Chapter 207: The Morning After

The first rays of sunlight streamed through the massive windows, casting golden streaks over tangled sheets and sweat-slicked skin. The room smelled of salt air, tequila, and something unmistakably them—heat, passion, the remnants of a night that had changed everything.

Nat stirred first, her body aching in the best way possible. She was nestled between them, Roman’s heavy arm draped over her waist, his breath warm against the back of her neck, while Ginger’s broad chest pressed to her front, his fingers still lazily tracing circles along her thigh in his sleep.

She took a deep breath, letting herself exist in the moment. No looming threats. No outside world demanding her attention. Just this—just them.

Carefully, she shifted, stretching the soreness from her limbs, but the small movement had Roman grumbling in protest, his grip tightening.

“Where do you think you’re going, baby?” His voice was low, gravelly with sleep.

Nat smirked, pressing a kiss to his forearm. “Nowhere. Just waking up.”

Ginger let out a deep sigh, his fingers now trailing up her back. “Good. ’Cause you’re not going anywhere.”

She chuckled, tilting her head to glance between them. “You two are awfully possessive in the morning.”

Roman smirked against her shoulder. “Morning, night, afternoon… doesn’t really matter.”

Ginger kissed her temple, then sat up, running a hand through his messy hair. “We should eat. She burned a lot of energy last night.”

Nat rolled her eyes. “I’m right here, you know.”

Roman grinned, leaning in to nip at her ear. “Oh, we know, sweetheart.”

Heat bloomed in her cheeks, but before she could retort, her stomach betrayed her, growling loudly. Ginger’s smug expression was unbearable as he slid out of bed, stretching his long limbs before tugging on a pair of sweats.

“I’ll make breakfast,” he said, tossing Roman a glance. “You keep her warm.”

Roman sighed dramatically. “Fine, I suppose I can manage that.” He pulled Nat back against him, tucking her flush to his chest as Ginger disappeared into the kitchen.

For a moment, they just lay there, Nat’s fingers idly tracing over Roman’s arm, the slow beat of his heart steady beneath her touch.

Then, softly, she whispered, “Last night… that was everything.”

Roman hummed in agreement, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Yeah, baby. It was.”

She swallowed, emotions threatening to bubble over. “I never thought I’d have this. You. Him. Both of you.”

Roman turned her face to his, his blue eyes serious, unwavering. “You do now. And we’re not going anywhere.”

A small, contented smile curled her lips. She believed him.

The smell of coffee and something sizzling filled the air, followed by Ginger’s voice calling from the kitchen, “If you two don’t get out here soon, I’m eating all the bacon myself.”

Nat laughed, feeling lighter than she had in years. She pressed one last kiss to Roman’s lips before pulling herself out of bed. “Come on, let’s go before he makes good on that threat.”

Roman groaned but followed her, stretching as he walked. “Fine, but after breakfast, we’re getting back in bed.”

Ginger, flipping pancakes at the stove, smirked as they walked in. “We’ll see about that.”

Nat took a deep breath, looking between them, between her men, and realized—

This was home.

This was everything she never knew she needed.

And she wouldn’t change a damn thing.

Breakfast Banter

Nat slid into a chair at the kitchen island, eyeing the plates Ginger had already set out. Bacon, eggs, pancakes—the whole spread.

“Damn,” she mused, grabbing a piece of bacon. “I should let you two ruin me every night if it means breakfast like this in the morning.”

Ginger, pouring coffee, arched a brow. “Sweetheart, I don’t think we need an excuse.”

Roman smirked, taking a seat beside her. “I am liking this new tradition.”

Nat chewed thoughtfully before setting her fork down and glancing between them. “Speaking of last night…” she started, a teasing lilt in her voice. “I couldn’t help but notice something interesting.”

Ginger narrowed his eyes. “Oh boy.”

Roman leaned back in his chair, watching her. “Do tell.”

Nat drummed her fingers against the table, a wicked smile curling on her lips. “Well, I knew how I felt last night, but I couldn’t help but notice the way you two were looking at each other.”

Ginger cleared his throat, suddenly focusing very hard on his coffee. Roman, however, grinned, unfazed. “And what exactly did you notice?”

Nat smirked, leaning closer. “Oh, just that someone might have been enjoying himself when Fitz had his hands on him.”

Ginger shot her a glare. “Are you trying to make breakfast awkward?”

Nat laughed, nudging his leg under the table. “Come on, I think it’s cute. I mean, it’s only fair that I get to enjoy the show too.”

Roman chuckled, clearly enjoying Ginger’s rare moment of flustered silence. “She’s got a point.”

Ginger groaned, running a hand down his face. “You two are gonna be the death of me.”

Nat grinned. “That’s the plan, Fitz.”

Roman clinked his coffee mug against Ginger’s. “Better get used to it, partner.”

Ginger exhaled, shaking his head, but there was no denying the way his lips twitched in amusement. Nat watched the silent exchange between them, the way Roman’s fingers lingered just a little longer than necessary when he passed Ginger the syrup, the way Ginger stole a glance when he thought neither of them were looking.

Oh, this was definitely going to be fun.

Nat leaned back, savoring the moment. Their little family—messy, chaotic, theirs.

And she wouldn’t trade it for anything.