Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven

Stepping over the threshold into his condo, Shawn inhaled slowly, all the tension that had settled in his shoulders still weighing him down, but he could breathe a little easier. He was home. After locking the door some sense of security returned. He knew exactly what was messing with his head, but wasn’t about to examine it. Not now.

Maybe not ever.

Slipping out of the calf-length leather boots he wore under his suit pants, a soft laugh from the kitchen brought a small smile to his lips. The big worn sneakers by the door, set neatly beside a pair of cute little light blue runners, told him both Justina and Ian were home. He almost wanted to slip back out and give them more time alone—time they didn’t have enough of. Their relationship had developed in a slow burn over weeks, but now they had something that was all their own. Like he had with each of them.

He’d never thought he wanted a relationship. Never mind two. But somehow, they’d each found their way into his heart, into one another’s, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He didn’t feel tied down. Smothered. Maybe them having one another helped. He still played at the club, teaching new Doms and subs, or joining in scenes like he had today. And neither Justina nor Ian ever made him feel guilty.

But…he didn’t play the way he used to when he’d earned the nickname ‘Easy’. Just last week, while teaching a new Dom how to restrain his pretty little sub, he’d backed out after the lesson was learned, ignoring the offer to participate. Unless Ian or Justina were with him, sharing in the wild fun, he just…wasn’t interested.

And he wasn’t bored either. Which was new. He’d played with subs as inexperienced as Ian and Justina before, but had only experienced a momentary thrill. With the man and woman he loved, every scene fulfilled him in a way he’d never experienced before. He’d thought his rules kept things simple, but shallow sex didn’t compare to caring about the pleasure and pain delivered. To knowing that little smile days after came from what he’d done, the effort he’d made.

Not having the constant pressure on him to take care of them both all the time helped as well. They were independent. When he wasn’t around, they supported each other, shared interests and sweet moments like any normal couple. He never felt tied down, just…like he was part of something special.

Though…for some reason, having a relationship that fit him perfectly hadn’t fixed all the broken pieces inside him. Which he hadn’t even considered until he’d agreed to help Cort. Ford needed what they’d done together. And Cort needed to know pushing to get his man to talk wasn’t wrong. Ford had wanted to share. His own inner demons were holding him back. Shoving them aside by overwhelming his senses, by drawing out his deep need to please Cort, had been effective, but neither Cort nor Shawn had been prepared for what he’d been hiding.

During the drive home, Shawn kept picturing Ford alone with the fucker who’d groped him. Only, the man became the one who’d forced himself on Shawn months ago. He hadn’t stopped there. He’d beaten Shawn after, disgusted with himself for wanting him.

Rubbing his hands over his face, Shawn jerked his focus back to his present reality, padding quietly down the hall so he could hear what had Justina giggling. Instead, he caught a disheartened groan from Ian.

“You are not going to be traded over a tweet.” Justina sighed and the kitchen table creaked. “Look at me.”

“I—” Ian laughed abruptly. “Stop that, I’m trying to be serious!”

“And failing. Let me distract you. Becky said she’d handle it.”

“She wouldn’t have to if I wasn’t so stupid.”

“You’re not stupid. Don’t let Shawn hear you talking like that, he’ll have you in a cock cage for a week.”

Lips slanted in amusement, Shawn stepped into the kitchen. “A week is a little excessive, but that is a suitable punishment, my sweet. We both know how much he hates them.” He wrapped his hand around the back of Ian’s neck before his man could stand, leaning forward to brush a soft kiss over Justina’s lips.

Sitting on the table in front of Ian, Justina had her pink, sleepy kitten socked feet pressed between Ian’s thighs. Tawny brown hair done up in an adorably haphazard up-do, wearing one of Ian’s comic book shirts and little else, she was too flipping cute.

