Page 9 of Sent To A Fantasy World and Now All the Men Want Me: Volume 4

A Smutty Interlude (With a Sprinkle of Plot)

The best way to celebrate was with a bang.

Maddox’s fingertips dug into my hips as he fucked me from behind, grazing his teeth down my neck. I straddled Briar, and he lifted his hips in sync with Maddox’s thrusts, both of them moving inside of me.

The handsome physician may have been sleepy earlier, but he was awake and at full attention now.

Lake stood on his knees beside me, shirtless but still wearing his trousers. He feathered kisses along my collar bone and trailed his hand down my belly, taking hold of my bobbing erection.

“Shit.” The stimulation was out of this world: the heightening pleasure and tickle of breath on my skin. I rocked into Lake’s palm and slid my hand over the swell in the front of his pants. “You can take these off if you want.”

Lake smiled, revealing sparkly white canines. “No. This moment is about you.” He stroked me from root to tip. “Your moans are all I need.”

“Harder, Maddox,” Briar moaned. “Take him harder.”

“Who’s giving who orders now?” Maddox grunted.

Briar smiled before groaning deep. As they fucked me, their cocks slid together, adding to their own stimulation. Connecting them too. Lake followed their movements, stroking me to match their rhythm.

High from lust and the building anticipation of one hell of an orgasm, my gaze found Rowan. He sat in the chair beside the fire, topaz eyes pinned to me as he drank from his flask.

As I’d suspected, he hadn’t been ready to be that vulnerable around Maddox and Briar. He had kissed and groped me a little before getting out of bed, grabbing his rum, and sitting by the fire to watch us.

Right then, I wanted him so much it hurt. Wanted his hands and lips on me. Wanted to make him fly like he always did for me.

“Ro,” I rasped. A plea.

He paused mid-sip and lowered the flask. The glow of the flames flickered across his face, golden light meeting shadow. “Tell me what you want, little treasure.”

“You.” I tipped my head to nuzzle Maddox and rubbed Briar’s chest, reaching for Lake with my other hand. “All of you.”

“Will you refuse him, thief?” Maddox asked.

“Depends.” Rowan sat forward in the chair. “Will you remove my head if I accept?”

“I’ll remove it if you don’t.” Maddox pressed the softest of kisses into my hair. “Our male needs us.”

Our male. Those two words brought a lump to my throat.

“Unless you’re uncomfortable,” I said. It had taken Lake a while to reach that level of comfort with them, and Rowan was just as untrusting as he’d once been.

Rowan rose from the chair, his auburn hair falling freely and brushing his chest. “I’m a man who takes what I want, remember?”

“Do you want me?” I asked, breathless.

“I always want you.” He tugged off his tunic and tossed it to the floor. His pants rode low on his hips, revealing a set of mouthwatering V-lines. “Today. Tomorrow. Every goddamn day until I take my last breath.”

Emotion lodged in my chest. That’s how I felt about them. Living a single day without them was unthinkable.

Naked, he got on the bed opposite from Lake. The firelight kissed his bronze skin to perfection, highlighting all the dips of lean muscle.

“Hi,” I said, my blood sparking from the intensity in his eyes.

Rowan always had something to say. Usually, that something was packed full of sarcasm. But he didn’t say a word as he crawled closer and grabbed me by the nape, yanking my face to his.

Our lips met roughly. He wasn’t normally a gentle lover. He preferred it hard and fast, with as little intimacy as possible. But that, too, had begun to change over the weeks. The kiss softened before he pushed his tongue into my mouth. I welcomed it with a small groan and slid my fingers through his long hair.

My core heated. Quaked. I finally had all of them with me. Their scents mingled, and it was like instruments in an orchestra, each one so different but working in perfect harmony once they all came together.

Briar rocked his hips up, and his cock nudged that special place inside of me. A place Maddox brushed against right after as they found their rhythm again. Lake licked down my sternum and took my nipple into his mouth, swirling his tongue in a way that had my head spinning. Rowan found my pulse point and sucked hard, sliding his hand down my ribs.

It wasn’t enough. I needed more.

More kisses. More touches. More of the amazing way they made me feel.

I palmed Rowan’s cock, and he sucked harder on my neck. Hard enough to make me whimper. Vibrations tickled my skin as he echoed the sound. Wanting to hear it again, I focused my attention on his tip, swiping my thumb through the bead of pre-cum and smoothing it around his slit.

He groaned and buried his face into my neck. “I think you have magic in you after all, little treasure. Look at what you’ve done to me with just one touch.”

