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11

ELIJAH

Seeing Iris today felt like stepping into a time warp.

I’ve devoted years to keeping a watchful eye over her.

What was initially intended as a simple watch quickly transformed into an all-consuming obsession.

The shy girl who was once timid and reserved had transformed into a sassy and fiery woman.

I know that I’m hiding things from the guys, and it’s something I shouldn’t be doing. They are aware of only a tiny portion of my past. But I kept everything else tightly wrapped.

My attention snaps back to the text I received earlier, my eyes scanning the words.

Elijah, mon coeur. Tu me manques. Tu devrais nous rendre visite bient?t.? 1

I love my mum more than anything, but we saw her a few days ago... As for my stepfather, well, that’s a different tale.

She always had a knack for choosing the wrong one. As if me ending up in prison once wasn’t enough.

The fact that he’s a respectable chief officer doesn’t fix the problem.

Sometimes, I wish she wouldn’t have followed me.

Considering the emotional impact and the constant reminders of the atrocities committed by my paternal, it was only logical for her to decide to leave France, where she lived half of her life, and come back to England, where her family is.

Letting out a deep sigh, I dial her number and patiently wait as it rings twice before she finally answers.

“Elijah.” I can hear the fatigue in her voice.

“Tu m’as envoyé un sms, qu’est-ce qu’il se passe?”? 2 I sit behind my desk and light up a cigarette.

“In English, son. You know the rules.”

Yeah, I know them too well. Another method for him to exert control over what she says.

“Justement, je pense que si tu as quelque chose à dire, parler dans une langue que personne ne comprends est la meilleure solution.”? 3

She sighs over the line. “You’ve always been stubborn.”

“Is that Elijah?” I hear Stephen say.

“The one and only.” I take another drag of my cigarette.

“You should visit us soon, son. It’s been a while since you last came.”

Just a few days ago. Why are they like this?

“I’ve been quite busy.”

“Do you have a woman to present to us?” My mum’s voice beams with excitement.

She didn’t bring that up last time. Which is odd for her.

Given her conservative nature, I doubt she would approve of the unconventional way I interact with women.

“I don’t have time for that, mum.”

“Eli, you’re 31. Don’t you think it is time to settle?”

It’s like a broken record, the same conversation on repeat as if there’s a ticking clock hanging over my head.

“Viv, leave the boy alone,” says Stephen. “He’ll bring someone when he’s ready.”

Wasn’t he the same individual who questioned us about the possibility of having kids?

“We know you’re a busy man. What about you coming tomorrow for Sunday dinner? I know you missed your mum’s roast dinner.”

I can’t deny that. My mum makes an excellent roast.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Seeing them tomorrow wasn’t part of my plan, but if I can handle that before dealing with the Raven situation, it’ll be one less thing to worry about.

“Bring Archer and Kai with you. Oh, and Theo, if he can come. It’s been a while since I last saw him.” I sense as if she wants to add something but stays quiet.

“I’ll have a conversation with them about it, alright?” Kai enters the office, his face contorted into a frown. Meeting Iris earlier has left him in a rather sour mood. “I have to go, but I’ll keep you posted.”

“Okay, love you.”

“Love you too.”

“Your mum?” asks Kai when I hang up.

“Yeah. She’s asking us to come for dinner tomorrow.” He nods but stays silent. Given his previous discomfort when Stephen grabbed him, I wouldn’t be shocked if he opted to stay home. “What is it with you? You’ve been in a mood since this afternoon.”

He sighs. “I don’t trust her, okay? There’s something about her that doesn’t seem right.”

I see him wincing as he massages his hand, then slowly bringing it towards the scar on his neck.

His pain has been particularly severe recently, and even his usual painkillers no longer provide relief.

“You don’t trust her, or you’re jealous of whatever is happening between her and Arch?” I raise my brow at him.

“Fuck off. Arch has nothing to do with it.”

I lean back in my chair and glance at him. Kai is not the jealous type, especially not with Archer. But he’s also the most on his guard. He doesn’t let people in easily. Maybe he needs his boy more than he thinks.

