Page 56 of Mocha Kisses

“That doesn’t mean we were awake,” Nova pushes.

Again, she doesn’t seem to care. “And yet, you’re all down here looking like you’ve broken some rule rather than just one of you telling me to come back later. I’m sure that god-awful excuse for a boss warned you and I didn’t want you to hide anything. I’ve been here since yesterday so I’ve seen everything I need to see.”

I frown, feeling uneasy. I’m stuffed in a smorgasbord of Rome and Griffin’s clothes so I already know she’s making assumptions. “You’re not a patrol officer, Yana. You’re the PR Manager.”

“Might as well be. Despite being married, you’re openly fooling around with the other two? That brings scandals, Luna.” A sinister smile spreads across her lips as she leans forward. “Did you really think everyone just thought you were married? You’re not that special. I did some digging and it makes perfect sense. The perfect happy ending. Everyone around here likes the sweet stories and handing that off to the fans will have people fawning all over Risky Taste.” Yana clicks her tongue, waiting for my response.

Her motives are laughable. “Have you even read the book? It’s about an all-male polycule. You would have a better time selling Nova and Griffin’s marriagewithRome than me.”

“And you’d love that since you’re sharing more than one bed. I’ve told you that I do my research. Just play into it, alright? You’ll be on another project in a week and everyone will forget about the woman by his side.” She glares at Nova and then Rome. “Both of you hands off, alright? Can’t have people thinking Griffin is married to a cheater.”

My heart sinks into my stomach. Yana is stealing away my happiness and as much as I don’t want to listen or follow this bullshit, doing otherwise will only hurt the men in this room. I’m sure there’s something Max still didn’t tell me which is why I don’t outright throw Yana’s plan back in her face.

“Just play the highschool sweetheart turned wife during the press conference. I’ll stage the public breakup later and then the tortured writer—that’s you, Griffin—can put out another book about love and found family amidst heartbreak.” Yana opens her purse on her lap and fishes around for something before unearthing a small box. A ring box. “Even got you something that will do up your appearance, Luna. Don’t lose it or pawn it off, though. I need to return that.”

I open my mouth to ask questions before realizing it’s not worth it. The press conference is a few days away and then hopefully this nightmare will be over—including the men after me.

Griffin, however, is not as giving. “We’re not getting married as aploy.”

“No? Yourwifehere has been using company resources to run away from creditors. They’re calling the office, asking for you, demanding money from your boss or whoever will listen. Has a few people on edge. Knowing that Maximillian has been fronting you a few dollars or setting you in hotels is against company rules. I don’t care if he owns it.”

My leg starts bouncing again even as Nova digs his finger into my flesh. “I don’t understand. Why are you doing this? Why not use any of the other women you’ve used over the years?”

“Maximillian is a safe place but he’s not yours to have. I know the truth and I’m helping him understand that you’re a liability rather than an asset. This is how you help out and then we’ll figure out what to do with you. Stop playing house with these men, figure out the debt, and make sure the manuscript is finished. You’ll be gone in a week anyway. Less if circumstances play out.” Yana stands up abruptly and points at the ring. “Make sure you wear that and get out more. It’s weird being cooped up in a house with three men when you’re only supposed to be in a relationship with one.”

She heads for the door, Rome following her. “This is a ridiculous little ploy for attention. What’s your endgame?”

That wild grin on her face widens as she turns to face him. “I told you that I’ve done my research, RomeKatz.” Rome freezes at his last name, a name I haven’t heard spoken since I’ve been here. It probably holds a past I don’t really want to know about. “Your creditors know where you are so figure it out. And you, step the fuck down.” She presses her finger into his chest. “Don’t any of you get any funny ideas. The cover reveal party is tomorrow and I need you all on your best behavior. You’ve got the day to figure this shit out.”

“Tomorrow?” I mutter. It was supposed to be at the end of the week.

The moment she’s gone, I scoot back in my chair, all three of my men poised to catch me if I run. I don’t want to run, though. I want answers. “Is Yana always like this?” I ask, my voice raw.

Griffin nods. “Yeah, very demanding. Tells me to suck it up but she’s usually less direct. I don’t usually find out that there’s a scandal until someone else mentions it to me. This is weird though.”

“She made it sound like she answered the fucking phone and told them where you were, sweetheart. Like Yana actively told the people after you where you’d be.”

I fold in on myself, my hands resting in my lap. “She’s the reason I didn’t even get a day.” I know they expect me to break down but I’m furious. A woman I hardly know is holding me, using fucking puppet strings, and playing with my life. I won’t have that.

“Angel…”

“We have a press release to figure out tomorrow. I need tequila, more sleep, coffee, and then kisses. In that order.” They all burst out laughing as I take a deep breath. “I’m not running. She called them here. She made it dangerous and I won’t fucking have that.” Griffin has his head tilted and I know what’s running through his mind as I grab the ring box and shove the ring on my finger. It’s gaudy and heavy, nothing like what I would have picked out. “Yes, Griffin, I’d marry you. If circumstances were different, I’m sure we would be married by now. I love you.”

I bend down to place a kiss to his lips, the need to tell the others how I feel despite the mess we’re in.

“I’m in love with all of you,” I say as I stand up, looking at the both of them. “I think I have been for a while but I just didn't want to believe it if I had to leave.” It’s like a weight off my shoulders as I reveal my true feelings.

Griffin mumbles ‘I’ve always loved you, precious’, stealing my breath away with a deep kiss. A moan falls from my lips just as Rome steps up and steals me away into his arms. “I've loved you far longer than you probably know. Luna St. Claire, I love you.”

His kiss is just as passionate and overwhelming in all the best ways. I can get lost in these two but there's one more I haven't heard from. I'm worried that Nova doesn't feel the same way or that maybe he's not ready to say the words.

When I pull away, he's right there in front of me. “This is your choice? There's no turning back, angel.” I nod, placing my hands on his chest. “My confession seems cheapened by reciprocating after the other two but I do love you, probably for longer than is appropriate. The way Griffin smiled as he said your name, I first fell in love with you through him and I'm glad I did. You are a piece of heaven to my darkness and I'd be a fool to turn that away. Angel, I love you.”

When he kisses me, I melt. I can't help it. Knowing that I am fully loved and cared for by the men in this room is something I've wanted for years. To feel needed and wanted.

Nova’s kiss takes a turn, his hands slipping down to my ass in order to grind his erection against my belly. I shriek and break up the embrace, knowing Yana could walk back in here. “Tequila. If I’m going to deal with Yana, I need a drink.”

“Don’t we all, angel,” Nova rumbles as he pulls me into his side and we all make our way up the stairs.

---