Blah. Blah. Blah.

Alexei would be the first to admit that he hadn’t been sure about her in the beginning. He hadn’t wanted her around. Hadn’t been willing to trust her.

Trust wasn’t something that came easily to him.

But once he was in . . . then he was all in.

And there was no pulling him back or telling him that he couldn’t have something he wanted.

He’d been denied things he wanted until he became an adult and in charge of his own life.

Then what he wanted . . . he took.

And what he wanted was her.

So he wasn’t going to allow anyone to tell him he couldn’t have her. Not that he was into force.

Fuck, no.

He’d kill any bastard who tried to harm her, including himself.

But he knew that she wanted them all. She’d agreed to this. The three of them.

So why shouldn’t they keep things moving? It was inevitable that she’d live with them one day.

Why not earlier rather than later?

“Stay the weekend? Um, I’m not sure I can.”

No. That wouldn’t suit him at all.

“Why not?” he demanded.

“I just . . . that’s quick, isn’t it?” She looked to Roman who appeared thoughtful.

“It might seem quick, but we’re not asking for anything that you’re not willing to give.” Salem leaned over her, placing his hands on the desk on either side of her hips. “You’ll have a guest bedroom all to yourself and no one will go in there unless invited.”

Hey. Why was he looking at Alexei as he said that?

Probably because he knows you too well . . .

Ahh, yes. But what was the big deal about going into her room to watch her sleep? She’d never know that he was there. He wouldn’t be hurting anyone.

In fact, wouldn’t he be doing a service watching over her? Protecting her?

“Um. Well.”

“At least stay tonight,” Salem added. “We wouldn’t feel right about you going home until we know how your ankle is. Tomorrow, I can take you home.”

“I’m fine taking the tube. But I suppose it’s getting late and I could stay tonight.”

“I will go make sure that your room is ready,” Roman said. “We can start that new book before bed?”

“Sure,” she said.

“And during half-time, you can help me with dinner,” Salem said.

“Which means that right now, you’re mine.” Alexei picked her up and put her on his hip.