Page 42 of Bound By Mistake
I nod, a lump forming in my throat. The memories of that day flood back - the confusion, the fear, but also the undeniable attraction I felt towards these three men.
How far we've come since then.
Gray turns in the passenger seat to face me, his expression serious. "We know this place holds... complicated memories for you, Sierra. If you're not comfortable, we can turn back."
I shake my head firmly. "No, I want to be here. With all of you."
The cabin comes into view, looking much the same as I remember it. As we pull up, I notice some changes - fresh paint on the porch, new curtains in the windows. Small things.
Plus, we’ve been able to drive all the way to the front door.
As we pile out of the SUV, I take a deep breath of the pine-filled forest air. It's so quiet out here, just the rustle of leaves and chirping birdsong.
Gray wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. "Welcome back," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my temple.
Erik and Cain grab bags from the trunk, and we make our way inside. The interior has been updated too - new furniture, a plush rug by the fireplace and, if I’m not mistaken, a Wi-Fi signalbooster, which was one of the things Primal Fantasies agreed needed to be upgraded so their clients could do a digital check in, complete with fingerprint and what they call ‘go’ words, to ensure a situation like ours never happens again. But the essence of the place remains the same.
And then there’s that damn massive bed! I shiver as I remember the things they did to me there.
"We've got dinner planned," Cain says, heading to the kitchen with a cooler. "But first, how about a glass of champagne?"
The question is redundant since Erik is already pouring, and soon we're all settled in the living room, the fire crackling merrily.
There's an undercurrent of nervous energy that I can't quite place. The men exchange glances, having one of their silent conversations. Are they planning to reenact the debauchery that brought us together? While not quite so extreme, our sex life is certainly still as intense and experimental as that first weekend. But I wouldn't put it past them to have something wild planned for our anniversary. My tummy flutters at the thought.
A little while later, after we’ve eaten, opened a second bottle of champagne, and tested the bed - albeit rather tamely - for old times’ sake, I find out.
Gray clears his throat, drawing my attention. "Sierra, we brought you here for a reason beyond just reminiscing."
My heart skips a beat at the seriousness in his tone. Erik takes my hand, his thumb tracing soothing circles on my skin.
Cain sets down his champagne flute and kneels before me, reaching into his pocket. My breath catches as I realize what's happening.
"Sierra," Cain begins, his voice thick with emotion, "this past year has been the best of our lives. You've brought light and love into our world in a way we never thought possible."
Erik squeezes my hand. "We know our situation is unconventional, but we can't imagine our lives without you.”
"You balance us, challenge us, and make us better men," Gray adds, his eyes shining as he opens a small velvet box, revealing a stunning ring with three intertwined bands - one white gold, one yellow gold, and one rose gold, each set with a different colored stone. "Sierra, will you marry us? All of us?"
My heart pounds in my chest, and for a moment, I can't breathe. The ring glitters in the firelight, beautiful and symbolic. Three bands, three men, all intertwined. Just like us.
"I..." I start, my voice catching. Tears prick at my eyes as I look at each of them in turn. Gray, strong and commanding. Erik, playful and passionate. Cain, loyal and protective. My men. My loves.
"Umm…" I whisper, overwhelmed by the enormity of what they're asking. "That’s not exactly legal, you know." I don’t want to put a downer on things, but it’s the truth, and they already know I won’t choose between them.
Erik chuckles softly. "When has that ever stopped us before?"
"We know it won't be a traditional marriage," Gray says, his deep voice steady and reassuring. "But we want to commit to you, Sierra. To us. All of us, together."
Cain, still kneeling before me, takes my free hand in his. "We've talked about this a lot. We know it won't always be easy, but we're willing to face whatever comes our way. As long as we're together."
“And besides, we know a place,” Erik adds. “An island called Elysium that treats our kind of relationship with respect, and where there’s an officiant who will perform a ceremony for the four of us and take care of the legal aspects of our union.”
My mind whirls. There are really places like that?
I take a shaky breath, looking down at the ring. It's perfect - a beautiful symbol of our unconventional love. My heart swellswith emotion as I realize how much thought and planning they've put into this moment.
"Yes," I whisper, a tear sliding down my cheek. "Yes, I'll marry you. All of you."
