Chapter Nine

Anika

Two Weeks Later

“Did you take it yet?” Mia asks when I open the front door.

“Hello to you too,” I laugh and step to the side so she and Emma can come inside.

“We brought Theo and Annie. More so just Annie,” Emma says.

“All for me to pee on something,” I say, shaking my head as Theo and Annie come in.

“Hi, Anika,” Annie says happily as she hugs me.

“Hi,” I smile.

“For the record, I told her you’d call and tell her that we didn’t need to come here,” Theo says as he hugs me next.

“I told you they’d all show up,” Rowan laughs.

“I made dinner,” I tell everyone. “I also already took the test.”

“Wait. What did it say?” Mia asks.

“I don’t know. Haven’t checked. You people interrupted me,” I say. Mia gasps and turns to run to the master bedroom. I grab her hair by the root and pull her back to me.

“God dang, woman. Don’t turn me on just yet,” she says with a smile as everyone laughs.

“My bad. It was a reflex. I will go look. You people are being creepy over my pee stick,” I say with a smile.

“Awe. I wanna look too,” Mia pouts.

“Jesus. Fine. Come on,” I tell them. Everyone follows me to the back bedroom. When we walk in Max tosses the test at me and I catch it.

“Beat ya to it. It’s negative,” he smiles and kisses me.

“Damn it, Max,” Mia huffs.

“She wanted to look first,” I laugh.

“Mom is going to be so disappointed,” Rowan laughs.

“You would look so cute pregnant,” Emma smiles.

“First time for everything,” I say without thinking.

“What?” Theo says as he turns to me.

“Fuck,” I say as I back away from Theo laughing. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Yes, you did. That’s the third time in the last hour you’ve said something bad about yourself,” Rowan says.

“Oh really?” Theo asks.

“Mhmm,” Max says. “Twice was over what she was going to cook for dinner. She made two separate comments about not needing to eat because she said it would make her “fatter than I already am”. I told her I’d tell you and she said it didn’t count because you weren’t here.”

“On what planet are you living where that doesn’t count, Anika?” Theo asks. “Did you say that?”

“I plead the fifth,” I laugh and back up more.

“What’s going on?” Theo asks.

“Nothing. I’m okay,” I say.

“Really?” Rowan deadpans.

“Yes, really. I’m okay,” I say.

“So, the nightmare last night didn’t have you waking up sobbing uncontrollably?” Max asks.

“It’s the first nightmare in two weeks. It’s not that big of a deal. It wasn’t even bad,” I lie as I turn to walk away. Theo catches me and backs me against the wall, boxing me in.

“You remembered the nightmare?” Theo asks.

“Yes,” I sigh.

“And it being the first one you remember doesn’t change anything? Is it all good? No intrusive thoughts?” he asks. When I go to say something, he stops me. “Don’t lie to me.”

“I’ve thought about it, yes, but it’s not as big of a deal as they’re making it out to be,” I lie. It’s all I’ve thought about actually.

“Alright. What was the dream about then?” he asks.

“Uhhh…” I hesitate.

“Anika,” Theo growls.

“Theo, don’t make me say it right now,” I plead.

“Do they know?” he asks me.

“No. I wouldn’t tell them,” I admit.

“What happened to checking in when you know something is going to bother you?” Theo asks.

“I just haven’t processed it,” I say.

“Anika, it is literally my job to help you process things,” Theo says. “Say it. I’m not asking again.”

“Theo,” I sigh.

“Are you going to tell me?” he asks, and I shake my head. Rowan, Max, and Theo sigh heavily.

“Can we have the room?” Rowan says to the girls.

“No, no, no,” I say as I slip past and move out of the room. Theo catches me and backs me against a wall with his hand on my throat. “Dinner is almost done. I don’t want it to get cold.”

“Fine,” Theo says as he steps back. I slip away again and go to the kitchen to check on dinner. Mia comes in behind me.

“What the hell was that? Why wouldn’t you tell them?” she asks.

“Because it was about them,” I say quietly.

“Oh, Ani. What was it about?” she asks. I grab bowls for the chicken and dumplings before turning to her.

“It was kind of like a memory in a way. It seemed like any other time Dad would beat me with the belt but in the dream, I turned around and saw Rowan, Max, and Theo. It scared the fuck out of me,” I explain.

“I’m sorry sweetie. You do need to tell them that though. It’s not good if you’re connecting them to your past,” she tells me.

“I know,” I sigh. “I’m just afraid they’ll think they’ve done something to hurt me or upset me, but they haven’t. I don’t want it to affect what happens at The Cherry.”

