Page 87 of Protect Me
His lips twitch. “Maybe that’s why I’m being nice.”
“So I’ll trust you? Seriously?”
He shrugs. “Maybe we want you to feel safe.”
My heart melts a little at that, but since I’m still not sure he’s giving me the full story, I cross my arms. “And moving my clothes into your closet is your grand plan?”
“It’s part of it.” Bracken leans in, brushing his lips over mine. “Just wait, baby,” he whispers. “We have so many more plans for you.”
The promise—and dark pleasure—in his words only makes me more excited to know what all of those plans might be.
* * *
Bracken finally leavesme alone to get ready, promising to see me later. As he leaves, he wears the same glint in his eye Killian did earlier. Something about the promise behind it makes my stomach flutter all over again.
Maybe it’s the fact that they spent all day not touching me, or maybe it’s seeing my stuff in Bracken’s room, but when it’s time to get dressed, I choose a costume made entirely of black lace, knowing it’s going to drive them crazy.
Or hoping, anyway.
In Bracken’s attached bathroom, I take my time painting a look that covers my face better than any mask. The end result leaves me with dark, shadowy eyes and silver sequins—a makeup job that complements my outfit and will contrast my bright red silks perfectly. Liv said to choose which modality I wanted for performances, so tonight, that's what I’m doing.
I step out of the bedroom and then immediately stop short when a growl sounds.
Duncan’s gaze locks on mine from where he stands near the couch.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, trying to read what the danger might be.
He stalks toward me and stares into my eyes with a wildness that makes my breath catch. Then his gaze runs the length of me so intensely I can feel my skin tingle.
“You can’t go out there like that,” he says.
I exhale. “I have to wear this for the show,” I tell him.
He frowns like he wants to argue. “It’s too revealing.”
“I’ve been wearing costumes like this since I started here.”
His gaze captures mine again. “Yes, but I’ve been inside you since then,” he says softly. “I know what your body feels like. What you look like when you come.”
My blood heats. “I haven’t forgotten. But I can’t exactly wear sweatpants up there.”
“I don’t want a crowd of strangers seeing your body,” he says, and beneath his words is that same growl. A possessive sound, I realize. One I can’t help but feel turned on by.
“Duncan,” I say, and his body tenses at the sound of his name. “I don’t belong to them.”
His eyes flash. “Are you saying you belong to me? To the three of us?”
“Yes.”
His expression tightens like he’s trying hard to keep control. “I want to hear you say it.”
“I belong to you and Killian and Bracken,” I say.
He steps closer, sliding his arm around my waist and pulling me against his chest.
“Not yet,” he says in a low voice, leaning in to trail kisses along my throat. “But you will.”
Heat pools inside me, but instead of stripping me down, he straightens and backs away.