13. Flora

13

FLORA

I wake with a jolt, my body stretching across unfamiliar sheets that smell of masculine musk and cedar. The empty spaces beside me hold warmth from where Nash and Colt slept, but they’re gone now. Sunlight streams through the trailer’s window, casting strange shadows across the rumpled bedding.

A harsh buzz cuts through the peaceful morning. My phone vibrates against the wooden nightstand, the screen lighting up with a number I’d hoped to never see again. My foster family. My heart pounds against my ribs as I snatch the device, my thumb hovering over the decline button.

Tommy’s face enters my mind—the cruel twist of his lips when he found me holding the flyer. “Not happening. You belong to me and Jake. Don’t forget that. Or do you need another reminder?”

I press decline, but my hands won’t stop shaking. The phone slips between my trembling fingers onto the bed. On the outside, no one would think anything was amiss with my foster family. Sure, they overworked me. But that was the least of my worries. Tommy and Jake were the real nightmare, especially two years ago when I turned sixteen.

Looking around Colt’s bedroom, I wonder if I’ve traded one cage for another. But this feels different. Despite their intensity, their possession feels like protection rather than imprisonment. Still, can they keep me safe if Tommy and Jake come looking? They won’t let me go easily.

The phone buzzes again. Same number. I decline it faster this time, my breath coming in short gasps. I pull my knees to my chest, making myself small like I used to do in that house. The carnival seemed like a perfect escape, but now I’m unsure. Maybe nowhere is truly safe.

The bedroom door creaks open, and Colt’s broad frame fills the doorway. He’s gorgeous, his movements strong and sure. He balances a steaming mug of coffee and a plate stacked with golden pancakes. His hair is damp from a shower, a few drops sliding down his neck and into his tight black t-shirt.

“You’re awake.” His ice-blue eyes scan my huddled position, taking in my phone clutched in my white-knuckled grip. The mattress dips as he sets breakfast on the nightstand. “Everything okay?”

I force my fingers to release the phone, letting it fall onto the sheets. “Just... spam calls.” The lie tastes bitter on my tongue, but I can’t bring myself to explain. Not yet.

“Here.” He hands me the coffee mug, and warmth seeps into my cold hands. The rich aroma helps ground me in the present moment. “Nash is handling some business with Tyson but will return soon. I thought you might be hungry.”

The pancakes smell divine, topped with butter and real maple syrup. My stomach growls, reminding me I barely ate yesterday. Colt’s lips quirk up at the sound.

“Thank you,” I reply, carefully sipping the coffee. It’s perfect—just enough cream to cut the bitterness.

Colt settles beside me, close enough that his thigh brushes mine through the blanket. The contact sends a shiver through me, but not from fear. His presence pushes back the darkness that Tommy’s call stirred up, replacing it with something warm and safe.

“Eat,” he says, his voice gentle but leaving no room for argument. “We’ve got training later, and you’ll need your strength.”

I take a bite of the pancakes, savoring the sweetness as Colt shifts beside me.

“About the Christmas show,” he says, eyes on my face. “It’s our biggest performance of the year. Nash and I have been talking, and we want you in it.”

The fork freezes halfway to my mouth. “But I’ve barely started training.”

“You’re a natural on the trapeze. Your form is perfect, and you take direction well.” His hand finds my knee through the blanket, squeezing gently. “We’ve got three weeks to get you ready.”

“Three weeks?” I set the fork down, my appetite wavering under the weight of his expectations. “That seems impossible.”

“Not impossible. Challenging, yes. But Nash and I will work with you every day.” His thumb traces circles on my knee. “The Christmas show is special. We transform the big top into a winter wonderland. Snow machines, ice-themed costumes, the works.”

I picture myself suspended above a glittering white floor, wrapped in sparkles and frost. The image is beautiful but terrifying. “What if I fall?”

“You won’t.” The certainty in his voice makes me look up. His blue eyes lock with mine. “Nash and I won’t let that happen. Ever.”

“What’s the routine?”

“A three-person aerial dance. Nash and I have performed it as a duo before, but with you...” He pauses, something dark and hungry flickering across his face. “It’ll be different. Better. You’re the missing piece we’ve been waiting for.”

The intensity of his gaze makes my cheeks flush. I take another sip of coffee to hide my reaction, but Colt sees right through it. His hand slides from my knee to my thigh, his palm burning through the blanket.

“Say yes,” he murmurs. “Let us show you what we can create together.”

I nod, setting my coffee down. “Yes. I want to be part of the show.”

Colt’s smile transforms his entire face, softening the hard edges. He pulls me into a tight embrace, and I melt against his chest. His warmth envelops me. The scent of his shower-fresh skin fills my senses—clean soap and something uniquely him.

My fingers curl into his t-shirt of their own accord. His heart thunders against my palm, matching the rapid beat of my own. His eyes darken when I tilt my head back to look at him. Time seems to slow as he leans down, giving me plenty of chance to pull away.

I don’t.

His lips brush mine, gentle at first, then more insistent. The kiss deepens, and I lose myself in the sensation until we’re both breathless.

