38. Brielle

Icollapse onto the hotel bed, the sheets cool against my flushed skin. Every nerve ending in my body pulses with a lingering pleasure, a silent echo of Conrad and Grayson's touch.

"Wow," I manage to whisper, the word a featherlight testament to the intensity we just shared.

My chest rises and falls rapidly, my breath trying to catch up with the racing of my heart. The room is filled with the sound of our combined exhaustion, the air thick with the scent of desire and satisfaction.

I sit up slowly, reaching for the plush hotel towel draped over a nearby chair. As I wrap it around me, the soft fabric feels like a comforting embrace, a stark contrast to the passionate intensity that consumed us moments ago. The towel cocoons my body, offering a momentary shield as I let out a deep breath, grounding myself back into reality.

"Take your time, Brielle." Grayson's voice is gentle, resonating with care and concern.

"Feels like I need to learn how to walk again," I joke, but my laugh comes out more like a contented sigh.

Conrad chuckles from somewhere close by, his presence a steady source of warmth. "You were amazing," he says, and I can almost hear the smile in his voice.

"Thanks to both of you," I reply, my heart still fluttering at the memory of their hands, their lips, their unspoken promises wrapped in every caress.

The towel clings to my damp skin as I lean back on my elbows, not quite ready to stand, still reveling in the afterglow. The room—the world—feels different now, reframed by the connection we've just solidified in the most primal of ways.

The deck door slides open with a whisper, and Conrad's suggestion floats through the air, light as the evening breeze. "How about we take this to the hot tub outside? I promise it's the perfect way to unwind."

Grayson nods in agreement, his eyes bright with mischief. "And who knows, relaxation might just lead to more…rewarding activities."

The idea of slipping into bubbling warmth is tempting, but my limbs are heavy, sated from their earlier efforts. "Mmm," I groan, sinking deeper into the plush bedding. "Sounds heavenly, but I'm not sure I can even stand right now."

"Hey, no worries." Conrad steps closer, his voice a smooth rumble. "I've got you. I'll carry you there."

I raise an eyebrow, a smile teasing my lips. The thought of being cradled against his strong chest sends a shiver down my spine, anticipation mingling with a hint of playful skepticism. "You sure? I'm not exactly light as a feather after all that room service."

He grins, confidence etched in every line of his face. "Absolutely. I work out just for moments like this." His arms are outstretched toward me, ready to lift me from the cocoon of the bed.

"Alright then, Sir Galahad," I say, giving in to the charm of the moment. "Sweep me away to these magical waters you speak of."

With a laugh that ripples through the room, Conrad's hands slide under me, careful and strong. The sensation of being lifted so effortlessly makes my heart flutter, and I cling to him, the thrill of being so close yet again igniting a spark within me.

Conrad's arms envelop me, and I'm airborne, the bed's warmth a memory. My laughter echoes off the walls, light, unburdened. "Conrad! At least let me grab a robe or something!"

"Trust me, Brielle," he says, his voice a low chuckle near my ear, "you won't need it where we're going."

The cool air of the room kisses my bare skin, raising goosebumps. His steady heartbeat vibrates against my side as he strides toward the deck. I can't help but wrap my arms around his neck, the intimacy of the moment overshadowing any modesty.

"Conrad, you're incorrigible," I manage between giggles, the sensation of being so effortlessly held both exhilarating and comforting.

"Only for you," he replies, a playful edge to his tone.

We reach the deck, steam from the hot tub greeting us like a welcoming sigh. Conrad leans over, and I brace for the transition from air to water. He lowers me in, and the warm embrace of the hot tub engulfs me, heat seeping into my muscles. I exhale, the tension melting away as I settle back into the soothing depths.

Water licks at my skin, hot and enveloping. A sigh escapes me, a moan of pure contentment. My body sings with relief, each tender spot eased by the gentle swirl of the jacuzzi's embrace. I close my eyes and let the heat penetrate deep, unraveling the knots of both muscle and mind.

