by Frankie Love
Before he can answer, the master of ceremonies calls up Rock Hard, declaring them the ExSports winners.
They guys bound up to the stage, taking the trophy as cheers fill the arena. I’m glad to see them smiling. There has been too much tension between everyone. Mason and I clap wildly, and I stand cheering for them.
They all look so handsome, such complexity, but still comfortable with the attention, and I am reminded yet again how these men have such a huge fan base and following. I understand why. They are the sexiest, most charming, inexplicably wonderful men I have ever known.
When they leave the stage, I catch a glimpse of Drew headed off in a different direction. Not so surprisingly, I see him taking Amy’s hand as they leave. Good, maybe she can let loose with Drew and realize being uptight isn’t getting her anywhere in life but alone.
And as the guys come back to their seats, I realize being scared isn’t going to get me anywhere but alone, either.
I’m learning that love is about more than a feeling. And yes, when I first met the guys, lust and pleasure and anticipation rolled off us, filling us to the brim. But now our love is growing into something deeper, more real. And if I want to experience love in all its iterations, I must truly let myself go.
Which also means I need to tell them exactly how I am feeling.
After I got my head on straight during the closing ceremony, the executive from Black Bull comes over to the team and started questioning them—right after they won the freaking tournament! It’s beyond demeaning.
“You think you’ll be able to handle the schedule?” she asks.
“When did a schedule get released?” Ethan asks. “We haven’t seen anything.” We look at one another confused. Ethan was just asking us last week where we wanted to go next. As far as anyone knows, there is no schedule.
“Seriously?” She put her hands on her hips. “You’re set to be in New Zealand next week. It was all sent over days ago.”
“Days ago,” Ethan says, clenching his jaw. “We were arriving in LA for this last minute event. And since we landed, we’ve been competing non-stop. When exactly were you expecting us to go over the itinerary?”
The woman scowled and under her breath utters something about flaky athletes. Which is complete bullshit considering I know how focused and determined they are to succeed as athletes.
“Well, you better check your email, because you are flying out in two days.”
“Two days?” Mason asks. “I have a doctor’s appointment. I’m still waiting for clearance.”
The woman looks down, not wanting to meet Mason’s eyes. “Well, if you and your teammates had read the information you’d know that you are being permanently replaced by Drew.”
“No fucking way,” Noah says, his hands flying. “Mason is the reason we are a team. He’s the one who brought us all together.”
“I see, so you want to break your contract, be blacklisted from other sponsors and lose your private jet, your housing, camera equipment—everything?”
The group is silent, her words so cutting. The bitchy woman smirks so condescendingly it makes my head hurt.
“That’s what I thought.” She pats Noah on the shoulder as she begins to walk away. “Look at the itinerary, and I’ll see you down under.”
We walk away from the event silently. Everyone is emotionally drained and the guys are physically exhausted to boot. Three days of intense competition, just to be completely blind-sided by a corporate sponsor? It’s too much. I try to talk with Mason, as I wheel him back to the house, but he isn’t in the mood to talk. And I don’t blame him. This entire situation has been nothing but one blow after the next.
In the house, I head for my room to take a long shower. Everyone else heads off in different directions to clean up too, and my heart is twisted in knots. I keep replaying the conversation with the executive in my mind—and I know what I need to do—what I need to say to the guys. I don’t know how they are going to receive it, but I have to tell them the truth.
After cleaning up, I put on cozy sweats and a tank top. Not finding my cardigan sweater, I look in the laundry room for it. As I’m opening the dryer, I hear the guys in the living room discussing something, their tones serious.
I pause, reaching for my sweater, listening for a moment when I hear them mention my name.
“Chloe isn’t happy here,” Ethan says.
“I agree,” Noah says, his playful tone long gone. “This isn’t working.”
