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As I climb into bed that night, I hold the two men I love close, hoping it will be enough to keep the nightmares at bay. After opening the box to the past, I’m worried I’ll struggle to close it again, but my men keep reminding me they’ll be there to take care of me, no matter what.

Luckily, the nightmares only came for three days, and Miles and Jacob were there through each. Well, when I say Jake was there, he was in the same bed, even if he didn’t wake until Miles literally shook him. How he slept through my screams, I’ll never know.

Each night got a little easier. The nightmares were less intense, and I could fall back into a dreamless sleep much quicker than the last. Miles and Jake held me, letting me know how safe I was, until finally I slept through the night.

I was worried it would be a one off, but the next night was the same. A week after my day with Jenny, I was back to sleeping through the night, my exhaustion and fear a distant memory. In its place was anticipation as we waited for news from the Doughtys about what would happen next.

As I walk into work that evening, after a particularly pleasurable afternoon with Jake, whilst Miles was in a meeting, I find myself smiling uncontrollably.

I can’t help but wonder when my life became so amazing.

I have two men that I love—even if they don’t know that yet—and I’m pretty sure they feel the same way. They make me feel cared for and protected in a way I never have before, giving me the family I’ve always craved.

But more than anything, I feel safe, which is the best feeling in the world to someone who has spent nearly their whole life running from danger.

Jake lets go of my hand to take his usual booth over in the corner, while I head to the changing room to get ready for the start of my shift. Before I can walk away, Jake grabs my arm and pulls me towards him.

I slam into his chest as he wraps his arms around me, pressing his lips to mine in a searing kiss that makes my toes curl.

When he pulls back, there’s a big smile on his face that lights up his chocolate eyes. “What was that for?” I ask, sounding breathless.

“Does a guy need an excuse to kiss his girlfriend?” Jake replies, pressing another quick kiss to my lips.

I shake my head, not able to stop the smile from growing. “No, and I’m definitely not complaining, but I have to get to work,” I say reluctantly.

“Go then,” Jake says, slapping my arse when I turn to leave.

I glare at him over my shoulder, but he only winks at me in a way that makes my stomach flutter. “Have a good shift, Baby. I’ll be right here if you need me.”

He slides into the booth as I walk into the changing room. I can’t keep the smile off my face as thoughts rush through my brain.

How did I get so lucky?I think to myself.

Then, the dark part of my brain that’s always pissing on my parade chirps up, reminding me that my happiness probably won’t last.It’s too good to be true.

I push those thoughts away, focusing instead on Jake’s kiss, and the way he makes me feel.

Unfortunately, the dark part of my brain was very fucking correct. Happiness never lasts. Those are the last thoughts I have when someone grabs hold of me, placing something over my mouth. Before I can even register what’s happening, or fight back, everything turns black.

After my meeting has finished, I waste no time heading over to Caged, where I know Jacob will be watching over Indie. It’s not often we stay with her now when she’s working, as we’ve increased security at the club, and I trust she’s safe there.

But tonight, Jacob didn’t have any plans, and with me being in a meeting, he decided to watch over her, knowing I’d be able to join him fairly quickly. My meeting lasted longer than I would have liked, and Indie had been at work for around an hour when I finally got there.

I head straight over to the booth that Jacob uses, and find him sitting there nursing a glass of Coke. As I slide in beside him, making sure my body is blocking us from view, I lean over and press my lips to his.

It’s a short but passionate kiss, and when I pull away, Jacob has a bright smile on his face. “I can’t wait until we can do that anytime we want,” he says, sounding a little breathless.

I can’t keep the smug expression off my face when I see how flushed his cheeks are. I’m quick to agree with his statement, but I understand why we’re dragging our heels on making things public.

Although Marcus and Chloe know, and they were probably one of the biggest hurdles for us personally, as their opinion means the most to us, we can’t take things public until Jacob has discussed it with his parents. I would say they’re our biggest worry.

I’m desperate to tell Courtney, and I know she’ll be pissed as hell that I’ve kept this from her for so long, but due to her relationship with Maximus, telling her is complicated. I’d never expect her to keep secrets from the guy she’s seeing, but telling Marcus’ dad would put him in a difficult position as he’s linked with Jacob’s father.

So we made an agreement that we’d tell his family first, and then everyone else. We can’t risk them finding out from someone else. But I can tell Jacob is dragging his heels a little, worried about what they’ll say. I’m hoping a night at Caged with me will distract him from that, just for a little while.

“Where’s our girl?” I ask, looking around for Indie.

Jacob takes a sip of his drink before saying, “She had some work to do in the stockroom. She’ll be out on the floor when that’s done.”