Page 52 of Tempting Her Dragons

“Probably,” I mutter.

“A rule,” he says, tapping on my leg. “No matter what, you will be the person who unbuttons your pants.”

“It sounds silly.”

“It doesn’t matter how it sounds, it is necessary,” King says. “We are the only ones who will know.”

“Okay.” I bite my lip, looking from his hand to his face. “Don’t be scared to touch me whenever you want,” I stress again. “It was a fear that whoever I was with would think I’m damaged.”

“Fuck that, Firefly,” he growls. “Don’t ever say that again.” He pulls my hand, and I end up wrapped in his arms. “You are not damaged. It pissed me off that the world makes women feel less than because of the actions of some men. He was the damaged one.” He rubs his face on my hair, and I close my eyes, reveling in his affection.

“Maybe we should make another rule,” Mav says, and we pull apart. “If you speak badly about yourself, you get spanked.” He circles my waist, pulling me onto his lap.

“I’m not sure I like that rule,” I grumble, but I can’t help the spark of anticipation.

“Too late,” he says. “The rule stays.”

“I like it,” King says.

“Fine,” I pout, but I hide my smile on Mav’s neck. “I don’t know if I’ll like being spanked.” The man in the club doesn’t count, and I won’t mention that one other time. A date tried it; I didn’t like it.

“I believe you are going to enjoy it,” Mav says, and I sit up.

“Uh-huh,” I mumble. If anyone can make it enjoyable, they can.

“We will test that theory, but not right now,” he says. “Lay back down. Let’s enjoy the silence.” I do as he says, and they join me.

“I love listening to the water,” I sigh.

“Relax,” King encourages, grabbing my hand. “Close your eyes,” he commands. “Know we are here. We aren’t going anywhere, no matter what.”

I nod and shut my eyes. I allow my other senses to come alive. My ears are flooded with the sound of water, the leaves blowing in the breeze, and the animals scrambling. I concentrate on their skin touching mine and the breaths they take.

The memories of the cage and that man will always be with me. I will always remember how I felt, and what I lost. I can move past it, though. I cannot let them control me, or cause me a moment more of not living.

My mates will help me forget until all I see is them.

“Firefly,” is whispered in my ear.

I brush the words away. “No.” A chuckle vibrates over my hand.

“We have to go back to the cabin,” Mav says, his chest rumbling under my other ear. I fell asleep snuggled by his side.

“I don’t wanna,” I say.

“Unfortunately, we have to,” King says. “Mom is here.” I sit up, almost cracking my head against his.

“What?” I ask sharply.

“We feel her,” Mav says.

“I hear her calling our names,” King says.

“Shit,” I say, jumping up, brushing my hands over my pants. “I can’t meet her like this,” I screech.

“You look beautiful,” King says.

“Of course you think so,” I snap. “Shit, shit, shit.” I march toward home, running my fingers through my hair. “Why did you let me fall asleep?”

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