Maybe he can be more than a partner if he proves his worth. Something about how he took care of me without trying to take anything in return planted an idea in my mind about my future—one that might involve him.
I shake my head as I get into my fencing uniform and gear. I meet Soren in the fencing studio and grab an épée from the rack, taking my position opposite him. We hold up our swords to prepare for our match.
“Two minutes,” he says.
I chuckle. “You always liked quick matches.”
“You know I can last forever, baby.”
I roll my eyes. “Whatever.”
When I reach for my helmet, he clicks his tongue and shakes his finger. “No, sugar. Let’s make this interesting.”
“No protection?”
“I love going raw.”
With a devilish smirk, I bow my head. “All right, then.”
“Allez!”
When our weapons make contact, Soren laughs. I skip back to give myself room for another attack, warding off his assaults with calm skill. It’s different fighting him this time. It’s more controlled and less alarmed.
“About that text,” he says, not sounding a bit out of breath. “You said it was important?”
“Beyond important.”
He grunts as he retreats. “Tell me more.”
“People owe my family money,” I explain carefully. “I’ve checked my father’s office for the details, and I’ll split the money with you if you help me collect.”
Our weapons clang together as Soren corrects, “You mean when we collect.”
I pause in place, noticing the conviction in his eyes. He’s serious about being my partner. He doesn’t just want to help me. He wants to stand by my side. His eyes glow with passion as he leans between our swords and kisses me.
I’m so caught off-guard by the movement that I drop my épée, the weapon clattering loudly to the ground. His weapon falls shortly after and then he grabs the small of my back, pressing me flush against him. My thighs twitch as I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him tightly.
Parker wants to protect me. Tomas wants to treat me like a fragile princess. But Soren? He’s all about letting me stand in my power. He’s far gentler than the others, eager for me to experience the kind of pleasure that people only dream about.
I stumble as he backs me into the nearest wall, giggling madly when his hands roam underneath my uniform. He grips my hips, running his thumbs over my hip bones in long sweeps that make me shiver. I break the kiss to whimper and struggle to open my eyes, noticing his hard length pressing into my thigh.
The fencing studio door slams loudly. I jump out of Soren’s arms, frightened by the sound. Parker wanders into the studio with his hands in his pockets, glaring hard at Soren. I glance at Soren and notice him returning the stare with the same amount of viciousness.
Great—now they’re going to fight.
“You know what they say about fish and guests after three days?” Parker asks while casually running his fingers over a foil. “They stink.”
“Is that so?” Soren says sarcastically. “Guess I hadn’t noticed since I’ve been locked up in the apartment upstairs.”
Parker shakes his head. “You know, the wedding is only postponed.” His eyes cut to me. “Just postponed.”
“All things are subject to change, buddy.”
I freeze against the wall while anxiety courses through my veins. My plan won’t work if they’re not under my control. It’s easy when they’re all separated. I can work whatever magic is necessary. But like this? It’s sheer chaos.
Parker has a temper, and Soren has a ballooned ego. They’re just going to rip each other to shreds if I don’t do something about it.
“I’m pretty sure that either way,” I cut in, “I’m still the toy here.”