Page 55 of Wrapped in Their Arms

Noelle felt a shiver run through her despite the warmth of theKindredbodies flanking her.Thememory of the tentacle bath, the invasive fertility probe, the suction cupscame back again.Dios, she’d never forget the awful tingling ache in her nipples and womb.

“I’ll take my chances,” she said, her voice sharper now.“I’mstaying here.”

“Suit yourself,”Lupinsniffed.“Enjoyyourself at the auction, then.”Heflounced away, the ridiculously tall white swirl of his hair bobbing jauntily as he went.

The cell door slammed shut behind him.

There was a moment of silence as the three of them listened to the echo of his footsteps fading into the distance.

ThenBrightturned to her.

“What do you think that’s all about?”

Noelle swallowed hard.Herthroat felt tight, her stomach knotted.

“I don’t know.”Shewrapped her arms around herself, rubbing her chilled upper arms.“Doyou think he was telling the truth?About…that stuff?Imean, sayingIwas going to have trouble ifIdidn’t do the second treatment?”

“Nectar-what-the-fuck-ever?”Burnsnorted, still bristling like a wolf ready to bite.“Bullshit.Thatlittle orange fucker was just trying to scare you into going.”

“He was trying to manipulate you,”Brightagreed.“Gaslightingyou.Makingyou second guess yourself so you’d give in.”

“But what if he wasn’t?”Noellewhispered.“WhatifI…what ifIreally am going to have some kind of problem now becauseIdidn’t finish the treatment?”Herhand pressed unconsciously to her lower belly.“Ialready feel kind of strange.”

It was true—her skin still tingled faintly, and her breasts still ached dully.Herpussy felt warmer and more sensitive than normal, too—even though the aftershocks of last night’s pleasure withBurnandBrighthad long since passed.

“Everything is going to be fine, sweetheart.I’mglad you stood up for yourself,”Brightsaid approvingly.“Thattook courage.”

“I don’t know ifIcould have done it alone,”Noelleadmitted.“Thankyou for standing up for me—both of you.”

“You never have to be alone, baby”Burnrumbled.“We’vegot your back.Always.”

Noelle looked up into their faces—Bright’shazel-green eyes filled with kindness and concern,Burn’sdark eyes full of stormy protectiveness—and her heart gave a funny little twist.

“Thank you,” she whispered.“Thankyou for protecting me.”

Bright put an arm around her shoulders and drew her gently to his side.

“Of course, sweetheart.We’llalwaysprotect you.”

Burn came to her other side, wrapping a massive arm around her and pulling her in even closer.

“Fuck yes,” he muttered gruffly.“Nobody’sgoing to touch you while we’re here.”

Sandwiched between the two of them again, their bare skin warm against hers,Noellefelt herself exhale for the first time sinceLupinhad entered the cell.Theirpresence steadied her…strengthened her.

The three of them just stood there for a long moment, arms wrapped around each other in a wordless circle of comfort and warmth.

But deep in the back of her mind—behind the warmth and closeness and the fleeting sense of safety—Lupin’swarning still echoed.

“Nectaritis…sexual hyper-neediness…enjoy yourself at the auction…”

Noelle closed her eyes and tried to block it out.

It was just a scare tactic.Justmanipulation.Itmeant nothing…right?

But even as she told herself that, doubt coiled in her belly…and the faint, restless ache between her thighs refused to fade.

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