My Second Chance

by Shelley Munro

  “Please. I want you both inside me. I’m not tired since I’ve slept for the last few hours.”

  Gavin hesitated until Charlie nudged him, his head dipping in a slight nod. It’s what she wants. The words echoed through his head as if Charlie had uttered them aloud. Forcing a smile, one Gavin hoped passed muster, he stepped toward the bed with Charlie at his side.

  “Do you want to undress us or should we strip for you?”

  Leticia sat and plumped the pillows, propping them up against the headboard. “Strip.” A glint of feminine interest filled her eyes, melting away the last of Gavin’s reservations. Charlie was right. If she wanted sex, then that was what she’d get. He was up for the job. A glance at Charlie’s groin told him his mate was in the same condition. This was about Leticia and her needs.

  “Take off your shirt,” Charlie ordered.

  Gavin grinned and unfastened his shirt one button at a time. Both Leticia and Charlie stared at his bared chest. With the final button undone, his shirt slipped to the carpet with a soft thud.

  “Don’t stop there,” Charlie said. “We’re enjoying the view. Right, Leticia?”

  “Oh yeah,” she said, smiling with clear expectation. “Although I’m sure it will only improve.”

  Charlie scanned Gavin’s chest, the sensation like a physical touch. His cock pressed against his fly with distinct interest. A few months ago he couldn’t have imagined being with two mates about to make love.

  “Off with your trousers,” Charlie’s insistent voice dared him, and Gavin wasn’t about to back away from a challenge. He promptly unfastened his trousers, dragging off his boxer briefs and his socks at the same time. Naked, he posed to let their gazes rove his body. Unbidden his hand dropped to his cock, and he squeezed, stroking and teasing until goose bumps pebbled his skin.

  “That is so hot,” Charlie whispered, stepping closer to kiss his neck. He nibbled the marking site and Gavin groaned, raw and guttural. Needy.

  “Come over here,” Leticia suggested, and Gavin shook himself from the sensual spell he’d fallen into the minute Charlie touched him. She whipped the T-shirt she wore over her head, a sunny smile lighting up her pale face. When she saw she had their attention, she tossed aside the covers and parted her legs, flashing her pussy at them. With a glint of mischief lighting her eyes, she licked her forefinger and slipped it between her legs. A stroke of her finger later, she sighed.

  “Let us see,” Charlie said.

  Delicate color rose in her cheeks and she lifted her finger. It shone in the light of the lamp. Desire rose in Gavin and he took half a step toward the bed before Charlie stopped him.

  “Grab a condom and the lube.”

  Gavin wanted to argue. He wanted to shove Charlie aside and lick her juices from her finger before slipping his cock into her pussy and sliding home. He wanted it so bad he shook with it.

  “Gavin?”

  One glance at Charlie told him his mate knew exactly where his thoughts lay and sympathized. The swelling ball of jealousy in his mind imploded with a sense of shame. It wasn’t right to want more, not when he had more than he’d ever expected. “Yeah. Okay.” He circled the bed and opened a drawer, pulling out several condoms and a bottle of lube. By the time he turned, Charlie was naked and on the bed with Leticia. He was kissing her, and this time Gavin kept his envy at bay, merely hastened his steps so he could join them.

  “Condom?” he asked Charlie.

  “Sure. You want to put it on for me?”

  Gavin’s nostrils flared, the clawing tension inside finding an outlet in his hardening cock. He placed the condoms and lube on the bedside table, retaining one. He ripped the foil packet open and knelt beside Leticia, taking in the smooth skin and vulnerable curve of her spine. Her pink tongue lashed one of Charlie’s nipples, rasping over the nub until it hardened. He gripped Charlie’s shaft and unable to resist, dipped his head. With his tongue, he lapped across the crown. Charlie’s ragged breath brought a rush of satisfaction. Wanting to tease, he sucked hard enough to spike sensation, to bring a rush of pleasure. With a final swipe of his tongue, he pulled back and rolled on the condom.

  “Come here, Leticia,” Charlie said.

  Excitement and anticipation flashed through Gavin. He watched Leticia clamber over Charlie and Charlie guide his cock into her pussy. Slowly, she sank down, and Gavin held his breath, watching the careful impalement. It was the sexiest thing.

  “Okay, babe. Come here. Kiss me while Gavin suits up and stretches you a little.”

