Pucking Road Trip (Bay Rebels #3)

Chapter 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Captain’s Hall, Freedom

R obyn

“Wife,” I whisper to myself. I can’t stop smiling. “Husband.”

It was only a fantasy, while D’Angelo and I were caught in our dream in the beach house. It’s never going to be possible because I love all my men equally but in different ways. I won’t choose one of them to become my official husband, while keeping the others in the shadows.

A dirty secret.

No matter that this would get the press off our backs or that society would approve of us living in that way.

Yet last night, I realized that D’Angelo is my husband in my heart.

I don’t need a piece of paper or a ceremony to make that true.

Does he know that it wasn’t merely pretend to me?

Last night, after the most intense sex of my life, D’Angelo wrapped me in blankets and massaged each inch of my body. He fed me chocolate and orange juice, while murmuring praises and kissing me, softly.

His aftercare is like a drug.

Afterwards, he ran me a rose scented oil bath.

Then we both dressed.

I was disappointed, however, that D’Angelo chose his suit and not the riding outfit.

D’Angelo drove us both back in his classic Alfa Romeo through the silent, nighttime mountain roads to Captain’s Hall.

I miss the beach house already.

Yet returning to Captain’s Hall felt like coming home.

I missed Shay and Eden intensely, even though I was only away from them for a day.

Eden is already up and working. He’s the most dedicated PA in America.

I glance behind me at his warm, snoring, and naked twin.

Shay is spooning me with his arm slung around me. He always sleeps as close to me as he can. His legs are tangled with mine, and his cheek is pressed to my shoulder.

If he’s not pressed close to one of us, he can’t sleep.

It’s like Shay is terrified that something will happen to one of us, or that otherwise, he won’t wake up here.

He waited up last night for D’Angelo and me, bounding to greet us at the door with eager questions about our day.

It was hours, before he’d sleep. It’s no wonder that he’s not awake now.

I turn my head back to D’Angelo, who’s lying on the other side of me.

Sleeping in the middle of these men is my happy place.

I study the outline of D’Angelo’s sharp cheekbones. His long lashes fan out, as thick as raven’s feathers.

I can’t help being jealous. The guy doesn’t even need to get lash extensions to look that good.

I’m naked, but D’Angelo is dressed in black silk pajamas, which are unbuttoned, revealing his powerful chest. The pajamas look decadent next to his olive skin and the silver bedding.

The warm morning light streams through the open drapes.

It’s rare for me to be able to watch D’Angelo sleep.

I don’t mind if that sounds stalkerish because D’Angelo’s already admitted that he watches me sleep.

He’s almost always up and dressed in a smart suit, before I’m awake.

But yesterday must have worn him out.

I press a kiss to his cheek. “I love you, Jude.”

I’m shocked how easy it’d felt yesterday to slip back into the familiar friendship that I’d enjoyed at college with D’Angelo.

For a short while, it’d been like the shit with Wilder didn’t happen.

Except, it did.

I can’t go back. In some ways, I don’t want to.

I’m a different person now. So is D’Angelo.

I’m a better person. At least, I’m trying to be.

I didn’t understand D’Angelo back then but I’m starting to now.

Behind me, Shay stirs.

He snuffles at my neck, tightening his hold around my waist.

“Morning, love,” Shay says, sleepily.

I love when he’s half-awake like this. It’s the only time, when he’s not vibrating with an uncontrollable energy that feels like it’s close to tearing him apart.

Well, the only time apart from immediately after sex.

I wriggle around in Shay’s hold to face him. Then I card my fingers through his golden, mussed hair, trying to tame it.

Unsuccessfully.

“Morning.” I kiss Shay, lightly. “We’ve slept in late, even D’Angelo. It’s your day with him. Are you looking forward to it?”

“After some of the things you two got up to…?” He grins. “Too fucking right. Plus, Jude said that this is his date. So, I don’t know what he’s planned.”

“You’ll be in for a treat. And I didn’t tell you everything .”

Shay’s eyes light up. “Spill.”

I slip my hand to his ass, and he bites his lip.

I slide my fingers up and down his crease. “We made wicked plans to turn you into our fox.”

“I am your pet, love.” Shay pats his head. “I’d look cute with ears.”

In turn, I pat his ass. “And a tail.”

“Kinky.”

When Shay glances over my shoulder at D’Angelo, his expression softens with affection. “Do you remember that I said I’d happily wake up to using my mouth on D’Angelo or you each morning?”

I flush at the memory. “How could I forget?”

“Don’t you think that I should start this date right?”

I nod.

