Page 57 of Ours to Keep

“She looks tired,” I say to Tommy as we approach the stairs.

He glances at me and then back to her. “She’s not been sleeping. I think getting her out of the house to walk along the coast has been helping, though. Sea air seems to help her give into her body, and she tends to sleep better afterwards. But she’s also been waking throughout the night because of nightmares.”

The delicious aroma hits my senses as we reach the bottom of the stairs. We’ve eaten while Lily’s been gone, but it wasn’t from having an appetite as much as it was due to a necessity.

“That’s to be expected. I think until Mia is back and Richard is taken care of, she’s still in limbo. But I also know you’ve been doing everything to take good care of her.”

Tommy scrubs his palm over the back of his head, his cheeks heating.

“I told her,” he suddenly blurts out. “About being captured... Obviously, I didn’t go into detail, but I guess I wanted her to understand. For her to know I get it, you know? Even though it’snot the same, I know better than most about being trapped with your demons.”

I grab his shoulder, noting how he tenses for a beat before it passes. This is huge for him; besides us and his therapist, he’s never spoken to anyone, not even his family.

“I’m proud of you,” I reply. “I know how much courage that must have taken. I’m sure Lily appreciated you opening up to her, too.”

He swallows his emotions and gives a curt nod before clearing his throat.

“Come on, before River really does eat Lily instead.”

I throw my head back and laugh. “I wouldn’t put it past him.”

Taking in my surroundings, I follow him to the kitchen where River is whispering to Lily with her back against the counter, his hands on her cheeks.

Elliot watches them with a small smile as he tips a bottle of beer to his lips, taking a swig.

“Thanks for cooking, Tommy. Smells amazing,” I say, grabbing one of the beers I presume is for me and twisting off the cap.

“No worries, but how about you guys make yourselves useful and set the table?” he asks, flicking River with the tea towel.

Lily giggles, she actually fucking giggles.

“Oh, you think that’s funny,” Rivers says, his hands moving to her sides, his intentions clear as Lily’s entire body stiffens.

I’m about to tell him to be careful of her ribs, but just as his fingers wiggle to tickle her, Lily turns away from him and rushes towards Elliot, smiling as he tugs her to his side.

River cocks his brow. “Oh, it’s like that, is it? Anyone would think you were trying to seduce me or something?” he says playfully, his eyes flicking between her and Elliot as she wraps her arm around Elliot’s back.Her cheeks take on a rosy quality and Elliot kisses thetop of her head.

“You’reinsatiable, Riv,” Elliot murmurs in response, Lily’s growing embarrassment palpable.

Tommy tosses the tea towel at his face. “Don’t forget her ribs are still healing.”

“I’m okay,” she replies softly. “They hardly hurt now.”

The fact she’s not entirely healed is all the reminder River needs as he saunters over to Lily and raises her chin with his finger. “No, it’s not okay. I’d never want to hurt you, Lily, ever.”

She looks up at him and grabs his wrist gently. “I know, and I’d tell you if you were, I promise.”

River studies her and eventually nods before leaning in for a kiss, reminding me of the one I just shared with her upstairs. Elliot still holds her to his side as he watches the exchange. It’s hard to ignore the sexual chemistry between the three of them. I can’t deny watching them with her brings out a side of me I never knew existed. Seeing her relax into him and lower her defences as River consumes her with a reverent kiss—one that promises so much more—is an aphrodisiac to my senses. Never would I have imagined something like this would affect me in such a visceral way. I want Lily to be treasured and treated the way she deserves. Worshipped, adored, loved.

I swallow that thought, take a swig of my beer and avert my eyes, only to find Tommy watching me as though he knows exactly what I’m thinking or, better still, what I’m feeling because I’m pretty damn sure that whatever this is, I’m not alone.

Lily is flustered by the time River eases out of the embrace, her cheeks positively glowing now. A look I’d rather see with her beneath me as I take her to new heights of pleasure, my name leaving her lips on a scream of satisfaction, but right now, we need to eat and let Lily know about Richard.

Elliot pulls out a chair for Lily as River takes one of the chairs beside her, and I can’t help but scoff under my breath. It looks like I’ll grab the cutlery. I can’t even be mad. I knew heneeded this, hell, we all did, but River was beginning to worry me; the longer he was away from her, the darker his thoughts seemed to become. When we sparred, I noticed he was barely reining in his suppressed anger, even though it’s likely towards me. I know he’s got my back, but we both know how fucked up this situation is. There was no winning scenario, and my sleeping with Lily drew out Richard and all his nefarious activities, which only got worse the more we dug.The fact he also has a thing for young boys, which Elliot discovered while making his way through all the files on Richard’s computer, makes my blood boil. Someone like him doesn’t deserve to breathe or have the security of four walls, which will depend on the juridical system and what term he will serve once his proclivities are brought to light.

I know I need to tell Lily everything, but not right now. For a few hours, I want to enjoy being in her company with some of the most important people in my life.

I don’t know if it’s the situation, but I swear this is the best damn lasagne I’ve ever eaten, but I’m pretty sure it’s more to do with the present company.

---