35. Ryan

Emma and Lukasboth look stunning in the sunset light of South Beach, like a painting come to life.

The sky is filled with streaks of brilliant orange and pink over the endless ocean as we walk along the pristine white sand. The salty sea breeze rustles Emma's silky chestnut hair and Lukas's golden waves.

I could get used to the vibe of mid-February in Miami, especially considering how brutally cold and gray it is back in the Midwest. We're here for a game but I'd definitely like to come back here in the off-season. Explore the city a little more. Explore these two a little more too, maybe.

We find a little beach-front seafood shack with twinkle lights strung up and grab a table. I can't take my eyes off Lukas as he laughs at something Emma says, his emerald gaze sparkling. Three months ago, I wanted to punch that pretty face. Now, I just want to kiss it. And I'm allowed to.

Wild.

"What are you smiling about over there, Ry?" Lukas grins at me knowingly. He reaches over and takes my hand, lacing our fingers together. My heart flips in my chest.

"Nothing. Just thinking how crazy it is that this is real." I bring his hand to my lips and press a soft kiss to his knuckles. "You and me. And Emma. All of us together like this."

"It feels right though, doesn't it?" Emma smiles sweetly, rubbing her foot against my calf under the table. "Like it was always meant to be this way."

"Definitely," I agree, swallowing hard. The enormity of my feelings hits me like a body check to the chest.

I'm completely in love with both of them. Head over skates, no doubt about it.

Wanting to lighten the mood before I get too sappy, I change the subject. "So Em, Alex mentioned you might be interested in moving into video coaching. What's that about?"

She bites her lip, looking uncertain. "I don't know. I mean, I'd love to do it, but people would probably just assume I got the job because of my dad. Call me a nepo baby again or whatever."

Lukas scowls. Emma told Lukas and Slade the truth about her dad last month, so now we all know.

"Screw what other people think," Lukas says, passion in his voice. "Em, you'd be incredible at it. Ryan and I have seen your genius for analyzing plays firsthand. If it's what you want, go for it."

"Exactly," I nod in agreement, squeezing his hand. "We have your back, and none of us will let anyone give you shit. You've more than earned it on your own merit."

Emma looks between us, her blue eyes shining with emotion. "You guys…thank you. That means everything to me, having your support."

She leans over and kisses me softly, her lips warm and sweet. Then she turns and does the same to Lukas. Watching them together sends a bolt of heat through me.

"Always, baby," Lukas murmurs against her mouth. "We've got you. In everything."

Under the table, he slides his other hand up my thigh, teasing. I inhale sharply. Oh yeah, it's going to be a very good night. And many more to come with these two by my side.

As we finish our dinner and settle the bill, I find myself reflecting on how much things have changed in such a short time. Just a few months ago, I never could have imagined being here, on a romantic date with Lukas of all people. Let alone being in a polycule together.

But now, I can't picture my life any other way. With Emma and the guys, I feel like I can finally let my guard down and just be myself.

No masks, no pretenses.

They accept me for who I am, flaws and all. And I'm realizing that's bringing out the best in me.

"What are you thinking about so hard over there?" Emma's voice breaks into my reverie. She slides her arms around my waist as we wait for a rideshare.

"Just how lucky I am," I answer honestly, pulling her close. "To have you. All of you."

"Aw, who knew Big Thompson was such a sap?" Lukas teases, but there's genuine affection in his eyes when they meet mine. He presses against Emma's back, sandwiching her between us.

"Takes one to know one, Casanova," I shoot back with a grin. Emma giggles, her body shaking delightfully against mine.

The sultry Miami air envelops us as we make our way to the car, arms around each other. I feel invigorated, alive in a way I haven't in years. Maybe ever.

In a flash of clarity, I realize that this feeling, this bone-deep contentment, is what I've been searching for. I haven't felt this way in years, probably since before my dad died. I have my little sister Rosie, of course, but there's always a distance between us. I'm her older brother, and now the only man of the family. I have to set an example.

I've needed a true sense of belonging. Of family.

Looking at Emma and Lukas, I know I've finally found it. As unorthodox as our relationship might seem from the outside, it works for us. It's real. They're my home now.

My chest swells with emotion as Lukas opens the car's door, one hand resting possessively on Emma's thigh. She shoots me a dazzling smile over her shoulder, and something clicks into place inside me.

This is exactly where I'm meant to be.

The elevator doors slide open, revealing our sprawling penthouse hotel suite overlooking the glittering Miami skyline. It has polished marble floors, plush white leather couches, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing a breathtaking ocean view. The space is open and airy, with a massive living area, full kitchen, and wraparound balcony.

"Wow, this place is incredible," Emma murmurs in awe beside me. Her blue eyes sparkle brighter than the city lights below.

Lukas smirks and wraps an arm around her waist. "Wait till you see the view from the bedroom, princess." He winks at me mischievously over her head.