“Who was the one actually holding the belt in your dream?” she asks.

“Theo.”

“Okay, so is there any chance that maybe he has said or done something that unintentionally reminded you of your dad? Even if it’s not related?” she asks. I turn and pull the pot off the stove and ladle the food into bowls.

“Not that I remember,” I say. “Well….”

“What?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.

“When we all went to dinner a few nights ago he was wearing a cologne that smells like what my dad uses,” I explain. “I was okay though. I just made sure to not sit near him and I got through the evening just fine.”

“You avoided him all evening rather than speaking up, Anika. That’s where the dream came from. He did something unintentionally that reminded you of him and you ignored it but it snuck up on you anyway. You should have talked to him then,” she says softly.

“I just didn’t want to sound like a psycho then or now,” I admit. I hear others come in behind us and I turn away and continue serving the food. Mia helps me take the bowls to the dining room table. Once everyone is situated, I go back to the kitchen to breathe for a moment. I prop my elbows on the counter and rest my face in my hands.

The worst part about that dream was knowing it was the three of them and it was a turn-on. How fucked up is that. I get beat with a belt as a kid for no damn good reason and it’s somehow a turn-on now when I dream about it? Is that why I’m into impact play at all? How is any of this normal? Maybe I’m not competent after all. Maybe I need someone to make decisions for me.

“Are you okay?” Theo asks as he leans against the counter beside me.

“No,” I admit.

“Rowan. Max,” he calls out. They come into the kitchen and see me. Rowan turns me around to face him.

“What’s going on?” Rowan asks.

“It’s that stupid dream,” I say as a tear falls down my cheek.

“Does this have anything to do with you almost panicking over a punishment?” Theo asks.

“Yeah,” I say as I drop my eyes to my feet.

“Tell us about the dream, Nika,” Max says softly.

I explain the dream in detail, and they all listen. No one makes me look up and make eye contact. They just let me talk. I tell them the theory that Mia had and then explained the cologne. “I should have told you guys. I’m sorry,” I sniffle. “I just… “

“What?” Theo asks.

“I just don’t understand why I enjoy impact play with you guys when Dad would hurt me. It makes me feel like I’m fucked up in the head and maybe my parents were right that I’m unstable. It suddenly just feels wrong, but I also want it still,” I explain.

“It is just a way that you cope with it. It is normal to seek control over something you once didn’t have control over,” Theo says. “It’s like how victims of sexual assault sometimes have a forced sex kink. That is just their way of putting themselves in control again. It is normal and healthy. It doesn’t mean you wanted or liked that your dad beat you. It doesn’t mean people who enjoy a forced sex kink are condoning rape. What you enjoy is normal, Anika. There is nothing wrong with you.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you when I originally got triggered,” I sigh.

“It’s okay. I’m sorry that I triggered you,” Theo says as he hugs me.

“It’s okay. Do I get a pass since you triggered me though?” I ask with a sweet smile. All three men laugh at my request.

“Absolutely not,” Theo says, still laughing. “Annie is going on a little getaway trip with Andrew this weekend, so she’s going home to meet him. Emma and Mia are going to see a movie, so it’ll be just us. Let’s go eat and then we can talk about it, okay?”

“Okay,” I sigh.

We all go to the dining room and sit to eat. Mia smiles at me, knowing I finally told them. We talk about Annie’s trip to the beach with her boyfriend. From what everyone says, Andrew is a great guy. Annie is a switch and Andrew is also, so it works perfectly for their dynamic.

When I think about the dynamic that I have, it’s like good cop bad cop. Max is the bad cop who is firmer with his expectations whereas Rowan is not nearly as firm. If I can persuade either of them, it’s Rowan.

I think I have a dilemma because I have found myself becoming attached to Theo. I’m sure it has to do with the fact that he is my psychiatrist. Who am I kidding? It’s because he fucks like a savage monster but is also kind and compassionate. I know I should say something before I end up getting hurt emotionally, but I also don’t want to ruin the friendships that everyone is building. What am I supposed to say, “I know you are just my psychiatrist who also seems to enjoy fucking me, but I think I have feelings for you, my boyfriend, and my husband.” Maybe I just over-attach to people who show me any sort of affection because I wasn’t shown any as a kid. Maybe it’s just all in my head and none of them like me ; they just like the sex.

“You’ve been washing the same pot for five minutes, Anika,” Theo says from behind me, and I jump.