An open tub of Ian’s new favorite ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s Peanut Butter Cup, sat by her hip and she held a spoon in her hand. From the smear of chocolate on Ian’s forehead, Shawn had a feeling she’d been missing his mouth more often than not. A game he preferred to play naked, but if Ian was stressed about his contract, seduction would be difficult.

Well, for Justina alone, anyway. Once Shawn tagged in, Ian wouldn’t stand a chance.

But Shawn needed to know what the problem was first.

“Your agent told you to let the social media department handle Twitter. What were you doing tweeting at all?” He tightened his grip when Ian hunched his shoulders, keeping him in place. “Don’t think. Just answer.”

“I didn’t think and now Becky’s pissed and I’ll probably be shipped off to Vegas.” Ian sighed, bowing his head and letting his shoulder-length brown hair cover his face. “And I hate the fucking desert. And the heat. And all the casinos and—”

Shawn bit back a laugh. He needed to introduce Ian to the more entertaining parts of Vegas the next time they headed down there to play. “Focus.”

“People were talking shit about the team being moved. I got pissed and saw Carter had tweeted, so…”

“Is Carter in trouble too?”

Justina nodded. “Yes, but not as much. He’s on Twitter all the time and his manager encourages him to be silly and sarcastic. His fans love it. He deleted the tweet, posted a cute video with him and his puppy, and that was the end of it.” She reached over and rubbed Ian’s shoulder. “People freaking about what Ian tweeted helped.”

“I see.” Shawn pressed his eyes shut and inhaled slowly. “Do you want to tell me what the tweet was or do I need to find out myself?”

“It was one word.” Ian tipped his head back. “I just tweeted ‘Assholes’.”

Brow furrowed, Shawn met Justina’s troubled gaze. “How could that be—”

“He wrote that over a retweet that said, ‘Get rid of all the damn queers and the team will be fine’.” She shook her head. “The LGBTQ+ community thinks he’s calling them—and the ‘out’ players on the team—assholes. Parents are freaking that a role model used that word at all. His agent, Becky, Luke, and a dozen other people called and texted and DM’d immediately, and he deleted the tweet within minutes, but it was already screen capped and is being spread like crazy.”

“Jesus.” Shawn loosened his grip on Ian’s neck. “How long ago did this happen? Why haven’t I heard anything?”

“Your phone was off. It’s only been about an hour…” Justina gave a little shrug. “He did try calling you first, but I’m glad he called me too. I might not know how serious this is, but Becky told him to lay low and let her and his manager handle this. I figured keeping him distracted would stop him from checking his socials every five seconds. Half the team called, but he’s not supposed to talk to them. Becky said the last thing they need is anyone coming to his defense and making things worse.”

Shawn inclined his head, understanding the reasoning, but hating the idea of the entire team being muzzled because idiots online were looking for drama.

He could easily distract the masses, he’d done it before, but his own position with the team wasn’t guaranteed. Not anymore. If the team was getting a new owner, players could be moved to rebuild an entirely different vision for the team. Nothing would be official until the sale was final, but if Keane had someone in mind he’d likely take strong suggestions for ways to make the team more appealing.

A player who’d made himself a PR nightmare would be an easy choice to rid himself of. Becky could salvage the situation for Ian—Shawn wouldn’t risk making her job more difficult. His plan going forward revolved around proving both he and Ian were assets, no matter where the team went. And convincing Justina to make the move with them.

He didn’t see Akira continuing to lead the Ice Girls if the team left Dartmouth. Her life was here. And Justina was already being trained as her successor.

The three of them would be fine. So long as they weren’t separated.

Which was a very real possibility now that Ian had gained so much attention. Damn it, why hadn’t he changed the password to Ian’s phone? And to all his accounts?

Because you’re not a crazy person. Tone it down, Easy. White’s a grown man. He made a mistake. Deal with it.

Cold dripped down Shawn’s cheek and he jumped, blinking at Justina as she grinned at him.

“Sorry, you look like you could use some.” She brought the huge spoonful of ice cream close to his mouth, brushing it over his nose, her eyes sparkling. “Oops.”

