Surrounded

Chapter Twelve

"Settle Me Down" - Josh Abbott Band

      She felt Roland on her heels as she crossed the threshold of the exit, but it wasn't until the door slammed behind them that she realized Asher had also followed her into the night. She scanned the patio area and noticed Arlo watching her from the shadows leaning against the railing. She made her way to his side, the brick wall biting into her back as she leaned up against it. None of these men had to ask if she was alright, they all just seemed to instinctually know that she needed space.

   Unfortunately for her, it seemed that physical space was the last thing they would be willing to give her.

   She felt Arlo more than she saw him, her shoulder felt both cold and warm as his breath fanned over the bare skin there. Roland leaned against the wall on his shoulder, shielding her from the door to the bar while also allowing him to keep the entire patio in his field of view. Asher stepped in front of her, taking her face in his hands and forcing her eyes to meet his. Whatever he was looking for, he must have found it because he simply moved closer and kissed her forehead. Asher allowed her to straighten up but didn't take a single step away as he fished a cigarette out of his pocket and wordlessly offered it. She took it just as the door hinges creaked open, all three of the men straightening as if something was going to attack them outside the only noisy bar in their small town. 

     It wasn't until the men around her relaxed that she realized it was Marcus and he was walking over to the small group. He took note of the cigarette in between her fingers and held his lighter out for her. Coming to a stop between Roland and Asher, he flicked the flame to life and held it up for her.

    Marcus allowed her to take a long drag and exhale before he broke the silence, "So, I assume we're all here for the same reason." Laura looked at him with wide eyes, her blush quickly returning. Marcus smirked at her before continuing, "I, for one, have no problem sharing if it's what she wants." His smirk turned into a large shit-eat grin right before he grabbed her by the back of the neck and planted a sloppy kiss on her lips. Pulling away, he looked around at the other men, a question in his eyes.

  Roland didn't bother addressing Marcus but spoke to Laura as he took her hand in his, "I've had feelings for you since the day we met and I'll be damned if I lose this opportunity by being selfish. I'll be by your side for the foreseeable future." He brushed his lips over her knuckles, causing her to shiver a bit in the humid, muggy night.

   She felt Arlo place a soft kiss on her shoulder, "You already know how I feel. I'm always all-in with you." Laura turned her head to look at his face, surprised by the soft smile on his lips as he tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She was positive that she was hallucinating, there was no way three of her crushes just pledged themselves to her, knowing that she had feelings for three other men as well.

   Marcus cleared his throat and looked to Asher expectantly, "Well? Can you get on board?" Asher's face contorted, he was torn. He'd always cared for Laura, always been there when she needed a shield from the world. But could he share her? His silence stretched on and Laura reached out, placing her hand on his chest, "It's alright. I understand." Asher reached up, but as soon as his hand engulfed his over his heart, Roland's head snapped up and then all four men's attention was suddenly at the door to the bar.