Shay presses a quick kiss to my lips. “Watch me…?”

I nod again.

Shay’s putting on a performance for me, as much as for D’Angelo.

I lie on my side, ready to enjoy what happens next.

Eagerly, Shay scrambles over me, before straddling the still sleeping D’Angelo.

He doesn’t touch him.

Instead, he stares down at D’Angelo in awe.

Shay looks at D’Angelo like he’s truly a fallen god who he’s lucky enough to be allowed to worship.

Shay’s adoration for both D’Angelo and me is overwhelming.

It’s intense and precious.

It’s also dangerous because Shay’s laying his heart on our altars to be sacrificed.

He holds nothing back.

And we could hurt him more than anyone else ever could.

D’Angelo’s eyes flutter open. His nose scrunches up in a way that I’d never dare tell him is adorable.

“Darlin’,” Shay murmurs, leaning forward and resting his hands either side of D’Angelo’s head on the pillow.

D’Angelo is sleepy enough for Shay to have the rare upperhand.

Shay is enjoying making the most of it.

D’Angelo licks over his dry lips. “Hmm, what a nice view.”

“May I wake you up with a kiss?” Shay asks.

“That sounds like the perfect start to our day together.”

Shay gently lowers his mouth to D’Angelo’s.

The kiss is slow and tender.

D’Angelo raises his hand to Shay’s lower back, but only rests it there, caressing circles.

When Shay pulls back, however, his eyes dance with mischief. “I have a better way to kiss you awake. Do you want my mouth…?”

He significantly glances down D’Angelo’s body at the same time as rubbing his hard cock against D’Angelo’s through his silk pajamas.

D’Angelo hisses. “I always want your pretty mouth.”

Shay looks delighted, before sliding down D’Angelo’s body. Then he grabs D’Angelo’s pajama pants and yanks at them.

D’Angelo rolls his eyes at Shay’s enthusiasm but raises his hips to allow himself to be stripped.

“Thanks, darlin’.” Shay pulls the pants fully off and flings them down the bed.

“You could have folded them,” D’Angelo scolds.

I snort with laughter.

D’Angelo quirks his brow at me. He sprawls back, cushioning his head on his arms.

He looks like an arrogant king, waiting to be worshiped in an intimate way.

And that’s fucking hot.

“No time. I have more important things to do.” Shay illustrates this by stroking his hand up and down D’Angelo’s hard cock.

D’Angelo clears his throat. “Go ahead.”

“Gracious of you, Sir.” Shay’s amused gaze meets mine, as he settles between D’Angelo’s thighs, resting one hand on his hip.

I smile at Shay, encouragingly.

Blow jobs are still new to Shay. But he’s growing in confidence.

It’s good to see him offering like this and exploring what he enjoys.

Shay fondles D’Angelo’s balls.

My lips quirk to see D’Angelo battling not to look affected.

His cool mask cracks, however, when Shay lowers his head and licks D’Angelo’s cock from the base to the head.

Then he swirls his tongue around the sensitive tip.

“Fuck, that’s good.” D’Angelo’s jaw clenches. “Do that again.”

Shay glows at the praise. “Whatever feels good. This mouth, tongue, and lips, belong to you.”

D’Angelo’s mask breaks entirely at those words.

He growls, flushing with desire.

Shay swirls his tongue around the head of D’Angelo’s cock again.

Then he wraps his hand around the base, before he lowers his mouth onto D’Angelo’s shaft and sucks.

D’Angelo’s heated gaze watches the way that his large cock spears in and out of Shay’s stretched lips.

D’Angelo balls his hands like he’s struggling not to lower them into Shay’s hair and force him further onto his cock.

Instead, he allows Shay to control the pace.

This is Shay’s offering.

I’m happy that D’Angelo is allowing him this.

Shay looks up at D’Angelo from underneath his eyelashes as he sucks harder.

D’Angelo’s hips begin to hump, thrusting like he’s being driven wild enough that he can no longer play the aloof king.

Shay gags but he doesn’t pull back.

Determined, he works harder, despite the tears gleaming in his eyes.

My core throbs.

I lazily slip my hand to my clit, teasing it.

“I’m close,” D’Angelo warns.

Shay doesn’t back off.

Instead, his brow furrows like it’s a challenge.

He takes D’Angelo’s cock even deeper. He caresses D’Angelo’s tight balls.

D’Angelo moans, and as he comes, he finally lowers his hands and buries them in Shay’s hair, holding him in place.

Finally, he releases Shay, who pulls back with a dreamy grin.