He caught her wrist and closed his lips around the spoon, moaning softly as the sweetness melted on his tongue. He was less fond of the peanut butter flavor than Ian, but he was in the mood for a treat.

“How long did she say to keep him distracted?” Shawn tipped Justina’s chin up with a finger, licking a smudge of chocolate from the edge of her lips, assuming she’d taken the call from Becky. Ian wouldn’t have remembered the details while he was this stressed.

“Until tomorrow. Keane is occupied with ‘personal matters’, so no worries about him, but Mr. Richter said Ian will be fined. Which is crazy.” Justina ground her teeth and reached out to take Ian’s hand. “Ten thousand dollars for one swear word? What’s wrong with that man?”

“Nothing. I deserve it.” Ian leaned forward and rested his forehead on Justina’s knees. “I fucked up.”

“You did. But don’t worry about the fine. I’ll cover it.” Shawn drew away and folded his arms over his chest when Ian frowned at him. “Don’t you dare refuse. Your money is tied up in your grandmother’s care and legal fees over the case of the fake Alzheimer treatment you were sold. Let me do this.”

Ian’s jaw hardened. He opened his mouth, as though to protest.

Justina pressed a finger over his lips. “This isn’t your problem alone, Ian. It’s ours. Remember the talk we had when I couldn’t afford my full share of the rent?”

“He said you didn’t need to pay any of it.” Ian’s brow furrowed. “We both make more than you do. He was right.”

Not this again. Shawn tipped his head back and said a silent prayer even as Justina shoved away from Ian and hopped off the table.

“I could afford my own apartment, I can afford to contribute here. But I’m home more often and I can make up for the difference by cleaning up after you guys. We made an agreement and you still don’t get it?”

“That’s not what I’m saying. You should have more money for yourself.”

Shut up, White. Once, Shawn might have said that out loud and tried to settle things between his lovers. But he’d learned to let them handle things themselves, no matter how much easier it would be to tie them up and fuck them until they were both happy again. Strange how that didn’t always work. Life was weird.

“More for myself? Really? For what? You guys talk me into accepting nice gifts and dates to fancy restaurants. I don’t need anything. Maybe being able to contribute to our home, to our bills, doesn’t mean anything to you, but it matters to me.” Justina’s eyes teared. “Why is it okay for me to get gifts, to get help when I need it, but it’s not for you? You’ve been with Shawn every damn time I say I can’t take the pretty dresses, the jewelry, the trips to the spa with the other WAGS who are models and actresses and have money of their own. I’m expected to be okay with all that, but you’re too good to let Shawn help you with a fine you can’t afford to pay?”

“I…” Ian pressed his eyes shut. “It’s not the same. You get stuff because we love you and you’re awesome and deserve the best. I’m an idiot and the idea of this costing us all so much makes me sick.”

“Enough.” Shawn’s hand was back on Ian’s neck before he’d even considered what he would do next. He’d tried to let them handle this, but fuck it. He wouldn’t let them hurt one another. Or themselves. “Things have been stressful lately. You did what I might have. Or even what Justina would have if she wasn’t so afraid to lose her job. Which is all kinds of fucked up, but one issue at a time. Consider this you having spoken for all of us. For the team. I guarantee everyone has your back. They get what you were trying to say even if the masses don’t. After all, you’re one of the ‘queers’ the assholes think shouldn’t be playing for the Cobras.”

Ian stared at the floor. “I still shouldn’t have said it.”

“No. But you did. And Becky is amazing at crisis management. This will be a fucking walk in the park for her, so stop beating yourself up about it.” The tension building up between Shawn’s shoulders eased away as Ian leaned back against him. He slid his hand to the front of Ian’s throat and whispered in his ear. “It’s so much more fun when I beat you.”

“Shit.” Ian shuddered, his pulse quickening under Shawn’s palm. “Will you?”

