Page 125 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

The combined sensations—their bodies moving within me, Lucas's skilled fingers, Dakota's powerful grip—finally pushed me over the edge. Pleasure exploded through me with an intensity that stole my breath, my body clenching around them both as waves of ecstasy crashed over me. I cried out their names, my vision blurring as the orgasm seemed to go on forever, each pulse more powerful than the last. My release triggered their own. Dakota went first, his powerful body tensing beneath me as he growled my name, his hands gripping my hips hard enough to bruise as he found his completion. Lucas followed moments later, his rhythm faltering as his arms tightened around me, his teeth scraping against the curve of my shoulder as he spilled himself deep inside me.

For several long moments, we remained locked together, our bodies trembling with aftershocks as we struggled to catch our breath. Dakota's hands gentled on my hips, stroking soothingly where he had gripped me tightly. Lucas's arms wrapped around my waist, supporting me as the strength seemed to drain from my limbs.

"Easy," Lucas murmured, his voice uncharacteristically gentle as he carefully withdrew from my body. The sudden emptiness made me whimper, overwhelmed by sensation. "I've got you."

With careful movements, he helped lift me off Dakota, easing me down onto the bed between them. My body felt boneless, utterly spent as they arranged themselves on either side of me. Dakota's large hand stroked my hair back from my face, his touch surprisingly gentle for someone so powerful. Lucas pressed against my other side, his usual playfulness softened into something more tender as he pulled a blanket over our tangled limbs.

"Okay?" Dakota asked, his deep voice quiet in the stillness that had settled over us.

I nodded, still struggling to find words after the intensity of what we'd just shared. "More than okay," I finally managed, my voice hoarse. "That was..."

"Incredible," Lucas finished, pressing a gentle kiss to my shoulder. "You were amazing, flower girl."

Dakota's arm curved protectively around me, his solid warmth anchoring me as the afterglow wrapped us in a peaceful cocoon. For a moment, the dangers waiting outside this room seemed distant and unimportant—Blackwood, Meridian, the threats that had been haunting me for weeks fade as I let myself relax into these two Alphas embrace.

Chapter Fifty-One

Isatatthekitchentable, eating the food Lucas had prepared. The toast was perfectly golden, the eggs fluffy, and despite everything, I found myself ravenous. Dakota sat across from me, his dark eyes watchful as always, while Lucas leaned against the counter, sipping coffee. The easy domesticity of the scene felt surreal after everything that had happened—the attack, the escape, and what had transpired between the three of us just an hour ago.

"Eat up, flower girl," Lucas encouraged, his usual playfulness returning though his eyes remained alert. "You need the energy."

I took another bite, savoring the simple comfort of good food. "Any word from Gabriel and Theo?" I asked between mouthfuls.

Dakota nodded, his expression serious. "They're with federal agents now. Blackwood is in custody. They should be on their way home anytime now.”

The relief that washed through me was immediate and overwhelming. "Really? They got him?"

"About two hours ago," Lucas confirmed, his smile genuine but tired. "Federal agents had enough evidence to move in. Gabriel and Theo were there to make sure nothing went wrong."

"What happens now?" I asked, setting down my fork. The eggs suddenly tasted like cardboard as reality reasserted itself. What did all this mean for my life, my shop, my future?

Dakota's steady gaze met mine. "Blackwood will face multiple charges—conspiracy, attempted murder, corporate espionage. With the evidence we provided, he'll be in prison for decades."

"And the others? The people who worked with him?" I pressed, needing to understand the full scope of what had happened.

"Several arrests across Meridian's executive team," Lucas explained, moving to sit beside me at the table. "The feds had been building a case against them for months, but didn't have enough evidence until now."

I nodded, trying to process everything. "So it's really over? I can go back to my life, my shop?" The possibility seemed almost too good to believe after weeks of living in fear.

"Almost," Dakota replied, his honesty as steady as always. "There will be legal proceedings, testimony you may need to provide. But the immediate threat has been neutralized."

Lucas reached across the table, his hand covering mine. "You'll have protection until we're absolutely certain every thread has been tied up." His usual playful demeanor was tempered with seriousness. "We don't take chances with your safety."

The front door opened, and we all tensed momentarily until Gabriel's commanding presence filled the doorway, Theo close behind him. Gabriel looked exhausted but satisfied, the cut on his temple now properly bandaged. Theo's analytical eyes took in the scene—the three of us at the kitchen table, the slight flush still lingering on my cheeks, the way Lucas's hand covered mine—and I knew he'd deduced exactly what had transpired in their absence.

"It's done," Gabriel stated, his authoritative voice carrying both exhaustion and satisfaction. "Blackwood is in federal custody along with his key associates. The evidence is overwhelming."

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. "Thank you," I whispered, the words wholly inadequate for what they'd all done for me.

Gabriel moved to the table, his blue eyes finding mine. "You don't need to thank us, Vivian. This is what we do." He glanced at Dakota and Lucas, something unspoken passing between the three Alphas before his gaze returned to me. "Protect what matters."

The intensity in his voice made my heart skip a beat. There was something different about Gabriel now—a vulnerability beneath his commanding exterior that I hadn't seen before. His hand came to rest on my shoulder, the weight warm and reassuring.

"When can I go home?" I asked, looking between the four of them. The four looked at each other before Gabriel spoke.

“You can go home tomorrow if you wanted…” He trailed off, his blue eyes flashing with emotion.

"If that's what you want," he added, his tone careful, measured. The unspoken question hung in the air between us.

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