Page 6 of The Cobbler and His Elves
Sweat beaded on my palms as I followed them into the workshop. The familiar scents of leather and polish wrapped around me, mingling with the brothers’ alpha pheromones. My traitorous body responded, a warmth blooming low in my belly.
Jack leaned against a workbench, arms crossed. “So, you need leather for a special order?”
I nodded, explaining Mrs. Thackeray’s request and the potential impact on my shop. As I spoke, I saw something like respect flicker in Jack’s eyes.
“That’s quite a predicament,” Elijah said when I finished. “We might be able to help.”
Hope surged in my chest. “Really? Once Mrs. Thackeray gives me the money, I’d be happy to pay?—”
Jack held up a hand, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Oh, we don’t want your money, Hart.”
I frowned. “Then what?—”
“A kiss,” Jack said, his voice low and husky. “One kiss, and we’ll give you the leather you need.”
My jaw dropped. “A... a kiss?”
Jack stepped closer, his scent enveloping me. “One kiss each,” he clarified. “That’s our price.”
My gaze darted between Jack and Elijah, heart hammering in my chest. Jack’s infuriating smirk taunted me, while Elijah shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my eyes. I glared at Jack, my mind racing. Was this some kind of sick joke? But the intensity in his eyes told me he wasn’t kidding. My gaze flicked to Elijah, silently pleading for him to intervene, but he remained frustratingly mute.
Jack’s lips curled into that infuriating smirk of his as he invaded my personal space. The scent of cedar and bergamot enveloped me, making my head spin. I took a step back, but found myself trapped against the counter.
“Well, Hart?” Jack’s voice was low, almost a purr. “What’s it gonna be?”
I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. The warmth radiating from his body seemed to seep into my skin, and I cursed my traitorous omega instincts for responding to his alpha pheromones.
“You can’t be serious,” I managed to croak out, hating how breathless I sounded.
Jack’s eyes glinted with amusement and something darker that made my pulse quicken. “Oh, I’m dead serious, sweetheart. One kiss each, and all that lovely leather is yours.”
My fingers gripped the edge of the counter behind me, knuckles turning white. I should’ve told him to go fry a stale egg, to take his ridiculous offer and shove it. But the thought of all that high-quality leather and Mrs. Thackeray’s Christmas gala shoes...
All I had to do was kiss these alphas.
My traitorous heart skipped a beat at the thought. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t dreamed of it. My gaze lingered on Jack’s chiseled jawline, then flicked to Elijah’s warm brown gaze. A jolt of attraction shot through me before I could squash it down.
No. These men might be handsome, but they were vultures circling my grandfather’s legacy. I’d seen how they operated—ruthless and calculating, they’d crush Hart’s Shoe Repair without losing a wink of sleep.
I licked my lips nervously, and Jack’s eyes followed the movement.
I should have been outraged at his proposition. Should have stormed out in a huff of righteous indignation. Instead, I found myself nodding, my mouth suddenly dry.
“J... Just one kiss each,” I stammered, desperately trying to regain some semblance of control.
Jack surged forward, his large hand cradling my jaw as he angled my face upward. Our lips collided with unexpected intensity, his mouth hot and demanding against mine. A jolt of electricity shot through me as his tongue traced my lower lip, seeking entry. I gasped, inadvertently granting him access.He tasted of coffee and something uniquely Jack—rich and intoxicating. My fingers clutched at his shirt, torn between pushing him away and pulling him closer. A low growl rumbled in his chest, the vibration sending a delicious tremor racing through my body. My knees weakened, and I found myself leaning into his solid frame for support.
When Jack pulled away, I swayed on my feet, dazed. My lips tingled, still burning from his touch.
“Your turn, Eli,” Jack’s husky voice cut through the haze of desire.
Elijah’s warm brown eyes darkened with want as he stared at me. I shivered, caught between their heated gazes, my body aflame with need.
My heart raced as Elijah approached. His gaze locked onto mine, and I felt a magnetic pull drawing us together. He cupped my face with gentle hands. When his lips met mine, I melted into the kiss. Where Jack had been all fire and passion, Elijah’s kiss was slow and tender, yet no less potent. He tasted of honey and citrus, a sweetness that made my head spin.
I found myself responding with equal fervor, my fingers tangling in his thick brown locks. The world faded away until there was nothing but the press of his lips, the warmth of his body, and the intoxicating blend of our scents mingling in the air.
I broke the kiss, panting slightly. The brothers watched me, their eyes dark with hunger. For a moment, I imagined giving in to the heat building between us. Three bodies tangled together, hands and mouths exploring...