Page 25 of DeLucas After Dark

My husbands are up to something.

The thought pops up as I pull Ethan and roll before tossing him over my head.

“This isn’t fair. I didn’t sign up to be a self-defense dummy,” Ethan says as he rises from the padded gym floor and brushes himself off. “We’re supposed to be sparring, but if I can’t properly exchange blows, this is just you beating me up.”

“That isn’t my doing. I’m more than willing to dust off those rusty skills of yours and teach you some new moves. Right now, you ain’t saying shit. Even this little DeLuca can kick your ass.” I pat my belly, knowing that even without Valentino’s restrictions, Ethan would keep all hits above the waist.

“Big talk coming from somebody who knows her husband will straight up murder me if he finds a bruise on your body that he didn’t put there.”

“Hey! That was a misunderstanding. I don’t know why you keep bringing that up since I explained it all to him. You act like you aren’t still standing.” I glare at him. “And with all your limbs attached.”

Ethan won’t let the past go. It was one little incident where Valentino held a gun to his head while choking him out because my husband forgot about the previous night’s rope play. That bruise was hard-earned and well worth the torturous lead up to one the my biggest climaxes. I pat my belly knowing that I won’t get a repeat any time soon.

“Why did I know I’d find you down here?” Tácito says with an put-upon smile. “Ethan, I free you from whatever abuse she’s dishing today. And you” —he points at me—“Valentino and I have a surprise for you, but you’ll want to wear something else. I can’t guarantee he won’t take exception to your outfit and kibosh the surprise.”

“The hell he will.” I pass Ethan with a sneak punch to his shoulder. “I needed a shower anyway.”

Tácito’s eyes drop to half-mast and he bites his bottom lip.

I snap my fingers. “Time for that later. Where do I meet you for my surprise?” I hustle him out of the gym.

Tácito clears his throat. “Meet us in his office.”

I nod as we make our way upstairs. At the door to our room, he puts a hand on my arm. “Is everything good? You’re feeling well?”

I pause and pull back from entering the bedroom to take him in. Tácito tries to clear the worry from his face which causes a guilty pang to resonate in my chest. Keeping Tácito and Valentino away from my doctors isn’t meant to be a punishment, but I’m not blind to their longing. I share my progress and everything I learn with them, but I know it isn’t the same as standing beside me and experiencing everything together.

“I’m fine. Promise.” I pat his arm before entering the room.

I would have less qualms about things if I didn’t have to worry about my doctor’s safety. Worse, Tácito, my gentle, loving Tácito can’t be trusted not to pull a Valentino. I remember all too well the look in his eyes when I ran to him about the men who died at Valentino’s hands. If one of my husbands could control their jealous tendencies then I wouldn’t have to do solo visits for my check-ups.

After a quick shower, I change into thigh-high socks and a cowl-neck-sweater dress that kisses the top of my socks. I brush my hair and do a mirror check before going in search of my surprise. Excitement propels me forward. Tácito gave me no clues, but he and Valentino never disappoint. I can usually tell whose handiwork is at play depending on the surprise. When Valentino plans, he employs professionals to execute his vision, whereas Tácito has a personal touch the experts lack. I appreciate both of their styles.

The door to Valentino’s office is closed, amping my anticipation until my heartbeat runs wild. I open the door and I enter a new world. Gauzy white fabric hangs from the ceiling to the floor, blocking the masculine furniture I’m used to seeing. Instead, soft pillows and blankets take up the floor’s surface. In the middle of the floor, candles float in decorative glass bowls. Their flickering lights shine on a cooler and basket.

From the floor, Valentino and Tácito beckon me.

“Okay, I’m intrigued. Am I supposed to guess the surprise?”

Since I haven’t moved from the door, Tácito comes to me. A cloth in his hand raises my suspicions.

“Yes, we’ll give you clues and you’ll have to figure out what you’re getting.” He walks behind me and places the cloth over my eyes. “No peeking,” he says before kissing my neck.

He takes my hand and leads me to the setup on the blanket, or I assume he does since I’m not allowed to look.

“Your clues involve a gastronomic element.” Valentino’s voice comes from my left.

Soon two pairs of hands help me to the floor. Once I settle, something smooth touches my lip. Instinctively, I open my mouth and silky chocolate melts on my tongue. Sweet peppermint chases the luxurious flavor.

“Mmm, tastes like Christmas.” I smile.

A hand cradles my nape and tilts my head up. When a mouth presses against mine, I open and accept the gentle glide of Tácito’s tongue. I melt into the kiss, into the almost reverent way Tácito caresses me and worships me with his lips.

When we separate, I follow his heat, wanting another taste.

“She’s right. Tastes like Christmas.” Banked desire and amusement fill Tácito’s voice and causes my nipples to bead.

“Is that my reward for guessing correctly?”

---