Page 46 of Beyond Repair: Part One

"Nina," Kai interjects, "In what fucking world do you think we would leave you? Henry and I were just house hunting so we could be as close to you as possible."

"You'll leave," Nina says adamantly, sitting up as much as possible on Trevor's lap. "There's no repairing me, Kai. Don't you get that?! Nobody wants someone in pieces."

Ridge stands and his hand darts for her chin, making her flinch, but it doesn't deter him. "If you're made of broken pieces, then we can divvy them up, you stubborn, beautiful girl. You are perfect for sharing, Nina, and wewillbe keeping you forever."

Then, to my utter fucking shock, Ridge slams his mouth against hers, claiming her for the family we are meant to be.

Chapter 37

Nina

Shock isn't a strong enough word to describe my feelings when Ridge's mouth collides with mine. My immediate reaction causes a ripple effect I think is going to change the trajectory of my life.I gasp.

Ridge takes my parted lips as an invitation and dips his tongue into mouth. The heat of his tongue coaxing mine out to play makes my toes curl and a flutter pulse through my core. Inside, I'm a mess of nerves and absolute excitement. I've dreamed of this moment, but I told myself it would never happen.My first kiss.

Hands tighten on my waist, making me moan, then Ridge digs his fingers into my scalp to position me exactly where he needs me. Someone curses, but I'm too lost in my attempt to explore his mouth. I fail spectacularly because if one thing is for certain, Ridge is in absolute control and he isdevouringme. All I can do is grab the back of his neck and hold on tight.I don't ever want to let go.

My back vibrates, and the fingers near my hips burn a path into the top of my waistband. Tingles race across my skin until I'm a whimpering mess of wiggles.

Warmth engulfs my neck. "Fuck baby," Trevor groans and I realize it was him that was vibrating. "We need to stop."

But he doesn't stop. With Ridge nibbling on my lips and Trevor's tongue on my pulse point, I'm about to unravel. I release a breathy cry when Ridge suddenly pulls away from me with a look of immense pain. His hands shift from behind my head to my jaw as Trevor moves back as well.

Iache. How could they stop? "Come back," I plead, knowing I sound needy, but I don't ever want him to let me go.

"Fuck, Nina. That was better than I ever imagined," he rumbles with his thumb tugging on my bottom lip.

We're both panting heavily and I'm close to begging him to kiss me again when his words finally register. My tummy flips. "You've imagined kissing me?"

Ridge frowns, but his eyes soften as he studies me. "You haven't been listening." He's so close I can smell his woodsy cologne. "Listen to me."

A lock of hair being tugged near my temple draws my attention to Henry who looks ready to eat me alive. "Hi," I say, smiling at him.

He beams and doesn't look perturbed at all by Ridge's hands still holding my face. "Hi, pretty girl."

Kai sighs something like, "so damn cute," but I'm now lost in Henry's grin. Trevor grunts in response to Kai and tugs me further into his chest. I melt and hope Ridge stays where he is. If I spent the rest of my moments like this, I would be so happy.

I think I might be kiss drunk. Everything feels a little fuzzy, and my body is buzzing with pent up energy that only adds to the ache between my thighs.

"Listen now," Henry demands softly and nods his head to Ridge.

When I turn my focus back to Ridge, I notice his glasses lower than normal. As if it's second nature, I tug his face forward and nudge his frames back up with my nose. His breath stutters against my mouth, and I only hesitate for a brief moment before I initiate another kiss. This one's softer but no less filled with desire.

"Fuck," Ridge huffs and pecks me one final time. "That's not listening, naughty girl."

Releasing his neck, I pout with a small smile. "Sorry."

His eyes narrow, as if he's trying to figure out if I'm actually upset. "Nina," he starts again, leaning back and releasing my jaw. I miss the heat of his hands immediately. "We have all dreamed of kissing you. I bet they’re all counting down the seconds until they can. So when I tell you we've been in love with you for forever, I need you to try to believe me."

I open my mouth to deny his claim, but he shushes me with a finger to my lips. "No. You're listening, remember? We love every version of you, and it gives me so much joy to know those younger parts of you are still in there. And you know what?"

I hum in question, hanging on to his every word because I want to believe him so freaking bad. I really,reallydo. What makes it easier is being surrounded by the four of them this time as they say it. Every one of my senses is consumed withthem.

Their cologne swirls provocatively in my nose. The minty taste of Ridge still lingers on my tongue and their hands haven't stopped touching me. Everything I am right now is because of them. I'm relaxed, feeling floaty, and dare I say it...loved.

Ridge says exactly what I need to hear. "We are the perfect people to coax the younger, playful Nina out."

My eyes burn because he's right. Ridge, Kai, Henry, and Trevor are exactly who I need to encourage me to live again. I think I'm finally ready.

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