Page 86 of Adrift

“Mississippi?” Zane mimics me.

“Half a mile. She’s counting the distance.” Easton’s hand lands on my back. He’s rubbing little circles. The wind howls, and I know I should fall asleep, but I can’t. I’m too unsettled by the boat sailing away from us. And from the storm and not knowing what’s happened to Sam.

“We say, one elephant, two elephant.” There’s another flash. “Oh, I’ve got you, Little Bird. Easton does, too.” Zane’s voice rumbles through his chest to my ear.

Yesterday, back before dinner, when we were taking a break in the waves, Zane really did want to kiss me. At least, I think he did. I panicked and turned my head, but the wave took us down. Then Dante swallowed water. But now it’s me who’s underwater. Drowning between these two gorgeous men.

The storm beats down, and I momentarily remember Calvin outside. I turn my head to the door, but it’s too dark to see anything.

I feel more than see Zane smile. “Cal can come inside anytime he wants.” Zane drops my hand, and his fingers run along the edge of my chin. His thumb rubs over my lip.

My heart quickens. Do I want this? This is absolute madness.

“Can I kiss you?” Zane’s voice is low, but not low enough to hide his intentions from Easton or Dante—even asleep.

It’s an eternity. I stare at him, frozen. He can’t see me. He has no idea I’m panicking. Does he?

I can’t answer.

I can’t do this.

Can I?

Can I kiss one guy while another one holds me? Can I kiss them when I kissed Calvin this morning?

I want to. There are no rules here. It echoes in the back of my head. I squeeze my legs together.

“Haley?” Easton’s voice rumbles in my ear. “It’s up to you, sweetheart.” His fingers on my belly grip me tighter, his cock heavy on my bottom. And then he lifts his hand.

Easton means it. In a flash of a burst of lightning, I see Zane. This is up to me.

And I break. My lips are on Zane’s. Just a brush at first. His lips are full and lush. The nerves in my stomach have turned into a full-out hurricane. I’m soaking wet as Zane controls the kiss. Easton’s fingers run around the nape of my neck. Electric currents zip through me.

I want this. I’m going to do more than let it happen; I’m going to make it happen. I’m in the moment. I can be in the moment. This is the moment.

Zane’s an amazing kisser. Goosebumps pepper my side.

“Haley,” Easton whispers in my ear. “Lift your arm. This wet shirt has to go.”

And just like that, Zane pulls back. Easton undresses me. My shirt’s gone and then my sports bra too. Zane has his hands on my breasts. “Damn, they’re the perfect size.”

Perfect? It’s not a word I’m used to hearing.

“Tilt your head for me, Haley. I want to taste your beautiful neck.” Easton’s got his hands around my waist. We’re kneeling around each other now.

“Beautiful? You can’t even see me.”

“I don’t need to see you to know it’s true, darling.” Easton laps up the side of my neck to the tender spot behind my ear. And I’m gasping for breath. It’s like he’s switched me on.

Zane has his lips around one of my nipples and his hand on my other breast. I’m turning into a noodle. I put my hand on Zane’s shoulder to keep from falling over. He lifts his mouth from me. “That’s it, Haley. We’ve got you.”

A mewing noise tries to come out of me, but I hold it in. I don’t want to wake up Dante. I don’t want Calvin to be upset.I... I... Crap, it’s overwhelming. And they’re not even touching me below my waist. But I’m panting, trying to hold it together. Everything here is overwhelming: weather, food, water, and these men. They’re going to be the death of me, but if I have to die, I suppose it’s not a bad way to go.

My head falls backward; Easton’s kisses have turned my neck to rubber. He chuckles. “Stay with us, Haley. You are going to be the best meal we have out here.”

I can’t take it anymore—I slump to my side, and Easton helps me down. My back to his front. Zane trails his tongue between my breasts, back to the underside of my chin. A flash of lightning turns the raft red for a split second.

“Damn, Haley,” says Zane. “You’re... you leave me speechless. And I’m the Shakespeare of words.”

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