When we finally break apart, Colt rests his forehead against mine. “We should probably talk about last night.” His voice comes out rough. “It wasn’t the conventional way to start working together.”

I feel the heat rise in my cheeks at the memory. “No, it wasn’t.”

“Any regrets?” His thumb traces my jawline, his touch feather-light.

“None.” The word comes out barely above a whisper, but I mean it. Despite how intense things got with him and Nash, I feel safer here than ever.

Colt’s smile is playful, something I haven’t seen on him before. “Any questions so far?”

I swallow hard, my gaze darting between him and the closed bedroom door. “I— I mean, yes. I do have a question.”

“Go on. Ask me anything.” His fingertips trace lazy patterns on my thigh, each touch sending a shiver through me.

I take a steadying breath. “Have you ever, I mean... with Nash. Have you ever shared a woman before?”

For a moment, Colt doesn’t answer. His hand stills, but his eyes hold mine. I can see the wheels turning in his head, weighing his response.

“Never,” he says, his voice steady. “You’re the only one.”

My eyes widen. “Really?”

Colt nods, his thumb brushing my cheek. “You’re different, Flora. Special. It’s like you woke something up in both of us.”

“But I felt this... tension between the two of you. Almost like—” I stop, unsure how to put it into words without offending him.

Colt’s fingers pause on my cheek, his eyes suddenly guarded. “Go on. Don’t hold back.”

My pulse quickens, but I forge ahead. “Like there’s something between you. Something more than just work colleagues or best friends.”

He’s quiet for a moment, his thumb stroking my cheekbone. I can see the wheels turning in his head as he weighs his response.

“It’s true. There’s more to Nash and me than meets the eye.” He sighs, his eyes fixed on the window. “I’ve always been attracted to him, but he’s straight.”

I frown because I saw the way Nash looked at Colt’s dick. “Are you sure about that?”

Colt tilts his head. “Yes, he’s always been with women only.”

“Have you ever tried anything?” I ask.

“No.” He shakes his head. “I’ve wanted to plenty of times. But I value his friendship too much to risk losing it.” His eyes meet mine again. “It’s a weird limbo, wanting someone you can’t have.”

There’s an invisible tether between them that defies explanation, and it draws me in just as much as it confuses me.

“Would you—” My voice falters, uncertain if I should ask.

“What, angel?” His thumb brushes my lower lip, his gaze never wavering.

“Would you want to try?” The words tumble out in a rush. “With Nash, I mean. I think it would be...” My cheeks flame, but I force myself to continue. “I think it would be hot.”

Colt’s eyes widen, and I worry I’ve said too much. But then a slow smile curves his lips, making his dimples appear. “You think so, huh?”

I nod, unable to look away from his intense blue eyes. “It’s just— you two have an almost tangible connection. And you obviously care about each other deeply. It could be beautiful if you explored that side of things.”

“And what about you, angel?” He leans closer, his eyes darkening with desire. “Would you want to be part of that exploration?”

My pulse hammers in my veins, and my breath comes in short gasps. “Yes,” I whisper, the word coming out on a breath. “I think I would.”

As soon as the words leave my lips, I regret them. But then Colt’s mouth crashes down on mine, silencing any apologies. His tongue tangles with mine, kissing me like he means it. His hand grabs my thigh under the blanket, and I squirm against him.

His kiss deepens, and he pulls me tighter against his growing erection. My core throbs with need, remembering what it was like to have him inside me.

“So damn beautiful.” His lips trail hot kisses along my jaw. “You like the idea of me and Nash, huh?”

“Mmm.” I nod.

“You want to see me suck his cock?” Colt’s voice is hoarse as his hand cups my breast through the shirt. “Want to see how much I’ve wanted him?”

I let out a ragged breath, my body arching against him. His kiss is sloppy and hungry, conveying his own pent-up desires.

“Yeah,” I whisper against his lips. “I want to see it.”

Colt groans, his hips thrusting against me. “I’ve dreamed about his mouth on me, his hands... but you... you’re what I want most right now.”

I tear my mouth from him, panting. “Then take me.”

Without breaking eye contact, he shifts me off his lap. His hands find the hem of my shirt and lift, eyes darkening as my skin is revealed. I lift my arms, letting him pull it over my head and toss it aside. He cups my breasts, thumbs brushing my nipples through my bra.

“So fucking perfect.” His eyes burn into mine as he leans down to take a nipple into his mouth. The sensation shoots straight between my legs, and I gasp.

While he teases my nipples with his tongue and teeth, his hands move to the band of his sweatpants. He pulls out his thick, pierced cock, the tip already leaking. My mouth goes dry at the sight of it, but he lies down beside me instead of entering me.

“Sit on my face,” he growls, eyes flashing with dark need. “I need to taste you.”

I obey, positioning myself above his mouth as he rests on the bed. My core hovers over his face, the anticipation building as he grabs my thighs.

His tongue teases my entrance, making me cry out. Then he pulls me down so his mouth covers me completely, his tongue penetrating deep as he laps at my juices. My hands tangle in his damp hair, holding him to me as my hips rock involuntarily against his mouth.

“Fuck, you taste so good,” he mumbles, his hands squeezing my ass as he lifts me away to speak. “I could eat you out all day.”