"Feels incredible, doesn't it?" Grayson's voice, smooth as the water that cradles us, breaks into my reverie. I nod, unable to form words that could adequately describe this bliss.

I open my eyes to find him sliding into the water across from me. His movements are fluid, deliberate. The steam rises around him like a cloak, and his eyes lock onto mine, steady and knowing. I can't help but smile. Grayson always seems to understand without needing words—a silent guardian of my comfort.

"Better now?" he asks, the corner of his mouth lifting in a half smile that radiates warmth just as much as the hot tub does.

"Much," I admit. His presence is an anchor, something solid when everything else feels like it's spinning. He reaches out, and his hand finds mine under the water, fingers interlocking with a familiarity that sends a different kind of warmth spiraling through me.

The bubbles pop around us, a symphony of tiny explosions that mimic the erratic beat of my heart. I lean back, the edge of the tub just right for resting. Steam curls into the chilly air, vanishing like ghostly whispers.

"Did you see that couple at dinner?" I toss the question into our little circle, light and easy. "The ones arguing over dessert?"

Grayson chuckles, a low rumble that vibrates through the water. "Yeah, she wanted the chocolate torte, but he insisted on cheesecake." His grin is infectious, and I can't help but join in.

"Team chocolate all the way," I declare, and we share a moment of frivolous camaraderie.

Conrad clears his throat, shifting the mood with a subtle undercurrent of seriousness. "Brielle," he starts, and I turn toward him, noting the thoughtful tilt to his brow. "It's my turn, isn't it? For the questions game."

"Hit me," I say, bracing myself for whatever comes next.

He leans forward, palms flat against the edge of the hot tub. "We've been dancing around this, haven't we? What are we doing here, Brielle? Where do you see this going?"

There it is—the deeper dive, cutting straight to the heart of things.

I take a deep breath, trying to match his intensity. The steam carries away my hesitation, leaving only the raw honesty between us. "I'm not sure," I admit, feeling the weight of the question settle over us. "But I'm willing to find out."

Water laps at my skin, warm and comforting, but Conrad's question sends a shiver down my spine. It's like he's peeled back the layers of playful chatter to expose the uncertainty beneath.

"Conrad's right—we've been avoiding the real questions," Grayson says, his gaze never wavering from mine. "But, Brielle, what do you want? Really want?"

My heart hammers against my chest, pounding out a rhythm that seems too loud in the silence that follows. I draw in a shaky breath, the steamy air filling my lungs as if it could give me the courage to voice my desires.

"Isn't that the million-dollar question?" I try for a laugh, but it comes out more like a nervous tangle of notes.

Grayson leans closer, and his proximity sends another wave of heat through me, unrelated to the water surrounding us. "No dodging," he insists gently. "We're all in this together."

I bite my lip, feeling the flush of pink spread across my cheeks. My eyes flicker to Conrad, then back to Grayson's steady gaze. They both wait, patient and unwavering.

"Part of me…" I start, my words trailing off as I grapple with the thoughts swirling inside me. "Part of me is scared to say it out loud." The admission feels like a whisper, yet it echoes around us.

"Scared?" Grayson probes, his tone soft but insistent.

"Of what people might think," I admit, the confession slipping out before I can cage it once more. "What my father would say…"

"Your happiness is what matters, Brielle," Grayson reminds me, his hand finding mine under the water, a solid anchor amidst the storm of my emotions.

"I know, but—" I swallow hard, the battle between my upbringing and the yearning in my heart suddenly fierce and demanding attention. "It's not just about me, is it?"

"Let's focus on you, for now," Grayson encourages, squeezing my hand. "The rest will fall into place."

"Okay." I nod, taking strength from his touch. "Okay, I'll try."

Conrad leans forward. His intense gaze pins me, a silent command that's impossible to ignore. "Brielle," he says, voice low and compelling, "it's time."

I inhale sharply. The steam from the hot tub curls around us, a misty veil that can't hide the truth waiting on my tongue.

