Page 41 of Freestyle
Gray’s hand brushes against my cheek, wiping away my tears. “We’re not going to let you slip away, Rowyn. We’ll fight for you.”
I shake my head, unable to meet their intense gazes.
“Please, just let me leave,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “I can’t be what you want me to be.”
Gray’s hand cups my chin, forcing me to look at him.
“You’re already everything we want,” he says softly, his eyes filled with sincerity. “You’re strong, fierce, and so goddamn beautiful. We won’t give up on you, Rowyn.”
I try to speak, to argue, but the words won’t come. Instead, I collapse into their embrace, my defenses crumbling under the weight of their devotion. They hold me tight, their warmth surrounding me like a shield, protecting me from the storm raging inside me. I know I should leave, I know it’s the sensible thing to do but as their arms tighten around me, I realize I can’t.
“My past...” I trail off but I’m too exhausted to care anymore.
Phoenix’s finger lifts my chin, forcing me to meet his intense gaze. “We’ll deal with whatever we need to.”
Gray pulls out a swim team shirt and joggers from his dresser. “Let’s get you comfortable, baby.” I sigh in relief and take them from him.
Phoenix moves forward, his hand gently cupping my cheek. “We’re going to help you through this.”
Gray’s arms wrap around me from behind, pulling me against his warm chest.
“You shouldn’t. I’m not worth it,” I whisper, my voice breaking.
Gray’s hand slides down to cover my belly.
“Never say that again.” He leans in, his lips brushing my ear. “We won’t give up on you.”
I try to speak, to argue, but the words won’t come.
“Go get in the bed and rest. We can talk tomorrow after you get some sleep.”
I nod, too exhausted to argue.
I crawl in bed with these two hulking men.
“I’m scared,” I admit in a whisper, my voice trembling.
Phoenix’s arms tighten around me, his breath warm against the back of my neck. “Don’t be, baby girl. We’ll protect you, always.”
I close my eyes, my body melting into their warmth, their strength, their promises of protection. But the fear stilllingers in the back of my mind, a dark shadow that refuses to be banished. I drift off to sleep quickly with Phoenix spooning me from behind while Gray faces us.
Six
Grayson
Wewakeupalone,just as I expected. I sigh as I turn over to see Phoenix staring at me.
“We knew she would run,” I say. Phoenix nods in agreement, a frown forming on his lips. I glance around the room, my eyes landing on the discarded clothes from last night. The memory of our heated encounter floods back, igniting a spark of desire within me once again. Phoenix sits up, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
“We need information,” he suggests.
I nod, already formulating aplan.
“We’ll start with Lyndsy. She must know something,” I respond, determination lacing my tone. We both dress quickly, adrenaline pumping through our veins as we prepare for our mission.
Our bodies move in perfect harmony as we exit the room and head towards Willowbrook Hall. As we approach Rowyn’s dorm, the air crackles with anticipation. We knock on the door, ready to confront Lyndsy and get the answers we crave. After a few moments, the door swings open, revealing a surprised Lyndsy. She hesitates, her eyes darting between us before landing on me.
“Can I help you?” she asks cautiously.
