Callum POVFor the first time in three months, I feel normal again—or as close to normal as I can get. The pain is gone. I can move freely, and my voice doesn’t betray me anymore, even when I’m frustrated or stressed. Tonight feels like a new chapter, one where I’m not defined by the scars of what happened.Wrapping a towel around my waist, I pause in front of the mirror. My reflection stares back at me, unfamiliar in some ways. My hands press against the cool countertop, steadying me, before they move to my chest. The scars are stark, a permanent reminder of the hell I endured.As I lose myself in thought, soft hands slide around my waist, and I feel her lips press against my shoulder. Her touch pulls me back, grounding me. A smile tugs at my lips as I meet her gaze in the mirror.“You should really wear a shirt...” Lilly mutters playfully, her voice teasing but warm.“I know,” I reply, smirking. “The sight will make people sick.”She moves around to stand in front of me, her express
Lilly POVI stand in the room, my eyes scanning everywhere. I never expected this, I never expected Callum to agree to bring me into this room. Even if only he is touching me. A swingers bar is far from what I expected tonight. He pulls me closer, kissing me deeper, as his fingers trail along my back in the gap where he's unzipped it.The air is thick with the scent of sweat and desire. Around us, bodies writhe in various states of undress, moans and gasps punctuating the low throb of music. I shiver as Callum’s fingers dance along my spine, my dress loosening further with each caress.“Are you sure about this?” he whispers against my ear, his breath hot on my skin.I nod, unable to form words as I watch a woman across the room being bound to a St. Andrew’s cross, her partner wielding a flogger with practiced ease. The crack of leather on flesh makes me jump, but Callum’s strong arms hold me steady.“We don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with,” he reassures me, but I can
Lilly POV Callum leans over me, his breath hot against my ear. “Remember, you can stop this at any time. But I don’t think you want to, do you?”I shake my head, words failing me as anticipation builds.He straightens, retrieving something from a nearby table. When he returns to my field of vision, I see he’s holding a feather in one hand and a wartenberg wheel in the other. “Let’s see how long you can stay quiet,” he says with a wicked grin.The feather traces delicate patterns across my skin, followed by the prickling sensation of the wheel. The contrasting sensations drive me wild, and I bite my lip to keep from crying out. Callum works methodically, covering every inch of exposed skin, occasionally dipping to more sensitive areas.Just when I think I can’t take anymore, he sets the implements aside. “You’re doing so well,” he praises, running a hand along my inner thigh. “I think you’ve earned a reward.”He signals to someone in the crowd, and a woman steps forward. She’s statue
Lilly POVThe couples on the bed welcome us warmly, making space as we join them. Hands reach out to caress us, and I gasp at the sensation of unfamiliar touches on my skin. Callum keeps me close, his presence grounding me as we’re drawn into the tangle of bodies.“Remember,” he whispers in my ear as we begin to lose ourselves in the pleasure. “I’m right here with you. Always.”With that reassurance, I let go of my last inhibitions and give myself over to the experience, ready to explore new heights of pleasure with Callum by my side.The sensation of multiple hands caressing my body is overwhelming at first. I close my eyes, focusing on the feeling of Callum’s strong arms around me as we sink into the plush mattress. His familiar scent helps ground me as unfamiliar fingers trail along my skin.“Open your eyes,” Callum murmurs. “I want you to see everything.”I obey, my gaze meeting his intense stare. He smiles encouragingly before capturing my lips in a deep kiss. As we kiss, I feel
Callum POVLilly’s weight is soft and comforting against me as I carry her back upstairs. Her body molds to mine, her arms draped lazily around my neck, her head resting on my shoulder. She’s half-asleep, clinging to me as though letting go would pull her from the warmth of the moment.As I step into the apartment, the quietness settles around us, broken only by the soft rustle of her breathing. I push the door to our bedroom open, slipping inside. Gently, I shrug off my robe and remove hers, ensuring she stays warm as I lay her down on the bed and cover her.Sliding in beside her, I feel her instinctively shift closer, her body curling into mine like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Her arms wrap around me, holding me tightly as though she never wants to let go.Grasping her in return, I press a kiss to her hairline and pull her impossibly closer. She nuzzles into my chest, her warmth spreading through me in a way that feels grounding.“Thank you,” she whispers, her voice so
Callum POV He’s planned this, weighed the risks, and now he’s looking to me for input.“That’s a big move,” I say, leaning back, my mind already racing through the possibilities.“It is,” he agrees. “But it could save lives. Just like we’ve done here.”Dante isn’t one to take things lightly, and this is no exception. As much as I want to argue about the risks, part of me knows he’s right. The work doesn’t stop—it just shifts to where it’s needed most.“Well...” I start, but the words die on my tongue. I’m completely at a loss. Everything Dante’s telling me feels like it’s spiraling into some crazy scenario, and I can’t find a foothold to ground myself.Dante smirks, clearly enjoying my confusion. “Not only do the local police back it and agree to turn a blind eye to the more... questionable aspects of our operations, but the local MP is onboard too. Apparently, his daughter is causing some chaos. She works on the streets, proving to Daddy she’s not his little princess anymore.”He dr
