Page 82 of Rules Of Our Own

Heat pools in my lower stomach, and I cough, my throat suddenly dry, even as my mouth waters. What is that man doing to me?

I make my way around the island and open the steel double doors. Syrup and whipped cream aren’t the only things in there. There’s also cut-up melon and strawberries. It’s starting to become abundantly clear that River has a thing about feeding me.

I toss a few strawberries over my pancakes, then drench them in maple syrup and moan when the sweet goodness hits my tongue.

My eyes roll back as I take another bite, and I imagine the two of them making these this morning. There’s something extra sweet, knowing they must have done it at River’s to not wake me up.

Warmth fills my chest, and my breath comes out tight. I don’t need a single second more to know I need the two of them. To know that, whatever it is between us, we have to try. I’m done being scared because the idea of not trying is too hard to bear. I just need to get through this meeting, and then I’ll tell them. It might blow up in my face, but so be it. They’re worth it. Even if it’s just a few more moments basking in their attention, I’ll take it.

Because no matter how much I want to deny it, I’m in love with them.

CHAPTER39

ALEX

Jax:Sidney said you and River are helping Mia out with her charity.

Alex: Incorrect. WE are all helping.

Lucas: Oh yeah? What’s in it for me?

Alex: I don’t even need to answer that. I already know Piper’s told you about it. And she’s all the encouragement you need.

Lucas: Are you saying I’m whipped?

Jax: Are you saying we aren’t?

Lucas: No. Just checking.

River: The deal is, we do whatever Mia asks. She was stressed as shit yesterday.

Jax: Uh huh and we’re the whipped ones.

River: I would be fucking lucky to be whipped by that girl.

Alex: I’m blushing just reading that.

Jax: I know what you meant, but buddy that visual.

River: Stop picturing my girl, Jax. Or I’ll tell Sidney.

Jax: Relax. I was totally picturing you and Alex.

I choke on my water.

Lucas: I swear, I look away from my phone for two seconds and this is the shit you’re talking about?

Jax: Meet up for dinner?

River: Not tonight. Mia’s got a meeting with Astrocorp and we’re taking her.

Lucas: Does she know that?

Alex: She’s about to. Bye boys.

I throw on a plain black hoodie and a pair of white Adidas before leaving my room. River’s already waiting for me by the door, and my steps slow as I take him in. He’s wearing a crisp black dress shirt and black dress pants, making him look more like a member of the mafia than a hockey player, and fuck is it doing something to me. His shirt is pulled taut across his broad shoulders, and I can see the ridges of his muscles move as he takes his time uncuffing and rolling his sleeve to his elbow, exposing his muscular forearms lined with thick veins. My cock swells against my zipper, and I swallow hard, trying to ignore the fact that I’m reacting like his arms are literal porn.

Since our little workout, my curiosity has switched to somethingmore. Something I want to explore. I just don’t want to fuck up our friendship to do it.

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