Page 52 of Succumbed

Linc crosses his arms on the table and drops his head onto them as he groans. “I fucking told you.”

Shane’s lips lift into a devilish half-smile. “So you did.”

I’m neither surprised nor bothered to hear they’ve talked about me. The possibility of something…more…had been simmering for weeks. Ever since Shane dug his thumbs into my arch and Linc planted the idea of the three of us in my head. And damn it, I work way too hard not to let myself enjoy something good when it comes along, uncharted as it might be.

“What’s on offer, boys?” I tease.

Shane’s eyes blaze at the nickname, but I don’t take it back. While I might let them take control in the bedroom, I know I will always be the one in charge. And even though my gut tells me I’m safe with these two, it doesn’t hurt to remind them of that truth.

“Us.” Linc shrugs, like it’s simple.

Can it really be that simple?

“Here, tonight. For now,” Shane adds.

“Presumptuous of you.”

“You might be surprised to learn he’s an optimist,” Linc quips. “What do you say, Lex?”

I look between them both. “When will Declan be back?”

“Late.”

“Hm.” I study their faces, ignoring the thrill of anticipation running through me. “If I say yes, what’s next?”

Shane straightens, then rises to his feet. “Linc tells me you’re willing to obey. Is that right?”

My heart thunders in my chest as my breath stutters. I can feel the wetness gathering in my underwear at the thought of the two of them touching me. Guiding me. Praising me. At the same time. Is this really happening?

“I might be.”

His eyes glitter with dark promise, his gaze hard. “I hope so. Go upstairs, second door on the right. You have five minutes.”

“Five minutes to do what?”

“Get ready.”

“Naked and kneeling, Lex,” Linc murmurs, his warm brown eyes intense.

I take a deep, steadying breath, my eyes falling closed. The feeling of being poised at the edge of something big, something deep and wide and as exciting as it is terrifying, swirls in my gut. Linc was fun, and sweet, and something I didn’t know I’d needed. I suspect Shane’s an entirely different animal, and being at their combined mercy will be an experience I’ll wear imprinted on my soul. Am I ready for whatever happens next? When I open my eyes, I meet Shane’s arctic gaze head on.

“You know my rules?”

Shane nods.

“Good.”

Linc flashes his dimpled grin, his eyes blazing with want as Shane’s lips curve into a tiny, satisfied smile. They can’t look more different, a true juxtaposition: one warm and giving, the other cold and unyielding. Imagine being caught between them. My belly swoops at the thought.

I rise calmly to my feet, finish the last third of my wine in one long swallow, and turn for the stairs. The faint sounds of low conversation and scraping chair legs reach me as I climb to the second story. Anticipation coils in my gut as I walk through the second door on the right as instructed.

The room’s simple, cozy, and modern. This is so Shane. A king bed sits on the opposite wall, with an armchair and ottoman off to the right. The gray and blue color palette is masculine and calming, and the military neatness of the space is exactly what I expect from the quiet tech genius. A plush, dark blue bench sits at the foot of the bed, and I step up to it as I slip out of my cashmere sweater. I fold it carefully, setting it aside on the bench as I unhook my bra with my other hand.

After removing my clothing and organizing it in a tidy pile, I move to the center of the bench and take one large step back. Faint sounds filter up from the main floor, but I can’t decipher them. Sighing deeply, I lower myself to my knees, then cross my arms behind my back. There’s comfort in knowing I’m no longer the one calling the shots, no longer responsible for a million and three decisions. I’m on my knees, naked, with no idea of what the next few hours will hold…and I have never felt so fucking free.

Moments after the last of my tension melted away, two sets of footsteps start up the stairs. The hairs at the back of my neck rise in anticipation, my nipples tightening to stiff points. I can hear them enter the room, hear the sharp intake of breath from Linc, but don't turn my head.

“Fucking hell, look at you.” Linc’s voice is low and reverent, and I smile to myself.

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