“Shit. Sorry, I didn’t know anyone was in here,” I say as I set the pot in the sink. The girls left about twenty minutes ago. We are supposed to leave to go to The Cherry as soon as we cleaned up the kitchen, but I wouldn’t let anyone help me.

“Are you okay?” Theo asks as he places his hands on either side of me. My breath hitches for a moment, but I recover and continue washing bowls.

“Just thinking about the dream,” I lie.

“I see,” he says. “What about it?”

“Just processing it still I guess,” I say as I go to move over to the other sink to rinse the bowls. Theo grabs my waist and holds me in place instead,

“Are you lying to me?” he asks.

“No,” I lie. “Just trying to clean up. Can I help you with something?”

“No. Just checking in,” he says simply.

“Well, I’m good,” I say as I slip away from him and rinse the bowls. When I’m done, I dry them off and put them away. I turn to leave the kitchen and all three men are staring at me. “What?”

“You are lying,” Max says.

“About?” I ask.

“Something else is going on,” Max says.

“I’m okay. Really,” I say, forcing a smile. “Are you guys still wanting to go?”

“Do you want to go?” Theo asks, challenging me.

“I do,” I say honestly. If I’m going to inevitably fuck everything up by running my mouth eventually, I’d like to get monster fucked by him one last time.

Theo looks me over for a second but pushes off the counter, breaking me free from his gaze. “Okay. Let’s go then.” I nod and step out of the kitchen and go to the bedroom to get my phone off the charger. I see a text from an unknown number and my blood runs cold for a moment.

Unknown

Dead Bitch Walking.

Before thinking it through, I delete it. I know It’s Isaac and I know he’s been following me. I also don’t want to tell anyone because I don’t want anyone to worry. I easily shake off the text and go out to the living room.

“Ready?” Max asks.

“Yep,” I say, forcing another smile. He kisses me gently and we all go out to my 4runner. Max drives but at the last second Theo grabs me and pulls me to sit with him in the backseat so that Rowan is sitting up front. I move over to the other side and Theo looks at me strangely.

“Are you going to tell me why you are suddenly acting weird towards me?” Theo asks after a good bit of silence.

“I’m already getting punished for everything earlier. What’s one more thing?” I say flatly as I stare out of the window.

“Nika, What has gotten into you?” Max asks.

“Nothing,” I say .

“Obviously something is wrong,” Rowan says.

“I’m okay,” I repeat.

“Are you mad at me?” Theo asks.

“Did I say I was mad at you?” I snap and glance over at him for a second. He raises his eyebrows at me.

“Right now it’s because you are pestering the shit out of me,” I snap.

“Just me? Not them too?” he asks. I don’t answer that. Instead, I turn back to look out the window.

“It’s about me, isn’t it?” Theo asks as we pull into the parking lot of The Cherry. “There is something more to the dream situation. Now that it has nothing to hide behind it is overwhelming you.”

“Good job, Dr. Dathe,” I say with more attitude than I intend as I get out of the truck. Rowan is the one to grab me this time. He grabs me by the throat and pushes me against the driver’s door. He doesn’t cut off my airway, but he has a firm grip on me. Max and Theo join us on either side.

“What is your problem?” Rowan demands. I stand my ground and just stare at him. I’m not saying it. I’m not ready to fuck everything up for everyone. They can all be mad at me if they want but at least they'll have their relationships.

“You are so fucking stubborn sometimes, you know that?” Rowan asks.

“So I’ve been told,” I deadpan .

“This isn’t you. The woman I know isn’t flat-out mean to people,” Rowan snaps at me.

“Do you really want to do this in a fucking parking lot?” I snap back with venom in my tone.

“She’s right,” Max says softly. “Let’s just go inside and talk.” Rowan nods to him and drops his hand. The moment he takes a step back I push past him and go inside. I am fucking everything up with everyone. Rowan is mad at me. Theo is probably mad. Max is the fucking middleman so I’m sure he will get sick of me soon, too. It’s not fair to any of them. None of them should have to deal with my bullshit issues.

They were all happy until I came into their lives and dragged my shit with me. Now if Isaac comes after me, they are in danger too.

“Hey, pretty lady,” Quinn says with a smile.

“Hey,” I say flatly.

“You okay?” he asks.

“No, but I’ll be okay. Thank you for asking,” I say.

“Let me know if you need anything,” he says as he gently squeezes my shoulder. I force a smile and continue walking to the back. I wait for Max to unlock the door, and everyone is dead silent.

