Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28599 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28599 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
“But please, honey,” I say, “next time you want go on a retreat, let us know first so we don’t think you’ve been kidnapped, okay?” This makes her smile, lighting up her beautiful features.
“I promise,” she whispers, and she looks so delightful it takes all my resolve not to march over to her and sweep her up into my arms so I can kiss her.
“Take as long as you need,” Alex murmurs before bowing his dark head. Then, together we turn our backs on the girl we love, forcing ourselves to give her space. And if we’re lucky then maybe, just maybe, Elle will use that space to find her way back home to us, where she belongs.
14
Elle
I’m purposely going home on a Saturday so that both Hunter and Alex will be there. North Auto, Hunter’s body shop, is open on Saturdays, but neither of them tend to work weekends. But just to be sure, I texted them in advance to let them know I’d be coming home today because I need them to both be there.
I’ve been at the monastery for a month - much longer than I initially anticipated. Yet both men have been true to their word, and have given me space, something I’m so incredibly grateful for. And now, I’m ready to go home and tell them my thoughts and conclusions. I feel confident in it and have resolved that this is the only way forward for me. If they can accept my decision, I’ll be over the moon. But if they can’t, I’ll be prepared to accept that, as well, and I’ll move out. I’ve already spoken to Leah about getting a place together if necessary.
Yet I’m still nervous. I’ve replayed this moment over and over in my head so many times, but what if something dramatic occurs? Calm down, the voice in my head chides. You’re overthinking already, Elle.
I nod and take a deep breath before parking my car next to Hunter’s and Alex’s trucks. My knees are like jelly as I walk toward the back door and open it with a shaking hand, and then my heart drops into my stomach because both men are standing in the kitchen, their muscular arms crossed over their barrel chests, staring at me with impassive looks on their faces.
I’d forgotten how absolutely, ridiculously handsome Hunter and Alex are, and how very alike, even though they’re not biologically related. They’re both tall, broad men, with ebony hair and flashing blue eyes. At the moment, however, their chiseled jaws are just a tiny bit clenched, giving away their mental states. Clearly, my men can’t relax until they hear my decision, and I should put them out of their misery.
“Hi,” I murmur, unable to help a smile from spreading across my face as the sight of them. It’s contagious, and both men return my smile with smiles of their own.
“Elle,” growls Hunter, clearly aching to come over to me. I can tell by the way his shoulders bristle that he longs to scoop me up in his arms, but he’s holding back, still respecting my space. “You were gone for so long.”
“I know,” I sigh. “I’m sorry. I needed more time than I thought.”
“But did you find peace?” asks Alex, one black brow raised. Has he put on muscle? I wouldn’t be surprised if his six pack is now an eight pack, seeing that my stepbrother works out twice a day.
But this isn’t the time for physical attraction. Instead, I’m about to reveal developments in my mental state, which are ten times more important.
“Yes,” I nod. “The life of a nun was never for me. But staying at the City of Enlightenment was a very valuable experience.”
Both men quirk their brows.
“Is that so? Please, tell us: what did you discover, sweetheart? We’d love to know,” Hunter says in a smooth voice. His eyes flash as he keeps them on my face, waiting for my answer.
I take a deep breath.
“Well,” I say, looking them both in the eye. “I’ve made a decision. And that is, that I can’t give either of you up. I’ve been through it over and over again, and I’ve come to the conclusion that the only way forward for me is to be with you. Both of you.” The men stare at me. But they don’t protest, which is a good sign, so I continue in a slightly rushed voice.
“I realized that what’s been mainly holding me back is the notion of a conventional relationship, but I discovered that I don’t actually need that. Why abide by societal expectations? Cultural constructs are pretty arbitrary, and pointless when you think about it.”
Both men stare at me, brows quirked.
“Is that so?” Alex drawls.
“Please, tell us more,” Hunter adds.
I nod.
“Well, what I want is for the three of us to be together in a menage. Do you know what that is?”