Page 32 of Single Mom’s Navy Seals (Claimed by the Alphas #2)

AVA

I’ve been avoiding the guys all day, keeping to myself and feeling like a nervous teenager who doesn’t know how to deal with her own emotions.

They’ve probably been asleep for hours already, and part of me is grateful.

I’m not ready to face them yet, especially after everything that’s happened recently.

As quietly as I can, I tiptoe out of my room, careful not to wake Eli. The cabin only has one bathroom, and it's all the way downstairs, meaning I have to walk past the living room to get there. It’s risky, but I figure I’m safe at this hour.

But the moment I step into the hallway, I freeze.

All three men are sitting around the small table in the living room, cards spread between them.

Poker, again. Apparently, they have the same sleep issues I do.

My pulse spikes as their gazes land on me in unison, each expressive and attentive.

I feel like prey, pinned in place by the penetrating gazes of three dangerous predators.

“Uh, sorry,” I mumble awkwardly, tugging self-consciously at the hem of my t-shirt, wishing I’d thrown on some shorts. “I didn’t know anyone was still awake. I just need the bathroom.”

Without waiting for a response, I scurry into the bathroom, closing the door behind me.

I lean heavily against it, my heart racing wildly.

God, the way they looked at me just now—their eyes trailing down my body—it lit me on fire, heat pooling deep inside me.

I’m so turned on, it’s embarrassing, and I have no idea how to handle myself around them.

I force myself to calm down, splashing cold water on my face and taking several deep breaths.

This is ridiculous. They’re just men. Yes, incredibly attractive, protective, strong men who I’ve kissed in moments of weakness, but still, just men.

I repeat the thought like a mantra until my pulse steadies enough for me to leave the safety of the bathroom.

When I open the door again, the three of them are exactly as I left them, cards still scattered across the table, but their eyes immediately track back to me. I attempt a casual, quick escape toward my bedroom, but Liam’s voice stops me dead in my tracks.

“Ava, stop,” he commands.

I freeze immediately, turning back toward him. He holds my gaze steadily. Then, he motions with his hand towards the free seat, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Come sit with us,” he says simply, clearly not offering a choice.

My heart pounds heavily, but after a moment’s hesitation, I finally relent. I cross toward the table, sitting in the empty chair positioned between Liam and Jax. My skin tingles at their close proximity, but I force myself to maintain a composed exterior.

“You know how to play poker, Ava?” Jax asks, raising a teasing brow.

I roll my eyes, relaxing just a little. “Of course, I do.”

“Perfect,” he says cheerfully, dealing me in without hesitation. “New rule—if any of us win, you have to tell us why you’ve been avoiding us today.”

I arch a challenging brow, ignoring the heat flooding my cheeks. “And if I win?”

Cole, silent until now, shoots me a slow, mischievous smile. “If you beat any of us, Ava, you can ask whatever you want from us. Anything.”

My breath catches at his implication, but I cover, feigning confidence as I pick up my cards. “Deal.”

Cards shuffle between Jax’s nimble fingers, the soft sound filling the quiet cabin as he passes them out with practiced ease. The men are so casual in this moment, comfortably lounging around the table, that it almost makes me forget my earlier anxiety. Almost.

I glance down at my hand, immediately noticing my cards are strong. A flush of quiet confidence begins to seep into my bones. Maybe I can actually pull this off.

“So, Ava,” Jax begins, leaning back in his chair, “you seem pretty confident. Got a good hand or something?”

I shoot him a playful glare. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Cole snorts softly from beside me.

“She’s bluffing,” he murmurs, voice low and calm. “You’re always bluffing, Ava.”

I raise an eyebrow at him. “You sure about that, Cole? Maybe tonight’s my night.”

“Guess we’ll find out.”

Jax laughs, leaning forward and pushing some chips into the center of the table. “I’ll call your bluff right now, Ava. Let’s see if you’re as good as you think you are.”

I match his bet easily, throwing my own chips confidently onto the pile. “Bring it on, Jax. I’m not scared of you.”

He chuckles, eyes glittering playfully. “You should be.”

Liam has barely said a word since the game started. His face remains neutral with sharp eyes on me as he watches each move. He pushes a small stack of chips forward without comment, but his gaze flicks briefly to mine, sending a quick thrill through my chest.

The next few rounds unfold with easy laughter and upped ante. Jax groans dramatically when I call him out, and he tosses his cards aside with mock frustration.

“Damn, Ava,” Jax complains, grinning despite himself. “You’re a shark tonight.”

“Not my fault you have the worst poker face on the planet,” I tease, scooping up my winnings with satisfaction. “I swear, Jax, it’s like playing against Eli.”

