Page 23 of Doubts & Fears

I took a seat and turned my attention to Ivan. His brow furrowed, and his fingers pensively stroked his beard. His thoughtful stance showed he was using his even temperament to balance emotions with logic. As his gaze shifted toward me, the wheels turned. His earlier frustration with me was gone entirely. Thank god for our brotherly bond.

“You already know how I feel,” Nikolai responded. “I’m apprehensive about keeping her in the dark about the potential danger she’s in for too much longer, but this will alleviate some of it until we get more answers,” he added.

“So, what’s the plan, then?” Ivan asked.

“I propose that we all take turns. Each day and subsequent night, we each take responsibility for making sure she stays put.” I’d put a lot of thought into it. She was entirely too intoxicating for a twenty-four-hour, seven-days-a-week type of arrangement.

My brothers and I had a unique brotherhood that never amounted to stupid jealousy or pettiness as we grew up. I might not trust her with any other man, but my brothers were a different breed.

I knew them and could count on them. Not to mention they were equally invested with her on various levels at this point. Sharing the responsibility was the right thing to do.

“I understand the need for caution, especially given the package and her refusal to answer questions. But assigning babysitters? Doesn’t that feel a bit…excessive?” Ivan asked.

I nodded, acknowledging his perspective. “I get where you’re coming from. And I agree it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. But given the risks, I believe it’s a measure worth considering, at least until things stabilize.”

Ivan’s lip quirked in a half smile. “Stabilize? Is that in reference to uncovering her secrets or untangling your heart?”

“Fuck you, asshole,” I grumbled.

“Nah, fuck you. Why don’t you just say it?”

“Say what?”

“You don’t trust yourself with her,” Ivan said, calling me out. I raked my hand through my hair.

“Pretty much, Brother. You happy now?” The room fell silent as the three of us exchanged looks. “Since I proposed the motion, I’m an aye on keeping watch over her in rotating shifts.”

Nik’s gaze was unwavering as he calmly stated, “Agreed. You know you can count on me. She is damn sexy, and I’d love to spend more time with her.”

A moment of tension hung in the air before Ivan broke the silence. His voice still carried a hint of hesitation. “I’m not sure how fucking wise this is. I agree she needs round-the-clock watching, but…” He let out an audible breath. “Fuck it, why the hell not?”

“And tonight’s discipline matter?” Nik asked, unable to hide the grin on his face. “She’s in sore need of a spanking. She’s been asking for it since game night, if I’m not mistaken.”

Surprisingly, Ivan spoke up. Whatever earlier apprehension seemed to have disappeared. “Are we sharing in that as well? If so, I’d like to pose some questions to her.” I looked over at Nik and saw pride in his eyes as he assessed our younger brother.

“She was up for the all-for-one, and one-for-all options on game night. It will do good for her to see us united in this, to understand we’re in charge—all of us. And her ass has the perfect amount of jiggle,” Nik added.

I shook my head at his comment on her ass, but he was right about the other. “So we’re in agreement?” I waited with a mischievous grin, and both of them nodded. “I’m going to insist on going last. She’s sleeping with me tonight.”

Having surrendered and admitted out loud the fact that I wouldn’t be able to distance myself the way I wanted, I gave up and went to look for her. As I walkedthrough the familiar hallway, my thoughts cleared. I had a burning ache to see her. And each step closer to her room filled me with a sense of relief.

I knocked on her door. When she didn’t answer, I panicked and opened it, finding her asleep. Drawn to her, I approached the bed. She was curled up, her hands tucked under her pillow. She looked like a fairy with her tiny frame and long hair flowing freely. Her full pink lips were a stark contrast to her alabaster skin.

It felt like déjà vu as I stood and watched her breathing, listening to her sigh contentedly in her sleep. I pushed a strand of hair away from her face. She had thrown off the covers.

Once more, she was wearing a tank top and boy shorts, her shapely legs on display. I told myself to leave. But then she whimpered my name in her sleep, and I couldn’t do it. Without another thought, I joined her.

I gathered her in my arms and nuzzled her neck, taking deep breaths of her. At least this time, she wasn’t drugged. There was a huge chance she’d wake up and be furious with me. I’d deal with her anger then, but for now, fuck, I needed this.

She settled in the crook of my arms, and I held her as she shifted, her soft rear end pressing against me. It felt so right holding her this way. My mind raced as feelings overwhelmed me.

I was tied up in knots, torn between what was right and what I craved. A strange swell of emotions welled up inside me. I wanted to play with her, tease her, and hear her scream my name as I fucked her.

What in the actual hell was this feeling?

It was as if I were in a trance of sorts, holding her, her scent overwhelming me once more. I couldn’t stand it anymore and moved my hand to her waist, then caressed her ass.

One moment she was moaning, and the next, she was pushing me against the headboard, straddling me with a knife at my throat for the second time.

---