Page 149 of Shadow Waltz
When we reached the guest wing, Viktor bowed out, leaving us before the carved double doors. Ash quirked an eyebrow, daring me to go first. I rolled my eyes, pushed open the door, and immediately felt the air change—warmer, thick with anticipation and the faintest hint of expensive cologne.
Adrian was sprawled at the end of the enormous four-poster bed, naked as the day he was born, broad chest gilded in the glow from the lamps. Beside him stood Noah, equally unclothed but bound—wrists suspended from the ceiling by rich, dark rope, hisfeet just brushing the Persian carpet, his entire body stretched and luminous with expectation. Noah grinned when he saw us, teeth flashing, eyes bright with mischief. It was a scene painted with trust and delight, the ropes neat and artful, Noah’s body relaxed and ready.
Ash let out a low whistle. “Well, that answers the question of what he wanted.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, feeling the last of my nerves drain away. Adrian’s eyes glinted, predatory and warm. “We were hoping you’d accept our invitation,” he said, voice honey-smooth. “There’s plenty of room for more, if you’re willing.”
His gaze lingered on both of us, giving each of us time to answer. Noah twisted slightly in his bonds, body taut and beautiful, his comfort in the restraints as obvious as the anticipation in his smile. “It’s safe,” Noah added, soft and sincere. “Only if you want.”
I looked to Ash again, letting him set the pace. He stepped forward first, fingers brushing mine, a silent yes in the way he moved. “We’re not interrupting, are we?” Ash asked, voice teasing.
Adrian grinned, sitting up and patting the bed. “Not unless you’re planning to make us beg.”
I let my coat slide from my shoulders, awareness thrumming through me. This was new, but not unwelcome. There was a warmth in the way Adrian’s hand slid across Noah’s thigh, the way Noah pressed into the touch, eyes never leaving Ash. Every detail screamed invitation, not expectation; consent, not pressure.
Ash moved closer to Noah, his voice low and reassuring. “How are the wrists?”
“Perfect,” Noah replied, rolling them in the cuffs to demonstrate. “Adrian’s always careful. He wouldn’t let me hang like this if I didn’t want it.”
Adrian’s gaze moved to me. “So, Luka, are you willing?” There was genuine curiosity, no pressure. “If not, the invitation stands as just that—an invitation.”
I nodded, a slow smile spreading across my face. “If Ash is in, I’m in. We trust you. And we trust each other.”
“Then come join us,” Adrian said, voice velvet-dark. “We’ll go as slow as you need. Nothing happens without a yes from everyone. That’s the rule here—always.”
Ash smiled—a genuine, hungry thing. “Yes.” The word was simple but carried a world of anticipation. He peeled his jacket off, revealing a line of tension in his shoulders that wasn’t nerves but excitement barely contained.
Adrian’s eyes crinkled with pleasure, the corner of his mouth lifting. “How about we mix things up?” His gaze shifted between the four of us, thoughtful and a bit mischievous. “Luka, you take Noah. Ash, you’re with me.” He paused, giving space for any hesitation. “Is everyone good with that?”
Noah grinned, flexing his arms a little in the cuffs, his lean, tattooed body lit up in the soft lamplight. “Perfect,” he said, voice rough with excitement. “Luka’s got that strong grip—always wanted to see what those hands could do.”
Ash laughed, eyes bright, and looked at me with a conspiratorial little tilt of his head. “Go easy on him, Luka. He likes to think he’s tougher than he is.”
“Don’t listen to him,” Noah shot back, tongue between his teeth, grinning wide. “I can take anything you dish out.”
I rolled my eyes, stepping forward and tracing a slow, approving hand down Noah’s outstretched arm. His biceps flexed under my palm, warm and hard. He was more solid than he looked, his strength hidden under the relaxed way he hung in the cuffs. “I’ll be gentle,” I promised, then leaned in, lowering my voice so only he could hear, “unless you want something else.”
Noah’s gaze was hungry. “Let’s find out.”
Meanwhile, Adrian approached Ash, pausing close but not touching, his eyes searching Ash’s face for any hint of uncertainty. “You okay?” Adrian asked, voice gentle beneath all the velvet. “Want to set any boundaries before we start?”
Ash shook his head, stepping into Adrian’s space. “I trust you. Just… don’t go easy on me.”
His gaze flicked to me for a split second, a silent reassurance, then he turned back to Adrian. “You want to know a secret? Ash loves muscle worship,” I offered, teasing, earning a smirk from Adrian and a huffed laugh from Ash.
Adrian’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Is that so?” He brushed a knuckle across Ash’s jaw, letting his hand fall to Ash’s shoulder, squeezing appreciatively. “Guess I’ll have to make sure you get the full experience, then.”
Ash’s breath caught, and he gave Adrian a look that was all challenge and anticipation. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
While they found their rhythm, I stepped behind Noah, hands sliding along his hips, thumbs hooking into the sharp line of his pelvis. He leaned back into me, chest expanding with every breath, his skin shivering where my palms roamed. “You always this relaxed?” I murmured, letting my lips ghost along his ear.
“Only when I know I’m in good hands,” Noah replied, pressing into the touch, shivering when I gripped his thighs, strong and steady.
Adrian’s hands were already exploring Ash’s body, slow and appreciative. “Tell me what you want,” he murmured, voice a low vibration against Ash’s skin. “Show me how you like to be touched.”
Ash guided Adrian’s hands to his arms, flexing a little under his grip, a faint blush coloring his cheeks as Adrian’s mouth traced the curve of his biceps, teeth scraping just enough to leave a mark. “Like that,” Ash whispered, tilting his head back, exposing the line of his throat.
Adrian’s hands traveled over Ash’s chest and down his abs, pausing to appreciate every muscle, every scar—a worship that was both praise and possession. “You work hard for all this,” Adrian said, voice soft but reverent. “You want me to show you how much I appreciate it?”