Jax feigns offense, clutching dramatically at his chest. “Wow, Ava. I thought we were friends.”

I laugh, feeling some of my tension ease. “We are friends. Friends who know when you’re bluffing every single time.”

Cole chuckles, shaking his head. “That’s cold, Ava.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” I smile at him mischievously, “you’re next.”

All three of them laugh loudly, and the round continues. Sure enough, despite the fact that Cole plays methodically, his chips dwindle steadily. When I finally beat him out, too, he just shrugs, accepting defeat gracefully.

“Looks like it’s just you and Liam now,” Cole says, leaning back comfortably in his chair and folding his arms behind his head. “Good luck.”

I glance across the table at Liam, heart racing. He’s unreadable as always, his expression a careful mask. He studies his cards with silent intensity, and something about his quiet focus unnerves me. The casual teasing that worked with Jax and Cole feels insufficient.

“You’re going down, Liam,” I declare, feigning confidence despite the nervous flutter in my chest. “I’ve got you figured out.”

Liam raises one eyebrow, his lips twitching into an almost-smile. “Is that right, Ava?”

My pulse quickens further at the sound of my name in his deep voice. I swallow hard, trying not to let my sudden nerves show.

“Absolutely.”

His eyes linger on mine for just a second longer than necessary, sending a shiver down my spine. “We’ll see about that.”

The last cards are dealt, and my heart thuds steadily in my chest. I study Liam, searching for any sign or indication of his hand, but his expression gives nothing away. I glance back at my cards, my confidence faltering.

“Your move,” Liam murmurs, leaning back in his chair.

“Fine,” I mutter, forcing a casual shrug as I push the last of my chips forward. “I’m all in.”

He meets my eyes steadily, unreadable. “Bold move, Ava.”

“I like to live dangerously,” I quip, hoping he can’t hear the tremor in my voice.

His lips finally curve into a faint smile, and my breath catches. He reveals his cards, the triumph in his eyes unmistakable.

“Sorry, Ava,” Liam murmurs. “Looks like I win.”

My heart sinks as I stare at his winning hand, the reality settling heavily over me. Liam’s eyes never leave mine, and he leans forward, his voice gentle yet firm.

“Now tell us,” Liam says quietly. “Why have you been avoiding us?”

I glance away, embarrassment rising hotly in my cheeks.

“You already know,” I whisper. “I don’t see why I have to say it again.”

Jax leans forward, eyes softening. “Because we need to hear it from you, Ava. Your words, not ours.”

I take a deep breath, my voice trembling as I finally admit the truth. “I’ve kissed all three of you.”

Cole’s expression is calm and reassuring, his voice gentle as he speaks. “We know, Ava.”

“Then why make me say it?” I snap, the vulnerability twisting into frustration. “I know you tell each other everything.”

Jax’s voice is softer than I expect. “Because it mattered that you said it. That you were ready to face it.”

I swallow hard, my heart pounding. “Face what, exactly?”

Jax glances briefly at Cole, then back at me. There’s no teasing in his eyes now—just raw honesty. “After that night... we talked. A lot. About you. About us. And we realized something.”

I don’t breathe. “What did you realize?”

Jax steps forward, his voice quiet but unwavering. “That we’re not interested in fighting each other for your heart. Not when we all already care about you.”

Cole adds, his tone equally sincere, “You don’t have to choose between us, Ava. Not unless you want to. But if you don’t—if there’s even a part of you that wants this, wants us—then we’re ready. Together.”

“You could have all of us,” Jax finishes gently. “If that’s what you want.”

Shock floods through me, breath catching painfully in my throat. I stare silently at them, mind spinning, utterly overwhelmed, and completely unsure what to say.

My heart hammers against my ribs as Jax’s words echo through my mind, leaving me breathless. I stare at each of them, pulse quickening in confusion, disbelief, and overwhelming desire. I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out at first.

“What?” I manage, finally, voice trembling as my gaze darts between the three of them. “You…you decided what?”

Cole offers a small, reassuring smile, leaning closer. His gaze is gentle, filled with genuine sincerity. “We decided we could share you, Ava. But, only if that’s something you want, too.”

Jax gives a soft laugh, nudging her knee gently with his. “Besides, that card game gave you a few wins of your own.”

Heat floods my cheeks, and my throat tightens. “But I lost the game,” I whisper shakily, eyes flicking to Liam. “I thought?—”

“You did lose to me,” Liam acknowledges, voice smooth and calm. “But you beat Jax. And Cole.”

My brow furrows. “So?”