Page 122 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

His control broke at my words. With a low growl that sent heat pooling in my belly, Dakota lifted me effortlessly, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carried me across the room. His mouth found mine again, hungrier now, all restraint dissolving as his hands gripped my thighs. I gasped against his lips, my fingers threading through his dark hair as he pressed me against the wall, his solid weight pinning me there.

"Here?" I breathed, surprised by his boldness.

Dakota's eyes were nearly black with desire, his voice a rumble against my skin. "Unless you want to wait for a bed."

"No waiting," I whispered, tugging him closer. "I need you now."

His mouth claimed mine again, demanding and consuming in a way that made me melt against him. There was something primal about Dakota when his control slipped—raw and powerful, yet still careful with his strength. His hands slid beneath my shirt, rough palms against my heated skin making me arch into his touch. When his fingers traced the curve of my breast, I gasped, my head falling back against the wall as pleasure coursed through me.

"Dakota," I breathed, his name a plea on my lips. He understood without further words, his hands working efficiently to remove my clothes while still keeping me pinned against the wall. His movements were deliberate, focused, each touch igniting fires beneath my skin. When he finally had me bare before him, his dark eyes raked over me with an intensity that made me shiver despite the heat building between us.

"Gorgeous," he murmured, the single word carrying more weight from his usually silent lips than flowery praise from anyone else. His mouth found my neck, trailing hot kisses down to my collarbone as his hands explored with reverent hunger.

I tugged at his shirt, suddenly desperate to feel his skin against mine. He helped me, releasing me just long enough to pull the fabric over his head before pinning me back against the wall. The sight of his bare chest made my breath catch—all hard planes and defined muscle, testament to his strength. I ran my hands over him, exploring the expanse of warm skin, tracing the contours of his body with eager fingers.

Dakota watched me with hungry eyes as I touched him, his restraint visible in the tension of his jaw, the careful way he held himself back despite the desire radiating from him. When my fingers trailed lower, following the line of dark hair that disappeared beneath his waistband, he caught my wrist, his grip gentle but firm.

"Slow," he rumbled, his voice deeper than I'd ever heard it. "I want to savor you."

The words sent heat rushing through me, pooling low in my belly. Dakota was a man of few words, but each one seemed to carry the weight of mountains when he spoke them. His hands moved over my body with deliberate purpose, mapping every curve, every sensitive spot with careful attention. When his mouth replaced his fingers, trailing hot kisses down my throat to my breast, I gasped, my hands clutching at his shoulders as pleasure shot through me.

"Please," I whispered, my body arching against his as his tongue circled my nipple, teeth grazing the sensitive peak in a way that made me whimper. "Dakota, I need—"

"I know what you need," he rumbled against my skin, his hands sliding down to my hips, holding me steady as his mouth continued its torturous exploration. "Trust me."

And I did. Completely. There was something about Dakota's solid presence, his unwavering focus, that made me feel utterly safe.

His mouth returned to mine, the kiss deeper now, more demanding as his hands explored my body with deliberate attention. When his fingers found the wetness between my thighs, we both groaned, his touch sending sparks of pleasure through me. He explored me slowly, methodically, learning what made me gasp and arch against him with the same careful attention he brought to everything.

"Dakota," I whispered against his lips, my hips moving instinctively against his touch. "Please..."

He understood what I needed without further explanation. With efficient movements, he unbuckled his belt and freed himself from his remaining clothes, his arousal evident against my thigh. Just as he was going to enter me I heard a deep chuckle on the other side of the room.

“Well, I wasn’t expecting a show today.” Lucas stood there, shirtless with just a pair of sweatpants and damp hair. Dakota growled, his body tensing protectively around me. I gasped, trying to cover myself with my arms as embarrassment flooded through me.

"Your timing is terrible," Dakota rumbled, not moving from his position shielding my body with his own.

Lucas leaned against the doorframe, his usual playfulness evident in his crooked smile, but there was heat in his eyes too. "On the contrary, I'd say my timing is perfect." His gaze traveled over us appreciatively. "Though I can leave if you want privacy."

I should have been mortified, but something about the situation—about the way Lucas looked at us both with such open desire—sent an unexpected thrill through me instead. Dakota must have felt my reaction, because he glanced down at me, one eyebrow raised in silent question.

"He can stay," I whispered, surprising myself with my boldness. "If you are okay with it.” Dakota's dark eyes held mine for a long moment, searching for any hesitation. Finding none, he gave a slight nod, his powerful body still shielding mine protectively from view.

"Your call," he said to me, his deep voice a rumble against my skin.

Lucas's playful expression transformed into something more serious, more heated as he understood the significance of the moment. "I can just watch," he offered, his voice lower than usual. "Or join. Whatever you both want."

The idea of both of them—Dakota's steady strength and Lucas's playful intensity—sent heat coursing through me. I bit my lip, looking up at Dakota.

"I want both of you," I admitted softly. "If that's okay."

Dakota studied my face, making sure I meant it. Then he turned to Lucas, something passing between the two Alphas—an understanding, an agreement. Lucas approached slowly, his usual casual demeanor replaced by something more intense, more focused. With fluid grace, he came to stand beside me, as he looked down at me as I was still pinned to the wall

"Is this what you want, flower girl?" Lucas murmured as he leaned down close to my ear, his breath warm on my skin. "Both of us, taking care of you together?"

I nodded, words temporarily beyond me as sensation overwhelmed thought. Dakota's hand cupped my face, bringing my attention back to him.

"Say it," he rumbled, needing to hear my explicit consent. "Tell us what you want."

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