She chewed her lip. Again. His cock got hard every single time she did. Harder. It had not been anything but hard since he’d first walked into that party yesterday.
When she released it, she jumped on his case. “Don’t patronize me, Keegan. I’m well aware of what’s happening here. I don’t need a play-by-play.” She poked his chest. Feisty.
He loved her spunk. Loved that she wouldn’t be treated condescendingly, and he hadn’t meant to imply otherwise. “I’m sorry, hon. I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just trying to ease your concerns.”
“Well my concerns are valid and huge. My concerns are real.”
Trace stepped closer to their sides. “They are, baby. How can we make this easier?”
“I don’t know.” She blew out a breath. “Look, I’m sorry I’m being such a bitch. I’m stressed beyond belief. It’s so much so fast. I need some time alone. Please. Can we get the sandwiches to go, and can you two please let me have like an hour alone somewhere? Back at my place?”
Keegan nodded. “Yes.”
“Yes?” she asked. “Just like that?”
“Yes,” Trace agreed. “If you need time alone, we’ll give you that.” He kissed her forehead. “Now, tell me what you like, and you and Keegan can wait in the truck while I pick up the food. We’ll take you back to your condo and give you some space.”
“Thank you.” Her shoulders visibly relaxed.
Keegan took her hand and led her back to the truck. He opened the door and lifted her in. When he shut them off from the world, she met his gaze. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be, hon.” He toyed with a lock of her long hair, wrapping it around his finger and then releasing it. “I need you to understand something.”
“What?”
“You’re the most important thing in my life now. Mine and Trace’s. The single most important thing. Your feelings and concerns are and will always be our top priority at all times. We may fuck up sometimes. We may disagree. We may fight. But we’ll cherish you unconditionally until we die. Always. Do not for one second feel bad about your hesitation over this mating. It’s completely reasonable for you to be worried. Scared even. It’s life altering. And you’re very innocent.”
He leaned in and set his forehead against hers. “I love that you have never given yourself to another man. It makes my heart soar. I feel unworthy of this gift. And I can assure you neither of us will rush you to complete this mating. When we claim you, it will be on your terms when you’re ready. Not one second before.”
She seemed to be holding her breath while he spoke, her eyes not leaving his or blinking.
“I’m falling head over heels in love with you already. It’s a force I cannot stop.” He set a hand over his heart. “It hurts inside. And it hurts worse to see you so stressed. I want you to be able to talk to us. You can tell us anything. I swear. We won’t judge.”
She bit her lip again.
He smiled. “You don’t have to tell us what’s bothering you today. That I can figure out on my own. It’s perfectly normal for you to stress over the end of being totally single, the fact that you’ll never be completely alone again, the idea of communicating with us telepathically after the claiming, and the sex. All of that. I get it. Trace gets it. And I’m sorry if you feel pressured. We don’t mean for you to.”
She didn’t move. But he thought he was reaching her.
“It’s not easy. The need. The urge to claim you is strong and growing stronger by the minute. Every breath I take in your presence makes me harder and sends my brain into a freefall. I want you like I’ve never wanted anything else in my life.
“But I do have self-control. And I’ll exercise it for as long as necessary.” He dipped his head. “Trust us.”
She nodded. “I do.” A tear fell down her face. “Thank you.”
He hauled her body into his embrace, pressing her face against his chest, breathing deeply of her scent. He enjoyed the feel of her soft, silky hair against his chin.
The driver’s door opened, and Trace climbed in. “Hey. What’s this? Did I miss something?”
That was the moment Keegan realized his eyes were also watery. He wasn’t kidding. He was already in love with Melinda. She meant the world to him.
She lifted her face, wiping her tears away and smiling. “Nothing. Keegan was just being super kind and understanding, and he made me cry.”
Trace froze. “I’m kind and understanding too.”
She turned toward him, wiggling out of Keegan’s embrace. With a giggle, she leaned into Trace’s chest. “I know you are. And I appreciate it. Now, drive to my place and let me have some time alone before I lose my resolve and let you claim me in the truck. That’s so not romantic.”