"Stop holding back," Conrad urges. His hand brushes against my knee under the water, sending ripples outward. "We want you to be honest, to take what you need. We're here for you. Both of us."

My heart hammers in my chest, each beat a drumroll to the moment I've both craved and feared. I meet his eyes, finding an ocean of reassurance in their depths.

"Say it, Brielle," he coaxes, a half smile playing on his lips. "Whatever it is, we can handle it."

I open my mouth, the confession teetering on the edge.

Grayson's hand never leaves mine. His touch steadies me as he adds his voice to Conrad's encouragement. "You heard him," Grayson says, calm as the night sky. "What's yours is ours. But first, you have to let us in."

His words are like a lighthouse guiding me through the fog of my own hesitations. I squeeze his hand back, and I realize the power isn't just theirs—it's mine too.

"Okay," I finally whisper, the word barely audible over the gentle bubbling of the water. "I…I want this. With both of you."

Their smiles are instant, twin expressions of victory and promise. Conrad's hand moves up, tracing the line of my thigh in a possessive stroke. "Then that's what you'll have," he declares, satisfaction heavy in his tone.

Grayson's eyes glint with something fierce and protective. "Agree to be ours," he says, voice edged with a fervor that seizes my breath. "And we'll show you a world where you're cherished, shared, and always—undeniably—loved."

I nod, the wordless gesture sealing my silent plea. Theirs. It feels like a surrender and a victory all at once.

I hesitate, a whirlwind of thoughts spinning through my head. Dad's stern look flashes before my eyes—the expectations, the rules, the family name to uphold. Complications weave like shadows through my mind, tangling with the warmth of Conrad's and Grayson's gazes.

"Are you sure?" I murmur, voice laced with uncertainty.

Conrad nods, his eyes unwavering. "Absolutely."

Grayson squeezes my hand, a silent vow in his touch. His gaze holds mine, steady and sure.

My heart pounds, a drumbeat echoing the turmoil inside me. But then it's as if the outside world fades away, leaving only the here and now—the water's caress, their expectant faces, the promise of something wild and uncharted.

"Okay," I say, stronger this time. "Yes, I'm yours."

The words hang in the air, a declaration that feels both terrifying and right.

A smile breaks across my face, a blooming warmth that chases away the shadows of doubt. They're my boyfriends—mine. The thought sends a thrill down my spine, a giddy rush that makes me dizzy with its implications.

Before I can second-guess myself, Conrad leans in. His lips meet mine in a kiss that sears straight to my soul. It's a passionate claim, one that stirs a fire deep within me and binds us together with an invisible thread. I'm breathless at the end of it.

Next is Grayson's turn. He holds my chin as he presses his lips against mine, firm with promise. Our breaths mingle, and there's nothing but the heat between us, the slick warmth of water against skin, and the pounding of my heart as it syncs with theirs.

"Ours," Grayson whispers against my lips.

I melt into even more kisses from both of them, sealing the deal with a fervor.

A door snaps shut somewhere, loud against the soft hum of the hot tub. I break away from their embrace, my pulse skipping.

"Did you hear that?" My voice is a thread of sound, almost lost in the bubbling water.

Grayson's hand lands warm on my thigh, grounding. "It's nothing, Brielle. Probably another room."

I nod, trying to match his calm, but there's a niggle of worry tickling the back of my mind. Was it our door? The thought clings stubbornly.

"Relax." His thumb strokes small circles on my skin, soothing me back into the moment, into this intimate cocoon with them.

I force a smile, let the tension slide off my shoulders. They're here, they're mine.

"Okay," I say, more to convince myself than them. "Just…sounded close, is all."

"Hey." Grayson's eyes hold mine, steady and sure. "We're right here. Nothing else matters."

His words wrap around me like a blanket. Safe. Warm.

"Right here," I repeat softly, letting go of the fear. It's probably nothing. Just my imagination, still buzzing from everything that's happened.

"Exactly." He smiles, that easy, charming smile that always sets my heart at ease. And just like that, I believe him—it was probably nothing.