Page 101 of My Ex's Brothers

After dinner, Dane and Richie insist I relax in the living room. I busy myself with bathing Lyla and getting her put to bed while the two of them do the dishes, and when I’ve finally got her settled, it’s nearing eight. I debate having a shower and getting into my pajamas. I’m tired, but it’s also still early, and I think about Dane and Richard’s suggestion. So, I toss on some sweats and a clean shirt, and throw my hair up into a bun and head for the couch. It’s soft and warm and cozy as all hell. I flip through Netflix until I find a rom-com to watch, and a moment later Dane sits beside me. Richie follows suit, taking the spot opposite Dane.

I’m acutely aware of my proximity to them. While neither of them say anything, I can feel the tension. Richie wraps his arm around me without saying a word. Dane settles his hand on my thigh and also doesn’t say a word. My body heats like a flame as I settle into the cushions, trying to focus on the movie, but it’s hard.

“Are you comfortable?” Dane finally asks.

I turn to look at him. He’s raising one eyebrow at me.

“Because if you’re not?—”

“No, I am, it’s just—” I swallow, trying to find the words. “I don’t know how to do this. This whole…”

“Simple,” Richie says, pulling me closer. He tilts my chin up, capturing my gaze with his steely one. “You just do what feels right, baby girl.” I stare up at him, relishing the feel of his hand on my neck. Looking at him, I almost forget Dane is beside me. Until I feel his warm palm against my thigh.

“I don’t want either of you to feel uncomfortable,” I say, looking between the two of them.

“If I was uncomfortable, I wouldn’t be here,” Richie says sternly.

His words are heavy between us, and just as I think he’s going to let me go, he kisses me.

Hard.

Then he lets me go, pushing me off of him just the slightest.

“There, awkward bubble broken,” he says with a grin that’s as mischievous as it is sexy.

My heart is pounding in my chest. Richie hasn’t kissed me in front of either of his brothers.

This…this is a first.

And as my cheeks flush, my stomach twists.

“Your turn, Dane,” Richie says, turning the volume up on the television.

I turn my head to look at Dane, whose expression must mirror my own.

“Uh…”

“Unless you’re too chickenshit.” Richie shrugs, wrapping his arm around me tighter.

I don’t miss the glare from Dane or the way his shoulders tense. And just as I think he’s going to say something, he doesn’t. Instead, he grabs me, practically yanking me out of Richie’s arms into his lap, and kisses me. His hand finds my hair and his fingers slide through, gripping onto my locks as he practically shoves his tongue down my throat. I can’t help the groan that escapes my throat.

He’s never kissed me like this before. Like he’s got something to prove. Like he’s kissing me to win.

It should piss me off, but it doesn’t. Not one bit.

He lets go of me, and my breath comes in rapidly. “Wow,” I say, falling back into the couch cushions.

Dane casts a glare at Richie before settling back into the couch. “You were saying?” he says as he tugs me closer to him.

“Please.” Richie rolls his eyes. “You call that a kiss?” My heart is practically in my throat and my body suddenly feels very heated. “I’ve seen hotter kisses on the Hallmark Channel,” he gripes.

“Don’t knock the Hallmark Channel!” I smack Richie. “They have some cute movies!”

Richie laughs. “Mhmmm. So cute,” he says as he grabs me, pulling me into his lap. Dane’s jaw tenses, his eyes full of fire. “Yes, Dane. Socute,” Richie taunts him. “So wholesome.”

“Fuck you, Richie!” Dane says.

Richie settles me into his lap and my cheeks heat from the motion. He looks up at me as I settle against him, his gaze holding mine steady. “Pretty sure Amelia would love to fuckme, wouldn’t you, Amelia?” His voice is dark, almost sinister. “I bet she’d fuck me right here on this fucking couch.”

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