Page 20 of The Players Next Door

I laugh, though it's more nerves than humor. Book? As if I could focus on reading with them so close.

"Forgot it," I confess. "Guess I'll just have to entertain myself."

"Sure, we can help with that," Jaxon says, leaning over from his seat across the aisle. His dimple flashes, and it's like a direct challenge to my self-control.

"Behave, Jax," I whisper, but my warning lacks bite.

Deacon chuckles softly, the sound low and reassuring. He presses a kiss to my temple, his hand finding mine, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Boyfriends," I mumble, the word tasting strange on my tongue. It's such an inadequate descriptor for the chaos I've thrown myself into. Three men. All at once. My heart flutters like a trapped bird against my ribcage.

"Hey." Jaxon leans forward from the row beside us. "You okay?"

His concern pierces through the fog of my anxiety. I nod, managing a small smile. "Yeah, just...thinking."

"About?" His gaze is intense, searching.

"Everything," I admit. The risk. The thrill. Them.

"Stop thinking so much," Cameron advises with a playful nudge as he places a gentle hand on my thigh and squeezes. "It'll all work out."

"Easy for you to say," I quip, though the edges of my lips betray me, curving upward. The boys always know how to lighten the mood.

"Try this," Deacon suggests, tilting my chin up to meet his gaze. "Focus on the now. On us. On this crazy, amazing thing we have."

"Amazing and insane," I correct him, but there's truth in his words. After that first night, walking away had seemed possible in theory. But in practice, it was like trying to ignore the pull of gravity. Pointless. Impossible.

Jaxon's laugh comes from behind us again. "Insanity can be fun."

"Sure," I agree, "until it all comes crashing down."

"Then we pick up the pieces together," Cameron says firmly. "We're in this with you, Holly. All the way."

"Every step," Deacon adds confidently.

"Every breath," Jaxon finishes for them, his hand squeezing my shoulder in silent solidarity.

I let out a slow breath, feeling the weight of their words settle over me like a protective cloak. I’d signed up for this madness, hadn't I? For better or worse. And despite the fear, despite the very real possibility of losing everything... I can't find it in me to regret it. Not yet. Not with the way my heart races when they look at me like I'm their entire world.

But I’m still scared. Terrified really.

"Okay," I whisper, mostly to myself. "Okay."

"How about a movie?" Cameron suggests, reaching for the screen embedded in the seat in front of him. He browses through the options, his fingers brushing against mine as I help him navigate the menu.

"Perfect," I sigh, grateful for the distraction.

"Got it," he announces, selecting a title at random.

I settle back, trying to focus on the film, but it's useless. Every time Cameron laughs at a scene, or Deacon makes a comment, I'm pulled back into our tangled web.

As the lights dim and the passengers flying with us quiet down, the weight of what we're doing settles heavy on my chest. This secret—us—it feels like a living thing, growing stronger every day.

With the lights lowered and less chance of being caught, Deacon grows bolder. His hand settles on my thigh as his lips press into the space behind my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

Jaxon shoots me a knowing look from across the aisle, a mischievous glint in his eyes. I can practically feel his silent approval. Deacon’s touch lingers, sending a rush of heat through me despite the chill of the airplane cabin. His warm breath tickles my skin, and I fight to keep my composure.

Every nerve in my body seems to fire at once, and my breath catches in my throat as Deacon's touch sends a wave of electricity through me. His lips against my skin are both gentle and demanding, igniting a fierce longing deep within me.

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