Page 50 of Echoes of Desire
“It’s me, Knox,” he smiles. “I need a break. I don’t like being around this many people for long. If you can squeeze out of that beefy sandwich, care to join me?”
“Let’s take them to the VIP section,” Jasper says.
Knox’s smile widens, and he nods eagerly, already moving toward the back of the dance floor. Jasper places his hand gently on the small of my back, guiding me to follow, while Jaxon keeps a steady presence at my side. Their protectiveness is as comforting as it is overwhelming.
The VIP section is tucked away on an upper level, a quieter, more private space that overlooks the pulsating chaos of the dance floor below. Plush seating and dim lighting create an intimate atmosphere, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy below.
Knox plops down on a wide velvet couch, exhaling deeply. “Ah, much better,” he says, stretching out like he owns the place. The larger male who had been dancing with him follows closely, sitting beside him and offering a bottle of water.
“Thanks, Taylor,” Knox says, taking the water with a grateful smile.
Jasper gestures for me to sit, and I settle onto the couch beside Knox. Jaxon takes the seat on my other side while Jasper leans against the edge of the table, his sharp eyes scanning the room out of habit.
Knox takes a sip of his water before turning to me with a mischievous grin. “So, Raven, how are you liking the Cage so far? It’s a different vibe than Oasis, huh?”
“Definitely,” I admit, glancing around the room. “It’s... a lot. But I like it. The energy is incredible.”
Knox nods, his grin softening into something more genuine. “It can be overwhelming, but you seem like you’re handling it just fine. Especially with these two keeping you in check.” He winks, gesturing to Jasper and Jaxon.
“Keeping me in check?” I laugh softly, shaking my head. “More like keeping me from getting lost.”
“They’re good at that,” Knox says, his gaze flicking to Jasper and Jaxon with an affectionate familiarity. “They’ve got this whole ‘guardian’ thing down to an art.”
“Damn right,” Jaxon says, his tone light but his eyes sharp as they land on Knox. “Especially when it comes to our girl. And our boy, of course.”
“He’s not your boy,” Taylor growls, causing the others to laugh. Must be an inside joke.
“He’ll always be our boy,” Jasper says. “But this woman is our heart. She’s fucking it for us.”
The casual possessiveness in his voice sends a shiver down my spine, and I feel my cheeks heat. Knox notices, of course, and his grin turns wicked.
“Ooh, they’ve got it bad for you,” he teases, leaning closer. “Lucky girl.”
“Knox,” Taylor says, his deep voice carrying a quiet warning.
“What?” Knox says, feigning innocence as he leans back against Taylor’s shoulder. “I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking.”
Jasper smirks, his gaze flicking between Knox and me. “You’re not wrong,” he says casually, his words sending another wave of warmth through me.
I glance down at my hands, trying to hide my flustered state. Knox’s laughter fills the room, light and carefree, and Taylor wraps an arm around his shoulders, pulling him close.
“Relax, Raven,” Knox says, his voice softer now. “You’re in good hands. These two might be intimidating, but they’ve got hearts of gold. They’ll take care of you.”
“I know,” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the thrum of the music below.
And the truth is, I do know. Despite my fears, despite the whirlwind of emotions these two have stirred in me, I feel safe with them. Protected. Wanted.
And that realization might be the most terrifying thing of all.
“So, I used to be a stripper,” I say because my head needs a distraction. “Well, an exotic dancer. My clothes stayed on my body.”
Jaxon spits out the water that he was trying to drink, and Jasper’s eyes widen.
“Come again?” Jaxon gasps.
“Heck yeah,” Knox cheers. “Teach me some moves.”
“I don’t fucking think so,” Jasper growls.