Page 95 of The Truths We Seek

“You are the biggest joy kill ever. It’s your birthday, people love you, let them freaking show that,” she chastises, but then hugs me. “We love you, this is how we love. You’re going to have to get used to it one day, because I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but not one of those boys is ever going to let you go.”

I follow where she motions to and see all three of my guys standing together by the bar. Meyer in a full tux, bowtie and all—be still my beating heart. Hunter is in a suit, with a tie that he’s already fucking around with, so I’ll be amazed if it lasts even an hour, and Rory in his shirt and dress pants.

It’s enough to make a girl pant.

But she’s right, I might have noticed that they’re kind of attached to me. Which is good, considering I’m kind of attached to the goofballs too. I’m not sure how the four of us will work in the long run, but I’m willing to find out. Love isn’t something I thought I’d ever experience, but those three show me each and every day just what love is.

“Okay, enough of the soppy shit. Time for cocktails, shots, and dancing. And if you think I’m not getting you on the karaoke machine tonight, you, my friend, are delusional.”

I groan at the giant smile on her face, but it’s half-hearted. I love that I have Shae too. Having a friend like her, a sister, is more than I ever pictured. She always shows up for me and I’m grateful for her every day. Even if she is trying to get me a hangover for my birthday.

We head to the bigger bar, away from my guys, and find Tina, Yen, and the girls already waiting, cocktails in hand and a tray of shots already poured for us.

I guess I’m doing this.

I take the shots offered, throw them back, my face scrunching up from the sour lemon liquor, then take the cocktail, relieved by the fruity goodness. I have no idea what it is, but it tastes just like juice. This shit is going to be dangerous.

The night passes in a blur of dancing, laughing, singing so terribly I’m pretty sure the DJ turned off my mic, and welcoming in the next chapter of my life surrounded by love and joy.

I’m not sure I ever dared to dream that this would be how my life looked, but I’m going to cling to it with both hands.

“You can run away now,” Shae murmurs as I droop against the bar. She motions to my guys, who I’ve seen on and off all night, and I grin. “Happy Birthday, Quinny.”

“Thank you Shae, for the best birthday a girl could have asked for.” I kiss her cheek, hug her, then almost sprint away from her, which is no feat in these heels. Her laughter follows along behind me as I fall into Hunter, who is waiting to catch me.

This might just have been the best birthday I’ve ever had. Not that the Halloween party vibes last year weren’t awesome, but today was my big 3-0, and everyone went all out. I don’t think watching Meyer croon some Michael Bublé while in a tux, his bowtie undone and a drink in his hand, is something I will ever forget.

But now... now I want them to myself. All of them.

I lean forward, the heels giving me height enough that I can whisper straight into his ear. “Let’s get out of here.”

* * *

When we reach Meyer’s office, the music finally dampened, voices trail through the halls as Shae gets everyone out to the cars to be taken either home or to their hotels.

I close the door behind me, watching the three of them as they cross the room, and smile softly.

This really is the best birthday ever. Now... if I can just…

Toeing off my heels, I pull my hair around my neck and call out, “Will someone please unzip me?”

I feel all three sets of eyes on me and I don’t know if it’s the copious amount of bubbles I’ve drank tonight, general frivolity, or just me being playful and greedy, but the words fall from my lips regardless. “Then how about one last gift to me?”

Hunter is on me first, his lips graze the nape of my neck before his hands clasp my waist. “If we can give it, Angel, it’s yours.”

He handles my zipper like a pro, lowering it until he hisses as the top of my lacy black thong appears.

“What is your request, Kitten?” Meyer asks, his voice low and rough. I turn my head to look at him over my shoulder, my bare back still on show. His eyes darken as he takes in the freshly-inked skin—yet another gift—and a smile tugs at my lips.

I glance at Rory, but I already know he and Hunter will be on board. Meyer is the one who may require... finesse. Locking my gaze back on the man in question, I lick my lips before biting down on the lower one and letting my dress fall to my feet.

“All of you.”

“So in,” Hunter practically whoops, and I can’t help the small laugh that falls from me. Rory stays quiet, but Meyer watches me like a predator assessing his prey.

“All of us?” he asks, his voice a low growl that sends a shiver down my spine. His watching gaze is so intense that I feel like I might shatter from that alone. “You think you could handle that?”

I nod once, laid bare before them in his office, the fire crackling the only noise in the room as I practically hold my breath, waiting to see if I’ll be denied.

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