A thrill of anticipation rushes through me as we head down the hall. Pushing open the door reveals an expansive master suite with a California king bed, private balcony, and ensuite bathroom sporting a glass-walled shower and deep soaking tub. Our suitcases are already waiting, courtesy of the bellhops.

Emma wanders over to the windows, gazing out at the moonlit beach in the distance. "I can't believe this is real. Did I mention how much I love road games?"

"Wait till you see the view with your panties around your ankles," Lukas quips, pressing up behind her. She shivers and arches back against him.

My cock stirs in my jeans watching them together, remembering the way her lips felt against my neck at dinner. The way her fingertips trailed up my thigh under the table, teasing me until I was rock hard…

I shake my head to clear it. We need to take this slow, savor it. Especially with our complicated history. Emma and I haven't tried having vaginal sex again since that night in December. To be fair, I've had my hands full with Lukas. But a part of me is still concerned that I'll hurt her.

Now, watching Lukas slip his hands under her dress has me aching to touch her soft skin.

Loosening my tie, I cross the room in two long strides. Emma turns and meets my gaze, her breath quickening. I cradle her face in my palms.

"You're so fucking beautiful," I rasp before capturing her mouth with mine. She makes a soft noise and parts her lips, inviting me deeper. I lick into her sweet warmth, tasting the champagne we shared earlier.

Lukas chuckles darkly behind her. "Careful, Thompson. I might get jealous watching you devour our girl." His voice is pure sex but edged with something else. The ghost of our old rivalry.

Emma breaks the kiss and glances back at him. "Don't worry, there's plenty of me to go around." She reaches for his belt buckle with a coy smile.

God, do I want these two. I've never wanted anyone this badly. Never felt so desperate to touch and taste every inch of silky skin. To claim Emma, even as I share her…

My hands skim down her sides, bunching the floral print fabric of her dress. She raises her arms as I wrench it over her head and let it flutter to the floor. The revelation of red lace lingerie has my throat going dry.

"Keeping unwrapping her," Lukas demands roughly, eyes molten with lust. "I want to watch you touch her. Everywhere."

I smirk back up at him. "Bossy. Picking up a few things from Alex?"

Lukas smiles lazily. "What can I say? He's a good coach, and I'm a quick learner. Now touch our girl."

I trail my fingertips down Emma's arms, relishing the way goosebumps rise on her skin. Her breathing quickens as I trace along the scalloped edges of her bra, teasing the swells of her breasts.

"Ryan…" she breathes out shakily. "Please."

I grin and oblige her, cupping the lush mounds through the delicate lace. Her nipples pebble under my palms as I squeeze gently. Emma arches into my touch with a moan.

"That's it, baby," Lukas praises huskily. He tugs his shirt over his head and steps out of his slacks, revealing miles of toned golden skin. His cock juts thick and hard from his boxer briefs. "Let him make you feel good."

I dip my head and lave my tongue over one taut bud through the lace. Emma trembles and tangles her fingers in my hair, holding me to her chest. I suckle harder, flicking the sensitive nub with the tip of my tongue. She whimpers between us, hips writhing.

"Fuck, that's hot," Lukas growls. He reaches around to unclasp her bra, letting it fall away. I switch my attention to her other breast, laving the rosy peak until it glistens. Emma's head lolls back onto Lukas's shoulder, lost in sensation.

My hands roam down her ribcage to her hips, hooking into her panties. I drag the scrap of lace down her legs until she can step out of them. Then I'm kneeling at her feet, gazing up the length of her body in wonder, memorizing every curve and dip of her body—the swell of her breasts, the indent of her waist, the flare of her hips.

She is a goddess, and I want to worship at her altar for hours.

Lukas makes an approving noise. "Like what you see, Ryan? Our girl is fucking stunning, isn't she?" He skims his hands possessively up her sides.

I nod, not trusting my voice. Rising slowly, I trail open-mouthed kisses from her knee up her inner thigh. Emma's breath hitches as I near the apex of her legs. The scent of her arousal floods my senses, musky and intoxicating. I glance up to meet her heavy-lidded gaze.

"May I taste you, baby?" I rasp.

"God, yes," Emma breathes out. "I need your mouth on me."

I don't need any more encouragement. Parting her thighs, I lean in and run my tongue along her glistening slit, savoring her honeyed essence. Emma shudders and grips my hair tighter.

"Oh fuck, Ryan…" she moans as I circle her swollen clit with the tip of my tongue before suckling gently. I slide two fingers into her, pumping slowly, curling them until I hear her gasp and clench around my digits.

"That's it, make her come on your tongue," Lukas urges gruffly behind her, hands kneading her breasts. "I want to feel her fall apart in our arms."

I double my efforts, licking and stroking Emma faster, spurred on by Lukas.

Emma writhes between us, her moans growing higher and breathier as she rockets towards her peak. I devour her like a starving man, lapping up every drop of her sweetness. Her thighs start to tremble and quake around my head.

"Oh god, oh fuck, don't stop!" she cries out, grinding against my face.

But before she can come, there's a sharp, insistent rap on the door to our hotel room.