“Perhaps you just need to release some pressure.”

“What are you guys doing?” We both turn our heads to see Arch leaning against the door.

“Nothing. I’m making lasagne. It’ll be ready soon.”

Kai moves towards the door, but I stop him.

“Arch, Kai seems to be a bit… on edge. Do you happen to know a way to help him unwind and let go of his stress?”

Archer leans closer to Kai, a devious grin spreading across his face.

“I don’t need to relax,” Kai grumbles, his tone dripping with annoyance. “I’m fine.” He attempts to walk past Arch, but his progress is halted by a firm hand on his chest. “Arch,” Kai warns. “I’m not in the mood.”

“For now.” Arch’s grin grows wider.

I stand up from my seat and walk closer to them.

Tracing my fingers along Arch’s back, I lean in from behind, my lips brushing against his ear as I whisper, “Make our boy feel good, pretty boy. Get on your knees for him.”

Kai tries to protest, but his voice catches in his throat as he watches Archer submit and kneel before him, the tension in the air palpable.

“Pull down his joggers,” I command. Arch does while Kai keeps his eyes locked on me. “I told you, you needed to relax,” I say to Kai while he groans when Arch takes his cock in his hand. My hand rests on Archer’s head, stroking his hair as I carry on with my words. “Relax your throat, pretty boy, because he won’t be gentle with you.”

Archer’s mouth opens wide as Kai positions his shaft at the entrance, stroking himself.

I quietly move behind Kai, my lips almost brushing against his ear. “Fuck his mouth, Kai.” A shiver runs through him. “We all know here that Arch is a slut for your cock. So take what you need, destroy his mouth.”

Without wasting a second, he tightly grabs Arch’s hair and forcefully thrusts into his mouth.

Archer’s hands find their way to Kai’s legs, seeking support, but I quickly intervene.

“Not so fast, pretty boy. Hands behind your back.” Just as he does, I quickly wrap my fingers around his throat, feeling the pulse beneath my grip while my other hand forcefully pushes against the back of his head. “Open up. Be a good slut for Kai.”

Seeing his mouth take all of Kai makes me hard as a fucking rock.

They’re both mesmerising.

I forcefully push Archer’s head down, feeling his desperate struggle for breath as I tighten my grip. Kai lets out a groan and places his hands over mine, attempting to force Archer even deeper into his throat.

“Isn’t he a good whore for you?” I ask Kai, noticing his eyes flutter closed before returning to meet mine.

“Fuck. Yes, he is.” Kai thrust deeper, causing Arch to cough, with saliva dripping down his mouth and onto my hand. “Look at me while I fuck your mouth.”

Archer’s tear-filled gaze lifts, his mouth opening wider as he locks eyes with Kai, a smirk stretching to the corners of his eyes.

He’s such a brat.

I keep Archer still, feeling the rapid thumping of his pulse beneath my touch as Kai’s cock remains lodged deep in his throat. We repeat the process multiple times, the force of Kai’s thrust back into Arch’s mouth leaving little room for him to catch his breath.

“Good boy,” I praise.

The room is filled with the sound of their moans as Kai continues to thrust into Arch’s mouth.

I notice Kai’s veins bulging on his forehead, a clear sign that he’s on the brink of losing control.

While keeping one hand on Archer’s head, I reposition myself to the side and swiftly seize Kai’s balls, causing him to emit a series of curses and groans.

“Eli,” he moans. “Fuck.”

I lean my head closer to his and nip on his earlobe. “Come for us. Shoot your load into his mouth.”

It doesn’t take him long before a scream escapes him, keeping himself lodged deep into Arch’s throat, making it almost impossible to breathe.

“Don’t swallow,” I order Arch.

Kai’s breathing finally calms down, and he slowly lets go of Archer’s head. I can see the excitement in Archer’s eyes as he looks at me.

“Up, pretty boy.” As he does, I lean my head closer to his. “Give it to me.”

