Page 82 of Chosen By Swift

“I heard that Shear wouldn’t cancel the debt,” Rampage explained in his deep and gravelly voice. “That was dishonorable of him, and I don’t abide dishonor.” He reached into the pocket of his dark pants and retrieved a red circular token. He held it out to Swift. “The trade is canceled.”

Swift approached Rampage in shock. “Ram, what did you do? How much did this cost?”

“Nothing,” Rampage said. “We had a discussion, and he handed it over.”

Knowing what she did of these men, Alys found that hard to believe. It was more likely Rampage had used force or some other kind of coercion to get the trade canceled. Whatever he had done had cost him something, and she wanted to repay him.

Swift accepted the token and stared at it for a moment. His shoulders that had been so tense and tight relaxed. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted right off of him. “Thank you, Rampage. Whatever I can do to repay this, I will. Ask—and it’s yours.”

“You don’t owe me anything.” Rampage glanced at Alys. “She was kind to me. She honored me with an invitation to your quarters. She fed me and entertained me and sent me home with leftovers. That night did more for my mental health than either of you can ever understand. It made me feel human again. It made me feel worthy instead of worthless.”

“Oh, Rampage,” she said, overwhelmed by his admission. “You are always welcome in our home and our table. Always,” she repeated. “You are worthy, and you’re our friend.”

“You’re a good woman, Alys.” He glanced at Swift and frowned. “Maybe better than he deserves.”

“She is,” Swift agreed.

“Well—,” Rampage cleared his throat, “the room is yours for the next four hours. You two enjoy yourselves.”

Alys watched Rampage as he crossed the room and walked by her on the way to the door. The relief of not having to have sex with a stranger had faded. The arousal she had been feeling since showering, slipping into her new dress and mentally preparing for this night was still as strong as ever. She had been building this moment up in her mind for so long. Now that it wasn’t happening, she felt disappointed.

“Wait.”

Both men snapped their gazes to her face. A furious blush burned her cheeks as she swallowed anxiously and said, “Stay.”

Rampage glanced at Swift. “I don’t understand.”

“Alys?” Swift asked, his expression curious.

She inhaled a shuddery breath and confessed, “I want to know what it’s like. With someone else. With you,” she clarified, gesturing at Swift, “and someone else.”

Rampage glanced between them. He shook his head. “Alys, you don’t owe me—.”

“This isn’t about owing you anything,” Alys interrupted. “This is about me wanting to experience something new.” She remembered the pamphlets about sexual activities and amended, “If you consent, of course. Both of you, obviously.”

Swift and Rampage stared at each other for an agonizingly long moment. Swift was the first to speak. “I consent.”

Rampage wavered. “I don’t want to cause a problem between the two of you.”

“You won’t,” they answered, nearly in unison.

Rampage seemed taken aback. “Well, in that case, I consent.”

An awkward moment followed, each of them looking to the other to see who would make the first move. Swift finally did, closing the distance to Alys’ side and gathering her in an embrace. His eyes were stormy with lust and need as he dipped his head and claimed her mouth in a kiss that left her breathless and wanting. When he eased off the kiss, he asked, “What are your boundaries?”

“My boundaries?” she repeated, still breathless. She thought it over for a moment and said, “I don’t want any other man to finish inside me.” Her face flamed as she made that clear. “Only you can do that.”

“Understood.” He kissed her again. “Turn around, Alys.”

She swallowed hard and followed his instruction. Rampage hadn’t moved from his spot by the door. He seemed uncertain, not of his own desire to be there but of hers. She could see it in his face. Wanting him to join, she held out her hand.

That was all the invitation he needed. He crossed the space between them and stared down at her. His burning gaze left her feeling suddenly shy. “I won’t hurt you, Alys. I won’t touch you in any way that you don’t want or like.”

“I know,” she assured him, finally working up the courage to meet his eyes. “I trust you.”

Rampage glanced over her head, probably to make eye contact with Swift. Whatever passed between the two men seemed to be a sort of final agreement that this was going to happen. Behind her, Swift placed both hands on her waist and began to kiss her neck. She leaned back into his familiar embrace and consciously relaxed.

I’m safe.

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