to my clit. “More than you know.”

“Then you’ll be there?” I try not to plead as I toy with his buttons.

He leans his forehead against mine, breathing deep. “I want to do it right this time. Be patient with me for a little longer?”

My eyes fall shut. “Okay,” I whisper.

“Thank you.” He lifts his head, pressing a long kiss to my brow. “Come on, love. Let’s get you home.”

He says it so casually, but my heart flutters at the name. It’s the second time he’s used it, and my reaction is the same each time. I grab my purse, then lean into him when he wraps an arm around my waist, his fingers gripping me tight. Just a little longer, Wilde. I’ll hold you to it.

Chapter 46

Lex

“Holy shit, look at this place.”

I chuckle to myself as Linc’s voice wafts up the stairs, full of awe. My house has been transformed in the hours since he and Shane left that morning, protesting my order and kissing me senseless on the porch. They’d only stopped when cars started pulling up behind them, a small army of event staff pouring out to prepare the grounds. As finalists in their category, the guys would be in attendance to hear whether they’d be walking away winners.

Pausing by the mirror at the top of the stairs, I study my reflection. My stylist and his team left moments ago, sweeping out of my glam room in a cloud of hairspray and air kisses. Massimo called the look modern sophistication, my hair slicked back with my makeup minimal. The dress is royal blue silk that wraps around my neck, leaving my left shoulder bare to hug down my figure and flare at the knees, a long swath of material hanging to the floor over my right. I turn, eyeing the plunging back. They’re going to lose their minds.

“Gorgeous!” Linc yells. “Where you at?!”

“Lincoln,” Shane tuts.

I chuckle, picturing his frown.

“Patience!” I call, turning the corner toward the stairs.

As I start down, my breath catches in my throat. Dear god, they should wear tuxes more often. They are tailored to perfection, black pants fitted perfectly over muscular thighs. Shane sports all black, his jacket a luxe velvet with satin lapels. Linc’s dark green jacket shines, silky all over with a black bowtie and white shirt. And between them, a teasing smile on his lips, Declan topped his black shirt and tie with a jacket in a shade of cream so rich it looks gold. Could they really all be mine?

When I finally catch their attention, they freeze. Shane recovers first, desire darkening his icy gaze as he settles a hand in his pocket and watches me with predatory intent. Linc gapes like a fish before coughing a muttered curse into his fist. Declan moves toward me as I draw closer, taking my hand the second I’m within reach. He draws me out into the foyer and leads me into a spin, a pleased sound rumbling from his throat as he catches sight of my back.

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