My moans fill the room, my knees bracketing his shoulders as his tongue works magic on my clit. “Please,” I pant, unsure what I’m begging for. Release? For more? Both?

Colt chuckles, the vibrations sending shocks of pleasure through me. He pulls me tighter against his mouth, his tongue working me in all the right ways. My hips buck as I teeter on the edge, and suddenly, he stops.

I force my eyes open. “Your fantasy, remember? Tell me,” he orders, voice muffled between my legs.

“I want you to fuck me,” I gasp, thrusting my hips against his face. “Like last night. Missionary.”

His groan vibrates against my core. My eyes roll back as his fingers find my clit, rubbing circles as he sucks and licks from below.

“And Nash?” His voice is strained as he pushes me toward a second peak. “What’s he doing?”

“You’re sucking his cock.” I try to form a coherent sentence, but it’s difficult with the way he’s eating me. “He’s holding your hair while you take him down your throat.”

“Good girl.” His fingers curl inside me, stretching and filling me. “But how does it feel? Tell me.”

“It feels...” I struggle to put words to the image in my mind, the sensation of his fingers fucking me slowly, his tongue dancing across my clit. “It feels filthy. So dirty.”

Colt hums his approval, the vibration sending shivers through me. “Anything else?”

I hesitate, uncertain if my fantasy is too much. “I want your cum. Both of you.” I bite my lip, hesitating. “Inside me. And then, I want you both to take turns eating it out of my pussy.”

“You filthy angel,” he growls, withdrawing his fingers and throwing me onto my back beneath him, his thick cock grinding against my soaking wet pussy. “Do you want my cum now?”

“Yes.” The word is a plea as he teases my entrance, rubbing the tip of his cock against me. “Claim me.”

He plunges inside me with a groan, his thrusts urgent and deep as if to brand me as his own. I moan, clenching around him. He sets a brutal pace, pounding into me relentlessly. I’m dizzy with pleasure, arching my back to meet each thrust.

“Your fantasy, angel. Finish it.” Colt’s hips snap against mine as he reaches between us, rubbing my clit.

“I want your mouth on him,” I pant. “Tasting me on his cock.”

“Fuck, yes,” he groans, momentarily breaking his rhythm, consumed by the fantasy. “I crave the taste of him, your sweetness lingering on every inch of his cock.”

I moan and claw at his shoulders, pulling him down for a kiss.

“Mm, yes.” I kiss him hungrily, biting his lip as he thrusts into me. “Then he fucks my mouth while you take me from behind, pumping me full of your cum.”

“You’re killing me, angel.” Colt’s voice is thick, strained with the effort of his self-control. His hand slides down to rub my clit in time with his relentless thrusts.

“Tell me your fantasy, Colt,” I whisper, my fingers threading through his dark hair as he continues to nibble and suck at my neck. “A fantasy of the three of us.”

He pulls back, his eyes glinting with desire. “You sure you want to know?”

I nod, my chest tight with anticipation. “Tell me.”

His smile is wicked as he continues to fuck me. “You on your back just like you are now, and I’m fucking you hard and rough.”

I arch my back, wanting him deeper. “Go on,” I breathe.

“And Nash is behind me, his dick lubed up, and my ass stretched and ready to feel him take me.”

“Oh fuck!” I murmur, the image so hot. “You want him to fuck you while you fuck me?”

“Yeah.” Colt thrusts into me, each snap of his hips sending shockwaves of pleasure through me. “I want to feel Nash stretch me open while I’m balls deep in your sweet pussy.”

My vision blurs as the image takes over my mind. Colt fucking me while Nash takes him—all three of us connected so intimately.

The thought is enough to push me over the edge. I shatter around Colt, my pussy milking him as I cry out his name.

“Just like that. Surrender to me.” Colt thrusts through my orgasm, his grunts of pleasure filling the room. His pace becomes erratic, his hips snapping against mine as he chases his own release.

His grip on my hips tightens, fingers digging into my flesh. “My turn to fly.” He slams into me, his cock pulsing as he fills me with his cum. “Come with me, baby. Let go again.”

I sob against his shoulder as he angles his hips in a way that slams his piercing into my G-spot, and another climax consumes me, this one even more powerful than the first. My body shakes uncontrollably as Colt fills me, his hips jerking as he empties himself inside me.

Gradually, my senses return. Colt’s sweat-soaked chest heaves against me as he tries to catch his breath.

“That was...” I trail off, unable to find words.

“Incredible.” Colt chuckles, his lips pressing kisses to my shoulder. “I knew you’d be something special, angel. But you’ve exceeded every fantasy.”

I smile. “That’s saying something, considering your imagination.”

He chuckles, his chest rumbling against my back. “We’ve only just begun.” His voice turns wicked, sending a thrill through me. “We’ve hardly explored the fantasies I have of you, me, and Nash.”

A shiver runs through me at the thought. “I can’t wait.”

Colt pulls out of me slowly, then tugs me against his chest. I snuggle against him, enjoying the warmth of his arms around me. The safety that this man offers is everything I’ve ever craved since I was a little girl.