Page 51 of Taming
“I think you’re stronger than you think. Maybe you’re used to being told you’re weak, but you’re not weak.” There’s a sound of awe in his voice that warms my chest when he looks over at me. “I just, I wanted to tell you, it doesn’t matter how strong or powerful you are.” His head tilts, his gaze watching the way my fingers are skimming against his arm before he finally meets my eyes. “Everybody fucks up in life, Low.”
My heart’s thundering in my chest. It’s a feeling of weak and uncontrollable emotions. He makes me feel like my endless screw ups aren’t this massive weight I’m carrying around. That my power’s strong even when it’s hidden.
It’s definitely improving. I guess. Years ago, I’d never be able to do everything I did today.
The warm feel of his hand against mine makes me lean into him. A faint growl from Grim causes me to pause for only a second before my head settles against Chaos’ shoulder. It’s nice. It’s nice to have someone to comfort me. I’m surrounded by his strength and Grim’s warmth, and everything feels completely perfect.
For one full minute.
“Cuddle time is over. We need to get moving,” Rime’s boots stomp down the weak boards of Aggie’s porch.
“We’re not leaving until dawn,” I yell after him. I stand quickly and take a few steps toward him, but I refuse to chase him down. I stop after only a few steps, standing between the two men.
Really, I’m just stalling. I’m still not sure if I want to be tied to them, but we are in similar situations. It’s just … I’ve never had a companion, let alone three companions. I’m not good at having someone I care so much about.
It’s terrifying.
“Let’s go.” His shoulders stiffen with every command he barks.
“I’m not going.” My arms fold across my chest, and his attention pulls there to my breasts. I’m very aware of how thin my clothes are, but I’ve never put as much thought into my shirt as Rime is right now.
Rime quickly looks away, but Chaos’ warm attention is still pinned to the outline of my breasts. I force myself not to look down to see what he sees.
“You have to go. This isn’t up for discussion.” Rime’s words make my jaw clench.
I’ve spent the last five years with only myself and Grim to protect me. I don’t need these men.
“Prove to me you two can take care of me better than Grim can and I’ll go.” My head tilts at him, daring the aggressive man when I know I’ve already pissed him off today.
“I think you and I both know how good I can take care of you.” Chaos’ low tone hums against my hair, and I have to shift away from him and that alluring sound or I’ll relent and follow him wherever his sexy voice wants to take me.
“Prove it.” I cock my head at him and a smile pulls at his lips.
“Prove it?” Chaos’ eyes narrow on me; his mind is probably a spiral of dirty thoughts.
“If Rime were attacking me, how would you fight him off? Impress me.” I already know Chaos isn’t one to back down, and his next words make a warm feeling flood my body from how quickly he gives in to me.
“How would he be positioned? I need more details if you want me to protect your virtue and shit.”
My lips part with a taunting reply against my lips, but then Rime is stalking toward me. His confidence isn’t playful like Chaos’. There’s no teasing undertone to his actions. He has a look of dangerous aggression with slow steps that make words slip away from me.
He passes me and the chilling look in his eyes shivers right through me. The cruel set of his mouth makes me wonder what he isn’t saying. That’s all I ever think when I consider his silence. Because he’s always thinking but never speaking.
In silence, he pushes his chest against my back. My spine stiffens beneath his touch as his palms travel slowly down my ribs, teasing my skin with his light touch before gripping my hips hard. The memory of his mouth against my body is all I can think about as I shift against him. I force my arms over my chest, trying hard to prove he doesn’t affect me.
Especially since just an hour ago, he promised to never touch me again. His head tilts toward mine just slightly, resting against me in a gentle way.
“So … this would be an attack?” A smirk tilts Chaos’ lips as he cocks a brow at Rime in a knowing way. It seems to amuse him to know his friend is attracted to me.
In less than a second, Rime jerks me hard against his chest, pushing the air from my lungs with his controlling touch. Strong arms wrap over mine, holding me in a captive but romantic position against him. Warm breath fans against my neck, and I have to put real effort into stifling the heavy exhale that falls from my lips. I’m insanely aware of how wet my panties are right now. My nerves are a bundle of tight energy within my core, and all I can think about is the bulge that’s pressing hard against my lower back.
Chaos takes a stalking step closer. Closer and closer, he advances like a calculating beast ready to strike. His fists rise, and without holding back, he aims for Rime’s face that’s so close to mine. My breath catches as Rime pulls me to the left. I stagger but his swift movement avoids Chaos’ blow.
My lungs heave against the tight hold Rime has on me. To distract him, to prove he’s not as capable as he should be, I roll my hips, letting my ass shift nicely against his dick.
He groans but keeps his hold on me, and it only makes me want to shift harder; to hear him really lose that control he always clings to.
Until I realize I’ve distracted him too much.
