Page 91 of Heat & Deceit
“It’s too late to run,” Lycus drawls from behind me.
I gasp and spin around, taking in his all-black outfit. Nice black shoes, pants, sweater, and watch. He’s carefully styled his hair in a way that begs to be pulled, pushed, to the side in a soft wave and ready for fingers to get lost inside the dark strands. I’d be embarrassed by my staring, but by the time I refocus on his face, his eyes are still roving over me. They lift to my cleavage—there was no hiding these boobies in this sweater—and linger for a moment on my peaked nipples before he finally lifts his gaze to meet mine.
“Hi,” I squeak.
“Are you going to come?”
Now, that’s a loaded question.
“Funny, I don’t remember having a choice,” I say instead. “You said it was mandatory.”
“Mmm. I did say that, didn’t I?” He smirks and takes a step back, lifting one eyebrow in challenge.
Squinting at him, I take a step, bracing myself to drown in their scents. Then another, sliding my gaze around the fancy decorations in the foyer. I take another step, looking at Lycus, who hasn’t moved. He’s still blocking most of the doorway. If I continue, I’ll brush against him.
“Scared?”
One thing about me? I don’t like being challenged, at least not like that. My brother knew how to get me to do anything. All he had to do was accuse me of being scared, and it was like something inside me snapped and pushed all rational thoughts aside. That’s what Lycus’s question does to me now. I’m not backing down from whatever game he’s playing.
“Of you?” I scoff and brush past him, maybe purposefully pushing my chest out a little more. My sweater snags on his for a second and pulls to the side, but in the next second, it releases and I’m inside.
“Careful, Rain.”
“You were the one in the way,” I mutter.
His dark chuckle sends a shiver down my spine. “That’s not what I’m talking about.”
“Oh, good. You’re here.” Javier joins us in the entry, the beginnings of a beard sprinkling his jaw. Like Lycus, he’s dressed in all black, and damn, if he doesn’t look just as good. Their sweaters are cut in a way that shows off their narrow waists and broad shoulders. I guarantee there are six packs under there, and maybe, if I’m lucky, those delicious V shapes.
My mouth waters a little, but I swallow and cut my gaze to Lycus. He’s still leaning against the door, and he grins at me before snapping it closed. The slam of the door makes my core clench and my heart skip. I’m locked inside here with them.
“I’ll take your jacket.” Javier holds out his hands, and I slip out of my coat, handing it to him. His fingers brush over the backs of my hand, and warmth spreads up my arms, settling deep inside my core. “Wow,” he says, taking in my outfit and the boots. “I mean... Wow.”
“I think that means he likes the outfit,” Lycus adds.
Run, Nova, run.Their knots are like heat-seeking missiles. Don’t let them get any closer, or you’ll be knotted three ways to Sunday and covered in cum. I mean, maybe that wouldn’t be so bad? No, dammit. Be strong. You don’t need their cocks and their knots and their care. You are a strong, independent omega in hiding. You have a Grade-A vibrator and various monster dildos.
Knots, shmots.
I glance around. “Is Randal here?”
“You’re the first to arrive.” Rome joins us in the foyer, also dressed in all black. I avoid his gaze. While he’s been slowly earning my forgiveness one snack at a time, I’m still annoyed with the handsome jerk. Although I’m happy to not be taking pills, I’m frustrated he refused to sell me more. Every time I see him, I’m thankful and pissed all at the same time.
Under the cinnamon and cranberry scented air, I can make out each of their scents. Amber for Lycus. Vetiver and leather for Javier, and undercurrents of citrus and cracked pepper for Rome. Lycus struts over to join his pack. The three of them stand before me. In their matching outfits and curious gazes, they’re like different shades of the perfect alpha.
“Doesn’t she look lovely?” Lycus asks Rome, dropping his arm on his shoulder. “Gorgeous?”
Heat crawls up my neck and burns my cheek, the air charging with electricity, and I suck in a steadying breath, reminding myself that no matter how flattering they are, I can’t fuck them.
They’re my bosses.
It doesn’t slip my notice that my excuse for not sleeping with them has changed from them being alphas to them being my bosses. My pussy—the weak bitch—clenches again, and I press my thighs together, pursing my lips as all three of them take their time checking me out. After stripping, I should be used to this sort of thing, but somehow, this is worse. I’m fully clothed, but I’ve never felt more naked than I do as their eyes all darken, and hunger creeps in, thickening their scents.
“You’re beautiful,” Rome says, voice a rumbling husk.
“Um. Thanks.” I avert my gaze. “Do I get to come inside, or are we going to stay in the foyer all night?”
“I vote for someone to come inside,” Lycus quips.