“I will. We have instructions to distract you. And that’s one of my specialties.” Shawn brushed his lips over Ian’s cheek. “Besides, Justina needs some practice with the strap-on I got her and you owe her after that last comment. You get in less trouble with my dick in your mouth. I don’t mind making myself available.”

Red spilled over Ian’s cheeks. And Justina’s. They’d been discussing the surprise gift for over a month and she still kept it under the guest room bed—where she never slept—in the black box he’d given it to her in. Chicklet had called him laughing after Justina had gone to her for tips. Justina saw wearing a strap-on as a thing only a Domme could do, and their dear friend Chicklet thought that was adorable.

She’d offered to show Justina by using one on Shawn. Which had been tempting for a split second, but he still wasn’t sure how Justina felt about seeing him with another woman.

He didn’t mind seeing her with one at all, but Justina was still struggling to come to terms with her sexuality. With what she’d heard at the club about a bisexual woman committing to two men being some kind of betrayal, she shied away from claiming the label at all. The ‘acceptance’ in the community was often limited to those who fit into a neat little box. And because of him, Justina didn’t.

She still hadn’t found her place, still wasn’t sure she had one. Except with him and Ian. Exploring her desires wasn’t a priority for her, but she did enjoy his games.

The question was, did she enjoy them for him? Or for herself?

An answer he knew she didn’t have, but they would find it together. Until then, he loved how willing she was to try new things with him and their man. Expanding the game to include others wasn’t important.

He cupped her cheek and observed the heat in her eyes, behind the uncertainty. He’d have to push her a bit to get her comfortable with the toy, but once she was, she wouldn’t need Chicklet. She might want what the Domme could teach her, but learning from a place of confidence would be better for her.

Better for them all.

“Go to our room, Ian. Kneel by the bed. Naked. And wait for us.” He was pleased when Ian didn’t hesitate. His man needed control taken from him. Completely. A few moments alone would give him time to get into the zone he craved. And give Shawn time to get Justina into another zone. One she was less familiar with. He stroked his thumb along her jaw. “This whole thing scared you. Becky’s instructions helped.”

“It did. Because I didn’t know what to do. I needed you here.” Justina wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “But you were with someone else, and I get it. You helping Cort didn’t bother me, but…but I was waiting. Doing what I was sure of. I could make him laugh. Get him not so fucking terrified he’d be taken away from us. Even though I know he might be and I know there’s something eating at you and I don’t know what I can do to help you both. It’s not fair to expect you to take this all on alone.”

“I’m not.” He’d be fine not saying more. There was only so much he could say. But he didn’t keep secrets from Justina. Or Ian, though full disclosure to him could wait. “Ford is dealing with something I dealt with. Not to that extreme, so don’t worry, but enough that he needed to face it. Like you forced me to when…when I didn’t want to see how wrong what happened to me was. But I do now. And I’m okay because of you.” He pressed his lips to her forehead. “I am okay. I don’t know how long this will fuck with me, but I will tell you. I swear.”

She inclined her head slightly. Then wrinkled her nose. “You asked me to try a strap-on. On you. I don’t know if doing it with him is…is gonna work.”

“Why not? You have me to make sure you fuck him hard. He wouldn’t be able to guide you like I can.” Shawn let out a soft laugh at the doubt in her eyes. “He’ll love it because it’s you. And it’s me. And then you’ll have the experience to feel good about fucking a man who’s had women leave him bow-legged.”

“Women like Chicklet?”

“She hasn’t had the pleasure yet. You know I’d have told you.”

“I know, but…”

“If it makes you feel better, I don’t object to DP.”

“Holy, fuck, Shawn. Have you seen the size of your dildos?”

“Yes.”

“I love you, but you may be insane.”

“I’m adventurous. Raif asked me to give him tips on anal fisting. I am simply making sure the exchange is on equal terms.” Shawn smirked at the shock in Justina’s eyes. He hadn’t completely numbed her to the extremes. Good to know. “Baby, you don’t really mind me using your pussy to have that man’s dick in my mouth, do you?”

