Page 34 of Beautiful Delusions

“Oh, don’t even. I only made it thanks to Lucas causing a distraction at the door so I could stand on Kyan’s shoulders and jump through the window!”

“Where was Ezra?”

“Sporting the black eye I gave him after he finally found the handcuff key and released me from the bedframe,” I smirk. I’m sure he did it on purpose, losing faith in his own tutoring. He had nothing to worry about–his constant grillings meant I passed with flying colors.

“Makes for a good story, though,” Letty tilts her head and raises her glass.

“I’ll drink to that,” I agree. Downing my drink, the cocktail glass has yet to touch back to the table when Letty’s eyes widen just over my shoulder. Probably some hot guy on the street has her all flustered, her cheeks turning pink.

“Hey, Feisty One,” a deep rumble sounds. I brush my ear with my shoulder, shaking out the imaginary voice. Jeez, what was in that drink? “Long time no see.” Letty’s mouth is open now, and my brow furrows. Wait–that’s not a delusion. Standing in a rush, I spin and come face to face with an overly tanned version of Lucas. A crisp black suit hugs his muscled frame, those biceps appearing to strain against the jacket. His auburn hair is a flash of vibrant red, his green eyes beaming down at me. My mouth turns dry, no words forming.

“Sorry it took so long. I had some…legal affairs I needed to straighten out.” My gaze leaves his easy smirk and travels down to the hands clasped in front of him. No wedding ring in sight.

“You,” my voice is too breathy, “you didn’t get married?”

“It wasn’t fair on anyone to lie. My heart belongs elsewhere, and I’m here to claim it back.” I don’t breathe. Don’t dare move in case this perfect scenario shatters and I suddenly wake up. But then, it gets even better.

“We all are.” Kyan steps into my eyeline, all shaggy black hair and endless onyx eyes. In direct contrast with his blond curls and icy blues, Ezra appears from Lucas’ other side, completing the trio.My trio.

“You mean, all of you and me? You all want just me?” I echo back like a parrot. My mind reels to catch up. One semester was the plan. An encapsulated amount of time we all agreed on. But this? Now? My eyes remain on Ezra, his acceptance the one I need to hear the most.

“Get in the fucking car, Sophia,” Ezra growls, jerking his head to the Bentley pulled up behind. “We’re taking you home.” Through his scowl, a small smile breaks free and my heart flutters. I vault over the mini fence without a second thought, diving into their arms. Any and all arms who will have me. Lips touch my forehead before I’m tugged across the sidewalk. I call back for Letty to tell work I’ve gone home sick for the rest of the day. Probably the week.

“Bitch, don’t forget about Italy!” she hollers, waving a breadstick at me. Dropping into the back seat and closing the door, I lean through the open window, but it’s Lucas who responds from the driver’s seat.

“We’ve upgraded your trip. A limo will pick you up next week to bring you to the private jet. Hope you don’t mind a couple of tagalongs.” Kyan, beside me in the back, angles himself across my thighs.

“And about those Italian lovers,” he shouts for everyone nearby to hear. “No need to hold back. You’ve got your own penthouse suite to fill.” My mouth drops open as the blackout window starts to rise. Before it reaches the top and shuts me away from the outside world, Letty’s whooping slips through.

“Your boyfriends are the best!”

“Yeah, they really fucking are,” I agree, catching all three sets of hungry eyes on me. My teeth sink into my bottom lip, the atmosphere tripling with lust, and I already know–this vehicle isn’t going anywhere until I’m wrought with pleasure and three orgasms deep.

“That’s my girl,” Jazzie winks from the passenger seat, propping heart-shaped sunglasses over her eyes and waving goodbye as she fades away for the last time.

Sand squishes between my toes as we walk along the most pristine beach. It’s exactly like the brochure. Not a rogue shell or strand of seaweed to be seen along the shore. The sun has just begun its descent towards the horizon, a lazy stroll much like the one Ezra and I are taking. Hand in hand, we reach the lone bar at the far end, replenish our cocktails, and circle back to where our towels are waiting.

“I could spend every day like this,” he grins. A smile I’ll never tire of seeing, but right, with a golden glow cast across the tilt of his lips, he’s flawless. Even with his mess of blond curls speckledwith sand. We walk slowly, savoring our solitude until we reach our belongings. Settling back on my towel, I lean on Ezra’s broad shoulder and click our glasses together.

“Here’s to our last night in Australia,” I cheer. Ezra’s smile wobbles slightly as he downs the pink liquid in one. It’s been three weeks since we parted ways with Letty, who flew directly home from Italy. I fully expected to be returning with her, but the Thorns had other plans. Ones which included a sightseeing trip from Perth to Melbourne and many dives into the Great Barrier Reef. Three blissful weeks, but reality is right around the corner.

“It’ll be okay, you know,” I reassure Ezra. He’s been on edge all day, drinking since around ten o’clock this morning.

“I hope so,” Ezra murmurs. He avoids my gaze, tucking his head into my neck to watch the others.

Kyan and Lucas are in the water, their muscular forms cutting through the waves as they surf. Watching them brings a smile to my face; their laughter and energy are infectious. Ezra, on the other hand, won’t leave my side, even if he’s nervously twiddling his mini umbrella. I sip on my cocktail, stroking my left hand over his thigh.

Needless to say, I’ve barely had a flicker of anxiety since arriving on the island. Not even the suitcase of skimpy outfits without a long-sleeved top in sight has unnerved me. The boys take the time to kiss my scar every day, reminding me how beautiful they think I am. Their confidence, their pride, their affection. It’s all more than enough to remind me I’ll never be alone again.

“Hey, Sophia! Watch this!” Kyan calls out, waving frantically from the ocean as he and Lucas ride a rolling wave toward the shore. Lucas starts to wobble, but instead of going down gracefully, he dives at Kyan and takes them both down. I can'thelp but laugh, their antics continuing as they scuffle and shove each other out of the water.

A gentle breeze carries the salty scent as it ruffles my hair. I watch Kyan and Lucas laughing as they walk towards us, surfboards under their arms, water droplets glistening on their tanned skin. Every muscle in their matching sets of washboard abs winds me into a delicious state of sated and starving.

“Did you have fun?” I ask, unable to keep the smile off my face.

“Always,” Lucas grins, settling down next to me on the sand. Kyan takes his place at my feet, using his wet hands to slowly massage them.

“Tell us, Sophia,” Kyan raises a brow. “What are your plans when we get back home?” I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the question. None of us have discussed where exactly home for me will be once we touch back down on American soil.

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