I pull on my sweater, trying not to hyperventilate. But when I hear Enzo and Mason state their agreement my eyes go wide. Why are they talking about me when Black Bull is the one we should be ripping against right now? My deepest fears are being vocalized by the men I love. Unable to hold back, I whip out of the laundry room and head straight to my men.
“What do you mean this isn’t working?” I ask, tears in my eyes.
Enzo reaches for my waist, pulling me to the couch on the seat next to him. “Bella, we mean you’ve been torn up for weeks. Every time we see you are doubting things, doubting your place.”
I nod. “I know. And I’m sorry for being so insecure—”
“Don’t apologize for that, Chloe,” Ethan says. “You have been hurt so many times in your life, it’s no surprise that you…”
Now it’s my turn to cut him off. “But Ethan, your life has been a wreck too. But you’re trying. You’re open-hearted and willing to give love a chance.”
“And you’re not?” Mason asks, his voice raw. I look into his eyes and see so much pain. I don’t want to be the cause of any of it.
“No, that’s not it. I am willing. I want this. I want you. All of you.”
“But?” Noah asks. “There’s always a but.”
I bite my bottom lip. “But it’s not enough.”
Mason snorts, his pain turning to anger. “Four men, who love you unconditionally, are not enough?”
I shake my head, wanting him to understand. “No, that’s not what I mean. What I mean is that ever since the accident, things have been really stressful. Mason has been in the hospital, which means our dynamic was all off, plus Black Bull is totally bullying you guys, and then Drew and Amy being here, not to mention my own issues. It’s a lot.”
“We know,” Ethan says. “And I never should have told you that Black Bull stuff.”
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “You needed to. And I’m glad I was there tonight to hear Black Bull’s ultimatum. I have to know these things if I am going to be your partner. For this to work, we all need to be on the same page, we need to be honest. We need to communicate. And not do things out of guilt or fear or whatever.”
“I get that,” Mason says. “I do. I mean, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that knowing the four of you have been together multiple times without me, that it didn’t kill me a little. I’m happy for all of you, but damn, this month has been rough. It’s been a fucking train wreck.”
“I know,” I say, kneeling before him. “And I’m sorry I didn’t make things easier for you.”
“Baby,” Mason says, cupping my face with his hands. “You’ve done everything for me. I couldn’t have gotten through this without you.”
“None of us could have,” Enzo says looking at me with love. “You’ve been our treasure, our light.”
“But when you said this isn’t enough, what did you mean?” Ethan asks.
I sigh. “It means I need more for myself. The last few days I saw your passion when you were competing. You were giving it your all. I want to go after something too.”
“You want to start cliff diving with me?” Ethan cocks an eyebrow.
“No, but I have a proposition, for all of you.”
Noah laughs. “A proposition you say?”
I smirk. “Not that kind of proposition. A business proposal.”
“Oh, yeah?” Ethan asks, his curiosity piqued. “What sort?”
I twist my lip, hoping they like what they hear. “I think you should break your contra
ct with Black Bull and let me take over the business side of things.” I take a deep breath, looking down at my hands, scared to be rejected.
The truth is, rejection has been the backdrop of my entire life. “I want to handle the paperwork and phone calls and budgets. I want to organize your itinerary and take that off your plate.”
Noah frowns. “Why would anyone do that willingly?”
I shrug. “I went to college to be an accountant. I’m good with numbers and data and details. I think if you guys gave me a chance—”
Enzo cuts me off. “Bellissima, that is too much to offer.”
“No, it isn’t. The idea of you going to New Zealand with Drew is unacceptable. It would tear every good thing we have apart. And I believe in you guys. I saw your fans this week cheering for you, not to mention the fan mail Mason’s been receiving wishing him a quick recovery. You have built a big enough brand that you don’t need Back Bull.” I pause, still nervous to look around the room. “What you need is me.”
When I finally lift my chin, and look at the men I love, I see nothing but acceptance, relief, and pride.
“So, what do you say?” I ask.
Mason smiles, shaking his head. “I say finding you on the beach was the best goddamn thing to ever happen to us.”