I walk straight over to the couch and sit down. Theo is the one to come over but before he can sit down with me, I get up and move away from him. I expect him to take a more aggressive approach, but he doesn’t. He gently grabs my waist and backs me against a wall before boxing me in. Rowan and Max stand and watch us from a distance.

“We need to talk about this,” he says simply.

“No, we don’t. I’ll be fine. I always am.”

“Tell me what’s going on. I know it’s something to do with me,” he says.

“You seem to have figured everything out, so you tell me,” I say simply.

“It’s not my place to speak for you. Talk to me.”

“I’m fine,” I say flatly.

“Okay, we both know you are not fine, so at least stop lying to me.”

“Fine. I’m not saying it,” I declare.

“Why?”

“Because I don’t have to,” I huff.

“Why?”

“Are you going to just keep repeating yourself?” I ask.

“Yes. Why?” he asks. “I can do this all night, Anika.”

“Because I don’t want to fuck things up between everyone,” I say.

“Interesting,” he says.

“Don’t fucking patronize me,” I snap.

“I’m not. It’s interesting that you would think that something you could say would hurt everyone else,” he says softly. “The only way we can figure this out is if you talk to me.”

“You can be mad and punish me all you want. I’m not saying it,” I say.

“Talk to me, Anika.”

“Will you stop repeating yourself over and over?” I say, raising my voice slightly.

“I am a patient man, Anika. I will keep asking until you tell me,” he says as he brushes stray hair from my face.

“Why can’t you just drop it?”

“Because I care about you, and I know you are only acting like this because you are hurting. I can’t help you unless you talk to me.”

“I didn’t ask for anyone’s help,” I tell him.

“I know, but you are getting it. Talk to me.”

“Stop fucking saying that,” I snap.

“No. Talk to me.”

“ God damnit, Theo! Will you just fucking stop it? ” I say louder. I know he is intentionally pissing me off so that I’ll snap and say it. I can’t stop this spiral that is happening in my head though. I know I need to say it, or it will eat me alive, but I’m not ready to face the fallout.

“Talk to me, Anika,” he asks with a soft smile. Something about his smile sends me over the edge.

“ I like you, okay? ” I yell and shove him away from me. “I have feelings for you, and it fucking scares me. Every time I open my mouth, I make things worse for everyone. I don’t want to be the reason you all have problems. I know I’m a fucking lunatic who fell for the man who’s helping me deal with my fucked-up childhood. I know I am only attached to people because they are kind to me, and I never had that growing up.

“Now all of this is causing problems. I made Rowan mad at me; a man I’ve known for eight years and has never been upset with me. I finally face the fact that I have these feelings and in one fucking day I’ve caused all these issues. I am a fucking wrecking ball to y’all’s lives and you people pretend like I’m not. Like I didn’t just bring my psychotic ex into everyone’s lives. I can’t do this. I can’t be the one that destroys others.” By the time I stop rambling, I am in tears. Theo has me backed against the wall again with his hands on my waist. Max and Rowan are standing on either side of us.

Realizing I just word-vomited, I want to run away but when I try to move Theo pushes me back against the wall. “What else?” he asks.

“What do you mean?” I sigh.

“You said just bring. What else?” he asks.

Oh shit…

“Isaac has texted me a few times. I think I’ve seen him a few times at the store,” I say.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” he asks.

“Because I didn’t want to put anyone in danger. He’s after me, not y’all,” I say.

“Please tell us from now on if he reaches out, okay?” he asks, and I nod. “Now as far as everything else… ”

“I don’t need feedback on my ramblings. You don’t have to respond to that,” I say.

“You just sat there and told me you have feelings for me, but you do not want to hear my response?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.

“I shouldn’t have said any of that,” I say as I bow my head slightly and look at my hands. Theo wraps his hand around the back of my neck and lifts my chin with his thumb. “Theo, please don’t. We don’t have to do this,” I say, sniffing back tears.

“You yelled at me and pushed me away while telling me that you have feelings for me,” he states.

“I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry,” I sniff.

“Anika, I’m not upset at you. I know the only reason you did that was because I was pushing you to open up. You scared yourself with your own feelings, but you were so worried about how it would affect everyone else that you forgot to think about how you felt about it,” he says.

“I just don’t want to disrupt people’s lives.”

“You are not a disruption,” he says sweetly.

“Say it before she pushes you again,” Rowan jokes. Theo grins at Rowan then turns back to look at me.

“You don’t have to…” I start to say but he shuts me up by kissing me. My world spins when he kisses me. When he pulls away I am left breathless and wanting more of him.

