Chapter Twenty
“It’s okay,Hudson, you don’t have to say a thing,” I say. I really don’t expect anything. I am already overwhelmed by Bryce and Max’sconfessions.
“I can’t…” Hudson starts, unable to finish his sentence. He rubs his hand against the centre of his chest, just like he had done before. When he does that I see the kid he must have been, broken by a mum who couldn’t love him. It shatters me, seeing him so vulnerable. Knowing the power those three tiny words have, I realise I need to say them and, more importantly, he needs to hearthem.
“Then I will say it for you. Ilove you,Hudson Freed. I love you despite the jagged edges,becauseof them.” I turn around, looking at Bryce. “I have never felt safer than when I am in your arms. I love you.” My gaze settles on Max next. “And you, Max, I love you for the joy you bring me, for the laughter, for the way I never feel judged in your presence. Before I met you all, I was fragmented, shattered, but somehow, I’m beginning to piece myself together. I’m not brave. I am still scared, but I’ll neverrun.”
“Baby… you don’t have to be brave,” Hudson says, pulling off his top and striding towards me. He lifts me up under my arms, and as I wrap my legs around his waist he whispers in my ear. “We’ve got you,butterfly.”
He gently lies me on the bed, straddling my hips. Bryce and Max settle either side of me. I feel the length of their bodies pressed against mine as Hudson runs kisses over my face and neck, nipping at my ear as he begins to unbutton mytop.
“Let us show you how much we love you, darling,” Bryce whispers into my ear. I can feel the firmness of his fingers as he swipes my shirt open. On the other side, Max gently kisses against my collar bone. I can feel the tendrils of his hair caress my skin, the featherlight touch in stark contrast to the passionate grasp of Bryce’s hand as he massages mybreast.
“Oh…” I whimper, my synapses firing as their skilled hands and mouths stoke the embers within me. They feed the flame with every lick, every scalding touch. These men, my men, have cracked me open and filled me up. They are like an addiction, a drug. One I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do without, that I don’t want to be without. I feel alive in a way I never havebefore.
“Let go, Louisa. Let us love you,” Hudson whispers against my skin. His mouth closes over my nipple, the soft twirling of his tongue and the slight graze of his teeth sending ripples of pleasure to my groin. He gets up to remove his trousers and pants. Through my heavy-lidded eyes I can see how much he wants me. Leaning over, he undoes my jeans, and in one swift movement pulls them off with my knickers, leaving me exposed to him. I catch his eye and watch as the pink of his tongue wets his lips. He makes no move forward. Instead, he chooses to watch as Bryce and Max takecontrol.
“You’re so wet, Icy,” Max says as his fingertip swirls over my sleek opening. I push up into his hand, wanting more. He obliges, sliding two fingers inside me as the pad of his thumb presses then circles my clit, alternating the movement until I am on the brink of a precipice I don’t ever want to climb out of. My eyes flutter closed as Bryce cups my breast with his large hand, squeezinggently.
“Open your eyes, baby,” Hudson says from his spot at the foot of the bed. I do as he asks. Hudson is running his hand up and down the long shaft of his cock whilst Max and Bryce turn my body into liquidheat.
Feeling suddenly brave, I reach down to grasp Max and Bryce. A small smile of victory spreads across my face when I feel their excitement and hear their groans of desire. Bryce tips my chin to the side and captures my mouth with his. A low growl erupts as I move my hand faster. Passion overtakes as he rocks into my hand, his tongue snaking around my own. He lets my mouth go briefly, as he wriggles out of his boxers. Max takes the opportunity to kiss me gently, his own hips rocking against myhand.
“Who do you want to take you over the edge, darling?” Bryce asksgently.
I find I can’t answer, that I’ve lost all control of my faculties. An orgasm is building, and I am too overwhelmed by the sensation to speak. Max pulls his fingers away, just as the orgasm is about to break and I cry out indisappointment.
“Not yet, Icy, I want to feel you around me when you come,” Max says as he slides off the bed. I watch as he takes off his underwear and opens the bedside table drawer, pulling out a condom packet. He slides one on then crawls across the bed towardsme.
“Come here,” he says, resting his back against the headboard. I ease onto my elbows, sitting up. Bryce helps me out of my shirt and bra. He is exceedinglygentle.
Max holds his hand out to me. I take it and lift my leg over his, straddling him then slowly, ever so slowly, lower my body down over his cock. Behind me I hear Bryce and Hudson move away, giving us space in the moment, sensing Max needs this moment alone with me after his confession, that I need ittoo.
Max looks at me, his hands resting on my face. “I don’t know what you’ve done to me, Icy, but I sure do like it.” He grins, bringing my face close to his, kissing me sweetly. It is enough to melt my heart entirely. Max shifts, pulling me close against his chest, and moves within me slowly, tenderly. His hands twirl in my hair and we rock together. It doesn’t take long until the fire is building within me once again, and as we both come apart all I can hear are Max’s whispered words oflove.
* * *
“BRYCE, HUDSON, MAX,”Calum calls from below. I twist sharply towards the door, worried that Calum is going to come running in. That worry is soon overshadowed by the fact that the usually calm Calum is shouting for our attention. This can’t be good. I ease off Max gently, turning my worried expression to Bryce and Hudson, who are already picking up their clothes and pulling them on. Hudson does up his jeans but doesn’t bother to put on atop.
“I’ll go,” he says quickly, pulling open the door and rushingout.
A sudden sick feeling fills me. Bryce hands me my clothes, as Max pulls on his. “Nish?” I ask, my voice cracking withemotion.
“I don’t know, darling,” Bryce says, grabbing my hand. He squeezes it gently. “Whatever it is, we’ll deal with ittogether.”
Max puts his arm around me and presses a kiss against my head. “Come on, let’s see what’s up.” They glance at one another, and I can’t help but feel they might have an idea what’s going on but aren’t willing to speculate just yet. We head downstairs and into the living area. Calum is gesticulating wildly at Hudson, who is trying to calm him down. Nisha is nowhere to beseen.
“Where’s Nish?” I bite out, panic littering myvoice.
Calum stops pacing, his eyes wide with concern. There is fear too, andanger.
“They took her. That fucking prick took her and left me this damn note,” Calum says, pointing to a piece of paper in Hudson’shand.
“Who took her? What are you talking about?” I stride over to Hudson, holding my handout.
“I don’t think you should read this, Louisa,” hesays.
“Hand me the fucking note, Hudson,” I grindout.