“So, that’s a yes?” I bite my bottom lip, my heart already blossoming with excitement.
“It’s a hell fucking yes,” Noah says. And the other men agree wholeheartedly.
And me? I’m on cloud nine.
Chapter 19
Mason
It’s been a long month, and I am so ready to move on. Damn, I am so fucking horny right now. Sitting in the doctor’s office, holding Chloe’s hand, I am more than ready to get back to my old self. And get Chloe on top of me. And under me.
Damn, I miss that woman’s body.
I was able to walk into the office today on my crutches, but I need to make sure the skin graft is completely healed before Chloe and I mess around. The last thing we want is for me to go back to where I started. The surgeries really wrecked me.
“Mason,” my doctor says, “I couldn’t be more pleased with your improvement.”
“That certainly is good to hear, I’m so ready to start living my life again.”
“I’m sure,” he says. “For an athlete like you, I know how important your recovery is. And I’m pleased to tell you that the bandages are coming off, and you can begin physical therapy next week.”
Chloe squeezes my hand. I am so happy to be less of a burden on the woman I love. After the ExSports ended last week, my sister left. She got over the reality of our relationship with Chloe. Mostly because she was being wooed by Drew. Which meant Chloe was back to full-time nurse mode.
And to be honest, she’s really fucking good at it. She even got a little nurse outfit, and in that lingerie, she did a strip tease for me the other night. She is more than I fucking deserve, and all I fucking want.
“That is so good to hear,” I tell the doctor. Looking down at my leg, which has been undressed from the bandages for the exam, all I can think is how fast can I get off this fucking table and back home.
I am horny as fuck and need my girl.
Now.
“So, are we all done here?” I ask, reaching for my crutches.
Chloe bites her bottom lip, containing a laugh. She knows why I’m so ready to get out of this office. We’ve been talking dirty for days, getting ready for the moment when we got the go ahead.
The doctor hands me paperwork for the physical therapist, and we schedule a follow-up appointment—but then?
Chloe and I are in the car, my hands holding her face before she can put the car in reverse. “I love you so fucking much, baby. Thank you for being here for me through thick and thin.”
“Always, Mason. I’ll be here for you always.”
“Then I was thinking, as a gift to you, tonight can we all make love to you? I want you to have all of us.”
“Mason, are you sure?” she asks, a smile spreading across her luscious lips. “You’ve waited a long time.”
“Well, you’re the new boss of us, aren’t you?” I say raising my eyebrows, thinking about the way she handled Black Bull yesterday, she organized a conference call, spoke with a lawyer, began going through our books. She was sexy as hell with that earpiece in, making those calls, looking so damn hot with her hair wrapped up in a bun, her assets on display.
And yeah, I’m not just talking about her accounting skills. I’m talking about the fact she was doing all this business in a skimpy pair of booty shorts and a thin tank top, her perky tits on display all damn day.
“In that case, let me plan tonight.” Her eyes sparkle, and I am so fucking grateful for this woman. She came into our lives at the exact right time. We’ve been through a lot together already, and I believe with all that I am, that we can get through anything together. Hell, she was kidnapped, I was almost eaten by a fucking shark, we gave up our sponsorship—and together we will take this next leap of faith, together.
“I love you, Chloe.” I pull her mouth to mine, kissing this gift from above, and knowing I will cherish her now, love her always.
Chapter 20
Chloe
For the rest of the day, I take pleasure in running around LA. I shop at a boutique lingerie shop and pick out a beautiful teddy I know the guys will love... and most likely rip to shreds.
I get a bikini wax... wanting my pussy bare for them as a special treat. I stop at a high-end grocery store and purchase chocolate covered strawberries, along with a can of whipped cream and caramel sauce. A sweet tooth has come on all of a sudden and I’m getting wet just imagining licking my men clean.
By the time evening has arrived, I call the guys to meet me in the living room. Mason is on crutches, but he’s looking at me with so much desire, all I want to do is get him on the floor and let the rug burn begin.