“Anika, sweetie. I like you a lot. Two weeks ago, when you laid your head in my lap, I was done for. I was already attracted to you, but that sealed it for me. You are so fucking addicting and I have no plans of giving you up. Annie knows what my feelings are for you, and she has since that night. She is very encouraging of it and has bugged me for the last two weeks for me to tell you,” Theo explains.

“I never pictured my life being this way,” I say. “I’m really confused right now.”

“About what?” Theo asks.

“How does this work? You are married. Hell, I’m married too, and I have a boyfriend. Now there is you. Where do you fall into this, and do you get a label too?” I say as I start to ramble again.

“First, it’s a polyamorous relationship. Second, Max is basically your second husband. Third, I fall wherever you want me to fall, but as far as labels it would make me your boyfriend. I will take you on dates just as any other couple would do, but you will also do the same with them. Long-term, who knows? Maybe we will all move in together. Maybe we will keep things the way they are,” he says. “One thing I know for sure is I cannot consider you my patient anymore. Obviously, we will continue what we’ve been doing, but not involving my practice.”

“What if I took the test too soon and it’s wrong?” I ask.

“Then I have a pregnant girlfriend,” he says as he kisses me. “You don’t have to analyze every aspect all at once. All you need to know is that no one will ever make you choose.”

“Does it make me a hypocrite to not want them to have anyone but me?” I ask.

“No, but I think they were already aware of that going into everything with you,” he says.

“I’m still getting punished, aren’t I?” I ask.

“Oh yeah,” Theo laughs. “You are definitely getting punished.” He takes a step back and points to the table.

“What are you guys going to do?” I ask.

“Do you trust us?” Rowan asks as I walk to the table.

“I do,” I sigh and turn back to face them.

“We are going to use a belt,” Max says carefully.

“You’ve lost your goddamn minds,” I deadpan.

“Do you trust us?” Theo asks.

“Yeah but…”

“No buts. You know that we will not hurt you, yes?” Theo asks.

“I know you won’t,” I sigh.

“Then just hold onto that. Know that whatever we do, you will like it. That is the punishment; us pushing you as far as you’ll go without breaking,” Theo says.

“Y’all are going to use that damn toy again, aren’t you?” I frown.

“Oh, yeah. It’s my favorite part now,” Rowan grins.

“And after?” I ask.

“After we are all three going to fuck you one right after the other,” Theo says.

“I like the sound of that,” I smile .

“Good,” Max says as he steps closer to me and pulls my dress off. I unhook my bra and toss it to the floor with my dress before taking my underwear off and doing the same. Rowan points to the table for me to lie down.

I get on the table to lay on my belly. They make quick work of restraining my arms and legs before Max pushes that damn toy inside of me and turns it up to full power.

I hear belts flipping out of their loops but I am so distracted by the vibrations on my clit that it doesn’t bother me but for just a moment.

“Same as the whip, we will start off light and work our way up. We will do it in sets of three,” Theo says.

“Mhmm,” I groan.

The first set of three doesn’t hurt, but I jump like it does. I feel the panic creeping in fast, so I focus on how the toy feels deep inside of me. As the next set slaps across me my first orgasm bursts out of me. They immediately go into their next set mid-orgasm, intensifying it. Their hands soothe my skin and I moan loudly at how the vibrations are torturing my clit.

One after another each hit with the belts pulls me deeper into a constant orgasm. The last set is noticeably harder, and I yell out after each hit while a climax shakes through me. I am nearly catatonic by the time they remove the toy and let me out of my restraints.

“Don’t move just yet,” Rowan says as he kisses my cheek. The three men then put salve on my back, butt, and thighs. It feels like heaven with their hands on me .

Max is the one to stand me up and take me over to the couch. He stands me in front of him rather than having me sit.

“You did so well, Nika,” Max croons.

“Thank you,” I say with a sweet smile.

“On your knees, sweet Nika. Let me fuck that pretty little mouth of yours,” Max says softly.

I’ve never wanted to fall to my knees for someone before, but for Max, I will live on my knees so long as he keeps looking at me the way he is right now.

I sink down to my knees and sit back on my heels. I give him a wicked grin as I unbutton his pants and pull his cock out. “Clasp your hands behind your back,” Max instructs. I do as he says, and he grunts his approval. We are between the couch and the ottoman, so Rowan and Theo have a good view of the face fucking that I am about to receive.

Max gathers my hair into his hand to hold. He caresses my cheeks and I open my mouth wide with my tongue out. My mouth is damn near watering at the thought of pleasuring him like this. I take his cock into my mouth, and I gag softly as I adjust to him hitting the back of my throat.

