SOPHIE
The next morning, I’m exhausted. My body hurts in the best way. Muscles that have been tested, stretched, and I have a pleasant but tired feeling hanging over my head. I smile to myself and stretch. When I realize I’m not being touched, I panic.
Opening my eyes, I find myself in bed … alone. Alone? I’m almost never alone in the house. Was last night just a dream? The sex by the pool? On the floor in the living room? Trying to satisfy four men at once despite the constant assurances that I’m doing just that?
I look around, blink a few times and swallow, then get up to check myself in the bathroom. Marks don’t lie. I relax when I see the evidence of last night. After a shower hot enough to melt skin, I pull on a simple day dress and walk into the kitchen.
Almost immediately, I’m caught and tossed over a broad shoulder. I smack Roman’s ass. “Put me down!”
“You are not allowed to do a damn thing today, Bambina.” He drops me on the couch, where another arm wraps around my middle.
I look up to see Nick. He winks at me. “After last night, you’re resting.”
“But!”
“I made breakfast!” Gunner practically sings. “Well … I bought it. Which saves you from burnt bacon.”
He appears in a chef’s hat and apron. He sets the plate on my lap and whistles as he walks away, revealing his muscular ass. I giggle and shake my head.
“No one wants to see that!” Holden calls while bringing me juice.
I look at Roman, now shaved, to Nick, who looks like he can’t stop smiling, then to Holden, who steals a slice of bacon as he sits on the floor by my knees. “What’s all this about?”
“You do so much for us, Sophie. You feed us, keep the peace, work with us, and more. You deserve some appreciation.” Nick kisses my forehead.
“I enjoy the sex as much as you guys do,” I grumble. “Loving you all isn’t a chore.”
Roman grins and gently strokes my jaw. “We know.”
“But you deserve some appreciation,” Holden convinces me.
Gunner returns with more plates then wiggles his ass for Holden. Holden rolls his eyes, but I swat him. He gasps and shakes his head. “See, Hold. I knew you liked me.”
Holden rolls his eyes.
“So that means we’re all doing pole dancing, right?” I tease.
“Hell no,” Nick whispers in my ear.
Roman rolls his eyes. “Maybe ballroom dancing.”
“Not me!” Gunner yells. “I only do club dancing. I’m a man of culture.”
I giggle and enjoy breakfast with the guys. It’s nice being doted on as if they don’t spoil me enough. Nick gets up to shower, and Holden instantly takes his spot, like he was waiting for the opening. I rub his thigh.
“You guys don’t have to do all this.”
“It just happened.” Holden shrugged. “Gunner decided you needed breakfast.”
“And I decided you’re a princess today.” Roman sighs. “Holden and Nick are softies.”
Holden gives me an unapologetic smile, but my eyes narrow. “Something’s happening, isn’t it? You guys are buttering me up.”
“Told you. Pay up, Roman.”
Roman hands Gunner a bill as Gunner sits on my lap. “Matthew is coming over today.”
“Well, I haven’t seen him in a while. I’d love to see him.” I look between them, still confused.