Shay licks his lips, swallowing.

His voice is raspy. “We should definitely work that into our morning routine.”

“Agreed.” I reluctantly pull my hand away from my clit.

I want to snuggle closer to D’Angelo instead.

D’Angelo equally relinquishes his hold on Shay’s hair to throw his arm around me.

The BJ was worth it because D’Angelo isn’t his normal grumpy morning self. He’s relaxed and smiling.

Interesting.

All he needs to be reformed from his grumpy ways is blow job therapy.

It could be a new craze.

“You mean, ambushing your captain?” D’Angelo arches his brow.

Perhaps, not entirely redeemed from his grumpy ways.

Shay freezes. “Ehm…”

D’Angelo smiles. “Get up here, good boy.”

Shay relaxes and squirms up to lie on top of D’Angelo’s chest, as if he’s trying to get as close to both him and me as he can at the same time.

Neither of us are complaining.

“I could not have planned a better start to our date,” D’Angelo says, and Shay brightens. “I have, however, planned a perfect day for us.”

“What?” Shay asks.

“It’s a secret.”

Shay pouts. “Unfair.”

“Whatever it is, it’ll be fun.” I lean across D’Angelo to poke Shay. “Although, I bet that it won’t beat our skinny dipping.”

“You went skinny dipping?” Shay’s eyes widen. “Please tell me that there are photos.”

I laugh.

Shay looks down. “I’d love to… I mean, not now but in the future… Do you think…? Will you ever invite me to your beach house? Just to see it?”

Shay looks hopeful but like the chance is such a far away dream that it hurts me soul.

D’Angelo appears as pained as I am.

He’d better say yes.

“Cucciolo,” D’Angelo replies, gently, “after this road trip, I’m going to take all of you for a vacation there. We’ll have earned it.”

“Yes!” Shay’s excitement is infectious. “I’ve always wanted a holiday.”

I freeze.

My stomach churns.

“You’ve been on vacation before, right?” I ask, tentatively.

Shay shakes his head but he seems unconcerned like he can’t see the problem. “We didn’t have the money for stuff like that. Any money that we did have went on paying for ice hockey and college. Mom and Dad definitely didn’t have any cash to spare, when we were young. They took us to the funfair once though. I loved the candy floss, but you should have seen Eden’s face when he tried mine. He looked like a cat who’d sucked a lemon.”

Shay’s laughter is unrestrained.

He can find joy in a single day spent at a carnival throughout his entire life.

He doesn’t complain at what he’s missed out on.

“I’m going to take Eden and you to the beach, on vacations, and out of season yachting around the fucking globe,” D’Angelo says with an earnestness that isn’t like him. “You’re going to be spoiled. You won’t know how to cope.”

Shay’s eyes widen. “You don’t need to. I’m fine without any of that stuff.”

“I know you are.” D’Angelo strokes down Shay’s cheek. “But I’m not okay. So, let me treat you, for my sake.”

“For you.” Shay’s eyes glimmer with tears. “I wouldn’t want you to suffer.”

“And I’ll take you to a traveling carnival,” I promise, pushing Shay’s hair away from his face. “One comes to Freedom each year. You can eat candy floss until you’re sick. I’ll buy Eden a caramel apple. Hopefully, he’ll like that better.”

“Deal.” Shay grabs my hand to shake it. “As long as you promise to go on the rides with me, the big, scary ones.”

“Hey, who said anything about that? Then I’ll be the one who’s sick.”

“Seems fair.” D’Angelo smirks.

Shay hesitates, before he sits up.

My brow furrows.

Is something wrong?

Shay flings himself to the edge of the bed, before pulling something out of the top drawer and hugging it to his chest.

I see a flash of arctic blue.

Wait, is that my Guide?

“Did you hide something in my bedroom?” D’Angelo demands. “I tend to know where everything is in here. I would suggest that you find better hiding places.”

“It worked, didn’t it?” Shay scoots closer to us both again, sitting crossed legged. “I put this in there, when you were out yesterday. I wanted to surprise you both with it this morning. I thought that it’d be a brilliant start to the day.” His gaze darts to D’Angelo. “I know that you want to be mysterious and shit about our date’s details. But I still wanted to offer you something more than my mouth.”

Unexpectedly, he looks shy as he drops the Guide on the bed. He’s still clutching his iPod.

“More kinky ideas?” D’Angelo asks.

“I know that I have my kinky stuff in here but I also wanted something that had deeper meaning to me.” Shay blushes. “It’s a playlist of my favorite ten songs. Ones that have meant something special in my life. I’m flaying myself raw here. Nothing is more personal to me than these songs. I’ve always wanted to care about someone enough to make them a playlist.”