“Fuck, Nika” Max groans. His noises of satisfaction are utterly intoxicating. As he fucks my mouth faster, he moves both of his hands to hold me by the hair. “You are so fucking gorgeous with my cock in your mouth,” he says. I hum with delight over his praise and his eyes nearly roll back when he feels the vibrations of my sound. “Fuck, that’s good,” he moans. His breathing is labored, and I can tell how close he is. He looks down at me with a feral look. I hum as I take him as deep as I can and off, he goes. Max grunts as he comes and I happily drink him down.

When Max lets go of my hair, I sit back on my heels and Theo hands me a towel to clean my face and chest off.

“Goddamn, that was hot,” Rowan says, and I laugh.

Max fixes his pants and is still slightly out of breath when he sits on the couch in front of me. “Shit, girl,” Max says smiling at me.

“You look pleased,” I smirk.

“Nika, you could ruin me with that mouth of yours,” Max tells me and I grin.

Rowan stands and offers me his hand to help me up. He then bends me over the arm of the couch where Theo is sitting. I support myself with my hands on Theo’s thighs. He grabs my face and kisses me right as Rowan slams into me. Theo swallows my screams as I am being fucked from behind.

“Oh, please. Harder,” I beg. Rowan squeezes my hips tighter and thrusts harder, making me whimper. As I near the edge, he pulls me up to stand and move my hands to Theo’s shoulders for support. Theo starts to rub my clit while Rowan’s fucking me and I come unglued. “Oh God. Yes, Rowan,” I nearly scream as he fucks me hard and fast. As I fall into my orgasm, Theo lightly pinches my clit, and my body starts to shake. Rowan slams into me harder the last few strokes as he fills me with his come.

Theo gives me no downtime. He pulls me to the ottoman and puts me on my knees with my chest on the cushion. Theo fills me with his massive cock, and I whimper at how he stretches me. Rowan and Max are large, but Theo is a damn medical marvel.

“That’s it. Take my cock, my sweet pet,” he croons.

“Oh fuck, Theo,” I moan and push back on him, pushing him deeper. He abruptly stops and pulls me to stand. He then sits and pulls me into his lap before laying back and filling me again. He holds tightly onto my hips as he thrusts into me from below. I move down to lay across his chest as he ruthlessly fucks me. He has me screaming into his chest, unable to form any words.

“Such a good little slut,” he groans in my ear as he fucks me. The pain of him brutalizing my insides is muted by the orgasms rolling out of me. My belly aches when he is deep inside of me, but I never want him to stop fucking me like this.

“Fuck, Anika,” he moans as he slams into me one final time. The ripples of my orgasm are fading, and I relax. Theo moves me to lie on my back on the ottoman. I am delirious again as they get me cleaned up and dressed. I stay lying on the ottoman, too tired to move.

“I’m falling asleep on the way home,” I mumble.

Rowan pulls me to stand and hugs me. “I love you, Anika,” he says. I am stunned for a second and all I can do is grin for a moment.

“I love you too, Rowan,” I say sweetly.

“Theo has everything cleaned up. Let’s go home and lie down,” he says, kissing me.

“Okay. I can’t wait to lie down,” I sigh. Max comes over and steals me from Rowan and kisses me.

“He beat me to it, but I love you, Nika. You are it for me, sweet girl,” he says as he kisses me again.

“I love you, too,” I smile.

“You guys ready?” Theo asks as he joins us.

“Yes, I am very ready,” I laugh. We all make our way to the door. Max goes first, then Rowan, then me, followed by Theo. When Max opens the door, the entire club is dead silent and a chill goes through me. “Something’s wrong,” I whisper.

Just as Theo is stepping out of the room, I hear Isaac’s voice. I turn around and push him back into the room. “He doesn’t know you are here. Call the cops,” I whisper. Theo looks hesitant but kisses me, and then steps back into the room. Max hands him the bag of play items before we shut him in the room.

“I’m so sorry,” I whimper.

“Hey. Don’t do that. You have nothing to be sorry for. We will be okay,” Rowan says as he cups my face and kisses me. “We both love you so fucking much, okay? No matter what happens, you get the fuck out of here as soon as you can and get help.”

Max hugs me tightly before kissing me. “We are going to be just fine, Nika,” he smiles.

I don’t believe them. I know they are trying to keep me calm, but I know what Isaac is going to do. I know he is going to shoot me or them. I hope he chooses to kill me over them.