Page 93 of Deadlier Obsessions

“Roses,” Stella says, and Lucy adds, “Freesias.”

“Music?” Sebastian asks.

Both women shrug like they don’t care, but then Stella blurts out, “Oh, could we have violins? Just a recording, because I know actual musicians would be expensive.”

I nod. “Sure, baby.”

That’s only a half-truth though, because if she wants live musicians she’s getting them. All this time together, and our beautiful women still don't realize they get whatever they want. Expense is not even a consideration.

“Anything else?”

Lucy blushes like she’s embarrassed to talk about what she wants, like she’s asking too much. “I’d really like a first dance with each of you.”

Mav kisses her on the forehead. “Done.”

“Do you need makeup artists?”

Stella shakes her head as she finishes her bacon. “We’ll do each other's makeup. We both prefer to keep it light anyway.”

I’m grateful for that, I think all of us guys are, because our women look best with minimal or none of that shit on their faces. I prefer it when they don’t cover up their natural beauty. Both of them are fucking stunning without the help ofany cosmetics. Stella’s light dusting of freckles, and Lucy’s fair complexion, are far more beautiful than the runway ready look.

I try to imagine what this wedding will look like, and it hits me. None of us will have family here other than each other. Maybe that’s why this works so well, because we are the one thing each of us was lacking. Family. It sounds lame, like I’m quoting theFast and the Furiousfranchise, so I nearly chuckle at myself, but it’s the truth. As twisted as this entire thing started, it gave us all exactly what we needed. Fuck I’m really turning into a sentimental asshole. I’m going to have to do something deviant to right myself. And I know exactly what it is but it’ll have to wait.

MAV

We all move to the pool deck to lounge in the sun, since that’s what both ladies want to do. It rains around one hundred forty days a year in London. Yes, I researched that after Lucy said that because it sounded unbelievable. That’s a lot of fucking rain. I think that’s why she soaks up the sun every chance she can get, but I’m always worried about her pretty fair skin burning, so I normally put sunscreen on her. Like a child, she complains every time, but I don’t care. I’ll always take care of my family, even if it pisses them off.

Lucy sits on my lap, with Gage beside me, and Sebastian on the other end next to him, and Stella is stretched out across both of them. She takes turns kissing both of them, as I lean my head forward and take Lucy’s lips. She parts her lips while running a hand through my hair, pulling my face closer like she needs more. I tilt my head slightly, giving her what she needs, whatwe both need. She pulls back breathlessly and whispers, “Please, Mav.”

I don’t know what she’s asking for, until she gently places her small hand on my chin and turns me toward Gage. Instantly my heart starts pounding, when the realization of what she wants from me sets in. He raises his hands to my face and speaks in a low gravelly voice, “Get out of your head, Mav. It’s just a kiss.”

I nod slowly, even though inside I’m panicking. Gage stares into my eyes for what feels like an eternity as he admits, “I spent years wanting to kiss you. It wasn’t enough last time, please let me do it again.”

When I silently nod again, he turns his body to me slightly, and runs his tongue along my bottom lip. I glance over his shoulder at Sebastian, expecting him to be angry, but instead he seems turned on.

He presses his lips to mine and pushes his tongue into my mouth with a groan, and I do what I never imagined I would. I kiss him back, not because I have to, but I want to. Our tongues glide together at a slow sensual pace, and the scent of Gage envelops me and, as much as I want to hate it, instead it makes me fucking frantic with need I should not be feeling. He pulls back and stares at me, reflecting what I’m going through in this moment. “Fuck, Mav,” and slams his lips to mine again. I don’t understand what’s happening to me when I kiss him back again. And when I run my hands through his hair, pulling, and nearly losing my mind. And when I moan into his mouth. I don’t understand any of this, so when he pulls back, I tell him, “That’s enough for now. Just give me a minute to fucking breathe.”

CHAPTER FIFTY

STELLA

The Wedding Day…

Last night was rough for everybody. That’s an understatement in all honesty. Lucy and I made the decision to sleep apart from the guys, since it was the night before our wedding. And we won’t see any of them until we are walking down our aisle to get married. This was not a group decision, and it was met first with refusal, and then ultimately the utmost hesitation. It was my idea initially, although Lucy quickly agreed with me. I think it was hardest on me oddly enough since I orchestrated the entire damn thing. Without my guys, I have nightmares. They aren’t as bad as they were initially. Still, they recur and make falling back to sleep tough, because I’m afraid to go back to the horror I was just in. At about two in the morning, Lucy woke me from yet another one and held me while I cried, followed by threatening text messages from Gage.

Gage:Respond to me or I’m breaking down the damn door.

I messaged him immediately so he wouldn't act on his threat.

Me:I’m okay. I promise.

This morning I’m feeling like shit, because I know how all three guys are about us. It must’ve been torture for them to hear me crying out, and being unable to do anything about it.

I grab my phone and text our group chat while Lucy still sleeps.

Me: I’m sorry about last night. I didn’t mean to upset you.

Gage: You were crying, mama. Of course we’d be dying to come to you.

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