  “You have done this before?” Gavin asked her.

  “Yeah, not recently, but I have had anal sex before.”

  He smoothed his hand over her shoulder, unable to resist touching her. His heart twisted when he noticed a shiny bald spot. Damn he hated this.

  “I can’t wait to fuck you,” he whispered.

  “It’s gonna be epic,” Charlie promised. “Both of you at the same time.”

  Leticia exhaled noisily, indicating her impatience. “Enough talking. I’m ready. I want both of you inside me. Now.”

  “Don’t you want warm lube?” Gavin teased, removing the lid and squeezing gel into his palm.

  “I can handle the chill. I’ll heat up soon enough. Besides, if you don’t hurry, I’m going to move without you,” Leticia warned.

  Gavin laughed, enjoying the glimpse of the old Leticia with her fire and determination. “Coming right up, Ms. Bossy.” He smoothed a slippery finger over her puckered entrance, determined to take things slow even though she vibrated with impatience.

  “Kiss me, babe,” Charlie said, winking at Gavin. “Concentrate on me for the moment.”

  Gavin took his time, taking pleasure in exploring Leticia’s body. With his excellent hearing, he picked up her soft sighs into Charlie’s mouth. They grew louder when he slipped a finger into her. Her sexy little wriggle, designed to drive his finger deeper drew a laugh from him, a chuckle from Charlie.

  “Our little puss is impatient,” Charlie murmured.

  “I’m impatient,” Gavin said. “But this is so much fun. She’s so responsive.”

  “I know. Every time you stroke her, she clenches around my cock.”

  “Yeah. She’s clenching around my finger.” Gavin added more lube and another finger. The heat seared him, and he couldn’t wait to bathe his cock in the same fiery pleasure. “How are you doing?”

  “Impatient,” Leticia said. “Still impatient.”

  Gavin winked at Charlie, relaxed and at ease. When his fingers slipped inside her easily, he removed them and rolled on a condom. Arousal curled through him and his hand trembled when he guided his dick to her puckered entrance. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the head of his cock inside, closing his eyes to savor the moment and hold it close.

  Leticia winced and he stopped. “You okay?”

  “It’s been a while. Just give me a moment.”

  Gavin pressed a trail of kisses to her shoulder, keeping well away from temptation. He met Charlie’s gaze for an instant, the flash of understanding and silent encouragement bringing an unmanly sting to his eyes. Charlie kissed Leticia and Gavin watched the slide of lips, the flicker of pink tongue, the entire intimate exchange. While they kissed, Gavin pushed deeper, past the ring of muscle, taking his time until he bathed in her heat. Gavin met Charlie’s gaze again and nodded. They moved in rhythm, one withdrawing while the other surged inside. The friction, the warmth, the intensity. Gavin thrust automatically while his mind and body collected the sensations and enjoyed each erotic caress, hoarding it for him to think about later.

  The brush of Charlie’s hand against his mark pushed him higher, harder, each breath coming with a harsh gasp. Leticia shuddered, her cry one of animal pleasure. His feline rose to the surface, glorying in the sharing.

  “We’re gonna have to do this again,” Charlie said.

  “Good, huh?” Gavin asked.

  “Oh yeah.” Leticia gasped, a soft cry breaking free. “I can’t wait much longer.”
r />   “Thank God for that,” Charlie muttered.

  Gavin laughed, surprising himself. Despite the intensity, this was fun. Charlie made everything enjoyable and new. He withdrew and pushed back inside Leticia, his cock brushing against Charlie’s through the thin membrane separating them. Gavin kissed Leticia’s shoulder and a harsh breath hissed from her.

  “Oh. Oh,” she whispered, and seconds later, she bit down on Charlie’s shoulder. Charlie bucked, his cock jerking against Gavin’s. Climax rushed through Gavin, so good it was almost painful. Leticia’s entire body jerked, her hot passage clamping down on his cock. He was vaguely aware of Charlie crying out and felt the slight pulse before he pulled free. On shaky legs, he made his way to the bathroom to discard the condom and clean up. A sense of satisfaction, even contentment filled him as he dampened a cloth with warm water, squeezed it out and walked back into the bedroom.

  “I marked him,” Leticia said in a flat voice as she registered Gavin’s presence. “I didn’t mean to do it. I lost control. It was so good, so normal being claimed by both of you and I wanted to be part of it.”

