Page 62 of The Flavor of Us

Ryder's moving faster and then I realize that his hands are firmly set on Ashton’s waist. No, Ryder is fucking the smaller Alpha, the tension building in Ashton's body. He breaks the kisswith Tati, his head thrown back as he cries out. His release spills across Tati's stomach, as Ryder grunts, no doubt spilling his release into Ashton’s ass. Tati's hands tighten in my hair a few seconds later and her body stiffens as she comes, her taste flooding my tongue, mixed with Ashton’s lingering release.

We lay there, our bodies intertwined, catching our breath, Tati already passed out as I crawl back up her body and pull her against me. Ryder isn’t done with us yet as he reaches over and drags me into a soft kiss, tasting both Ashton and Tati on my tongue. Goddess, this is just the right amount of overwhelming.

Tati’s snores fill the quiet space, her body curled up snugly in Ashton’s arms, her face pressed against his chest. Her lips are slightly parted, and her lashes rest against flushed cheeks, still kissed pink from earlier. They look so perfect together as I scoot toward the edge of the nest, unable to sleep. It’s not even about the lust or hunger anymore. It’s just intimacy, a close bond forming between the four of us.

Ashton’s eyes are closed, his face soft and boyish in sleep, one of his hands splayed protectively against Tati’s lower back. Even in rest, he’s anchoring her to him, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm that Tati seems to match. And then there’s Ryder. Sitting quietly at the edge of the other side of the nest, his large hands rubbing slow circles on Tati’s ankle where it pokes out from under the sheets. His blue eyes flick to mine, searching my face with a depth that makes my chest feel tight.

“Carleen,” he says softly, his voice a low rumble in the quiet. “Can I… hold you tonight?”

My lips part, but no sound comes out for a second. Ryder isn’t asking for anything else—justthat.Just to hold me. And the wayhe asks, the way he waits so patiently for my answer, makes my throat close up a little. I nod, because my voice won’t work.

He doesn’t hesitate. Ryder shifts, sliding into the space beside me with the kind of grace that feels impossible for someone his size. I move to lay down, Ryder holding me from behind as he pulls the blankets up and over us.

“How’s this?” He asks, nuzzling his nose against the back of my head.

“Perfect.”

Chapter thirty

CARLEEN

The morning sun filters through the sheer curtains, casting soft golden streaks across the room. Today’s the day. Theday.My chest feels tight, my stomach swirling with nerves and something heavier—something that feels suspiciously like hope.

I stand in front of the full-length mirror in my bedroom, adjusting the sharp lines of my charcoal-gray pantsuit. It’s perfectly tailored, hugging my curves without being restrictive, the blazer cinched just right at my waist. Underneath, a crisp white blouse sits flawlessly against my skin. Professional. Commanding. But stillme.

Behind me, Tati lounges on the edge of my bed in one of my oversized hoodies, her bare legs kicking softly as she watches me with those wide hazel eyes. She’s got a sleepy smile on her lips, her hair still messy from last night, but goddess, she’s beautiful.

“You’re staring,” I murmur, my lips curving into a faint smile as I catch her reflection in the mirror.

She grins, propping her chin in her hands. “Can you blame me? Look at you, boss lady. All powerful and sexy.”

I turn, rolling my eyes, but the warmth in my chest is undeniable as I cross the room and drop a soft kiss to her lips. She sighs against me, her arms looping lazily around my neck.

“You’ve got this, Alpha,” she whispers, her voice soft but certain. “You’re going to walk in there and absolutely crush it. They’d be idiots not to choose your menu.”

I exhale slowly, pressing my forehead against hers. “Thanks, sweetheart. I needed that.”

She pulls back, her eyes sparkling. “You’ll do amazing. Now, go. Ashton and Ryder are probably already there, doing Alpha things.”

That earns a snort from me, but I kiss her one more time, slow and lingering, before pulling away and grabbing my leather portfolio from the dresser. “Wish me luck,” I murmur.

Tati sits up straighter, holding up two fists like a miniature hype coach. “You don’t need luck, butgood luck anyway!”

I chuckle as I leave the apartment, her voice echoing softly behind me.

The drive to Culinova feels longer than it should, the city buzzing around me as I navigate traffic. Every red light feels like an eternity, every second ticking by sharpening the knot in my chest.

But when I finally pull into the sleek, modern building with its glass walls and steel accents, my pulse steadies. This is my element. This is where I shine.

As I step out of the car and make my way toward the entrance, I spot them immediately. Ashton, leaning casually against one of the pillars with his hands tucked into his slacks, his blazer open, his grin sharp as ever. Ryder, standing a little further back, his broad shoulders pulling at his dark suit jacket, arms crossed over his chest, his piercing blue eyes fixed on me.

They both straighten as I approach and I’m hit with a wave of their scent. It wraps around me like a weighted blanket, grounding me even as my nerves fight to bubble back up. Ashton steps forward first, his grin softening as he reaches out, his fingers brushing against the edge of my sleeve.

“Damn, Alpha. You’re going toownthat room.”

I smirk, feeling some of the tension in my shoulders ease. “You think so?”

“Iknowso,” he says confidently before his hand drops away.

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