“Now I know you’re trying to see if I’ll set some limits.” She drew away from him and put her hands on her hips. “Why would I? If I was jealous I’d be gone already. If Chicklet will fuck you with me, I’m game. But we both know Raif only wants Ian to see how you’ll react.”

“And how will you react?”

“They’d be hot. And I know at the end of the night he can’t sleep without me and his Transformer pillow. Unless you’re there. Then the pillow ends up on the floor.” Justina gave him a knowing smile. “Next test, or are you done?”

“I’m done, but you’re a very good student…” He slid his arm around her waist, kissing her neck before leading her to the bedroom. “What would you think of some role-play?”

“Before or after the next orgy? Because I need some time to recover.” She shot him a sly smile, proving, once again, that she was the perfect woman for him in every way. No matter what he suggested, she wouldn’t freak out. She’d simply let him see for himself when he’d reached his own limits, trusting him not to go too far.

She’d be up for all he’d suggested, but he wasn’t sure how much of her he wanted to share anymore. Maybe he would take Ramos’s lead and be greedy for a while.

Not like Shawn didn’t have plenty of entertaining ideas to keep things interesting right here.

Leaving Justina for a moment, he went to her room to grab the black box. When he returned to their shared bedroom, he stood in the doorway for a moment, his dick growing even harder as Justina pulled a black silk negligee over her naked body. A simple glimpse of her beautiful curves, the swell of her hips, her breasts which filled his hands so perfectly, with hard nipples that were so sensitive he could bring her to orgasm with the right amount of attention using only his lips and his very talented tongue. Her pretty pussy was left bare, exposed when she moved the right way and he let out a soft moan at a glimpse of the neatly trimmed bush she’d left covering her mound.

She’d waxed out of habit, but when he’d mentioned how much he loved the feel of soft pubic hair she’d admitted she hated getting it removed. But she’d enjoyed having him tend to her after she’d let it grow in, keeping it just short enough so it wouldn’t irritate her or show around the tiny little outfits she wore for photoshoots with the other Ice Girls.

By the bed, Ian rested on his knees, his eyes on Justina as well. He seemed calmer, all his thick muscles relaxed, his hands on his thighs, his dick erect, glistening with precum at the tip. His shoulder length hair was now bound at the nape of his neck, making his strong jaw and sharp cheekbones even more pronounced. He was more classically handsome than Shawn, with rugged good looks he wasn’t even aware of, but it was the bare honesty in his eyes, the way he wore his heart on his sleeve and saw the world in such an unjaded way, that made him the most beautiful man Shawn had ever known. He’d loved Ian from the beginning, so much that it fucking scared him sometimes.

His love for Justina had caught him off-guard, but grown just as strong in its own way. She had Ian’s positive outlook, but was more realistic, taking in the good with the bad and finding the strength to get through it all. She cared so much about people, giving all she had without asking anything in return. Being with her made Shawn want to be a better man.

And also made him see he wasn’t as bad as he’d liked to pretend.

But he never let himself take them for granted. He knew better than either of them how life could change from one moment to the next and take everything that was good and destroy it. He still couldn’t believe this amazing relationship they had together could last, but he’d do his best to make sure it did. Which included leaving them feeling his unique…expressions of love for days.

Stepping farther into the room, he caught Ian’s eye. Ian’s gaze dropped to the box and he shuddered as Shawn placed it on the bed.

Chuckling, Shawn opened the box and glanced over at Justina. “You’re gorgeous, pet, but you can use this naked.”

“I know.” Justina took a deep breath and smoothed her hands over the silk covering her. “But if I’m doing something so…so dominant, I need to feel in control. I never do when I’m naked.”