“Hey, baby,” he says, leaning in for a kiss. “You look beautiful.”
I feel the heat rise to my cheeks, it’s been a long time since he and I were naked together and my body is craving his.
Ethan, Enzo, and Noah join us, and I grab a bottle of champagne from the fridge. “I know it’s sugary—but tonight if you want to play, you have to play by my rules.”
Noah laughs. “Your rules are the only ones I want.” He reaches around my waist and kisses my neck. “And hey, I’ll pop your cork too.”
“Have at it,” Ethan says with a grin. “I already popped her cherry.”
“Ethan!” I cover my mouth laughing, surprised to hear him talk that way. “You’re bad.”
“So bad I’m good.” He walks toward me as Noah lets go while taking the champagne from my hand. Ethan kisses me deeply on the mouth and my body sinks against his. I feel how hard he is against me, his rigid cock needy, and my pussy gets wet as his tongue finds mine.
I hear the cork pop and Noah shouts as the bubbly champagne explodes, it gets me excited. I want to explode tonight too.
Stepping away from Ethan and his needy cock, I take the offered flute of bubbly and make a toast, clinking my glass against the guys’. “To loving one another through thick and thin.”
“Emphasis on the thick,” Enzo says, grabbing for his groin.
“You guys are all being so bad,” I laugh, knowing I’m just as naughty. As I prepared for tonight, slipping the silky teddy over my bare pussy and bare breasts, I imagined them banging me until I forgot where I was. I imagined them fucking me until I forgot my name. I imagined them taking me until there was nothing left to give.
“Damn,” Enzo says. “Bellissima, that is delicious.”
I smile. “The champagne or...” I step away and lift the hem of my sundress. Underneath is the tiny teddy. It is a silky aquamarine fabric that drapes over my breasts, barely covering my pussy.
“Oh, damn, you are making me crazy.” Enzo comes toward me, running his hand through my hair and cupping my face. He kisses me softly on the lips, then lowers his mouth
to my neck, then nibbling at my ear. Enzo kisses my shoulders and runs his hands over my covered breasts. “You are so perfect, Bella.”
I close my eyes, my skin tingling under his touch. He makes me feel so beautiful, so seen—just like my other men. I’m the luckiest woman to have them, and I can’t wait to give myself to them all tonight.
Taking Enzo by the hand, I lead all the guys upstairs to my bedroom. When there, they see what I’ve laid out on the dresser.
“Whipped cream, caramel sauce, chocolate covered strawberries?” Mason grins. “Baby, I had no idea you were planning all of this.”
“It’s my pleasure after you guys have given me so much, given me your hearts and your trust, it’s the least I can do.”
I walk over to Mason, guiding him toward the bed. He may be off crutches, but he still needs to take it easy. “This is where you’re sitting tonight,” I tell him, resting my hands on my hips trying to be as in control as I can.
“Where did you say you are sitting?” he asks with a smirk.
My face flushes again, but I don’t back down. “I plan on sitting on your face if you’re interested to know.”
Mason lies down, propping himself against a pillow. “Oh, I’m very interested, captivated, really.”
“So,” Ethan says. “I know we just had champagne, but are you interested in another treat?”
I bite my bottom lip, Ethan is always such a surprise. From the first night we met, I had a hard time reading him, and as he gets me more and more I continue to see other parts of him peel back. At first, there was the serious and responsible side of him, but I’ve also seen the playful and innocent side too.
And tonight, it looks like I’m going to see the wild side. Because Ethan pulls off his shirt and strips out of his pants and boxers. He pumps his rock-hard cock with his hand and he reaches for the can of whipped cream, shaking it before spraying it on his cock.
“Oh, baby,” I say my eyes widening with desire. “I’m definitely interested in another treat.” I pull my hair to the top of my head and tie it up. I don’t want anything to get in the way of this dessert.