As we talk, I can’t help the sense of anticipation building inside me. This is more than just a business decision; it’s a chance to rebuild something I thought was lost forever.
And as I look at Bianca and my old friends-turned-business partners, I know one thing for sure: this time, we’re going to make it work. For the first time in years, I feel like I’m exactly where I belong.
I look at Bianca, then at Alex and Liam. “I need this to work,” I admit, the weight of my words settling in the room. “I can’t go through losing you all again.”
Bianca’s eyes soften, and she reaches out to squeeze my hand. “I want it to work too, James. More than anything.”
Liam clears his throat, his blue eyes intense. “We all want this to work,” he says firmly. “But we need to be honest with each other. No more secrets.”
Alex nods in agreement. “Yeah, we’re in this together, all or nothing.”
Bianca’s gaze flickers between us, a mixture of hope and determination in her eyes. “Then let’s make it work,” she says softly.
Without thinking, I lean in and capture her lips with mine. The taste of wine mingles with the sweetness of her mouth, and I lose myself in the familiar sensation. Her hands find their way into my hair, pulling me closer.
A moment later, I feel Alex’s presence beside us. He gently nudges me aside, his lips replacing mine on Bianca’s. Her soft moan sends a thrill through me as I watch them kiss.
Liam steps up next, his hands framing her face as he claims her mouth with a hunger that matches my own. My body hums with anticipation as I watch them together.
Bianca’s hands roam over our bodies, pulling us closer as she moves from one kiss to the next. The heat between us is palpable, each touch and kiss igniting a fire that has been smoldering for years.
Alex’s hand slides down Bianca’s back, resting on her hip as he deepens their kiss. I take the opportunity to press my lips to her neck, savoring the soft skin beneath my mouth. She shivers against me, her fingers tightening in my hair.
Liam pulls back slightly, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he looks at us with a mixture of desire and determination. “We’ve got this,” he murmurs, his voice rough with emotion.
Bianca’s eyes flutter open, meeting mine with an intensity that takes my breath away. “Yes,” she whispers. “We do.”
With renewed fervor, we continue our shared exploration of each other. Hands move over familiar curves and planes, rediscovering the bodies we once knew so well.
As Alex kisses her deeply once more, I trail my lips down her shoulder and across her collarbone, reveling in the way she responds to each touch. Liam's fingers tangle in her braids as he presses kisses along her jawline.
The room is filled with the sounds of our shared passion—soft moans and gasps mingling with whispered words of affirmation and desire.
I steal another kiss from Bianca's lips before letting Liam take his turn again. We move together seamlessly, each of us taking turns worshiping her body while respecting the unspoken boundaries that exist between us.
As our kisses grow more heated and urgent, it becomes clear that this is just the beginning of something new—something powerful and undeniable that binds us all together once more.
21
ALEX
The night seems different, lighter somehow, like we've all dropped the baggage we've been lugging around for years. We're all sprawled out in Bianca's living room, talking and laughing. It's as if we're all starting over fresh.
Bianca looks at us, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You guys should stay over," she suggests, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
I glance at her bed and then back at her. "Bia, you seriously expect us all to fit on that tiny thing? I'm buying you a new one tomorrow."
She bursts into laughter, and the sound is infectious. Liam and James chuckle along with her.
"Okay, okay," she says, holding up her hands in surrender. "Let's make a giant fort in the living room instead."
James raises an eyebrow but smirks. "A fort? Really?"
"Got any better ideas?" she challenges, hands on her hips.
Liam shakes his head, grinning. "I'm game."
I stretch out on the floor, already imagining the chaos of pillows and blankets. "Alright, let's do this. But don't blame me if it ends up looking like a disaster zone.