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“Tonight…” Marcus’ voice dropped lower. “…is about showing you exactly where you belong.”

The possessive edge in his tone should have sent me running. Instead, that wild thing inside me—the part that kept responding to their touches, their growls, their heated looks—practically purred.

“Besides…” Caleb nuzzled behind my ear, ignoring Derek’s warning growl. “…we want to show off our beautiful little—”

“Finish that sentence…” Derek twisted in his seat, eyes flashing. “I dare you.”

I watched in fascination as another silent exchange passed between them. It was like watching a tennis match where all the balls were invisible and possibly on fire.

“You know,” I mused, “most people just text each other if they want to have private conversations.”

That earned me three identical looks of innocence that wouldn’t have fooled a blind man.

“We have no idea what you mean,” Caleb purred, though his hold on me loosened slightly.

“Right.” I snorted. “And I’m sure that thing where you all tense up at the same time is just synchronized muscle spasms.”

Marcus’ laugh was rich and warm, though his eyes when they met mine held something darker. “You’re entirely too observant for your own good, little one.”

“So I’ve been told,” I muttered, trying to ignore how that endearment in his voice made something inside me purr. “Usually right before someone tells me I ask too many questions.”

“Never,” Caleb breathed against my skin. “We want you to ask all the questions. Eventually.”

The weight of promise in his voice should have scared me. Instead, I leaned into his touch, even as my mind raced with all the things I wasn’t sure I was ready to know.

Chapter 22

The coastal road wound higher as we headed north, until finally Marcus turned onto a private drive partially hidden by old-growth trees. The gravel path opened suddenly to reveal a manor, perched dramatically on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. The Victorian mansion had been beautifully restored, its weathered stone and gleaming windows catching the last rays of sunset. A line of luxury cars filled the circular drive, but Marcus bypassed them all for a private spot near the entrance.

“The Coast Manor,” I read the sign as Derek opened my door, not missing how Caleb’s hand settled possessively on my lower back. “Fancy. I’m starting to sense a pattern with you guys and mansions.”

“We appreciate history.” Marcus smiled, though his eyes tracked the other guests entering with an almost predatory focus.

The maître d’ practically tripped over himself greeting us. “Mr. Stone! Your usual table in the conservatory is ready.”

Of course they had a usual table.

The conservatory turned out to be a stunning glass-enclosed space extending over the cliff’s edge. Three walls of windowsshowcased the dramatic coastline, while the glass ceiling opened to the darkening sky. Crystal chandeliers cast intimate pools of light across white-clothed tables, and the fading sunset painted everything in shades of gold and rose.

“Marcus, Derek, Caleb,” Mrs. Rivera called out as we passed her table, her book club friends all rising in greeting. “What a pleasure to see you here.”

The brothers acknowledged them with slight nods, Marcus’ smile polite but reserved. The women’s attention then shifted to me.

“And Kai! What a delightful surprise,” Mrs. Rivera said. “Are you enjoying our little coastal gem?”

“Ladies.” I smiled, genuinely pleased to see familiar faces. “The view is incredible.”

“Oh yes, dear. Though I must say”—Mrs. Rivera’s gaze flicked between me and the brothers, seeking Marcus’ permission before continuing—“you seem to be enjoying more than just the scenery.”

I felt more than heard the low rumble from Derek behind me.

“Now, Elena,” one of her friends tittered, “don’t embarrass the boy. Though”—she gave the brothers a respectful nod—“we’re all pleased to see the Stones out enjoying themselves.”

“I think that’s our cue.” Marcus’ hand settled on my waist, steering me toward a secluded corner table with an unobstructed view of both the ocean and the entire restaurant. Strategic, knowing them.

We’d barely settled—me bracketed between Derek and Caleb, with Marcus facing us—when Professor Patterson appeared. He bowed his head slightly to Marcus.

“A pleasure to see you here, Mr. Stone,” he addressed Marcus first, then acknowledged the other brothers before turning to me. “And Kai, my boy! I trust you’re finding more historical insights since our chat this morning?”

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