  “Shush, it’s all right.” Charlie stroked her arm. “You didn’t hurt me. There’s no harm done right, Gavin?”

  Gavin hesitated, picking up on Leticia’s unease, yet he dithered about saying anything. “Turn over, Leticia, and let me take a look at Charlie’s shoulder.”

  The mark appeared red. Angry. Charlie winced when Gavin touched it. Gavin jerked his hand away.

  “Damn, do that again,” Charlie said. “Please.”

  A slow grin spread across Gavin’s mouth. He brushed a single finger over the raised red mark and bent to kiss Charlie, capturing his groan with his mouth. His body arched, and he groaned, a splash of semen hitting Charlie’s hip.

  Lifting his head, Gavin grinned. “I guess you’re okay.”

  “Men,” Leticia muttered. “Yeah, it’s all fun and orgasms now, but what the hell are you going to do if Charlie gets sick from my bite? I don’t want him to die like me.”

  “Don’t panic, babe,” Charlie said. “You will not die, and I can’t catch anything from you. Remember, Gavin told us that. As long as you don’t bite him then we’re sweet.”

  She scowled. “But what if—”

  Gavin was going to speak but Charlie cut in first. “You won’t, but if you’re worried we’ll get you a mouth guard. That should do the trick.”

  Chapter Ten

  The Next Morning

  “What the fuck have you done with your hair?”

  “Good morning to you too,” Charlie said, standing aside to let Lucas and Saul enter. He cast a quick glance down the passage before saying in an undertone, “Leticia’s hair is falling out in clumps. Gavin and I decided we’d shave ours off in solidarity.”

  The oomph went out of Lucas. He slumped against Saul, took a deep breath. “Thank you for all you’re doing for Leticia. I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “No thanks necessary,” Charlie said. “We love her.” Nothing less than the truth. He loved both his mates, thought about them regularly when he wasn’t with them. His stomach clenched as he recalled Leticia’s words from the previous night.

  She was going to die.

  A quick glance at Gavin had confirmed the truth of Leticia’s words. Gavin had done everything, tried every method at his disposal and didn’t think she’d beat the disease.

  “Gavin and Leticia are in the kitchen eating breakfast. I’ll see you later tonight. I’ve gotta go to work.”

  Lucas moved off, leaving him alone with Saul.

  “You love her,” Saul said.

  “Yeah.” His hand rubbed across his twin mark. Even with his uniform shirt over the top, a spike of pleasure, of awareness shot through him. “They’re my mates. I love them both.” But he hadn’t told either of them. Tonight. He’d tell them tonight. “Catch ya later.” And with a wave, he left.

  “Hey, Lucas. Saul.” Leticia forced a smile and stood, shoulders back and head high, despite the knowledge her physical appearance would shock them.

  “Hey, sweetheart.” Lucas didn’t hide his shock. She caught a flash of emotion before he yanked her into his arms, almost crushing her in his embrace.

  “Can’t breathe,” she gasped, struggling weakly.

  “Hell. Sorry.” Lucas stepped back.

  “You have a cute scalp,” Saul said, entering the kitchen behind Lucas. He hugged her and ran his hand over her shaven head.

  “Charlie did it for me this morning.” She flashed a grin a Gavin. “I was the odd man out because I had the most hair.” Leticia paused, took a quick summation of their expressions and ruffled up like a bristling tomcat. “What? Ah, heck! Don’t look at me like that. I know I’m dying. It doesn’t take a genius to know I’m growing weaker by the day. There’s no point skirting around the problem.”

  “Coffee?” Gavin asked.

  “You can’t pretend there’s nothing wrong with me,” Leticia snapped.

  Gavin rose, his chair scooting back. “We don’t want our noses rubbed in it either.” He dragged a hand over his head, surprise flashing before he remembered he no longer had hair.

  Leticia knew the feeling well. The lack of hair on her own head kept surprising her too.

  “Hell.” Gavin scowled at her. “Once you’re done here come into the surgery and I’ll do more tests.”

  “Enough already.” Leticia’s shoulders rose and fell again in an irritable shrug. “I’m tired of being poked and pried at like a specimen in a jar. All the tests in the world won’t make me better.” Her bottom jaw stuck out in a pugnacious manner, daring them to argue. “I’m not having any more tests.”

  “Don’t you think you should listen to Gavin?” Lucas asked in a mild tone. “He’s the expert.”