“Fair enough.” He pulled out the leather strap-on, stroking his finger along the sleek, handmade straps made by a queer couple in Portland who owned a company called Switch Leather Co. He was picky about his toys, never mind the ones he bought for his woman. If he had his way, she’d get a lot of use out of it, so quality mattered. “Do you want me to help you get it on?”

“Please?” Justina frowned as he dropped the straps on the bed. “What are you—”

“I need to get your dick, my dear.” Shawn grinned as Justina’s cheeks reddened. She might be up for almost anything, but he could still make her blush with the right words. She was too cute, shy about him talking about her dick as she was preparing to use it to fuck their boyfriend. “Which would you prefer? Purple? Black? The rainbow one with the extra-wide head?”

Her brow shot up. “A rainbow one?”

“Not the rainbow one.” Ian shifted uncomfortably where he remained on his knees and frowned at Shawn. “I thought you got that as a joke.”

“Actually, I got it for myself, but I don’t mind sharing.”

“Don’t tease him, Shawn. You’re not the one doing this.” Justina swatted Shawn’s shoulder, then stepped up to Ian’s side, running her fingers through his hair and tugging it loose as she bent down to kiss him. “And you don’t have to do this.”

Her words had Shawn’s throat tightening and he had to look away as Ian assured her he wanted to. Shawn had only wanted to keep things light and playful, but Justina needing such clear consent only amplified that sick feeling from the stupid memory deciding to plague him today.

Justina wasn’t a Domme, she preferred to be submissive, but she had all the qualities of a switch. Accepting the control offered to her, rather than taking it like Shawn did. Both of his lovers enjoyed the deep submission of surrendering to him, of not always having a choice to contemplate, but he didn’t want that. Not now.

“Shawn?” Justina’s hand closed around his wrist, her touch keeping him with her, rather than lost in all the fucked-up shit in his head. Her lips curved into a hesitant smile as he met her level gaze. “I’m good with the black one. But will you help me?”

“Yes.” He gave himself a little shake, then went to grab the black dildo from his toy box in the closet. After slipping the shaft through the metal loop of the strap-on, he took a knee so Justina could step into the straps.

The black leather looked amazing against the creamy, light tan of her skin, but when he tightened the straps, Justina bit her bottom lip and ran her hand over the plump flesh at her hips swelling out between the strips. Shawn slid his hand under hers, cupped her ass and pulled her close, taking the length of the dildo in his mouth in one smooth motion.

Her breath hitched and she trembled as he guided her in a slow fucking motion. Obviously, she couldn’t feel the stimulation the same way he or Ian would, but visuals aroused her almost as much. Mix the two and she was putty in his hands.

Gazing up at her, he brought his free hand up her inner thigh, trailing his finger along the strap resting close to her mound. As he took the black length of the dildo down his throat, he slipped a finger over her clit, spreading the slickness of her before sliding his finger into her pussy, groaning as she clenched down on him. He added another finger, watching her face flush as she struggled to keep moving with him. She was close, another thrust and she would come apart, but he needed her to share that desperation with Ian.

He withdrew his fingers, standing quickly and pressing them against her lips as she whimpered.

“Let me get him ready for you. He’s been such a good boy.” He smiled at her nod, then turned to Ian. “Brace your hands on the end of the bed.” He waited until Ian was in position, then stepped up behind him. He kissed Ian’s shoulder. Laid a hard slap on his thigh, holding Ian in place with the press of his body when Ian jerked and tried to rise. “I promised you a beating. You’re getting off easy.”

Fisting his hands on the bed, Ian nodded.

“Justina, hand me the lube, please.” Shawn moved to stand beside Ian. Waited for him to relax. Then brought his hand down on Ian’s ass hard. His palm stung as he continued, the rhythmic sound of flesh slapping flesh filling the room along with Ian’s deep, panting breaths. This wasn’t a punishment, this was simply adding an edge to Ian’s pleasure. And his own.

