Page 228 of Tears for a Broken Sky
Then I turned to the others. “I love all of you.”
“We love you too,” Leo murmured, trailing his fingers down my spine before leaning in to nip my backside. “Never leave us again.”
I looked at Slade, my voice gentler. “That goes double for you.”
He smiled faintly, shaking his head. “I’m sorry, baby.”
I let out a breath. “I don’t want to be away from any of you. Not anymore. Never again.”
I glanced up at them, suddenly unsure. “Is that… okay?”
Leo chuckled, easing closer. “Better than okay.”
Phoenix pulled me against him, laying me flat on his chest. His hands moved slowly—up my back, over my waist, tracing familiar lines. But then they stilled.
“You know we’re going to have to talk about it,” he said softly.
“I know,” I replied, resting my chin on his sternum.
“Where is he, anyway?” Leo asked, stretching with a low groan.
“Outside,” Slade muttered.
“He’s been there all night.” My voice was quiet. “I can feel him.”
“Are you okay with that?” Phoenix asked.
I looked at him. “Are you?”
His eyes flickered, then turned away. “I don’t know.”
“How do we know Ashton hasn’t completely broken him?” Leo asked, his voice sharpening.
I didn’t answer right away. I looked at the door. The air felt heavier suddenly.
“We don’t,” I said. “We just have to trust.”
“I don’t trust him,” Slade said. His voice was low, steady. “Not yet. Maybe not ever again.”
“I know, grumpy bear.” I sighed, leaning back into the warmth of them all. “But I have to try.”
I sighed and stood, tugging Phoenix’s hand. “Come on. That’s your minute.”
He rose, eyes hooded, the front of his boxers doing nothing to hide his interest.
“Where are we going?” he asked, voice thick with amusement.
I leaned in, lips brushing his ear. “Shower. Thought you might want to help…”
Then, softer—wicked—“I’m feeling especially dirty.”
Behind us, Leo groaned into a pillow. “Unfeeling little witch.”
Slade muttered something that sounded like agreement.
Phoenix just grinned. “Happy to be of service.”
Chapter 55