I’ve never done that before, and I can see the anticipation in Archer’s eyes as he wastes no time and intensely kisses me, transferring every trace of Kai’s cum into my mouth. I swallow each drop, savouring the salting taste on my tongue.

With each forceful attack on his mouth, our tongues entwined, Archer’s moans fuelling the fire as my teeth graze his lips. Our kiss is not sweet, and Arch takes everything that I give him.

“Fucking hell,” grunts Kai behind us.

I detach myself from Archer, noticing the smirk that lights up his face.

I lean towards Kai, feeling the warmth of his body against mine, and my hand instinctively finds its way behind his head. I bring his mouth to mine and give him a taste of his release on my tongue.

It’s different. While Archer submitted to me, Kai and I engage in a fierce battle, our teeth grinding together with every bite.

“Fuck, I could come just looking at you,” Archer almost growls.

We’re all out of breath when my gaze lands on Archer's jeans.

I’m fucking hard, but it’s not about me.

I gesture to the sofa in the back of my office and say to Arch. “Sit, pretty boy. Let us watch you while you’re making yourself come.”

He doesn’t waste a second before pulling down his jeans and sitting on the sofa.

While I love to watch, Archer is all for a crowd.

Kai and I lean on the edge of the desk while Archer spits on his hand and starts to stroke himself. I don’t need to say more. His intense gaze remains locked on us, his hand moving up and down with his mouth opening in soft moans.

“Fuck, I won’t last long,” he groans. “Seeing you two devouring each other’s mouth is enough for me to come.”

A smirk forms on the corner of my lips. “Then let us watch the mess you’re about to make.”

His hand quickens its pace while mine urgently reaches the front of my slacks, squeezing tightly.

Fuck, I could come just watching him.

Kai detaches himself from the desk and makes his way to the sofa.

“Be a good boy for us.” He kneels in front of Arch. “Give it to me so Eli can taste you on my tongue.”

Bloody hell.

A surge of desire takes over, causing me to unzip my slacks and firmly stroke my cock, synchronised with the rhythm of their motion.

As Kai’s lips wrap around Archer’s cock, he can’t help but moan at his taste.

“Come on, pretty boy,” I grunt. “A good slut comes when we tell them to.”

I’m so close to coming in my hand, my cock hardening with each stroke.

“Fuck. Kai, make our whore come. I want to see your mouth full of his cum as I do the same in my hand.”

Kai’s head moves faster as Arch keeps his eyes locked on me. I shift from my spot and perch myself on the edge of the sofa.

“Open up for me, and don’t lose a single drop.”

My cock hovers near his face, teasingly close but not making contact. The movement of my hand on my shaft sent a fiery sensation coursing through me, intensifying until a growl escapes my lips. Archer responds with a primal sound as we both come simultaneously.

I observe as my release splashes into the back of his throat, with droplets landing on his face while he comes into Kai’s mouth.

“Fuuuuck,” I pant.

Archer winks at me as I try to take back my breath but keep my release in his mouth.

Kai’s sudden movement catches me off guard as he forcefully kisses me, dropping Arch’s release in my mouth. I savour the taste as our tongues dance together until he pulls away. Kai then leans in closer to Arch, his head tilted down, and Archer spits my cum from his mouth into his.

Fuck.

“Hmm. We should have done that sooner,” teases Arch.

Yeah, we should have.

We’re interrupted by the ring of the front door buzzing loudly in the house.

“Oh, that’s for me,” says Arch, standing up fast and pulling up his clothes.

“Fuck, my lasagne,” groans Kai before running towards the kitchen.

Okay then.

I take my time dressing myself when I hear voices rise in the kitchen.

What the fuck, now?

I pass the corridor before finding myself nose-to-nose with Iris.

“Hi,” she says. “I think I created a bit of a mess.”

Fucking hell.

“Why don’t you wait in the lounge while I check on the boys?” I gesture to the door just behind her. Before heading in that direction, she gives a slight nod.

With a deep sigh, I enter the kitchen and immediately notice Kai, a spatula in his hand, while Arch energetically gestures with his hands.

