Page 100 of Chase
“Where are you taking me?” I ask as Connor and Russell maneuver me between them. The silk mask around my eyes turns everything black. I totter along in the red heels with my silk dress, not knowing where I am going. My heart beats hard in my chest with excitement.
“You’ll find out in a minute,” Connor says. A moment later, a firm hand wraps around my waist, bringing me to a stop.
“It stinks,” I mutter as they remove the obstruction from my eyes, leaving me staring at the rear entrance to Guilty Pleasures. I spin round to gape at the pair of them; my face must be hilarious as they both press their lips together to hide their laughter. “Here, you brought me here?”
“This place is the start of our story. It was here you looked after our sister. It was here that brought you to us,” Russell says, his voice soft as if speaking to a terrified child. “Come.” He takes my hand and starts climbing the rickety old stairs. I glare at his suited back. Connor follows behind.
“I feel you staring at my ass,” I hiss over my shoulder. He holds up his hands in mock surrender. “You’re both in trouble.”
“That makes a change, it’s normally you in trouble, Trouble,” Russell mutters over his shoulder.
Upon reaching the top, I see that the door is already open. We step through, and the sound of romantic music surprises me. Russell leads us toward the notes, pushing open a door at the source. I immediately recognize the space as one of the private rooms available.
In the center of the room is a table laid for three with perfectly polished silverware. A wine bottle sits in a cooler in the middle. My boys lead me across; Connor pulls out my chair while Russell supports me as I lower myself down.
At my place setting is a small white card with the words “Our Girl” written in thick black calligraphy across the front. I pick it up and gaze at it, my head wanting to know what’s inside while my heart is terrified to look. The boys take their seats, and two sets of dark eyes land on me.
“Before you open it,” Russell begins, and my heart falls. This is it. This is when they make me choose. Tonight is the final time I’ll be with both of them. My heart beats hard in my chest as my nerves rise. “There’s something we both want to talk to you about.”
“What is it?” I ask, my voice barely audible.
“We want to thank you,” Connor says. “Both of us. For making the decision to pull the trigger.” I blink at him, stunned by the reference to me killing their father. It’s barely been mentioned. I took that as them not wanting to discuss my actions. “Neither of us would have been able to do it. As much as we hate him, and as much as he hurt us, I know I could never have taken his life.”
“Are you angry with me?” I look between them, searching both their faces for clues of their true feelings. They both maintain that professional look I’ve seen them use dozens of times now when trying to appear impassive.
“I was in the beginning,” Connor tells me honestly. “The decision for revenge was taken out of our hands. I’m used to being in control.” His eyes drop away, his hands on the table, fingers twisting nervously.
“And now?” I prompt and his face lifts, intense eyes meeting mine.
“I am indebted to you for loving me, loving us all enough to remove our deadliest enemy. You making that decision was the greatest gift you could give us.”
“Trouble,” Russell says, reaching over and touching my elbow. My attention moving to him. “You protected us. You’re the heroine in our story. We love you.”
We all fall silent, both sets of stunning eyes of the men I love with all my heart watching my face. Looking at them, I promise myself that whatever happens, I will cherish every memory we’ve created. This is love, pure and simple. Not sensible, not understandable, and doesn’t fit snuggly in a box, but it’s love all the same and no less real.
“Open it now,” Connor encourages, gesturing to the card. Russell, however, sits back, his gaze focused on my face. My body heats from the unexpected conversation and tension within minutes of arriving at the last place I ever expected to return to. “Open it,” he says again. “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
I peel the flap and remove a small white card from its resting place. My eyes pop wide when I read the inscription.
We’ve decided, but we have conditions…
I flip it over but the other side is blank.
“What have you decided? What conditions?” I stammer.
Russell reaches forward, taking my hand closest to him, Connor repeats the movement with my other. A waitress appears and places our first course on the table, then fills each of our glasses with white wine. We sit silently until she leaves.
“You don’t have to choose,” Connor tells me softly. “After everything…” His emotion breaks, and he presses his lips together attempting to contain what sounds like a small sob.
“But you said you could never learn to share long-term.”
He gives me a reassuring smile. “Being threatened with having your organs removed kind of makes you reevaluate what’s important in life.” His hand lifts to my cheek. “I told you from the beginning I would do anything to keep you. I almost lost you through death; I am damn sure I won’t lose you through my own pigheaded stupidity.”
“And you're okay with this?” I ask, turning to Russell.
“Sure. I kind of like the idea of having days off. You like to work a man hard, Trouble.” We all laugh, and the mood lightens. My men are offering me everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m getting my dream: both of them.
“What are your conditions then?” My eyes move between them, looking for the last piece of the puzzle.