Page 18 of Quadruplets for the Vipers (Never Just One #3)

Leah

T o say I’ve been confused since my kiss with Knox would be an understatement.

How can I want two men at the same time? I know I fantasized about all of the guys, but it’s different actually sleeping with one and making out with another, isn’t it?

I worry that Axel is going to come straight upstairs to see me and that he’ll be able to tell just by looking at me what happened.

Thankfully, I can hear Rider, Knox, and him having a deep discussion.

Deciding that a long, hot shower is what I need, I climb out of bed.

At that moment, Jace emerges from his room, lazily strolling past my door.

He’s wearing a pair of sweats, his chest bare, revealing his impressive six-pack.

Seriously, do none of these men wear shirts? Not that I mind, but it’s bad enough that I’m torn between two men without throwing another into the mix. Even so, I can’t help ogling Jace. My cheeks burn with embarrassment as he spots me standing there, staring. He flashes a knowing grin at me.

“Morning. You coming downstairs for breakfast?”

“In a bit, I’m gonna take a shower first.”

“Need a hand?”

He leans against the door frame, a slight smirk on his lip as his unashamed gaze roams over me.

I roll my eyes but can’t stop myself from smiling. “I think I can manage.”

“If you change your mind, just say the word. I happen to give excellent back rubs…”

Shaking my head ruefully, I head into the bathroom, making a point to shut the door loudly behind me.

“Just so you know, the guys and I are good at sharing…” I hear Jace chuckle as he walks away.

I can always count on Jace to lighten the mood. When he comes onto me, it doesn’t feel as pointed as Axel or Knox. He’s just a flirt. If I’m honest with myself, I find the attention flattering and unthreatening. It’s a fact I chastise myself for in the shower.

My tumultuous thoughts are racing.

What did Jace mean about them sharing? Was he just teasing me, or do they genuinely enjoy sharing one woman? Is that even something I would want?

The idea feels taboo yet exhilaratingly exciting at the same time.

I remind myself to focus on the incredible sex I had last night with Axel, but thoughts of Knox and Jace creep their way in.

The kiss with Knox set me alight in a totally different way from Axel.

Yet I still have feelings for Axel. I wonder how far it would have gone with Knox if we hadn’t been interrupted.

Then there’s Jace. His handsome, easy grin and light-hearted nature.

After speaking with him and learning more about him, I feel like I understand him better.

I had him all wrong. Suddenly, I’m seeing him in a new light.

I’ve always found him attractive, but now I find myself imagining what it would be like to be with him sexually.

What the hell is wrong with me? I’m now living in a house with four men, all of whom have sworn to help raise the child I’m carrying, and the only guy I’m not currently fantasizing about and drooling over is Rider.

Even then, that’s not totally true since I’ve definitely thought about it before.

I shove that thought way down, I don’t need to add sexy thoughts of him to the list right now.

I can only assume that the pregnancy hormones are turning me into a horny, sex obsessed freak.

Having a reason for feeling like this does little to assuage my guilt or confusion, though. How the hell am I going to navigate my feelings without anyone getting hurt?

I take my time in the shower, washing my hair and standing under the hot stream of water until my mind finally settles a little. When I emerge from the bathroom, Axel is there.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” he says, coming over and pulling me into a warm embrace.

I lean into him, enjoying the solid, comforting feel of his body against mine, and I feel even guiltier than before.

If he knew what happened between Jace and me earlier, when only hours before we’d been hooking up and he saved my life, he’d no doubt hate me, and I couldn’t blame him.

I know he and the guys have shared women before, but I still feel guilty for kissing his friend behind his back.

Knox might have made the first move, but I kissed him back.

“I’m okay,” I lie. “Did you… Is the man…” I can’t bring myself to mention the dead man, but luckily, I don’t have to.

“Yes, it’s taken care of.”

“Do you know what they wanted?”

“Not yet. But we’re gonna visit the Hellhounds’ Prez and find out.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

“You don’t need to worry about that. Knox is gonna stay with you.”

“Knox should go with you,” I insist, a little too quickly. “I mean, I’m fine on my own.”

“There’s no way that’s about to happen. Besides, it will do you and Knox good. You need to work things out between you.”

My mind races as I wonder how he knows.

