Save Me (WITSEC, #2)

by Ashley N. Rostek

“Is anyone hungry?” I asked as I climbed off of Colt and the bed. Once I was standing, I was reminded that I was only wearing a shirt and underwear. I tugged on the hem of my shirt. “I need pants.” “Oh, don’t feel the need to put your clothes on because we’re here,” Keelan said, reciting what I had told him the first time I’d had breakfast at their house. Colt and Creed both chuckled and Knox shook his head, but I could tell he was fighting not to smile. I was positive I was flushed. I still attempted to keep my cool and recited what he had responded with that morning: “Thanks for the permission to be naked, Keelan.” Their smiles dropped and the room went very quiet for a moment. Then Keelan jumped to his feet and rounded my bed, heading for the door. “I think we should order in.”

“We all have to face our pain, Shiloh. If you don’t, you won’t find a way to accept it and you’ll never be able to move on.”

“Red is his favorite color,” Keelan said with a mischievous grin and put his hand on Knox’s shoulder. “That’s why his Camaro’s red.”

“She was just to pass the time. When I’m with you, time doesn’t exist. There’s just you.”

“You should know that since you’ve already called me your girlfriend, I’ve claimed the title and there are no take-backs.” They both smiled.

“It’s so hot,” I whined. “Let’s go swimming when we get home.” “You gonna go in your underwear this time?” Creed asked me with mirth in his eyes. “I’m not wearing any underwear, but I bought a bathing suit,” I said. Colt stopped walking and set me on my wobbly feet. “Are you being serious?” “Yes, I bought a suit to wear to Keelan’s party tomorrow and this pretty white cover-up dress to wear over it.” Colt frowned. “I meant about not wearing underwear.” I just grinned and spun on my heels, intending to continue on to Creed’s truck. Spinning was a dumb thing to do. My heels wobbled out from under me and I was on my way to the ground again. Colt caught me by my waist, saving me. Creed cursed and knelt before me. “You need to take off these shoes, Shi.”

“You left the house without your panties, Shi. Sounds like you’ve made some naughty decisions today,” Creed teased.

Knox and Keelan were standing in the living room, both only wearing shorts with their muscled chests on display, watching us leave. “You’re both so pretty,” I said as I stared at their abs and the Vs at their hips. Colt and Creed snorted. Keelan grinned. “Thanks, baby girl.” Knox actually smiled. “Sounds like she had a really good time tonight.”

Creed looked like he was fighting back a smile. “You’re a little tease when you’re drunk.” I pulled on a curl, feeling a tiny bit shy. “What if I wasn’t teasing?” Creed ran his hands down his face as he cursed again. “How am I supposed to say no to that?” “You two are killing me,” Colt said and grabbed my hand. “Lay down, please.” I frowned. “They have a name for what you’re doing.” Creed erupted with laughter. His body shook so hard he was bent over with his hands on his knees. Colt looked like he wanted to laugh, too. “Babe,” he said gently. “We are trying to be respectable boyfriends who do right by their girlfriend. Don’t make it harder on us, please.”

“I see you fading away, baby girl. You’re going fast and it’s scaring the shit out of me.”

“You will fall. You will fall many times. Sometimes the fall will hurt more than you ever thought possible and you will feel like you don’t want to get back up. Like right now, for example. But you will, and when you do, you will be stronger.”

“If that fucker ever shows up, we run together or we fight together, but more importantly, we protect each other together. Promise me, Shi.” “I promise.”

“Every time I look at you, I get a glimpse at happiness.” I held my breath, refusing to assume what that meant. “You’re my match, Shiloh.” His hands framed my face. “I’m so fucking sorry if I hurt you. I let my fear of the worst get the best of me.”