Lake quickened the pace of his hand, and I did the same to Rowan. Briar and Maddox drove their cocks into me. Harder. Faster. See-sawing. One slammed against my prostate, withdrew, then the other followed suit.

My orgasm built and rippled down my spine, causing my muscles to quake. “I’m… gonna…”

“Let go, sweetheart,” Maddox murmured in my ear, gripping my hips tighter as he pumped into me.

White hot pleasure crashed into me, and I arched my back, crying out. A cry Briar caught as he sat up and slammed our mouths together, snaking his arms around my waist. I was pinned between their sweat-dampened bodies and loved every second of it. Loved even more when Briar moaned against my lips as he joined me in orgasm.

As he sank back down to the mattress, his sated cock slipped free, leaving only my captain inside. I braced myself on Briar’s chest and jutted out my ass, eyes rolling back as Maddox drove home again and again.

Then, the unexpected happened.

“Out of the way, Specs,” Rowan said, motioning for Briar to scoot over. “My turn.”

His turn? For what?

Briar sighed and gently shifted me off his lap.

Rowan then settled beneath me and shoved his hand between our bodies, taking hold of my cock. I’d just come minutes earlier and had nothing left, no matter how much I wanted to. Briar then placed it over my junk, emitting a warm glow.

“What are…you…” I groaned. “Doing?”

“A small rejuvenation spell.” Briar softly smiled. “You are full of energy, love, but not even you can take all of us at once without some assistance.”

He wasn’t wrong. Mighty muffin lord or not, I was still only human.

“Mmm. That’s it.” Rowan smirked as my cock hardened, showing my favorite tooth. “I want you leaking for me.”

Holy shit.

He gave me a few more strokes before reaching for the vial of oil. His hand returned to my shaft, slick now, and glided up and down before guiding me into place.

“But you’re not ready.” I shuddered at the warmth of him against my tip and fought the urge to push my hips forward and sink into him.

“You forget.” His gaze heated, filled with lust but something else too. Something tender. “I like a little pain with my pleasure.”

And then, he grabbed my hip and tugged me forward. The feeling was a shock to the senses; Maddox inside me while I pushed into Rowan.

I trembled. “God, you’re so tight.”

“Does it feel good?” He rolled his hips, taking me deeper.

I had no words. Only sounds. A whole chorus of sounds. Moans and tiny whimpers I’d probably be embarrassed about later but not giving two shits about in that moment. Because holy hell, the stimulation was incredible. Fucking someone while being fucked? Definitely a first for me.

Many of my firsts had been with my men. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Maddox rocked into me, causing me to go deeper into Rowan. It took us a bit to find a good rhythm, but we learned together, even breaking off into a small chuckle at one point when I made our rhythm falter. Those chuckles quickly subsided as the pleasure became mind numbing.

Rowan squeezed my cock as Maddox slammed against my prostate. My thighs quaked as I thrust back and forth, sinking deeper to those pressured depths.

My gaze trailed to Lake, then down to the swell in the front of his pants. I reached over and dipped a finger into his waistband. “These need to come off. Like now.”

The flush shooting up his neck and his quickening breaths told of his arousal. He unfastened the tie on his trousers and shoved them down, his cock springing free. The glistening tip begged to be touched. I took him in my palm and stroked.

Lake groaned and tipped his head back.

Was it a challenge to jerk off one guy, fuck another, and be fucked all at the same time? Kind of, but I managed fairly well.

Briar watched the three of us, his chest rising and falling quick.

My sexy voyeur got off on this, and I loved it. What I loved most? Being intimate with all of them at the same time. I felt a small shift between us, as if our bonds had strengthened. Bringing us closer than we’d ever been. Physically, but emotionally too. Tender kisses and soft moans. Eyes swimming with affection, so damn clear even in the dimly lit room.

“Evan.” Lake took my face in his hands and pressed our foreheads together. Hoarse groans escaped his throat as his cock pulsed, and he came, warm cum drizzling into my palm. Breathing hard, he grazed his teeth down my neck. His hot mouth then came around my nipple and sucked hard.

I cried out and thrust deeper into Rowan.

“Fuck.” Rowan threw his head back, mouth popping open. He came a handful of thrusts later, ass spasming.

Shivers ran down my arms and legs before my second orgasm of the night crashed into me. Maddox kissed my nape and fucked me harder, amplifying my release. I groaned so hard my voice cracked. Rowan’s red hair fanned over his pillow, and I bent down, pressing my face into the strands as my body calmed. The smoky sweetness of him was intoxicating.