“Boys, what’s going on?” I raise my voice among their chaos.

“Why is she here?” asks Kai, anger in his voice. “And why didn’t he say anything?” He continues pointing at Arch.

“I was going to,” Archer groans, his voice filled with exhaustion, “but we’ve been quite busy, and it slipped my mind. It’s not a big deal, Kai.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. Having drama while she’s here is not what we need.

“Kai, suck it up. It’s not a big deal. And you,” I point at Arch. “You should have told him. You know how he feels about her.” I gesture to both of them. “No more shouting. I guess she’s having dinner with us?” Arch nods. “Good. I’m sure you can keep your mouth shut for an hour or two.”

“Fine,” Kai groans, his voice laced with irritation, but a mischievous smirk slowly spreads across the corner of his mouth.

Fucking hell, he’s trouble.

I shake my head before joining Iris in the lounge. I take a moment to lean against the door frame and observe her as she gently caresses the books in the library at the back of the room.

Her faded purple hair cascades down her shoulders, contrasting beautifully against her go-to tight fishnet outfit. She completed the look with a short skirt, a crop top, and a pair of chunky docs.

“I’m sorry about that.” My eyes are fixed on her black lips as she turns to look at me.

She dismisses me with the back of her hand. “It’s fine. I’m not surprised about his behaviour.”

After what happened today at the coffee shop, I’m not either.

“So, what are you doing here?”

I gesture for her to take a seat on one of the comfy chairs.

She shrugs. “I bumped into Angel again today, and he invited me over for dinner tonight.”

A sly grin forms on the corner of my lips at the mention of Archer’s nickname. She’s not wrong. With his blond hair flowing, piercing baby blue eyes sparkling, and creamy skin glowing, he looks like an angel.

Not the good kind, though.

Touching the roughness of my beard, I ask, “And what do you do for a living, Iris?” She raises her brow at me. “What? You asked us. It’s only fair that I ask in return.”

“True. I’m working as a bartender at Jolie’s.”

“Hmm.”

Even though I’m already aware of the information, I continue with my questions. “And do you like it?”

She plays with the end of her hair while keeping her gaze on me. “It pays the bills.”

Fair enough.

Just as she opens her mouth, Kai’s voice booms through the house.

“Dinner is ready!”

“So he’s the chef tonight?” She raises her brow, amused.

“That he is.”

We both rise simultaneously, and I motion for her to take the lead. As we step into the kitchen, we see Kai stationed behind the cooker, Bellatrix curled snugly around his neck.

I had a feeling he would be causing trouble.

“Iris.” He emphasises her name. “I hope you’re hungry. I made lasagne, my specialty.”

I offer Iris a chair, and as she sits down, I catch a glimpse of appreciation in her eyes.

I may be a killer, but I have good manners.

“I’m so sorry. I’m actually vegan.” She looks at him with an apologetic look.

Kai shoots a nasty glare towards Arch, causing him to instinctively raise his hand in defence.

“That’s my fault,” continues Iris. “I should’ve specified it.”

“You’re fine,” I reassure her, though Kai’s suspicious glare remains fixed on her. “Alcohol?” She shakes her head.

“Water then?” Kai cautiously opens the fridge, reaching for the bottle that has been drugged. We didn’t empty it. Despite his attempt to make a point, Iris responds with a smile.

“Yes, please. Water is fine.”

He pours a glass of scotch for me and a vodka for Arch. Then, he takes the glass of water and leans close to Iris, with Bellatrix almost touching her.

A sigh escapes me. People generally have a fear of snakes, and I can clearly see his intention of making Iris uncomfortable by bringing Bella closer to her.

But once again, Iris surprises us.

“It’s a beautiful snake that you have here. Does it have a name?”

“Bellatrix doesn’t like people,” Kai spits out. Despite his words, Bella surprises us by smoothly slipping out of his arms and effortlessly gliding over to Iris.

“What the fuck?” Kai’s mouth almost hangs open, and I understand him.

