Page 43 of The Final Battle

“Hey now, none of that, spitfire,“ Paxton said, poking my side playfully. I couldn’t fight back the giggle that burst out and I knew I’d just signed away my own fate. “What was that I heard? Did you just giggle, your highness? Are queens even allowed to do that? I think I should check.“

Paxton started to tickle me, and no matter how hard I tried to fight against it, I burst into laughter as he dragged me away from Day. Now on my back, Paxton pounced to sit on my legs and started to count my ribs, his finger rough on my skin. “One… Two… Three… Four… If you keep squirming like that, I’ll lose count and have to start over again.“

“Mercy,“ I gasped, fighting for breath as he continued to count.

“Seven… Eig—“ Paxton was cut off as Cole tackled him, knocking them both off the bed.

I lay there for a moment, my robe in shambles, showing off my naked body to the room of men, all whom I’ve slept with. None of them seemed at all bothered by this and many gave me heated glances, but it was clear no one was going to act.

“Come on, little phoenix,“ Abbott said, reaching out to me with a hand. “We promised Becka that we would have you up and ready to go for lunch. If we fail, then she’s going to kick all of us out tonight and you’re having a girl’s only sleepover.“

“That woman sure knows how to make a good threat,“ I shared with a grin as I let him pull me from the bed. “So, who’s going to help me with my dress?“

“That would be me,“ Gavin answered, stepping forward to take me from Abbott. “I’m the only one with a clue as to what would be appropriate for a luncheon with a king.“

Smiling, I followed after him into the dressing room and watched as he sorted through the dresses Becka had packed. I knew which one she would pick but I wasn’t going to let them cheat, a deal was a deal.

“What do we think about this one?“ Gavin asked, showing me a gown that was more suited to a ball than lunch. “That’s a no, you only crinkle your nose like that when you don’t want to tell someone they’re wrong. Let’s try again, that one was too fancy, I think. Lunch, middle of the day, not formal but still pretty.“

I covered my mouth with my hand, trying my best to stifle the laughter that was fighting to come out, but I didn’t want Gavin to doubt himself in the least.

“This one!“ He announced, revealing it to me.

It was a simple emerald green dress with a gold filigree pattern to it. “That will work perfectly,“ I answered, letting my robe slide off my shoulders to land on the floor.

Gavin’s eyes went wide as I gathered my undergarments and slipped them on. I could feel his eyes watching every move, but he didn’t so much as take a step closer to me. It was clear they all came to some agreement that they weren’t going to pursue any intimate interactions while ensuring I was ready.

“I’ll just need you to help with the corset,“ I commented looking over my shoulder as I pulled my hair out of the way. “It doesn’t need to be overly tight, just snug to hold things in place.“

Gavin licked his lips as he set the dress aside and came up behind me. “I’ll admit, I don’t have much practice getting a woman into these, it’s usually the opposite.“

“Can I tell you a secret?“

“Of course, love, I will listen to anything you want to share with me,“ Gavin answered.

I caught his chin in my hand and planted a firm kiss on his lips. “It’s far more sensual to help a woman get dressed than it is to get her out of her clothes. You know what’s under my dress, that you got to touch what others can’t. To know each breath my breasts press against the corset you helped to secure. It’s also only something that can be done by someone that person knows on an intimate level. You don’t just let any man into your dressing room where you are bare and vulnerable to the world.“

Knowing I was playing with fire, I let my hand glide down his chest until I cupped his cock in my hand. “One never knows what could happen when you’re all alone in just your under things.“

“Jade!“ Gavin yelled, his voice husky as it cracked. “Help!“

Seconds later, Jade was marching through the door, took in the situation, and removed Gavin from the room, leaving me alone. Laughter bubbled up as I removed that corset and picked another one I could lace from the front. The dress would hide the lacing just fine and I didn’t think any of the guys would be able to make it through the process. I pulled the dress over my head and exited the dressing room. “Can someone lace up the back of this dress? I managed the corset but that’s where my abilities end.“

Cole silently approached and brushed my hair over one shoulder then got to work lacing up the back. “That was a mean trick, little mouse. I’m guessing you figured out the second part of this bet we made with Becka.“

“I wasn’t sure if it was a bet or just something you decided so you wouldn’t get distracted. It also crossed my mind you might think I’m too emotionally fragile for that sort of activity,“ I reasoned.

When he was finished, I felt his lips kiss the back of my neck. “It could be a little of both, but if you really wanted one of us, we wouldn’t deny you.“ Cole took a step back and waved at Dayson. “She’s all yours. Day’s going to do something with your hair.“

I walked over to the dressing table, taking a seat on the stool folding my hands primly, waiting for the big man to get started.

“You don’t mind braids, do you? That’s all I know how to do besides pulling the hair up into a horse tail,“ Dayson remarked as he grabbed a brush.

“Whatever you manage to pull off will be fine with me,“ I assured him. “You guys don’t need to do this, I’m going to be fine.“

Dayson used the back of the paddle brush to cover my mouth. “Nope, I don’t want to hear it. Let us look after you for once, alright? You’re always worrying about everything, just sit back and let us handle this.“

As he moved the brush away, I made a show of turning the key, sealing my lips shut and tossing it away. Dayson grunted his approval and got to work on whatever master plan he had for my hair. The feel of his hands in my hair was so soothing I found myself shutting my eyes and drifting off into a sort of dreaming wakefulness.