Page 55 of Knotting With A Stranger

Three pairs of eyes watch me like predators sizing up prey. I know this will only lead to trouble. But as the storm rages outside, I find myself nodding.

“Fine,” I say. “But don’t blame me when this goes sideways.”

James’s smile turns wolfish. “Oh, I’m counting on it.”

14

LILY

“You want to play truth or dare?” I gasp at the three men lounging around the coffee table. An empty whiskey bottle lies on its side at the center, waiting to be used.

“Why not?” James grins, leaning forward from his spot directly across from me on the semi-circular couch that faces the huge fireplace. “Perfect game for a storm-locked night.”

I reach for my bourbon and coke, taking a sip. I don’t normally drink much, but tonight calls for something to take the edge off. The fire crackles in the background, casting dancing shadows across the room and providing most of the light, along with a few strategically placed lamps. Thor is snoring away in front of the fire, not bothered by our chatter.

“Seriously?” I laugh, though I can’t deny I’m excited. “Are we fifteen?”

“What’s the matter, Lily?” Archer asks from his position on the couch between James and Hunter. “Scared?”

“Of you three?” I quirk an eyebrow. “Terrified.” My tone makes it clear I’m anything but.

Hunter chuckles beside me, his body radiating warmth even with the few inches of space between us. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”

“Fine.” I grab another chocolate chip cookie from the bowl before the guys devour them all. “But I reserve the right to walk away when this inevitably gets out of control.”

“We all know how this goes, right?” James asks, his dark gaze gleaming with mischief. “We’ve all played before?”

All three men turn to look at me expectantly.

I roll my eyes. “Yes, I’ve played truth or dare before. I’m twenty-four, and I did go to school, you know.”

“Just checking,” James smirks. “But this game is my own variation, as it includes the spin of the bottle. Whoever it points to gets asked ‘truth or dare’ by the spinner. No passes, no chickening out.”

“And what happens in the cabin stays in the cabin,” Archer adds with a wink.

“Original,” I deadpan, but I can’t help the flutter in my stomach. This is probably a terrible idea, but after two days trapped inside with mounting tension, I need some kind of release, even if it’s just the thrill of a party game.

“Ladies first,” James says.

I take another fortifying sip of my drink, then lean forward and spin the bottle. It rotates several times before slowing to point at Archer and the base to me.

“Truth or dare?” I ask, meeting his gaze.

“Truth,” Archer answers, leaning back confidently. Messy hair frames his face. I hadn’t noticed before how his sharp cheekbones bring out how damn gorgeous he is.

I consider what to ask. Something not too tame but not immediately crossing lines either.

“What’s the most number of orgasms you’ve given a girl in one night?” The question comes out bolder than I intended, and I blame the bourbon.

Hunter coughs beside me, clearly surprised at my choice.

Archer’s grin widens slowly. “Seven. Would’ve been eight, but she passed out.”

“Bullshit,” James laughs, throwing a balled-up napkin at him.

“Swear to God,” Archer holds up his hand. “Ask Vanessa.”

Hunter goes rigid beside me. “Vanessa?” he repeats. “Who dumped me?”

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