Page 22 of Room Twenty-Seven: Theirs to Punish

“I’m starved.”

Jerking a head toward the island, I say, “Pull up a stool and get comfortable. Breakfast is almost ready.”

“How did you sleep?” Bane asks as he slides a cup of coffee her way.

“Like the dead.”

“You mean Nik didn't keep you up with his snoring?”

“I don't snore,” Nik growls as he enters the kitchen and gives Bane a dirty look that only makes the rest of us laugh.

“Is it like this all the time?” she asks with a giggle.

“Are you asking if we get together for group breakfasts? No. You're here, so it's a special day.” I can't believe that just came out of me, but the warmth of her smile and the light in her beautiful eyes wipes away any embarrassment.

“I'm honored.” And when I present her with a heaping plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast, she groans. “I'm about to make a pig of myself.”

We all do since I made enough for an army. And while we eat, she tells us a little more about herself. The way her face lights up when she talks about painting makes me want to buy her all the supplies she needs, whatever it takes. So long as she has everything she needs to be happy.

After breakfast, when our plates have been empty for ages, and the coffee is now ice cold, she stretches before sighing. “Well, I guess you guys have to get on with your day. We’ve been sitting here for hours.” The sorrow in her voice touches me, and I see from how the guys react they feel the same way. The truth is, we would never linger over breakfast this long if we planned on working today.

That idea went out the window as soon as she said she'd come home with us. I have nothing better to do than soak in her presence.

“I have a better idea.” I step up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and burying my face in her neck. I could never get enough of her sweetness. “Why don't we go for a swim?”

“A swim?” She giggles like she doesn't believe me until she cranes her neck to look up at me and finds I'm deadly serious. “Where?”

“Right here,” Nik tells her as he gathers the plates. “That sounds like a great idea. I could use a little exercise after all that cholesterol.”

“Here? In the building?”

“Where else?” It's obvious Bane is having fun with her confusion, but then we all are.

“But...” She looks down at herself and makes a choking sound. “I don't have a suit.”

“Who said anything about a suit?”

“So you expect me to swim naked in front of other people?”

“Not in front of other people. Only us.” Finally, I have to laugh. “We’re the only ones who use the pool. It's on the roof, right over our heads.”

“You're kidding me. You even have your own pool, just for you?”

Her disbelief is adorable, like everything else about her. “Come and see. Don't worry. Nobody will see us there.” She looks skeptical but takes my hand and lets me lead her through the apartment with Nik and Bane following us.

It's a typically hot, humid morning, perfect for a swim. I shield my eyes from the glaring sun and turn to her in time to watch her mouth fall open when she takes in the sparkling water surrounded by a concrete patio. A row of lounge chairs lines one side of the roof, and in the corner, there’s a bar beneath an awning. “It’s supposed to be for parties,” Bane explains, “but we generally just use it for ourselves.”

“Okay, I thought you were messing with me,” she admits with a laugh before she claps her hands together. “It's beautiful!”

She's gorgeous in a way I can't wrap my head around. I didn't know women this sweet and innocent existed in the world. She’s the opposite of the way Nik originally described her, for sure. The littlest things make her happy, light her up, and bring her joy. I hate to think of her living by herself for so long. She should be out in the world, being pampered and adored by somebody who can give her everything she deserves.

“You're sure nobody can see us?” She looks around, but it's pretty obvious we’re the tallest building for blocks. That, plus a frosted glass barrier that runs along the edge of the roof, leaves us pretty well sheltered from the rest of the city.

Still, she might want proof. The three of us exchange a silent look before peeling off our clothes. “If we can do it,” Bane tells her, “so can you. Come on.”

She hesitates another second and chews on her lip before deciding to go along with it. My breath leaves my lungs all at once before my throat tightens and pure lust threatens to take over. How can I help it? She’s perfect, luscious like ripe fruit, ready to be plucked and eaten until her juices run down my chin.

A jump into the water cools me off before I can get carried away. Bane and Nik follow me, leaving only Lilly standing at the edge of the pool.

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