Page 24 of Dark Seduction

“Dude, really?”

“You think you can swoop in and control me?” she spat, her eyes narrowing. “Take away my ability to decide for myself?”

“No,” I bark back. “When you left that garage, you took something with you; it wasn’t just a car. It was us. We realized...we are not the ones in control. You are. So here we are to prove it to you.”

I gaze at her under the soft light of the room, begging her with my eyes to look back at me. She doesn’t flinch.

“What do we need to do to show you that this relationship matters to us? We are here on our knees, fighting for you and for this bond between the three of us. Trying to prove that we are better together.”

V and I exchange uneasy glances, both sensing that this conversation is going to be anything but pleasant.

“All I want is to be with you,” I admit. “If doing this together is what it takes, I’m in.”

“Same here,” V adds. “We’ll do whatever it takes to make this work. If we need rules, let’s create them. The decision is all yours. It’ll be hard, but we want to make it happen.”

Mack finally looks at us, some of the frustration gone from her gaze. “What if this doesn’t work? Losing my job would be the least of it. Have you thought about that?”

“I have,” I answer. “If we explain everything openly to Judge, he should understand. Despite his age, he’s not a traditionalist; after all, the first time he saw Grace was in a strip club.”

“Wait, what?” Mack stops her pacing with a jarring holt. “A strip club.”

“That’s a story for another time, but yes.”

She shakes her head as if she’s trying to shake the image from her head. “We can’t tell Judge,” Mack demands. “Not yet. I’m not about to paint a target on my back when we don’t even know if this relationship will get off the ground. For now, if we move forward, it stays between us. Do you agree?”

“Yes,” we both answer in near unison.

She pauses her pace, glancing at us both under hooded eyes. “If we’re doing this, there are certain ground rules we need to establish to ensure that we’re all on the same page.”

V and I nod, silently waiting for Mack to continue.

“Foremost, there will be no secrets in this relationship,” Mack states firmly. “If either of you is uncomfortable with anything we’re doing, I expect you to speak up immediately. Likewise, if either of you wants to try something new, we’ll discuss it together and mutually decide. I want you both to understand that this relationship is about trust and respect.”

She looks at us both, her eyes blazing with determination. “I won’t stand here while you two man-handle each other over me like I’m some sort of prize. I am my own person, capable of making my own decisions about who I want to spend time with, or if I even want any company at all. Nobody tells me what to do. No one has control over me, and no one will pull any strings. Are we clear?”

I glance over to V before answering Mack. “Sounds reasonable.” My gaze lingers on her as I wait for her response. The room seems to be still in anticipation of the answer she will give us.

V too looks at Mack with expectancy, though his face holds a much more intense level of focus. He almost seems desperate for her to accept their arrangement, but avoids speaking so as not to put any additional pressure on Mack or disrupt the moment with unnecessary words. “I know this is unfamiliar territory for all three of us, but if what just happened is any sign, I think we can do this.”

V rises from his kneeling position, approaching Mack with caution. “Give us a chance, baby. Let’s try this and see where it goes. What is there to lose?”

“Everything,” she sighs.

“You won’t know if we don’t try. This could be the start of something special. What all three of us have been looking for. What do you say?” V slowly draws closer, his body tense with anticipation. His gaze is fixed on Mack, and he opens his arms for an embrace. She stands motionless, a torn expression on her face.

“This is unconventional,” V said softly, “but I think it could be something even better. You have had little luck in life so far—none of us have. Give us a chance, baby. Let’s try this and see where it goes. What have you got to lose?” V persists.

“Burnt?” She looks down at me, her eyes searching mine intently.

I push off the floor, putting myself back on level ground. “I’m all in.”

“Then I am, too,” Mack smiles.

V

I sitat the clubhouse bar with Burnt, trying my best to cut loose and enjoy the evening. Friday nights are always lively around here, and I rarely miss one. The guys around us are in high spirits, cracking jokes, and swapping stories. But despite the raucous atmosphere, all I can think about is Mack, alone at home, and how badly I want to be with her.

Burnt and I exchange glances, a silent understanding passing between us. We both know what's on each other's minds, the longing for Mack's presence, her touch, and her warmth. It's a distraction that's impossible to shake, even in the midst of the rowdy biker crowd.

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