Page 112 of A Game of Monsters

“This is very real, darling.” Duncan pinched his eyes closed and laid his forehead against mine.

If I closed my eyes, I could pretend that none of this had changed. That we were two people, existing in Abbott Nathanial’s attic, with no concept of time or responsibility.

“I can leave if you prefer,” Erix said, filling the silence. “You both deserve some time–”

“Erix, tell us what you really want,” Duncan interrupted. “If you wish to leave, then you can. But only do it because you want to, not because youthinkthat’s what we want.”

A light sparked behind Erix’s silver-clad eyes. “I want to stay,” he said slowly. “With you both.”

I locked eyes with my guard, wanting nothing more than to feel his closeness, his touch. “I need you here, Erix.”

Duncan nodded in agreement, stretching out a hand for Erix.

“Robin,” Duncan began, taking my hand until we were all connected in a thread of flesh and bone. “What do you wish to do with the chance of a new world?”

“With a tomorrow,” I corrected, catching Erix’s eyes as I repeated his sentiment aloud.

“I like that,” Duncan said, eyes dusting down my neck, my torso, lifting back up to meet my eyes. “This tomorrow, what does that look like for you?”

“Life,” I answered, looking between them both. “One together. With you both by my side, no expectations, no anxieties to rival us.”

“Well, I can only speak for myself when I say this.” Duncan brushed fingers down the side of my face, leaving a trail of shivers in their wake. “I will never leave your side, darling.”

I looked to Erix, waiting for his response.

He took a deep breath in, straightening his posture beneath my gaze. “How could I turn my back on you, little bird? If you asked for the sun, I would find a way to give it to you… and Duncan.”

“I don’t want the sun,” I said, softly. “I simply want you, Erix.”

“Then that is what you shall have,” Erix replied, lifting his chin high in feigned confidence.

Duncan lifted a strong hand and laid it on Erix, smile singing of his pride. “I exist better knowing Robin has you in his life, and I have you too. Tomorrow, we have the chance to secure the future we deserve. But today, right now, we simply deserve to exist in it.” Duncan drew Erix closer then took precise steps toward me, wedging my body beneath them both.

I looked at them both, making sure they could read the silent desire lingering in my eyes. Then, I slipped my hand in to each of theirs and gave them an order. “Sit with me.”

I stepped backwards, aware the bed was close enough to reach. My heart was in my throat by the time the back of my knees hit the bedding. I sat, drawing both men to join me. Duncan to my left, Erix to my right. The bed shifted beneath our conjoined weight, the frame groaning audibly.

I allowed myself a moment of pause. Just a second was all I needed. Eyes closed, I took a breath in, filling my lungs and clearing out the cobwebs of my own hesitation.

It wasn’t simply a want to have them both, but a need. Recognising that, taking control of it, was what would see me through.

“Can I be selfish for a moment?” I asked, looking between them, skin itching for their touch.

“Go ahead,” Duncan said.

“Please do,” Erix added, the corner of his lip quirking with what was only anticipation.

No more hiding. No more worrying. If there was ever a moment to show both Duncan and Erix just how deeply I required them in my life, it was now.

I turned enough to face Duncan, threading my fingers into his hair, nails tickling over his scalp. A pleased sign escaped his parted mouth, just before I silenced him with a kiss. As my lips melded with his, my tongue slipping in and entangling with Duncan’s, I ensured my spare hand never left Erix’s knee.

The kiss was everything I’d craved in the weeks past. Warmth spread across my groin, making me ache against the feeling. But, out of respect for them both, I had to take my time.

I drew back, bringing my hand from Duncan’s scalp to lay it across his cheek. Then it fell further, reaching for the curve of his wings. As soon as I touched them, Duncan’s entire body shivered, a small chirp bursting beyond his lips.

“Are they sensitive?” I asked, the word fumbling in my salivating mouth.

“Very,” Duncan purred, his gaze serious as his tone. “I’ll get used to them, as will you.”

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