Page 84 of Rules Of Our Own

I feel my body tense up like a coiled spring as I try, and fail, to swallow the golf-ball-sized lump that lodges itself stubbornly in my throat. “I know, and I know why you said that, but the PR manager for the Bruins asked for time to get everything ready on her side. Don’t worry. I already have buy-ins from several of the players.”

My stomach flutters at the thought of the boys last night, their eyes locked on mine as I spoke about my ideas. Their genuine interest was like a balm to my nerves, soothing away any doubts or fears I had been harboring. It was a complete contrast to what I had grown used to with Jason. He didn’t care what I did on his best days and actively discouraged me on his worst. The absolute confidence that Alex and River have in me caught me off guard, almost knocking the wind out of me.

When they look at me, it isn’t just with interest but with a deep-rooted belief that I can do anything, be anyone I want to be. They don’t try to hold me back or stick me in a box; instead, they go out of their way to show support for my every endeavor. My heart squeezes with a warmth that creeps up from my chest because they’re quickly becoming an essential part of my life that I will never be able to give up.

Gerard’s hands land on his desk, and he stands. “Alright, Dr. Brooks. You have your extra month.” He raises one eyebrow. “Don’t waste it.”

I can’t help the giddiness bubbling inside me, and it’s practically spilling over by the time I exit the elevator into the lobby. Alex and River are talking to each other, and they both look up at the same time. A smile takes over Alex’s face, showing off his dimples, but it’s the grin on River’s that does me under.

I don’t stop running until I crash into them, holding them both in the world’s most awkward hug. “I did it. I’m getting the extension, and he thinks it’s a good idea,” I say between raspy breaths.

Alex kisses the top of my head. “Of course he does, Kitten. It is a fantastic idea. It’s a fucking brilliant idea.”

The thrill of my meeting mixes with the warmth of their heady scents, and suddenly, all my adrenaline turns into something hot and aching. I turn and rest my head back on Alex’s shoulder when he wraps his arms around me from behind, and I stare up at River.

He cups my jaw, sliding his long fingers around my neck, and strokes my cheekbone with his thumb. He presses his lips to mine, taking my mouth in a soft kiss. “I’m so proud of you, Love. I knew you had this. Now, let us take you home and show you just how good you’ve been.”

My breath hitches, and Alex’s chuckle rumbles against my back. River leans down until his mouth is beside my ear. “I want to take you home and fuck that pretty little cunt of yours and show you how proud we are. Will you do that, Love? Will you let us show you how good we can be together?”

I’m burning from the inside, and I can’t hear the world around us. All I can see, hear, and feel is them, and I so desperately want what they’re offering. “Please.”

CHAPTER41

MIA

Alex slowly crowdsme until my back hits the elevator wall. His tongue slides over the uneven edge of his teeth as he takes me in with his hooded gaze. Gone is the playful guy who makes me laugh, and I’m suddenly faced with the power he wields on the ice.

“I’ve been dying to kiss you, Kitten. I’m pretty sure I haven’t been completely soft since the last time I had you pressed against these mirrors.” His breath smells like mint as he shifts closer, and his knee slides between my legs. “Is that what you want?” His lips graze over mine in a featherlight touch, lighting up the nerves all over my body.

“This isn’t a part of our deal,” I say shakily. I glance at River where he’s leaning against the other wall, watching Alex’s hands curve around my hips.

His dark eyes meet mine. “There’s no more deals, Love. There’s just us.”

Alex runs his nose along mine and rests our heads together. “So tell me, Kitten. Do you want me to kiss you?”

I lift onto my toes, grip his shirt in both hands, and close the distance between our mouths, a sense of power filling my veins when he growls deep in his throat and his hips buck into me.

Alex devours me, not pulling away until my lungs burn for air. He reaches behind me, dragging the zipper of my dress down, and groans as it slips over my shoulders. His mouth is hot on the exposed sensitive skin, and he leaves a trail of wet open-mouth kisses, a stream of words tumbling from him—fuck…so good, Kitten.The smooth edge of his tongue dips into the hollow just above my collarbone, and my head tip back, connecting with the mirror. His nearly incoherent words vibrate against my skin, sending a trail of goose bumps down my arms. “—fucking—I missed this—so fucking good.”

Alex’s left hand slips beneath the hem of my dress, the fabric caressing my skin as he slowly drags it up my leg. His nails scrape a slow path up my thigh, the heat radiating from his touch intensifying until I moan and arch into him. He hums in the back of his throat and grazes his knuckle over my lace panties.

Alex grips my chin firmly with his free hand and directs it toward River. “Look at him, Kitten. Show him how desperate you are for us.”

I swallow hard and swivel my head toward River. He’s hovering closer than I expected, our torsos almost touching as he bends in and seizes my mouth with his own.

River’s kiss is hungry and seductive. Like it’s full of a million dirty promises he’s just waiting to show me, and I’m so ready for him to. I clasp the front of his shirt and tug him closer.

Alex’s teeth bruise the spot just under my ear, and I reach between us, attempting to push down his shorts. I suddenly can’t wait another second to feel them both bare against me.

In me.

Making me scream their name and owning every little piece of me that I will gladly give them.

But we’re wearing way too many clothes. Alex chuckles, gripping my wrist and pinning it by my ear. “As much as it pains me to say it, we’re a little too well-known to get caught fucking our girl in the elevator.”

He nips my jaw and pushes off. I hate the chill from the cold air immediately replacing him.

River hits a button on the elevator, and it jerks. I have no idea when they even stopped it. He wraps his arm around my lower waist, tugging my back to his chest, and rests his mouth on my shoulder, his hot breaths branding me through the thin silk.

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