With another deep thrust, Maddox’s rhythm faltered, and he released a deep, sexy moan.

“That’s it, Captain.” Briar captured his lips, kissing him as Maddox’s hard cock swelled and spilled into me.

Afterward, I collapsed beside Rowan, and he took me in his arms. Lake settled on my lap, while Maddox claimed the spot on my other side. Briar cuddled beside him.

“Congrats again on joining the Secret Order, Ro,” I shakily said.

Rowan breathed out a rough laugh. “We can celebrate again when these bastards aren’t around. Except for the pup. He can stay.”

Lake grunted and curled more around my legs.

“Mind that tongue of yours, thief,” Maddox mumbled. “Or I truly will toss you out the window.”

“Spy,” I murmured. “He’s a spy now.”

Maddox chuckled.

Rowan dropped a kiss to my hair. “Being thrown out the window wouldn’t be so bad if you were with me. I could take you flying again.”

“I’d like that,” I said. “But not too high.”

“Not too high,” he agreed with a light chuckle. He did that a lot more lately. Laugh. Like the dark fortress he hid behind now had a backdrop of sunshine, the light penetrating through some of those walls. Letting me in, bit by bit.

Letting the others in too.

Their unique scents surrounded me; leather and spice, magnolia blossoms, peaches, and black cardamom. But one was missing.

Vanilla bean.

A lump formed in my throat. I felt so selfish. I had four amazing men in bed with me. Being upset over one who wasn’t mine was ridiculous.

But what if Callum was mine?

A scent unique to him? Check . Tingling warmth when we touched? Also, check . He was looking good for love interest number five. Despite my confusion over why it had taken so long for me to notice, everything else added up.

“Evan?” Lake lifted his head from my lap. “Are you all right?”

“Yeah. But. Um.” I cleared my throat. “Before everyone goes to sleep, I need to tell you something.”

“Well, that’s not alarming at all,” Maddox said. “Go on and tell us. Yet, if it involves another creature that tried to maim or kill you, I may have to tie you to this bed for the foreseeable future.”

“For the last time, Oreo didn’t try to kill me.”

He huffed.

Suddenly too riddled with nerves, I slid out of bed and tugged on one of Briar’s sweaters. It hit the top of my knee and smelled like him. I pressed my nose to the material and paced back and forth. The bed creaked as my men shifted.

“He’s pacing again.” Rowan sat up and grabbed his flask. “Last time he did that, he told us he’s a little prince. What will it be now? His muffins really are magical?”

Lake snorted.

“No magical bone in my body, I promise.” My voice shook. “Okay. So. Telling you about my dad took priority, and I knew it was a lot to process, so I’ve been waiting to tell you this teeny tiny thing. But I think it’s time. Unless you’re all too tired. It can wait until the morning. Maybe after we’ve—”

“Sweetheart?” Maddox scrubbed his hands over his face. “You know how much I adore your rambles, but this isn’t the time for them.”

Just say it.

“Muffin Lord and the Seven Alphas,” I said in a rush.

Lake cocked his head. “Seven… alphas?”

“Yep. As in, I have four of you now. Three more men are on the way. Supposedly.”

Rowan had taken a drink and almost spewed it.

“Come again?” Maddox gaped. “Did you say seven ?”

“Um.” Guilt gnawed at my chest. “Y-Yeah. That’s what Lupin said, but he could be wrong.”

“I can’t say I’m surprised.” Briar grabbed his glasses from the nightstand. “Our Evan is irresistible to all who meet him.”

“Too irresistible for his own good,” Maddox muttered. “I blame the muffins.”

“I’m sorry.” That guilt deepened. “I love all of you so damn much. Upsetting you is the last thing I want.”

“Don’t be sorry, love.” Briar offered me a kind smile. “With each addition to our family, our bonds only strengthen. As does our love. I’m confident that will never change. Whether it be three more men or twenty.”

“Twenty is pushing it.” I exhaled a shaky laugh. “My back would give out after ten, I think.”

Rowan laughed.

“My only concern is them treating you well,” Lake said. “Trust will need to be earned.”

“Our little treasure sure needs the extra protection.” Rowan took another swig from his flask. “Always stumbling.”

“Our?” I smiled at that. “What happened to me just being yours?”

He shrugged. “You’re too much trouble for one man to handle. A harem is necessary to keep you safe.”

Lake gruffly laughed.

