One too Many

Chapter 40

Samara

I can feel the weight of their gazes on me, even as I sit on the couch, trying to steady my breath. Telling them everything was the hardest thing I've ever done, but the warmth in their eyes, the understanding, the acceptance, makes me feel like I can finally breathe without the suffocating weight of secrets.

It's like every piece of me, every broken, battered part of me, is exposed. I feel raw, but at the same time, there's a strange comfort in it. These men, these beautiful, strong men who have seen me at my worst, who know the pain I've carried for so long, are still here. They're still looking at me like I'm worth something. Like I'm not broken beyond repair.

They're still here, despite everything.

And that thought alone makes my heart flutter in a way I haven't allowed myself to feel in years. Not since before Antonio. Not since I allowed someone to make me feel small, to make me feel like nothing more than a thing to be owned.

But these men, they've never made me feel small. They've never treated me like anything less than the person I am. And I feel... cherished. Safe.

I shift on the couch, trying to find a comfortable position, but the overwhelming sense of vulnerability pulls at my chest. There's still so much fear inside me, so much hesitation, but I can't help the way my body leans into them. They've surrounded me with their warmth and care, and it feels like coming home after being lost for so long.

"Angel..." Asher's voice breaks the silence, warm and soothing. His hand lands gently on my back, rubbing slow circles. "You've done so much for everyone. Now it's our turn to take care of you."

I look up at him, meeting his gaze. His eyes are soft, full of concern and something else, something deeper. I see the flicker of emotion there, the care they all have for me, and it makes my heart ache in the best possible way. I didn't expect to find this kind of love, especially not from them, but here it is, and it feels like everything I've ever needed.

I don't have to be strong for them. I don't have to carry the weight of the world alone. Not anymore.

Cole shifts next to me, pulling me gently toward him until I'm resting my head against his chest. His arm wraps around me possessively, but tenderly, like he's afraid I'll slip away if he lets go. His touch is soothing, grounding, and it makes me feel... seen. It's so simple, and yet, it means the world to me.

"I'm proud of you, Amore," Cole murmurs against my hair, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "You're one of the strongest people I've ever known."

A smile tugs at my lips, despite the ache in my chest. "I don't feel strong right now."

"You are," he insists, his voice firm. "And you've carried so much on your own for so long. Now, you've got us. We're not going anywhere."

His words settle deep inside me, filling up the cracks I've spent years trying to ignore. I've been fighting alone for so long, but now... Now, I have them. And that makes all the difference.

The room is quiet for a long moment, the air heavy with unspoken emotions. The other guys are close by, surrounding me in a way that makes me feel cocooned, protected. I feel their warmth, their strength, but it's more than that. It's their love. Their commitment to me, even with all the pain I've carried.

Ian moves behind me, and before I can even register what he's doing, his hands are in my hair, gently massaging my scalp. "You need to rest, baby girl," he murmurs, his voice a low, soothing tone. "Let us take care of everything."

I close my eyes, feeling the tension melt away from my body under his touch. "I... I don't want to be a burden," I admit, my voice soft. "I don't want to rely on you all."

"Rely on us, Darling," Dominic says, his voice steady but firm. "That's what we're here for. To help you. To love you."

His words hit me like a wave, washing over me. I feel tears threaten to rise, but I push them back. I can't fall apart now. Not when I've come so far. Not when I've finally allowed myself to be seen.

I blink up at Dominic, meeting his gaze. He's sitting beside me now, his hand resting lightly on my leg. The intensity in his eyes is almost overwhelming, but it's not fear or judgment. It's... love. So much love. "I don't want to lose you," he adds softly, almost like he's afraid to say the words.

They are afraid of losing me just like I am of losing them.

I reach out instinctively, my hand landing on his. "You won't," I whisper. "I'm not going anywhere."

I see the relief in his eyes, a flicker of something he's been holding inside. "I don't know what I would do without you," he says, voice barely above a whisper.

The others are silent for a moment, taking in our exchange, but I can feel their eyes on me. They're all here. They're all present, and I can't help but be overwhelmed by it. Their unwavering support, their presence in my life, is something I never thought I deserved. But here they are, every single one of them, showing me that I do.

"Are you hungry?" Ian asks, his voice breaking through the heavy silence, his hands still gently massaging my scalp.

I nod, but I'm not sure if it's the food I'm craving or the comfort of their touch. Maybe it's both.

Without a word, Ian gets up and heads to the kitchen, while Dominic and Cole remain by my side, keeping me close. Cale leans in, brushing a soft kiss against my forehead, and I sigh softly, letting my body relax against Cole. Asher is sitting next to Cale on the coffee table and massaging my knee.

"We're not going to let you down, Angel," Asher promises, his voice thick with emotion. "We'll take care of you, always."

I close my eyes, absorbing the weight of his words. For the first time in so long, I feel... at peace. For the first time, I don't feel alone.

Ian returns with a plate of food, placing it in front of me. "Eat, baby girl," he says gently, sitting down beside me. "You need your strength."

I look at him, seeing the care in his eyes, and I feel the warmth of their love wrap around me like a blanket. I pick up my fork, eating a few bites, but it's hard to focus on the food when I can feel the tension in the air—electric, full of unsaid things.

I glance at Cale, and without a word, he leans in, kissing me gently. The kiss is soft, tentative, as though asking for permission. I lean into it, my hand sliding up to his neck, pulling him closer. The kiss deepens, and for a moment, I lose myself in it. In him. In the heat of the moment.

Before I can process what's happening, Asher is there too, his hand cupping my face as he kisses me, gentle but urgent. His touch burns into me, making me shiver. I can feel their presence all around me, their love, their care, their desire. And it's overwhelming. But it's also... freeing.

Their hands are everywhere, caressing me, exploring the parts of me that I've kept hidden for so long. It's not just physical. It's emotional. They're breaking down the walls I've spent years building around myself, and I'm letting them.

But as quickly as the intensity builds, it stops. They pull back, giving me space, but the air is thick with desire, with emotions that we haven't fully explored yet.

"We'll take you to bed, Tiny Beauty," Ian says softly, his voice husky from our shared kiss. "You need rest."

I nod, allowing them to guide me to my feet. They're gentle with me, as though afraid I'll break under their touch. And maybe I will. But for the first time in my life, I don't feel broken. I feel whole.

They help me to my room, settling me into bed next to Johan who looks like he went back to sleep, making sure I'm comfortable. Asher and Dominic sit beside me, holding my hand, while Ian and Cale make sure I've taken my medication. Cole covers me with the blanket and tucks it around me. They stay with me, surrounding me with their warmth and love, until sleep finally takes me, and I let myself rest in their arms, feeling safe for the first time in so long.

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Author Note:

Soooo what do you think so far??? Give me your opinions (☞ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)☞

Thank you for reading!!! :))