Bellatrix is known for her habit of showing her fangs as a sign of hostility towards strangers. But not this time. She continues her trails, tracing delicate patterns on Iris’ arm before wrapping herself tightly around Iris’ throat.

“Fuck me,” mutters Arch.

There is nothing else I could have said.

Kai’s intense gaze nearly scorches as he continues to watch his snake show sympathy towards the enemy.

“Hi, there. You’re beautiful,” says Iris as she pats Bella.

With a throat-clearing sound, Kai heads back to the kitchen counter to dish out his lasagne, followed by a quick salad for Iris.

He poses the plates in front of us and goes to take back the snake, but Iris shakes her head.

“She can stay here. It doesn’t bother me.”

He squints his eyes and sits right in front of Iris, never looking away until she drinks some water.

“Hm. What did you put into your lasagne?” asks Arch to Kai with a deep frown.

“Same as usual. Minced beef, tomatoes, herbs and cheese. Why?”

“Dunno. Doesn’t taste as usual.”

Kai takes a mouthful of the dish but shakes his head. “Tastes good to me.”

Right as I prepare to take a bite, the doorbell disrupts our meal, causing all three of us to groan while Iris can’t help but let out a chuckle.

“I’ll go,” I say as I stand.

This place is off-limits without an invitation, and there are no expected guests.

I walk slowly, taking my time to open the door, and as I do, my voice naturally rises.

“Melanie, what are you doing here?”

“Elijah, baby. I missed you.” She tries to lean in to kiss me, but I stop her. “I’m going to repeat my question once more. What are you doing here?”

“I… Well, you didn’t answer my calls or my texts.”

For a good reason.

“You need to leave. We’re busy.”

“Is it because you have a woman here? Archer didn’t answer my question when I asked him.” She starts to be agitated and pushes me to enter the house. “Who is she? Where is she?”

“Is everything okay?” Iris asks from behind us, Bella still tightly wrapped around her neck.

“Bellatrix is on her!” Melanie’s loud shouts cause the guys to gather behind me.

Iris’s warm presence embraces me from behind, her fingertips delicately tracing a path along my spine.

As much as I despise snakes, I can’t deny that Iris looks beautiful with Bella coiled around her. Looking at her, one could imagine her as the personification of death, ready to unleash chaos upon the world. Our world.

“Do you sleep with the three of them?” Melanie spits out while Iris raises her brow at me with curiosity.

“Oh no, hun. I don’t sleep with them.” Iris’s hand presses against my chest, her grip tightening as she grabs my collar. She tilts her head, her eyes meeting Melanie’s angry gaze. “I fuck the three of them.”

With no hesitation, she presses her mouth against mine, causing an audible moan to escape from both of us. Fuck, I’ve been dying to taste her lips on mine. As Bella grazes my neck, her cold skin on mine, Iris playfully nibbles on my lower lip before pulling away, leaving me wanting for more.

“You can stay,” Iris says to Melanie while petting Bella. “I don’t mind having people watching me.”

I turn my head slightly, catching a glimpse of Archer hiding a smile, while Kai’s gaze towards Iris is as if he’s seeing her for the first time.

“But just so you know,” Iris leans towards Melanie and whispers, “I don’t share what’s mine.”

Melanie’s face flushes with anger as she spits out her words incoherently. “You… You… I can’t believe it.”

She hurriedly steps back, leaving the house with a loud slam of the door.

Iris turns to look at us, her eyes meeting ours, filled with awe.

“You guys need to fuck better people.”

A burst of laughter escapes Archer, causing a contagious grin to spread across my face.

Arch kept laughing as he remarks, “At least she handled the Melanie issue.”

Well, I can’t quite decide if I’m surprised or not by her behaviour.

“C’mon. Kale prepared us a lovely dinner.”

With our laughter echoing through the hallway, we make our way to the kitchen.

1 ? Elijah, honey. I miss you. You should visit soon.

2 ? You sent me a text message. What’s going on?

3 ? I think if you have something to say, telling it in a language nobody can understand is the best way to do it.