Once Justina handed him the lube, he quickly prepared Ian, his dick throbbing painfully as he curved his fingers inside the warm heat he still craved even after having this man again and again. He rarely denied himself anything he wanted, but sharing Ian with Justina was much more satisfying than a quick fuck. And the expression on her face as she took his place behind their man made delaying his own gratification worth it.

No matter how often they played together, no matter how many of the games he’d experienced before, somehow, they manage to keep things fresh. Exciting.

“Tell me if I hurt you.” Justina spoke softly, leaning over Ian, running her hands up his chest, then down. She wrapped one hand around his dick, stroking him as she pressed her own fake dick against him. “I won’t be as good as Shawn.”

“I don’t want you to be like Shawn, babe.” Ian relaxed his fists, turning slightly and reaching out to tangle his hand in Justina’s hair and kiss her over his shoulder. “I need this to be you.”

As Justina slid into him, Ian pressed back, moving more than he ever did with Shawn. Watching them together was a sweet kind of torture, but Shawn couldn’t look away. This was exactly why things worked between the three of them. He could take Ian hard or gentle, but there was never any doubt as to who was in control. He’d restrain Ian, overpower him completely, and use him in a way they both enjoyed.

But sometimes Ian needed the kind of balance he only found with Justina. Exploring something new, giving and taking, communicating what he wanted as he urged her to do the same.

Shawn didn’t mind communication. He encouraged it. But he was forced to do a lot more talking when his woman and his man teamed up on him.

“Need you too, Shawn.” Ian braced himself on one hand and reached out to grab Shawn’s wrist. “Whatever is getting to you…” He shuddered as Justina pressed in deep, wrapping her arms around his waist before going still. “Forget with us. For a little while.” Sweat beaded on Ian’s forehead and his damp hair hung over his eyes, but no matter how much he was enjoying himself, he’d end things if Shawn didn’t join them.

There was no mistaking the concern in his steady gaze.

Justina kissed Ian’s back, watched Shawn for a moment, then shot him a crooked grin. “If you’re not in the mood to talk, you know how to keep him quiet.”

Ian huffed out a laugh, licking his lips in a way that made it impossible for Shawn to simply stand by any longer. He undid his belt and climbed onto the bed, kneeling in front of Ian as he freed his dick. There was still worry in Ian’s eyes, but it faded as he took Shawn into his mouth and Justina began moving against him again.

The warmth surrounding Shawn, a smooth glide that had him ready to come hard in seconds, made it easy to stay in the moment. To rake his fingers through Ian’s hair and tip his head back so he could thrust in deeper. To murmur softly in approval as Ian relaxed his throat as they’d practiced, while never slowing his movements meeting the snap of Justina’s hips.

His man was in the zone, but he wouldn’t find release this way. He was too focused on Shawn’s pleasure. Shawn could fuck his mouth for hours, but Justina wouldn’t last that much longer. Chicklet had warned them using the muscles to thrust took some getting used to for a woman who’d never done it before.

If Justina was going to be sore when this was over, Shawn would damn well take some of the credit.

Easing away from Ian, Shawn stepped off the bed. He placed his hand on Justina’s hip and she slowed, gasping as he pushed her thighs apart. She’d have a harder time thrusting in this position, but she wouldn’t be doing it alone.

He grazed his teeth up the length of her throat as he positioned himself against her slick pussy, biting down as he penetrated her, slamming her against Ian. She cried out, already undulating around him, digging her nails into Ian’s shoulders as though she needed a solid grip on him to hold herself together.

A low groan from Ian told Shawn he was close. Not giving either of them time to brace themselves, he moved his hands to Ian’s hips so he had full control, pistoning in and out of Justina’s pussy, driving her into Ian, letting their moans quiet his mind as he brought them to the edge, then over, before finally letting go.

Pure ecstasy slivered along his nerves, building up at the base of his spine, tightening his balls and bursting out in a strength-stealing rush that had white spotting his vision. His dick was sensitive, Justina’s core clamping down made him wince at the overstimulation, but her moan spurred him on. He eased in deeper, with gentle motions to help draw out her orgasm without torturing himself too much.

