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“Her son got involved with Apollo–an utter ass, by the way–and died, as people tend to do around the gods. She got pissy and from his blood came the Hyacinth. She’s been insufferable ever since: a loud martyr set on making everyone’s lives hell.”

Sloth finished his story with a flourish, Wrath’s lips slightly parted in shock.

“And Gluttony...?” she asked tentatively.

“Had his heart ripped out and stepped on,” I said dismissively, trying to keep the snarl out of my voice so as to not alarm her. I didn’t like how still and silent she’d become when G had his hissy fit.

Sloth sighed.

“I’ll go. He’s less likely to sink his fangs into me. Though...” His eyes slid up and down Juniper in a way that slowed clear regret. “I expect details.”

He strode through the door, but not before booping Pride on the nose.

At least he let the door close behind him with a soft click, and didn’t slam it.

“Er...” Wrath began, rubbing her palms together and fidgeting with her hair.

Before I could snap at the others to back up and give her some room, Greed took Sloth’s spot on bended knee in front of her. “So, let’s cut to the chase. You’re hot. Wanna kiss?”

"Really?"

"I want everything good that crosses my path."

"I'm still learning I'm allowed to be wanted," Wrath said.

A wicked smile spread across Greed’s face. "Learn faster. You're wasting time."

My need to crush his windpipe between my fingers for such disrespect was halted by Envy’s grip on the neck of my shirt.

Wrath’s laugh was loud and deep, pure shock and delight stretching her face and lighting a fire in her eyes. She reached forward and took his face in both her hands, kissing him deeply. Greed jerked in shock and relaxed in her, kissing her back. Quickly he broke away and focused on her neck, pulling a groan of need from her throat.

I tightened in my pants.

Shit.

Her eyes flicked up and met mine in an open invitation, even while one of her hands reached out to Envy, and the other yanked Pride toward her.

We fell in a tumble over the chaise.

“All of you.”

Chapter

Twenty-Seven

JUNIPER

It started with Lust's hands on my hips, firm and certain, possessive in the way that made my breath catch. I relaxed in the chaise lounge, the velvet sliding along the skin of my back as my shirt rode up.

"This is what you wanted," he murmured into my neck, his lips brushing the skin like a promise.

"Yes," I breathed, already trembling.

Pride's fingers tangled in my hair from behind, pulling my head gently back to expose my throat. "Then you'll let us take you."

I couldn't nod fast enough, pulling his head down for a kiss as Lust continued to nip and bite at my neck. Pride's lips were cool, his cologne wrapping around me like a shawl as he gently explored my mouth.

I didn't have time to be self-conscious as hands and heat covered me.