Page 87 of A Blackened Bond

“I know you like a flaky croissant, so we got you an extra one.”

A warmth swells and spreads in my chest as I watch Ezra continue to lay out our food, and feel the warmth of Annex’s arms wrap around me. They begin chatting and laughing, and a sense of rightness settles over me.

Is this what a real relationship with genuine love felt like? So natural, so easy and comfortable…sowarm?

Is this what it would always feel like with them?

I bite my lip, feeling a little emotional.This…this care and genuine affection, it’s what I always craved when I was younger and in my past life. It’s why I tried so hard and endured all the pain and humiliation…to get this kind of love fromsomeone. And Annex and Ezra have given it to me unconditionally and so effortlessly.

If I had to live that miserable life and die that horrible death to experience this and them....then it was worth it.

I place my hand on top of Annex’s sitting on my hip, his fingers subconsciously brushing back and forth the area near my marks as he continues to talk with Ezra. And I’m reminded of the fact that I never told Annex about them.

I meet Ezra’s gaze, his eyes flickering toward my hand as a knowing look takes over his gaze. His warm smile spurs me on, knowing the two of them have accepted every part of me that I’ve given them so far.

“Annex?” I call, a slight hesitancy unconsciously creeping into my voice. I shake it away and continue.

“Yes, Red?” Annex brushes his lips across my ear as he leans down closer.

“You remember the ‘tattoos’ that were on my hips when you…” A blush creeps up my neck with the memory of that first night with them both. Of him between my legs and…I shake the thought away and try to focus. But Annex’s hand slides around my front, pulling me back further into him and showing me how muchheremembers that night.

“I remember every delicious second of it, Red.” He hums in my ear, his breath tickling down my neck as his other hand slides back and forth my leg. “Especially the taste of—”

I reach up placing my hand over his lips as he smirks against my palm, his eyes glinting wickedly. I pull my hand back before he can lick it and give him a small glare that makes him chuckle.

I shake my head, remembering why I started this conversation.

“They aren’t tattoos. They’re marks. They appeared a couple of months ago.”

“Marks?” His movements still, his eyes flickering toward Ezra as the two of them share a look. “What kind of marks?” He looks back down at me, his eyes flickering toward my hips. “Did someone—”

“No,” I call, twisting around to meet his narrowed gaze, a dark glint forming in his eyes as they trail down my body.

“They’re nothing like that. They’re not dangerous. They feel familiar…” A heavy sigh falls from my lips. “I can’t fully explain it, but I feel like…they were always meant to be there.” I glance back at Ezra. “I’m looking for more answers, and Ezra said he would help, but they’re not something dangerous. If anything, it’s made me stronger having them.”

“You’re sure?” he asks, his brows furrowed as he watches me.

I nod before his fingers slide beneath my pyjama shorts seam, a slow wicked smirk tracing his lips. “Maybe I need to thoroughly check them for you, Red.”

A chuckle leaves my lips as I lean up and brush them across Annex’s lips before pulling back and reaching for my croissants. “Maybe another time. I have business to attend to tonight.”

A growl leaves his lips as he tries to pull me back toward him, but Ezra throws a bagel at him, distracting him as I straighten myself on his lap. A grunt rings out behind me as he bites into his fresh bagel.

“What’s the plan?” Ezra calls, rolling his eyes at whatever expression Annex is giving him.

“What are we gonna do, Red?” Adds Annex, taking another bite of his bagel while leaning on my shoulder. “Should we head to town or go for a ride?”

I would love to take a spin on Annex’s Ducati, but I needed answers.

I take a bite of my own bagel, a hum leaving my lips with its delicious savoury flavour before opening my mouth.

“I’m planning to break into a room.”

Ezra’s eyes widen as Annex whistles.

“Whose are we breaking into, Red? Any blood involved?” I can feel his grin grow behind me. “I’m in either way.”

“Whose room?” Ezra asks, taking a leisurely bite of his croissant as curiosity takes over his expression.

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