Page 92 of Lucy and Her Wicked Three

"Whatever. Have a good life."

Without a backwards glance, I disappear into the crowd, then out into the crisp, early fall air, and walk home, feeling lighter than I have in months.

Chapter 32

Lucy

Bruised knees. Red thighs. Legs so sore they quake when I come.

The time I've spent with Noah, Silas and Mateo has changed me. The aching, exhausted muscles I walk around with half the time make me feel alive. The pleasure and pain are so intertwined at this point, I could say which I enjoy more.

It's not to say we don't have lazy Saturdays. Sleepy sex is just as good as the kind that shatters my soul, because it's withthem.

But tapping into my anxious nature, using it, rewiring my mind's natural chemical response to danger and fear, is fundamentally changing me. I still get anxious. Often, and sometimes for no reason at all. And I know I'll have times when I spiral, and revert into myself and try all my coping mechanisms to get me out. Breathing exercises, going for a run, hiding under my weighted blanket.

But I'm changing. The big freak outsareless frequent. And the little stuff doesn't get to me as much as it did before.

And I have the guys to thank for that.

What I didn't realize is that they're only just getting started.

Hand in hand, Noah and I traipse through the beautiful moon-lit courtyard of their friend, Chase's estate. He's apparently one of the owners of Atrium and owns several properties around the state.

It shouldn't be surprising all these wealthy, mysterious men are connected through a sex club, but it is. I find it amusing at the very least.

But there's nothing funny about this property. I was a little shocked that it took Silas and Noah almost no effort to convince Mateo to take a couple of days off from work.

The chateau that rests on the top of the hill of the estate is surrounded by rose bushes. It's small, only a couple of bedrooms, but the high ceilings, built-in all-wood fireplace and low lit chandeliers make it feel grand. Calling it a ski lodge feels disrespectful given its beauty, though I'm sure when the hills out here are packed with snow, it likely fulfills that purpose as well.

The rose bushes continue along the back of the property, following a stone path, past a gazebo leading a trail into the woods.

Noah and I pass the treeline, and after several steps in, the forest floor grows dark. As if we'd stopped into another dimension, much like my first night at Atrium, one moment we're on some wealthy strangers estate, the next, we belong to the forest.

The cacophony of crickets, creatures and crunching leaves beneath our feet blend with our stilted breath. The forest floor, bathed only in moonlight, becomes easier to see as our eyes adapt. As promised, the trail is clear of roots and debris, but it doesn't take away from the chilling feeling of being out here like this.

"It's such a beautiful night," Noah remarks.

I squeeze his hand tighter. "There's no place I'd rather be."

He smiles, and though I can't see it perfectly, I can feel his happiness. His contentment.

Noah was the one who took me aside and told me about this thing that existed… this elaborate scene, taking what I'd felt all along in small bursts into a fully formed experience.

I was thrilled. I'd had zero reservations.

And while I'm still fully on board with being chased through the woods, walking like this, hand in hand amongst nature shrouded in darkness, it all feels a little too real.

It's exhilarating, and a tiny bit terrifying, my pulse vibrating throughout my body in heavy thumps. My heart beat picks up the further we walk and a loudcrack!likely from a tree branch has me jumping in place. If not for the well-worn path, I might believe we're completely lost in the middle of the woods late at night.

"Remember, you're in control."

I smirk, tilting my head to look up at Noah. "I know my safe word."

"It's the last I'll say of it. And remember, Mateo won't even ask. That's the whole point."

To make it real.

"I'm ready."

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