“So Lupin said there’d be seven of us?” Maddox’s expression remained unreadable. He’d been my first love in this fantasy world—my first love period. His opinion held a bit more weight because of it.

“Y-Yeah.” I hugged my sweater closer to my body. “He said I’d need all of you by my side in the battles to come. That each of you will play an important role in my destiny.”

“Battles to come?”

“Because of who I am.” I dropped my gaze to the floor. “Futures can never be predicted, only estimated. And according to Lupin, not all of my possible futures are happy. Some are dark. Really dark.”

“Dark how?” Lake asked.

“He couldn’t tell me much without upsetting the balance of the universe or whatever. But I’m captured by Haran in one future. Killed by demons in another. Killed in several futures, actually. He said the bad far outweighs the good.”

Maddox shoved off the blanket and got out of bed. He went over to the hearth and stoked the logs. Firelight accentuated his scars. The body of a warrior who’d seen the horrors of the world and still chose to risk his life for others. Someone courageous and strong… but who lowered his head right then, silent and unmoving.

“Maddox?” I stepped toward him, then stopped in the middle of the room. My feet wouldn’t budge another inch. “Are you mad at me?”

He stood from the rug and reached me in three strides, taking hold of my chin and forcing our gazes to meet. An ocean of blue with dark depths I couldn’t always see. “I could never be mad at you.”

“Then what’s wrong?” I asked, voice cracking. “If it’s because of the other men, I won’t—”

“It’s not the men, sweetheart.” His expression crumpled, revealing the emotion he’d tried to hide from me. “I don’t admit this easily… but I’m afraid. When you told me of your father, I knew the danger you faced, yet I didn’t fully grasp the true severity of that danger until you spoke of your death. Several possible deaths, you said.”

“Not that many,” I backtracked. Maybe I should’ve kept some details to myself. “I’m sure most of them are because of my clumsy little legs. So don’t worry. I’m sure everything will be okay.”

Maddox cradled my face in his big hands. “I’d rather die a thousand deaths than have you suffer even a moment of pain. If it will take seven of us to keep you from any of those dark futures, then I say those men can’t come here soon enough.”

Tears stung my eyes. “Even if one of them may be someone you know?”

“Oh shit.” Rowan whistled under his breath. “Wish I had a bag of those almonds. This is gonna be a good show.”

“Explain,” Maddox said, still cupping my face. His touch was gentle despite the sudden wariness in his eyes.

“You know how each of you have a unique scent to me?” I traced the line of his collar bone. “It’s a sign that we belong together. That we’re soulmates.”

“I’m aware.”

“Well.” My sternum squeezed. “Recently… I’ve noticed another scent. When I’m around Callum.”

Maddox’s eyes widened, if only a little.

“Callum is a wonderful man,” Briar said. “Loyal and kind. And I must say, I’ve thought of him as part of our family for a while now.”

Lake nodded. “Callum’s always been good to me. He’s also skilled in battle. Very few can best him with a sword.”

“Don’t really see the appeal of rabbits unless they’re boiling in a pot with some veggies.” Rowan ran his fingers through his hair, gathering it to one side. “But you put your life in jeopardy with every step you take, so having a skilled swordsman by your side has benefits.”

“You’re so mean to me.” I tried to smile but found it too hard. Because one person still hadn’t said a word. I turned back to Maddox.

“Callum’s not only my second in command,” he said. “For so many years, I’ve considered him my closest friend.”

“The only friend you have,” Rowan said with a snort. Lake whacked him with his tail. “Ow. Dammit, pup.”

My attention stayed on Maddox. “How do you feel about possibly sharing me with that close friend?”

Finally, emotion surfaced in his expression. Something soft. “As the physician said, Callum is family. That’s the only answer you need.”

More tears prickled behind my eyes.

“Don’t cry. I’m not upset, sweetheart.” Maddox caressed my cheek. “Every time another man touches your heart, you worry you’ll lose me. Can you not see how deeply I’m in love with you?”

“Yeah, but—”

“Must I remind you of what I said before? If there’s one thing I know in this life, it’s that you love me deeply. Just as I love you. You can kiss every man in this kingdom, but I’ll still know that I’m the one who can make you do this…”

He grabbed the back of my hair and slammed his mouth to mine.

I emitted an involuntary whimper and clung on to his neck, head spinning. He kissed me so deep my knees wobbled and then he smiled against my lips, all too aware of that fact.

“Still so selfish, Captain,” Briar said. “Keeping him all to yourself.”

