“It’s okay. It was an accident.”
I tried to take a step and winced. Alec didn’t hesitate. He hooked his other arm under my legs, keeping the other one around my back and lifted me into his arms. I squeaked and threw my arms around him. He made it look effortless, but it was anything but.
“I’m too heavy,” I whispered, holding on for dear life. “You’ll hurt yourself.”
“You’re the perfect weight,” he chided.
He strode to the couch with me in his arms, and I wanted to die. Or maybe I already had, and I was in heaven. Or embarrassment hell. I wasn’t sure which.
Alec sat down with me, twisting so he was sitting sideways with me between his spread legs, my back to his front. He pushed my hair over my shoulder, wrapped his arms around my waist, and nuzzled my nape.
Monroe slid a cushion under my knee and pursed his lips.
“Don’t move. I’ll get some ice.” He sauntered away, letting the door slam closed behind him, and I hung my head low.
“Sorry,” I whispered.
“Hey, I’m the one who should be apologizing.” He paused and pressed a kiss below my ear. He hummed when I shivered and he asked, “Did you hit your head?”
When I shook my head, he added, “I love how responsive you are.”
He kissed the shell of my ear, and I shivered again. I closed my eyes and relaxed against him.
Monroe returned and pulled the coffee table closer. He wrapped the bag of ice in his shirt and deposited it on the table before grabbing another cushion off the sofa. “Can you lift up a little?” he asked, sitting on the armrest. The couch was way too small for the three of us, especially with me sitting side-on, but apparently Monroe didn’t mind. I lifted slightly, and Monroe propped my knee up with the cushion and slotted in next to me, tugging my feet in his lap.
Oh goodness, I hadn’t shaved my legs, and now they were in his lap, his hands dangerously close to the cactuslike surface.
“I’m okay,” I whispered. “Thank you for helping me up. I know you just sat down, but you can’t be comfortable. Neither of you have to stay.”
Monroe turned his gaze to mine and smiled gently as he threaded our fingers together and lifted my hand to his lips. He murmured, his heated breath against my skin, “I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
“Me neither,” Alec echoed and pressed a kiss to my shoulder.
“What’s happening here?” I asked in a whisper.
eleven
Cara
Iswallowed when Monroe lifted his gaze to mine before flicking his attention to Alec. “We’re watching a movie.” His voice was raspy, and he ran his thumb gently along the inside of my calf, sending shivers through me.
“Mamma Mia,” Alec added. He reached for the remote again and hit play. The opening strains of “I Have a Dream” started, and Alec ran his hands up my sides. By the time “Honey, Honey” started, my hair was brushed smooth, and Alec was singing, using the hairbrush as a mic. Monroe joined in, using our still clasped hands as a microphone. I was in stitches, giggling so hard that my cheeks were hurting, and I had a stitch in my side.
I think I fell a little in love with them right there and then. I adored how they let go and had fun, and it wasn’t at my expense. The kids at school laughed at me all the time. I’d even been laughed at while I was at university—thankfully never by Zali, Flynn, or Professor Reid. But these two men were kind to me and made fun of themselves and each other instead. It was something I don’t think I’d ever experienced, but I loved it.
We continued watchingMamma Miatogether as the ice slowly melted against my knee. The cold was a contrast to the fire their wandering hands left on my skin. Alec shifted, his hardness pressing against my back, and Monroe lifted my feet, adjusting them until I could feel his erection. I couldn’t help the half moan, half whimper that escaped every time I moved. At least I wasn’t the only one in a predicament.
Alec cleared his throat. “Sorry, I need to stretch my legs.” He shifted back as gracefully as a cat but then stumbled over to the table.
“You okay, mate?” Monroe asked, biting back his laughter. Alec groaned, and I looked over the back of the couch in his direction. He braced himself on the table with one hand as he hunched over. His legs were spread, and his chest rose and fell as he sucked in a few long breaths.
“Absolutely fine,” Alec answered, but his voice sounded strangled. “Mind if I use your bathroom?”
“Sure, it’s through there.” I gestured to the door I’d come through, where his shoes were still sitting.
Monroe snorted and grinned wickedly at me. “I think, perhaps, he’s a little uncomfortable.”
“Oh, um, I can move. I’ll give him more room.” I shifted, but Monroe tugged me back into place, pressing my feet against his hardness once more.
