Page 86 of Knot So Sweet
“Really?” I turn toward the kitchen, putting extra sway in my hips because I know he's watching. "Garrick put enough chocolate in these brownies to send a person into a sugar coma. Fair warning."
"The brownies aren't what I'm interested in right now."
The words make heat pool low in my belly. I pour another serving, acutely aware of him following behind me. His presence is like heat at my back, making the small space feel charged with electricity.
I turn to hand him the mug, and he's right there. Close enough that I have to tilt my head back to meet his eyes. Close enough to see the want written plainly across his face.
"You're staring," I say, but there's no accusation in it. Just acknowledgment of the hunger between us.
"Can't help it." His free hand comes up to cup my face, thumb brushing across my lower lip. "You're beautiful when you're being a brat."
I nip at his thumb, gratified when his eyes darken further. “Just the way you like me.”
"I know." He leans down, his mouth hovering just above mine. Close enough that I can feel his breath. "It's one of my favorite things about you."
The kiss is hot and demanding, all the restraint from last night burned away. His hand tangles in my hair, angling my head exactly how he wants it, and I moan into his mouth. The mug in my hand tilts dangerously, cocoa sloshing toward the rim.
He pulls back with visible effort, steadying my hand before I spill everywhere. "Couch. Before we make a mess."
"Too late," I mutter, but I follow him to the living room, my lips still tingling from that kiss.
He sits on the coffee table across from me like last time, our knees touching now. I curl up in my blanket fort, but it's not armor anymore. It's invitation. The memory of how Liam had unwrapped me from these same blankets yesterday afternoon, his mouth trailing fire across my skin, makes me shift restlessly.
"So," I say, taking a sip of cocoa to cool down. "What brings you to my humble chocolate paradise? Because if it's a repeat of last night, I should probably lock the door. My neighbors already think I'm loud."
His grin is pure masculine satisfaction. "You are loud."
"Your fault." I point at him with my mug. "All three of you. Garrick had me screaming this morning."
"I know. I could hear you from the street." He leans forward, forearms on his thighs, bringing him even closer. "Drove me crazy all day thinking about it."
"Good." I meet his gaze boldly, no longer the shy woman who didn't know what she wanted. These three men have thoroughly educated me on my own desires. "Now tell me why you're really here. Because much as I love making out on my couch, I'm guessing you didn't brave the snow just for that."
Outside, the first few snowflakes start drifting past the window, already sticking to the sidewalk. The storm's moving in faster than predicted.
He sobers slightly, though heat still simmers in his eyes. "I wanted to talk about this situation we're all in."
"You mean the part where three alphas are ruining me for anyone else?" I waggle my eyebrows at him. "Because mission accomplished, gentlemen."
"Violet." But he's fighting a smile. "I'm trying to be serious."
"So am I." I set my mug down and lean forward, matching his position. Our faces are inches apart now. "You three have made it very clear what you want. Your mouths have been extremely articulate on the subject."
His hand finds my knee, thumb stroking circles that make me want to forget about talking entirely. "What we want doesn't matter if you don't want the same thing."
The words hit differently than they would have weeks ago. Back then, I was too scared to want anything. Now, after all the kisses and touches and whispered promises, I'm terrified of wanting too much.
"What I want," I say slowly, covering his hand with mine, "is whatever this is. You, Garrick, Liam. All of it."
"Even though it's insane?"
"Especially because it's insane." I lace our fingers together. "Normal hasn't exactly worked out for me so far. But this? Whatever we're doing? It feels right."
He pulls me forward until I'm straddling his lap, the blanket falling away. His hands span my waist, thumbs stroking the strip of skin where my sweater has ridden up. "You sure? Because once you commit to this, to us, there's no going back."
"Is that supposed to scare me?" I roll my hips experimentally, gratified when his grip tightens. "Because I've already let all three of you into my bed. Pretty sure I'm committed."
"Bed's one thing." His voice is rough now, strained. "Building a life together is another."