Maddox drew back. “You are more than welcome to try to take him from me, physician.”

“I’ll take him from both of you,” Rowan chimed in. “And it sounds like I’ll have three more fools to eventually fight. Good thing I love a challenge.”

“Back to bed with you.” Maddox scooped me up in his familiar way and carried me to the bed—to the other three men waiting for me there. He tossed me down and settled in beside me.

As his leather and spice scent surrounded me, more tears burned in my eyes. Rowan spooned me, and Lake lay on my lap. My heart was filled to the brim and threatened to spill over. With relief. With love.

So much love.

“We do have one problem to consider.” Briar sighed and settled on the other side of Maddox. “If Callum will be joining us, we’ll certainly need a bigger bed.”

Our captain huffed. “He can sleep on the rug. Problem solved.”

I laughed.

“You’re not angry at the rabbit?” Rowan asked Maddox. “How disappointing. I was looking forward to you skinning him. Was even going to lend you my dagger.”

“Be nice,” I said. “There will be no skinning of the Callum. Besides, he may not even like me in that way. With each of you, there was an instant connection. But I only recently noticed it with Callum. I could be wrong about him.”

Briar reached across Maddox to grab my hand. “Well, if he is one of your destined lovers, I’ll rest easier at night. Especially if Lupin was right about the battles to come.”

Maddox tensed before turning his face into my hair. Breathing deeply. “I care not if it’s King Silas, a demon, or Lord Onyx himself, no one will take you from me. Do you understand?”

“Yeah,” I rasped and snuggled more into him. “Same goes for all of you. I’ll fight with everything I have to keep this life we’ve built together.”

“Fight with your little spatula?” Rowan asked into the back of my hair.

“A stirring spoon too,” Lake murmured from my lap. “His deadly weapon.”

I snorted and closed my eyes. My soul felt at peace with them around me, calming my mind and allowing me to fall asleep quickly.

A cottage waited for me in my dreams.

Green vines and soft white flowers grew up the side of a terrace where seven men sat beneath the shaded awning. Briar sipped tea, Lake ate an omelet, and Rowan devoured buttery biscuits, the three of them engaged in conversation. The two men beside them were shadowed, just like they’d been the last time I’d had the dream—one big and brawny and the other tall and lean.

There was one change though. A significant one.

Maddox reached for the last muffin at the same time as someone else.

“I outrank you,” Maddox said. “Hands off. The muffin is mine.”

Callum flashed his dimpled smile. “Not fair pulling rank, Captain. You should learn to share.”

***

The kitchen was basked in morning light. Maddox and Briar had already left for the castle. Soon, the redheaded hottie still asleep upstairs would be leaving too. One no longer forced to steal or kidnap muffins to get by.

I smiled. Rowan had come far, and I couldn’t have been prouder of him. Not just because he’d been accepted into the Secret Order but because he’d started opening up to people more. Learned that he didn’t have to live life alone.

Bacon sizzled in the skillet and biscuits cooled on the counter, having just come out of the oven. I cracked eggs and whisked them in a bowl, then chopped peppers.

Lake joined me at the stove and rubbed my lower back. “Smells delicious.”

“All of Rowan’s favorite things,” I said. “Spice and carbs.”

“He deserves a treat, I suppose.” Lake’s tail wagged. A sign he was happy for our thief-turned-spy too. “I’ll prepare the biscuits.”

“Extra butter. He’d bathe in it if he could.”

My wolf chuckled. “Would improve his smell.”

“Don’t be mean.”

“Yet, you’re laughing.” He gave me a toothy grin before eating a sliver of bacon. “I’m eager for Callum to join us. Then I’ll have another on my side to pester Rowan. It’s much too fun.”

My stomach dipped. “You’re really okay with him joining us?”

“Yes. Trust is difficult for me. Yet, I trust Callum.” Lake stared at the blue sky beyond the window. “I know he will keep you safe and treasure you like you deserve.”

“You deserve that too.” A tight lump formed in my throat. “To be treasured. And happy.”

Lake’s purple eyes moved to me, and he slid his arms around my waist. “You’re my mate, Evan. My soul knows yours. Your breath fills my lungs, breathing life into me too. Our hearts beat to a rhythm only known to us. I’m attuned to your every exhale and each thrum of your heart. I felt your love before you even spoke the words for the first time. Never doubt my happiness. Because right now with you in my arms? There’s no one in this world who’s happier and more loved than I.”

It was the reassurance I needed. Despite having been through this several times now, the guilt over bringing another man into our lives had been eating at me. But his words alleviated that guilt.