Her breathless laugh was his cue to pull out and help her draw away from Ian. The straps had left stark red marks on her skin, so he quickly undid them, letting the toy fall to the floor. Ian dropped onto the bed, grinning when Shawn picked Justina up and laid her down beside him.

Retrieving the wipes from his toy box, Shawn quickly cleaned them all, ignoring their whispered protests as usual. This was a comfortable part of his routine, his way of making sure he hadn’t pushed them too far. Hadn’t hurt them in the heat of the moment. Didn’t have to return to reality too soon. Maybe he’d missed something.

Not that he didn’t trust himself, but he wouldn’t be overconfident either. Mistakes happened.

Justina had gotten used to his gentle aftercare, but Ian didn’t like Shawn fussing. As Shawn finished up by dabbing some ointment from their night table onto the deep scratches on his shoulders, Ian’s jaw clenched.

“I’m fine, Shawn. Enough.” Ian sat up and curved his hand around the back of Shawn’s neck. “You only obsess on every little detail like this when something’s wrong. Please just fucking talk to me.”

Am I being that obvious? He sighed, refusing to voice the question out loud. Ian might miss subtle things, but he knew Shawn better than anyone. And he was worried.

“I hate when shit happens that I can’t control. Including my own feelings being messed up by a scene I wanted to be part of.” He tipped his head back. “I don’t keep things from you, Ian. And I won’t this time. I just…I need to be here with you. Away from everything, not letting it touch me. Not be fucking scared that we’ll lose the team and our lives will change, no matter how far some are willing to go to stop that from happening. Tomorrow, the day after, we’ll have to face what might happen to the team. Tomorrow, I gotta deal with the fact that I’m not fucking okay.”

“But tonight, you’re here.” Justina pressed against his side, exchanging a look with Ian, a silent agreement passing between them as she laced her fingers with Shawn’s. “We’re here. And we’ll figure this out together.”

“Tomorrow.” The edge of Ian’s lips curved. He pulled Shawn down to lie with him, stretching out his arm to pull Justina close as well as she wrapped her arm around Shawn’s waist. “And hey, you kept me from getting into any more trouble.”

Shawn pressed his eyes shut and shook his head. “I could’ve done that before everything went so bad if I’d been focused on you instead of—”

“Tomorrow, Easy.” Ian kissed him, clearing all thoughts and regrets and self-doubt from his mind with the firm press of his lips, the nickname reminding Shawn who he was. Who they were. They’d gotten through worse. They’d get through this too. Ian smiled as Shawn opened his eyes, then glanced over at Justina. “There he is.”

“I was starting to wonder if we’d lost him.” Justina brushed her lips over the side of Shawn’s neck. “Same rules for you as you have for us. Talk when you’re ready, but don’t wait too long or we’ll get creative.”

“You know, ganging up on your Dom isn’t wise.” He tried to sound serious, but he couldn’t keep the laughter from his tone. He might be ‘Easy’, but when it came to them, he was a goner. He needed reinforcements, only, being greedy would make that difficult. “We should get some sleep. Tomorrow will be fucked up.”

“Yeah, it might be.” Justina sighed, relaxing against his shoulder as he rolled onto his back. “But tonight is perfect.”

For a man who’d always lived in the rush of every experience, never looking too far ahead, it was strange that he needed the reminder to stay where he was. But Justina was right. Remove all the fear of the future, stick with right now, and he had it all.

“I love you.” He pressed a kiss to her hair, inhaling slowly as Ian brushed his lips over his chest. “We’re good. That’s all that matters.”

Could he promise they would continue to be? No. But if he couldn’t stop tomorrow from haunting him, he could promise himself one thing.

He’d fight for them. Whatever it took. If he couldn’t control anything else, he could control what he was willing to do to make sure they came through this. Together.

And this wouldn’t be their last perfect night.