Page 66 of Ruthless Desires, Vol. One (Ruthless Desires Series Extended Editions #1)

Wren

Waking up in Rhett’s arms is one of my favorite feelings.

It’s not that I don’t love waking up with Elliot and Oliver. I love it just as much. But since Rhett’s sleep schedule is so different, I don’t get to do it nearly as often with him. Plus there’s something about the way he holds me that fills my heart to the brim.

Carefully, I roll over so I’m facing him. My hope is not to wake him, but when I turn, he’s already wide awake.

I frown. “Did you not sleep?”

“I did.” He kisses my forehead. “Woke up an hour ago.”

“And you just… stayed?”

He swallows, and his gaze flicks away. “Didn’t want to let you go.”

Butterflies take flight in my stomach. Nuzzling my face against his chest, I say, “I like that.”

“What?”

“You not letting me go.”

He hums lowly, tightening his arms around me. I don’t miss the tension riddling his muscles, but hopefully I’ll be able to ease some of his stress soon.

I’ve made up my mind. If I’m being honest, I made my decision the second Elliot explained the situation. I just wanted a little time to sit with it before I jumped into something that’ll probably scare the shit out of me.

Ever since I cut off Thomas and distanced myself from my mom, I’ve been going through the process of healing from the damage they caused me. And ever since I was taken Friday night, the amount of things I need to heal from and work through has only grown.

The guys have been nothing but supportive of me. They’ve done their best to be what I need exactly when I need it. It makes me feel so treasured it hurts. Even more than that, it makes me want them to know I care about them just as much.

Seeing how much pain Rhett is in whenever Sammy is mentioned makes my heart ache. And as I was falling asleep, I realized something. Getting revenge on Ludo is part of his healing process. And I refuse to stand in the way of that.

“We should talk,” I say quietly. “All four of us.”

Rhett goes so stiff I have to poke him to make sure he didn’t actually turn to stone.

“Breathe,” I whisper. “Nothing’s wrong.”

Grudgingly, he inhales deeply. “Can we find them now?”

“Of course.” I start to move, but then I hit an obstacle. “Um. Rhett.”

“Hmm?”

“You have to let go of me.”

He frowns, looking down to where my body is pressed to his. “No.”

It’s awkward, but he gets the blankets off of us and keeps me in his arms while he gets up. In the bathroom, he sets me on the counter, staying in between my legs while we brush our teeth. And when it’s time to go downstairs, I reach up to him. He picks me up again, hugging me tightly and carrying me.

I wrap my legs around his torso and bury my face in his neck. For a second, I’m worried I’m being too clingy, but then I think fuck that. Jordan stole me away from them. And even if he hadn’t, I’m allowed to be as affectionate as I fucking want to. Rhett is dishing it out just as much as I am right now.

In the living room, we find Oliver on the couch with his head in Elliot’s lap. Elliot is holding a book with one hand and has the other resting on Oliver’s shoulder. They look relaxed. Happy. And the warm glow from the fireplace casts them in a cozy, romantic light.

“Have a good nap?” Elliot asks, looking up from his book.

The noise makes Oliver jump, and he lets out a tired groan.

“Oh, sorry.” Elliot strokes his hair before bending down and kissing the top of his head. “I didn’t realize you’d fallen asleep.”

“Mmmph.”

“Nap was fine,” I say as Rhett sits in one of the armchairs, keeping an arm secured around my waist. “I want to talk.”

Elliot sets his book on the end table, and Oliver pulls himself into a sitting position. They both watch me expectantly.

Clearing my throat, I shift in Rhett’s lap, finding his hand and intertwining my fingers with his. “You three have done more for me than anyone ever has. You’ve shown me different perspectives on life. You’ve put yourselves in danger to keep me safe.” I give Oliver a grateful look. “You’ve spent a ridiculous amount of money taking care of me.”

“Not enough, if I have anything to say about it,” Oliver mutters.

I giggle. But then my expression turns serious again. “Avenging Sammy is important to you three. It’s important to me, too.”

Rhett lets out an audible breath, his head falling back and hitting the cushion of the chair.

I turn so I can look at him. His gaze is as piercing as ever, yet there are no expectations in it. Just him. “What I’m trying to say is…”

Rhett’s hand tightens on my waist, a flicker of hope sparking in his eyes.

I smile. “I’m in.”