Page 80 of All In

Laken squeals, gesturing to the circular sunken cushion nest when you first enter. “Um, holy shit! That’s super fancy.”

The sunken nest is open and likely wouldn’t work for the first few days of her heat, but it would be an option for the last few days, since it’s airier.

The windows on each side of the den nest allow for natural lighting to the circular cushion, but due to the walls surrounding the den itself, they won’t bother her when she’s tucked in the platform nest.

Laken gets to the steps and turns back. “Are you two coming?”

“Hell, yeah,” Tanner growls, elbowing me out of the way.

I nod, watching as she scrambles up the stairs and does a running jump onto the mattress. A slow smile crosses my face as she gets annoyed with the towel, ripping it off and tossing it aside.

“She really is too fucking cute,” Tanner says over his shoulder.

“That she is,” I agree.

Laken spends a while examining the extra blankets while fully nude. Once she finds one that appeals to her senses, she instructs Tanner to adjust the lighting. It becomes a whole endeavor.

I flip on the circulation fans and collect their fallen towels before carrying them back to the laundry basket.

I war with myself about whether I should go for sweats or even underwear, but the urge to feel Laken’s skin against mine wins out.

I do still have to pop into my room to grab several bottles of water from the mini-fridge and to set the alarm.

After collecting my phone and charger, I head back into the nest, texting Maverick along the way to ask him to lock up for me, which he assures me he will.

“See, he didn’t ditch us,” Tanner says as I make it back into the room.

“No, certainly not. I simply needed to ensure the house was secure and set the alarm.” I drop the bottles tucked under my arm, plug in my phone, and place it down on the bedside table.

I’m suddenly very aware of my own nudity.

Laken scoots back into Tanner’s chest and pats the bed. I clear my throat as she lifts the blanket. I’m not sure I’m mentally prepared for group sex.

Does three people constitute group sex?

No, I believe that’s a threesome.

My heart races as I climb under the comforter and stretch out.

Laken moves closer, tossing her thigh over my leg, and Tanner moves in behind her.

“I would like to explain my rationale on why it’s important that you not fight our impending marriage,” I say, frowning when Laken lifts my arm.

I still comply, allowing her to rest her face on my bony pec.

Damn, at times like these, I wish I was softer.

Tanner chuckles, moving with her until his chest lies against my arm that’s wrapped around her back. “It doesn’t sound like he’s letting that one go.”

“Okay,” she says around a yawn. “Go ahead and convince me why we need to get hitched.”

“Firstly, it’s already been filed,” I say, beginning the speech I went over in my mind many times during the course of this afternoon. “Although, I don’t plan to begin calling you my wife until I have the stamped certificate in hand.”

Her soft fingertips brush over my chest in a way that makes my heart thump erratically. “That’s only logical,” Laken says, sounding quite amused.

“Indeed,” I agree. “With Kurran and Adair still on the game board, combined with the Barretts, I believe it will give you the most safety. If ever there was a situation where you may be called to testify, it would also allow you spousal privilege.”

“That’s kinda grim,” Tanner says, brushing his fingers over her stomach. I jolt and barely stop myself from slapping his hand away to force him to stop touching me.

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