Lilly POVZade crawls across the room, his tiny hands and knees making soft pats against the floor as he moves with determination. He pauses near Elouise, sitting up and grabbing one of her small toys before shaking it frantically, giggling as the sound fills the air. Watching him like this—so carefree, so full of life—brings a bittersweet warmth to my chest.It’s days like today that I can’t help but reflect on how much has changed in the last sixteen months since my scan. Everything feels like it’s shifted, like our lives have been rewritten in the best ways.Zade’s arrival wasn’t exactly by the book. He came two weeks early, catching us all completely off guard. Dante and Luna had gone for one of her routine checkups, Callum was at the clubs, and I had convinced myself there was still plenty of time.I was wrong.One moment, everything was calm—quiet, even—and the next, I was gripping the phone, sobbing into the receiver as I called Callum, barely able to get the words out between
Lilly POVLuna is doubled over laughing. “If only someone had filmed that,” she teases, wiping her eyes.“I would replay it over and over,” I say, joining her laughter. And I mean it—I absolutely would. “I’m going to get home,” Luna says, lifting Elouise into her arms. She gives me a warm smile before heading out, the door clicking softly behind her.I turn my attention to Zade, scooping him up with a playful smile. “Alright, little man, time to get you ready for bed,” I say, carrying him to the changing table.“Why is it always me?” Callum’s voice comes from behind me, dripping with mock frustration.I glance over my shoulder to see him leaning against the doorframe, a weary expression on his face. Laughing softly, I reply, “You’re clearly his favorite. Isn’t that right, Zade?” I tickle Zade’s tummy, and he lets out a giggle.Callum groans, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, I’m his favorite target. The vomit earlier proved that.”Smirking, I focus on getting Zade changed. “Whe
“Hey.” I cup his face in my hands, my thumbs brushing over his cheekbones. “You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to carry everyone. We’re okay. I’m okay.”He looks at me, his eyes searching mine, and I can see the walls he usually keeps up start to lower. He doesn’t say anything, just holds me tighter, his fingers splayed against my back like he’s afraid to let go.“You’ve been my everything,” I whisper, my voice catching. “You saved me when I thought I couldn’t be saved. And I’ll never stop loving you for that.”He closes his eyes and leans his forehead against mine. “You’re the reason I keep going,” he murmurs. “You’re everything, firefly. You always have been.”The way he says it, the raw honesty in his voice, makes my throat tighten. I slide my hands down to his shoulders, holding him as close as I can. “I’ll always be here for you. No matter what.”For a long moment, we just sit there, holding each other in the middle of the noise and laughter of the party. It’s like the r
Serena POVThe music thumps lightly in the background as I sit on one of the plush couches in the corner of the reception hall, leaning back against the soft cushions. People are milling about, laughing, drinking, swaying to the music under the warm glow of fairy lights. It’s the end of the weekend, the final night of all the chaos and celebrations, and while I should be tired, I’m not. There’s a relaxed energy in the air, a sense of satisfaction that everything went off perfectly.Rich flops down beside me, a glass of something amber in his hand, and he’s grinning like a cat who just stole the cream. He stretches his legs out, looking entirely too pleased with himself, and I can’t help but laugh.“What’s that smug look for?” I nudge his arm.“Smug? Me? I don’t know what you’re talking about, sunshine.” He takes a long sip of his drink, his grin never fading. “I’m just happy. Look around, Dante’s hitched, Callum’s married, and no one set the place on fire. That’s what I call a win.”I
Jace POV“Oh, come on,” Dante presses, still grinning. “You don’t think it’s a little weird how you two always seem to know everything about each other? Like, everything.”Callum chimes in, shaking his head with a smirk. “I mean, it’s impressive, don’t get me wrong. But it’s also kinda suspicious. Like, how close are you two, really?”Rich leans back in his chair, spreading his arms. “What can I say? Jace and I just have that connection. Isn’t that right, Jace?”“Cut it out, Rich,” I snap, though I can feel the heat creeping into my face. It’s not that they’re serious, they’re just fucking with me, but the teasing is relentless.“Relax,” Dante says, raising his hands in mock surrender. “It’s not like we’re judging. We’re just saying… You two are close. Like, really close.”“Nothing wrong with that,” Callum adds, his grin widening. “In fact, it’s kind of sweet. You guys trust each other. You share things. Intimate things, apparently.”“Intimate my ass,” I grumble, grabbing a piece of t
