Page 80 of Wicked Devotions: Part 2

It means as much to him to hear them as it does me. Our similar traumas have bonded us in a way that I’m not sure anyone but us can grasp. There’s a level of understanding that exists between us that transcends everything else.

“I love you, too,asteraki mu.”

He pulls me close and kisses me. I lean against him, letting his strength seep into my bones while he wraps me in his warmth. We stay like that, in our own bubble, until his name is called with our order.

There’s about two hours before Emerson and Declan get home, so if we’re going to surprise them with a fully decorated house, we don’t have a ton of time to waste. One tree goes up in the corner of the living room between the fireplace and windows. The other goes in the gaming room, which is also where we watch movies.

Decorating goes quickly, and by the time the guys walk through the door, we’re settled on the couch together watching television.

“Wow.” Declan walks in first, his eyes widening in surprise as he takes in the decorated tree and mantel. “When did you two decide to do this?”

“This afternoon.” I watch as he walks around, closely inspecting everything. “Is it okay? I just thought the house could use some cheer.” Maybe I should have asked first, it’s his house after all.

“It’s more than okay. It looks great.” He walks over and presses a brief kiss to my lips.

Before it can evolve into something, he’s already pulled back and stepped away. We haven’t talked about the guys’ unwillingness to touch me in any remotely sexual way over the past couple weeks. I understood and appreciated it as I was healing, but the pain and physical reminders are nearly gone now. My bruises have faded. My ribs only hurt when I truly exert myself, like going for a run too soon in my recovery.

But now as they continue to hold back, I’m feeling insecurity grow larger and larger inside me. The thought of them changing their minds lingers in the back of mine, looming larger in the moments when I’m alone. I just want to feel them around me again.

My phone chimes with a text alert from the group chat.

Saylor

Impromptu girls’ night

Emilia

I’m in

Me too! I need it

Emilia

Yassss

Once details are finalized,I stand up and start gathering my things to leave. As I’m putting on my coat in the mudroom, the guys materialize in the doorway.

“Where are you going?” Declan asks.

“Saylor and Lou invited me over for a girls’ night.”

“Alone?” Cy asks.

“I’m picking up Emilia on the way.”

“You should at least let one of us drive you.” Declan clenches his jaw as Emerson sets his hand on his shoulder in warning.

“She’ll be fine,” Emerson tosses me his keys. “Take my car.”

“Text us when you get there and when you leave,” Cy says.

“Don’t you guys have my location on your phones?”

“Yes, but someone could take your phone.” Declan’s glare is out in full force, but instead of making me back down, it irritates me.

“Everything is fine now. My stalker has been taken care of. You guys took care of the asshole who posted the video of us. There are no more threats to my safety.”

Except the possibility of them rejecting me. My heart isn’t safe from that. It hurts to even consider that they might not feel the same way anymore.

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