I shook my head, my breath coming in desperate little pants. “Never.”

Kai groaned at my words, grabbing my chin and tilting my head to meet his lips in a deep, claiming kiss.

His tongue teased mine, demanding and thorough, while his hands slid lower, teasing my already sensitive nipples between his fingers.

And Adam’s mouth was back between my thighs, his tongue following the path Samuel’s fingers left behind.

The first slow stroke over my clit had me crying out, my hips jerking against his mouth, seeking more.

Pleasure built inside me like an unstoppable force, too much and not enough all at once.

I tried to move, to squirm, to find some reprieve, but Samuel’s hand pressed against my lower stomach, holding me down.

Another orgasm crashed over me, so sharp and sudden I almost sobbed from the sheer intensity of it.

I just knew that by the end of the night, I would be wrecked in a way I hadneverexperienced before…

And it was only just getting started.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Kai

The scentof roasted chicken and fresh rosemary filled the kitchen as I stepped inside, shrugging off my coat. The Byrne household had always smelled like home.

“Right on time,” my mother called from the stove, barely glancing over her shoulder. “Grab the plates, would you?”

I did as she asked, setting the table with the ease of routine. My father sat at the head of the table, his sharp blue eyes taking me in as I moved.

He gave me a small nod. Approval, acknowledgment, the closest thing to affection he ever really offered.

Dinner was like it always was: quiet and predictable.

Mom asked about work, about the bakery, about whether I was getting enough sleep. Dad made a few comments about some recent sports games.

But then, just as I was finishing the last bite of my meal, my mother struck.

“So,” she said, too casually, too precisely, “Sadie Collins is back in town.”

I tensed, fork stilling in my grip.

I should’ve known this was coming.

It’s actually surprising it’s taken them this long to mention her.

My father took a sip of his water, his gaze unwavering. “Saw her at the market the other day.”

I exhaled slowly, setting my fork down.

Mom’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “You don’t seem surprised.”

“I work with her,” I admitted, leaning back in my chair. “At The Foundry.”

Mom hummed, giving Dad a pointed look. “Interesting, isn’t it? Your first love, back in town, working by your side?”

Dad didn’t react, but I knew he was listening. He always listened, even when he didn’t speak.

I huffed a quiet laugh. “It’s not a damn movie, Mom.”