Jace POVI watch her disappear into the bathroom, the sheet trailing behind her. As soon as the door closes, I lean back against the headboard, running a hand through my hair. “What the hell, Rich?” I grumble, turning my glare on him.He’s standing there with a coffee cup in one hand and a mischievous grin that I’m too tired to deal with. “You’re welcome for not barging in earlier,” he says, handing me the cup.I take it, wrapping both hands around it, and let the warmth sink in. “You could have waited a little longer. Or, I don’t know, knocked before coming back in.”“Where’s the fun in that?” He slumps into the armchair in the corner, watching me with that unshakable smirk. “You’re way too easy to mess with in the morning.”I take a long sip of coffee before responding. “I was already hungover. Now I’m just annoyed.”“Annoyed is better than dead, and I like living, so…” Rich trails off, still grinning. “Besides, you wouldn’t kill me. You like having me around too much.”I groan, but
Serena POVI nuzzle closer to Jace, his arm tightening around me as I try to relax again. The warmth of his body against mine is soothing, and for a moment, I think I might actually drift off. But then Rich lets out a soft mumble from the floor, his words indistinct but definitely audible.“Goddammit,” Jace mutters under his breath. “I knew it. I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep with him here.”I tug him closer, resting my head on his chest. “Shh,” I whisper, pressing a soft kiss to his jaw. “He’s not that loud. Just try.”He sighs, his hand running down my back as if to settle me. “Firefly…”“Try,” I repeat, pulling him in even tighter.He doesn’t reply, but I can feel him relax, his breathing evening out against mine. After a moment, the room quiets again, except for Rich’s occasional muttering. But Jace doesn’t say anything else. Instead, he rests his chin against my head, holding me close. His steady breathing finally lulls me back into sleep, and soon I fall asleep again.Waking
Serena POVI’m maybe a little drunk, but not that drunk. Hugging Luna and Lilly, I walk out and head to the place I’m staying with Jace. As soon as I step inside, I throw myself onto the bed.Not long after, the door opens and Jace walks in. He gives me a lopsided smile and makes his way over, collapsing onto the bed beside me.I kiss him softly, smiling. “Have fun?”He mumbles something unintelligible, which just makes me laugh.“So much for not drinking much,” I say, nudging him with a smirk.“Blame Dante,” he groans. “He gave me the shots.”I raise a brow. “Dante? Wait, so this wasn’t Rich? I’m shocked. Did he actually behave for a change?”Jace rubs his face and lets out a long groan. “He’s probably more sober than I am. Don’t ask me how.”Yep, he’s wasted. Shaking my head, I climb off the bed and help him sit up so I can get his clothes off. His smile grows wider as I tug at his shirt.“No,” I warn, “don’t get any ideas. You need sleep or you’ll look like death at the wedding tom
Serena POVI can’t help but laugh, shaking my head as I think about it. I never thought a book like this would make me feel, well, anything beyond shock. “But still,” I say, flipping back to the scene where Dominic starts breaking down, “this guy spent his whole life preaching about purity. Then the devil shows up, and suddenly it’s all out the window.”“That’s the beauty of it,” Lilly says. “It’s not sudden at all. The cracks were always there. The devil just gave him a push.”The more we talk, the more I find myself leaning in. The details they’re pointing out, the way they’re pulling apart each character’s motives, I can’t look away. Even when the conversation shifts to the dark, twisted scenes I would’ve written off before, I’m still right there, asking questions, offering my own thoughts. I don’t even notice how much time has passed until Luna mentions needing another drink.By then, I’m not just listening. I’m in it, flipping pages, debating over whether Dominic had any real cho
Serena POVI walk into the room and my eyes immediately land on Lilly and Luna. We’ve done a few video calls together before, but seeing them in person is different. Luna is the first to react, springing up from her seat and coming straight over to pull me into a hug.Luna introduces me to the others, pointing out a few names as we walk further into the room. A small group of women sit in a circle of couches and chairs, chatting quietly. They each give a friendly wave or nod, and I offer a polite smile in return. Luna explains who’s who, though I’m not sure I’ll remember everyone’s name by the end of the night.Meanwhile, Lilly is still in her chair, completely absorbed in a book. She hasn’t even glanced up since I came in. It’s not until Luna calls her name that she finally looks over. Her face lights up when she sees me, and she closes her book carefully before coming over and giving me a warm hug.“Finally! You’re here,” Lilly says with a grin. “We were starting to think you’d gott
Jace POVRich leans back, shaking his head. “Man, it’s crazy to think how far we’ve come. From that cramped, shitty apartment to this. And through it all, you’ve still managed to put up with my crap.”“Barely,” I say with a smirk. “You’re not exactly easy to deal with, you know.”Rich grins, leaning forward again, resting his chin on his hand. “Yeah, but you’d be bored without me. Admit it.”I roll my eyes, but I’m laughing now. “Fine. Maybe a little.”“Damn right,” he says with a wink.Rich’s grin softens just slightly as he swirls the remaining whiskey in his glass. “You know, Jace,” he says, his voice lower now, almost contemplative. “You’ve always been the steady one. Even when we were broke, when everything felt like it was falling apart. You never lost your cool.”I huff out a laugh. “You sure about that? Because I remember a few nights where I definitely lost my shit. Especially when you kept betting more than we had.”“But you always kept us out of real trouble,” Rich counters