  Fury swirled through her gut, compressing until it exploded into a fireball of caustic words. “All the expertise in the world hasn’t saved me. I just want to be left alone.”

  “Fine. If that’s the way you want it.” Without another word, Gavin stomped from the room, the sharp intake of breath and the firm pad of his feet as he retreated spelling out his displeasure. At the end of the passage, a door clicked shut.

  Finality. It sizzled in the air.

  Saul clapped his hands slowly. “Way to go, Leticia. Piss off the one man who has gone out of his way to help you.”

  “What the fuck do you know? You’re not sick. You’re not dying. Try stepping into my shoes and see how you like it. I can bite you any time and give you a taste of hell.” Her chest rose and fell, anger whipping through her and finding an outlet in clamped fists. She took half a step toward Saul before Lucas let out a low growl. It made the tiny hairs at the back of her neck prickle, and the blaze of fury in his golden eyes when he stepped between her and his mate brought a wave of shame.

  Without taking her gaze off her brother, she backed away to slump into a chair. Tears stung her eyes, and she blinked to ward them off. This wasn’t right. Intellectually she knew her behavior was wrong, but she couldn’t seem to help it.

  Two mates. She had so much to lose, and it hurt like hell. It was the first thought that popped into her head in the morning and the last waking one before she dropped off to a fitful sleep.

  Death.

  Knowing it was happening, seeing her energy decreasing each day brought fear, and now that she’d spent time with both Gavin and Charlie, made love with them, it seemed far worse.

  “I’m sorry.” She couldn’t look at either Saul or Lucas, frightened of the pity she’d see on their faces.

  “It’s all right,” Saul said, joining her at the table.

  “No it’s fuckin’ not,” Lucas snapped. “Never threaten my mate like that again. It kills me you have FIV. Don’t you think I’d change things if I could? Trying to push us away isn’t smart, and especially Gavin and Charlie.”

  “I didn’t think you approved,” Leticia snapped.

  “That was before I saw how much they care for you,” Lucas snarled,
not backing down. “You’re the one who will suffer if you push us all away.”

  Damn. Did he think she didn’t know that? No matter what she did, she lost. She’d figured that if everyone hated her, it wouldn’t be so dreadful once she died. Twisted logic, yeah. Tough shit. She felt guilty enough as it was for marking Charlie. A quick glance at Lucas confirmed he’d sensed her inner turmoil and picked up on some of her fear and confusion. Sometimes the mental connection between her and her brother freaked her. She wished she could control it but mental anguish made a great conductor. Might as well admit the truth to both of them.

  “I marked Charlie. I didn’t mean to.”

  “And the guilt is getting at you,” Saul said.

  “No. Perhaps,” she amended, checking Lucas’s reaction again. His raised brows told her he knew. “Yeah. Okay. Yeah, it is. I shouldn’t have done it to Charlie. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. My thoughts went AWOL.”

  Lucas scowled and dragged out a chair, straddling it while he concentrated on raiding her frenzied thoughts. “What did Gavin say? And Charlie?”

  “What could they say? It was too late. I’d already done it and couldn’t take it back.” She shrugged again, pretending unconcern when inside the guilt ate her. Charlie would suffer when she died, more than he needed to, and that was what she hated most of all.

  “Do you want to come home with us?” Saul asked.

  “Yeah.” She didn’t even need to think about her reply.

  “Dammit, Leticia. That’s running away,” Lucas barked. “You’re staying put with your mates. I’m not coming between the three of you because you’re running scared. I love you but you’re not coming home to Alexandra with us.”

  Leticia opened her mouth to snarl back at her brother when Gavin spoke from the doorway. “I’m glad Lucas sees things clearly. You belong here and we’re not letting you hide.”

  “And yet you’re all sidestepping the death issue,” she retorted. “What’s fair about that? It’s concealment in a different form.”

  Gavin closed the distance between them, cupped her cheek and stared into her eyes. “Nothing. You’re right. We’ll try to do better, but you can’t leave. We’d both miss you if you left us now. We’re a team, Leticia. Charlie and I need you.” He swallowed, and she noticed the circles of tiredness beneath his eyes. He’d lost weight. An ache sprang to life near her heart and the fight oozed out of her limbs. She didn’t want to leave. Not really. She wanted to live, to celebrate life and love with her two men, and that was the problem.