Hurting You (Blackthorn Elite 3)

“Leave us again, and I’ll kill you myself…” The words haunt me like a never-ending nightmare. Would he do it? Part of me believes he would since I know how insane he is, but part of me questions his ability to let go of his feelings for me. I know he cares about me. I know our connection is deeper, so I know it wouldn’t be that easy for him to give me up or shut off his emotions. He wants me to believe that he doesn’t want me, but I know better. I might be naive, but I’m not stupid.

With Easton at class, Cameron and I have the entire house to ourselves. We spend most of the morning in bed, cuddling, which is a nice change. Having two men care for you is the best of both worlds. One is kind, sweet, and completely swoonworthy, while the other makes your pulse pound. Easton is demanding, possessive, and alpha as fuck. Where Cam gives, Easton takes, and I’m simply stuck in the middle of their insane push and pull.

“What are you thinking about?” Cam asks as he traces his fingers over my skin. It’s nearly one, and I haven’t managed to do a single thing today. It’s nice, but I feel guilty because I’m here enjoying a day of peace while Grams is still in that damn hospital.

I consider lying to him, but I know he’ll know if I lie. There’s this strange connection between the three of us, and sometimes I think they know me better than I know myself.

“Grams. I miss her,” I reply honestly.

“It’s been a couple of days since you saw her last, maybe you should go and visit her?” I pull away to look at his face, just to make sure I’m hearing him clearly.

“Did you just offer to let me leave?” I can’t stop my lips from turning up into a grin.

“Believe it or not, I do trust you. I believed you when you told me you only left to help Grams. I’m not Easton. I’m possessive, and you’re mine, but I don’t want to dull out your light or break you, Stella.”

And Easton does? I want to ask but don’t.

“Are you sure he won’t get mad that you let me leave? You’re a team.”

Cam’s face turns serious, and he cups me by the cheek, his touch so gentle, it’s almost strange to want that kindness.

“Make no mistake of who we are together. We make decisions as a team, and we share you completely in every way. Easton’s opinion matters, but letting you see your grams isn’t going to hurt us. You haven’t told anyone or caused any real trouble, so you deserve a reward. This is my gift to you.”

Without thinking, I lean into him and press my lips against his firm full ones. His eyes light up, and he seems just as shocked by the kiss as I am. I’ve never gone out of my way to kiss either of them, but as my feelings change, my need for them deepens. I never used to need their touch, their words, or to be possessed by them, but now it feels like a part of me dies when they aren’t there.

“Thank you,” I whisper against his lips as I pull away.

“You’re welcome, now leave before I change my mind and take you into my bed and ravage you until neither of us can do anything but breathe.”

The thought sends goosebumps across my skin but seeing Grams outweighs my ever-growing arousal. I dig through the box of clothes Easton had someone bring for me. He said her name is Willow and that she goes to school with the guys. I can’t help but wonder if that’s the same Willow I met in the cafeteria.

He emphasized her not being one of his ex-girlfriends, which, of course, was my first thought. All the clothes in here are very nice and very expensive looking, which I am definitely not used to, but I won’t lie and say I’m not excited about wearing them.

“We’ll take you shopping this weekend so you can pick out your own clothes,” Cameron says from the bed, watching me get dressed.

“This is like the nicest stuff I’ve ever worn, so I am perfectly fine with these,” I admit and motion to the box. Cam’s smile fades a little bit, almost like he is sad for me. What he doesn’t understand is that I never really cared about having money for clothes, all I wanted was for Grams to be safe and happy.

I move away from him and head for the foyer. I’ve only made it a couple feet when he comes up behind me.

“Be back by eight, and I mean it. I don’t want to have to go out and find you, and you definitely don’t want Easton to have to find you.” He winks, but the thought makes me shiver.