Page 33 of Room Twenty-Three: Tangled & Teased

“Where’s your limit?”

Her teeth dig into her bottom lip, scraping over as her big green eyes look between us.

“I’m...” She exhales deeply. Her gaze goes from me to Beau, and then to Jove. “I’m a virgin, and I want to stay that way until I meet the right person.”

We are the right person... people.

“Okay,” Jove says, swallowing. “Everything but penetrative sex.”

“Don’t make it too fucking clinical,” Beau growls.

“This is a practical arrangement. This is about what Erin needs and not us. Just keep your dick out of her pussy, even if she begs you.” Jove’s voice is deep and gravelly, like it hurts to say the words.

“Do you think I’ll beg you?” Erin gasps, her teeth scraping over her bottom lip.

“You’ll go somewhere you’ve never been before, Erin. There’s a good chance you will.”

“Okay, but we’re doing this?” she whispers. “What if I want more?”

“Then you have to be prepared for all three of us and it will be best that you don’t ask for it, because we’ll only be giving you one night.” Jove holds out his hand, and tentatively she places hers in his. It’s an unexpected move from Jove, one I’m thankful for because I thought at first he was only doing this for me and Beau. I just hope this is something he wants to do for Erin as well as himself. Jove is the master at shibari, and I know secretly he is delighted that Erin likes the idea of being bound.

He’ll also be happy Erin isn’t wanting sex. She’s proved that she thinks it’s sensual rather than erotic. Because I’ve heard him frequently telling people it’s an art, as well as a true power exchange.

That is what Erin has agreed to without even realizing. She has agreed to give us herself for the night.

Erin sucks back a gasp.

“Are you sure you want this?” Jove turns to her. “You can end this now, Erin?”

She stares at the floor and shakes her head. “I need it.”

Jove is now the one staring and for the first time he takes a step toward her, and using his index finger against her chin, he raises her face to him. “Why?”

There’s a moment between Jove and Erin, a moment I think Jove sees what Beau and I do. Hopefully, he can see she is the one. The person we have looked for—the person who will glue us together.

We’re already a powerful unit, but we know we are strong because we think as one, act as one, but have the strength of three. What we’ve never wanted is three women that would ultimately break the bond we have, not only in our work life but in our personal lives too.

Each of us has played outside of the group, but playing is as far as it goes. We agreed that when we found the one all three of us wanted, we would take it to a different level.

But as I look at Jove and the moment he and Erin share, I can hope she is the one. Forget our age issues, client issues, and let himself go for once.

Beau and I already want Erin more than either of us is prepared to admit. I suppose it’s the fear of falling too deeply for us, especially as Jove is harder to crack.

“I want to feel wanted. To feel adored—just once,” she whispers.

“Just once?” It’s a question I feel we all want answered.

“I know the kind of man who killed my cousin. The kind who will do anything to get answers. I’ve heard the stories. What they do to people.” She swallows, her eyes glisten. “I want to live, but if I’m going to die, please let me feel—”

“You’re not going to fucking die.” Jove’s voice is harsh as he raises her face even higher and her high eyes bulge as she stares at him. “Do this because you want it.”

She sucks back a gasp and gives a slight nod. “I want it.”

“Are you sure, baby girl?” I say, stroking my palm over her back, which makes her sigh gently and her eyes flutter lightly.

Jove turns and stares at me, already taking the interaction with me and Erin as confirmation we’re in.

My lips curve up, because I sure as hell am.

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