Did Knox tell him? Or has my attraction been that obvious? Is this his way of telling me I need to choose? Or what? Or does he have no idea what happened between us and is instead referring to the fact that up until recently, it seemed like Knox hated me and blamed me for his parents’ deaths?

I open my mouth to try to formulate some sort of response to figure out what he’s trying to tell me, but before I can speak, Axel gently cups my chin and places a soft, lingering kiss on my lips that momentarily wipes all thoughts from my mind.

He pulls away far too quickly, leaving me yearning for more.

“I’ll see you later,” he says, his eyes trying to silently tell me something I don’t understand before he goes, leaving me even more confused than ever.

I slowly take my time getting dressed, feeling anxious to face Knox. Which is ridiculous. It’s not like he’s going to immediately ravage me the second he sees me. A not altogether unpleasant thought, but perhaps not what I should be doing.

When I finally chastise myself to stop being a wimp and go downstairs, Knox is still undressed. It’s only then that it occurs to me that he’s been waiting until I’m out of his room for him to be able to shower and get dressed himself. I curse myself for my stupidity.

“Hey, I was starting to think you were avoiding me,” he says semi-accusingly, offering a forgiving smile. “I made breakfast, if you’re hungry.” He gestures to the table laden with food.

“Thanks.”

I take a seat and dig in. I was never much of a breakfast eater, but since finding out about the pregnancy, I’ve tried to be better at getting three square meals a day. Eating also means I can avoid any awkward conversation for a moment.

“I’m gonna head upstairs for a shower and get dressed. Do you need anything else before I go?”

“No, thanks.”

Knox heads off, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I’m grateful for the reprieve. With him standing around half-naked, I can’t think straight.

While the last thing I want to do today is work, at least it stops me from being left alone with Knox too much.

I can’t trust myself. Even still, I’m not relishing having to plaster on a fake smile and deal with curious customers asking what happened last night, or worse yet, having to pretend nothing at all happened.

I’m feeling a little less frazzled when Knox returns. He swaggers into the room, looking as handsome as ever in a pair of jeans and a tight-fitting tee with his Steel Vipers leather jacket slung over the top. It’s warm and sunny today, but that doesn’t seem to bother him.

“Feeling up for an adventure?”

“I have to work, remember?” I reply, brow furrowed.

“Not anymore. I figured you deserve the day off after everything you went through. One of the other girls was more than happy to cover for you. We can stay in if you want, but I thought you might like to get out of here. Figured it would do you good.”

“That would be nice.”

He grins at me, pleased that I’ve agreed. “Come on then.”

The offer of getting away and clearing my head is too tempting to turn down.

“Alright, give me two seconds to go change,” I say before darting off.

I come back downstairs moments later in a comfortable and lightweight summer dress that’s an old favorite. I know that it looks good on me, hugging my curves in all the right places without being overly sexy. Knox looks at me appreciatively.

“Nice dress.”

I follow Knox outside eagerly, not even bothering to ask where we’re going yet. Knox leads the way to a sleek red convertible.

“I figured we can take the Mustang with the roof off, seeing as it’s such a nice day.”

“Wouldn’t you prefer to ride your motorcycle?”

“Always, but there’s no way I’m taking you on the back, it’s not safe for the baby.”

“I could drive behind you.”

“A more insecure man might think you’re avoiding being in a confined space alone with me,” Knox quips, having astutely figured out how close that is to the truth. “Get in. I’m driving.”

I do as I’m told, and I try not to move as he leans over to check my seatbelt is secure.

He places his jacket over my shoulders, the warm leather caressing my skin.

I hold my breath as I catch a whiff of his masculine scent.

My treacherous body reacts to his proximity, and I try to fight the attraction I feel toward him.

“It can get cold while we’re driving,” he says by way of explanation. “It looks good on you, too,” he adds approvingly.

We drive in silence for a while as I gaze out of the window, avoiding looking at Knox for fear of the thoughts I might have.

Knox doesn’t pressure me to talk, allowing me to simply relax and enjoy the drive.

He connects his phone playlist, the music a welcome distraction, and drives in comfortable silence.

I’m surprised by his eclectic music taste.

I tell him as much, and we happily chat about music for the rest of the journey.

***

When we arrive at a quiet beach, I can’t believe how quickly the hour and a bit drive has passed.