Page 64

Story: Marking Mia

“I want your body close to mine,” Jace says, his hard planes resting against my soft curves. “You are the most fascinating woman I’ve ever met.”

But before I can respond, Finn is behind me, resting his hands on my shoulders. They ground me, and I feel warmth spreading through me from more than just the wine.

Kane makes his way to my side, wrapping his arm firmly around my waist and resting his hand on my hip. The way he touches me isn’t as cautious as it was at first. No, this is something else entirely.

My heart races at the firmness of his grip.

All three men surround me, and my stomach is somersaulting like crazy. Their hands are all over me, and I can’t say that I hate it. The sexual tension is thick in the air, and my heart pounds in my chest. Every brush of their hands, every whisper sends my senses into overdrive. I have never been this hyperaware of my body’s sensations before, and I like it. To betouched by all three men at once is something I’ve never experienced before.

Jace leans in a little, his hands trailing down my back. He gazes into my eyes for a moment before bringing his lips to mine. It’s the gentlest kiss, barely a brush of his lips before he moves to my cheek.

“Your lips taste like cherries,” Jace whispers.

“It’s my lip gloss,” I say shyly.

Meanwhile, Finn brushes his fingertips feather-light along my arms as he presses a kiss to my temple.

Kane’s eyes darken with intensity, and his grip around my waist grows firmer. It momentarily takes my breath away.

My heart thunders in my chest. The warmth of the wine blends with the pull of their attention, leaving me lightheaded. I take a few breaths, trying to clear the dizziness, but it only worsens.

That’s when it hits me. This isn’t just being drunk on wine and attention.

My legs wobble, and I stumble slightly as I suddenly find myself unsteady. My vision begins to blur and darken, and a shock of panic goes through me. I’m losing consciousness.

I stumble back, pressing a hand to my forehead. But it’s too late.

Did they drug me?The thought is terrifying. I have grown to trust these men, even care for them.What had I been thinking?

“Relax, Mia,” Jace says, but his voice sounds far away as I panic.

My vision goes completely black as I tumble toward the hardwood floor. The last thing I am aware of is being caught in strong, steady arms right before I hit the ground.

nineteen

. . .

Mia

Iopen my eyes to an unfamiliar room, lying on something soft.

The only light comes from candles placed around the space. My sluggish brain tries to recall how I ended up here, but the memories are hazy.

Groaning, I shift and rub my eyes. Despite my body feeling strangely heavy, my senses are in overdrive.

From the faint flickering of the candles to the feel of the soft cushioning beneath me, I’m overwhelmed by the stimuli. There’s a musky scent lingering in the air, driving me wild.

I try to sit up, but moving proves to be a struggle. That strange feeling of sluggishness mixed with hypersensitivity makes everything difficult. Each breath I take is slow and uneven.

My heart beats hard against my chest, and I swallow to coat my dry throat. What happened? Why do I feel so strange?

The last thing I remember is dancing with Kane, Jace, and Finn. I’d felt dizzy and drowsy. Panic sets in as I remember falling to the ground, strong arms catching me.Did they drug me?I can’t think of any other reason I would have fainted.

I finally examine the dim room around me. Candles cast long shadows along the wooden walls, but nothing looks familiar.

I’ve never been here before.

I curl my hands into nervous fists, grabbing hold of what I’ve been lying on. My heart races when I realize I’m lying on a pile of fur. Confusion turns to dread, curdling the contents of my stomach as I make a startling realization. This room isn’t in the house. I’m somewhere entirely different.