“I love you.” I burrowed against his chest. “My wolf.”

“My human.” He nuzzled my hair. “Because of you, I have a family I cherish. Maddox. Briar. Even Rowan. And soon, Callum.”

“Stop. You’re gonna make me cry.”

He chuckled. “I’ll help you finish breakfast.”

Once the food was ready, I made Lake a plate, along with a cup of tea, and carried it to the table. He kissed me on the cheek and thanked me. Smiling, I made Rowan a plate, then headed down the hall and up the stairs, my heart much lighter than it’d been earlier.

I cracked open the door to Rowan’s room and slipped inside. He lay face down in bed, his red hair a splash of color against the white pillow case.

“Hey, you.” I set the tray on the nightstand and crawled onto the mattress, kissing his bare shoulder. I loved the smell of his skin in the morning. Spicy and warm.

“Mm.” He kept his eyes closed. “What’s that smell?”

“Your celebration breakfast.”

“Celebration?”

“For you being sworn into the Secret Order. Eggs with peppers and bacon.” I kissed his bicep. “Coffee. Even ruined it with a dash of rum just how you like it.” That earned me an amused snort. “And Lake made you two buttery biscuits.”

“Fine. You win. I’ll get up.” Rowan turned his face toward me, a smirk on his lips. “Draven was right. You use your skills in the kitchen to your advantage.”

“It’s a gift. You have your shadows. I have an oven.” I poked his cheek. “Speaking of Draven, when are you meeting him?”

“This afternoon.” He rolled to his back, tugging me against his chest. “My first official day of work.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

“Because I’m more respectable now? Using my dark magic for good?”

“No. I’ve always liked your magic.” I traced his bottom lip. “I’m just happy other people are seeing how amazing you are now too.”

“Gods, you’re too good for me.” His golden irises burned with his affection. “You know I’d do anything for you, right? Set the entire realm ablaze. Kill anyone who hurt you.”

“I don’t want that. I don’t want you to set the world on fire or kill anyone, Ro. I just want you to be here. With me. With all of us.”

Rowan rested his forehead on mine. “Every prince needs a sworn guard, right? I can be that for you. A shadow that will never leave your side.”

My belly flopped. “My dad was a prince. I’m just a clumsy bookworm with an addiction to coffee, sweets, and bad boys with soft hearts.”

“Is that how you see me?” he asked. “A soft hearted bad boy?”

“Maybe.”

“Well, then, this bad boy can kill your enemies and still be soft with you at the same time. It’s called balance.”

“It’s called murder.” I sighed. “Don’t make me confiscate your daggers.”

“Take them if you insist.” Rowan pulled back, flashing that snaggle tooth I freaking adored. “I don’t need a weapon to slay your enemies. The Bone Crusher, remember?”

“How could I forget?” I smiled at his usage of the name I’d given to his shadow ability. His ultimate superhero power, I’d called it. “Those crow demons didn’t stand a chance against you.”

“Because they tried to hurt the one thing in this life I care about. A treasure unlike any other.” His thumb brushed over my lips. “Even back then, I think a part of me loved you. You have a hold over me no one else ever will.”

“You have one over me too.” Tears stung my eyes. He was right. I really was a sap who cried all the time. “I’m so happy you Evan-napped me that day on the beach.”

“One of the best decisions I ever made.”

“One of the best? What’s at the top of that list?”

Rowan’s smile vanished, leaving behind something even softer. “Going all-in with you. I put everything on the table. Showed you the dark sides of myself. And instead of casting me aside, you grabbed my hand and told me to stay.”

“I’ll always want you to stay.”

His mouth slanted over mine before making contact. The kiss was shaky at first, buzzing with the vulnerability that came from such heartfelt confessions. But then, the tremble in his lips steadied, and the kiss deepened. A lot like our relationship. Unsteady in the beginning but growing stronger with the passing of each day.

“Your breakfast is getting cold,” I murmured against his mouth.

“Then I’ll eat it cold.” His fingers dug into my hair. “Right now, I only want you.”

Our lips met again.

As much as I wished for our future to be nothing but lazy mornings in bed, stomach fluttering kisses, and countless laughs, fate had other plans. Being with me put my men at risk should the wrong person learn the truth about whose blood ran through my veins.

But I didn’t think about any of that.

Instead, I focused only on him. On my smart-mouthed spy who loved spicy food, rum, and running across rooftops beneath a starry sky. A man I’d fallen head over heels in love with.