“Shay,” I whisper, touched. “And you say that you don’t do romance.”

Shay studies me, as if to be certain that I’m not taking the piss.

Then his expression lightens. “I do my best, love.”

D’Angelo sits up with his back against the headboard, dragging me to rest against his chest. “And I’ve always wanted someone who cared enough about me to make me a playlist.

“Then it looks like we’re the perfect fit,” Shay replies.

“It looks that way.”

Shay flips open the Guide, past D’Angelo’s written section under my scrawled:

A GUIDE TO LOVING HOCKEY PLAYERS

“Perhaps, we can all listen to the songs,” Shay says. “Plus, we could each add our favorites into the Guide. Ones that make us feel alive. Then add them to Spotify.”

“I love that idea,” I breathe.

Shay passes over the Guide, and D’Angelo and I hold it between us to read:

Shay’s Ten Favorite Songs Playlist

The Strokes — “You Only Live Once”

White Stripes — “Fell in Love With a Girl.”

Arctic Monkeys — “R U Mine?”

Kasabian — “Days Are Forgotten”

FOALS — “Mountain at My Gates”

Blur — “Song 2”

The Lumineers — “Ophelia”

Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs — “Maps”

The Smiths — “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now”

Pulp — “Common People”

The playlist is uniquely Shay. I can’t wait to listen to it.

I also can’t wait to find out why the songs are important to him.

“Not a Justin Bieber song in sight.” I shake my head in mock sadness. “I guess that I’ll have to settle for badass indie rock bands instead.”

Shay laughs. “They’re ones that have this…vibe. They speak to your heart, bones, and balls, you know?”

“Yeah, apart from the balls.”

Shay passes the iPod to me, but his gaze flicks to D’Angelo as well. “I uploaded the playlist onto here.”

“It means a lot that you’re sharing this with me.” D’Angelo grips tightly to the sides of the Guide.

Shay’s shoulders relax with relief.

Thrilled, I unwind the earbuds, slipping one in and then pushing D’Angelo’s curls aside to slip the other into his ear.

When I press the iPod on, The Strokes start playing in a burst of upbeat guitars and drums with raspy vocals.

Instantly, I’m wearing the same sunny smile as Shay.

I can see why this is Shay’s favorite song.

“I used to listen to this on loop at college, when I was having a tough time. Drove Dee mad.” Shay edges even closer, resting his hand on D’Angelo’s knee. “Music gigs were my best nights out.”

“Who did you see?” I ask.

“Nobody that you’d know. I couldn’t afford to see anyone famous, just local bands. There was this small pub in Guildford, which was like a cellar. It hosted up and coming bands. It had a tiny stage. But it was fantastic because that meant you were up close and intimate. When I could manage it, I’d take a break from my work on Friday nights to watch these aspiring bands play. I didn’t know anyone there, but it didn’t matter because we were united, drinking and dancing up and down to the glorious music. It was a bloody escape from our lives. Fuck, I wished that I could play guitar like them. It would have been incredible to have been up on that stage, singing and rocking out.”

He looks painfully wistful.

“I’m teaching you piano.” D’Angelo rests his hand on the back of Shay’s neck. “And you can sing.”

Shay has an amazing voice.

He clearly doesn’t believe that by the way that he shrugs.

“Don’t you think that it would be brilliant though to have all those people watching you, admiring, and loving you?”

“They do,” I point out. “Every time that you play a game for the Bay Rebels, thousands of people in the rink are looking at you like that. Plus, millions at home. You’re the literal star of the team.”

Shay appears sheepish, as if he’s never thought of it that way.

And that’s why I fucking love him so much.

Shay ducks his head. “It’s going to take a while to sink in. Only a couple of months ago, I was the bloke watching the bands on stage and seeing a glimpse of a world that I could never touch. I haven’t yet become used to the fact that I’m now the bloke on the ice stage.”

“Well, get used to it,” D’Angelo growls. “Because you’re as talented as those guitarists. You’re a fucking prodigy on the ice. I don’t know why your college coach was too much of a dumbass to see it, or why Colton gets his kicks by putting you down. But I’ll say it, if no one else will. You’re one of the best in the NHL right now. But here’s what’s important: nobody needs to be the best at everything. Being skilled at one thing in life is enough to set you amongst the stars. And you shine, Shay.”

Shay looks flustered, unable to know what to say to so much praise.

I rescue him by promising. “After this road trip, I’ll go to a gig with you. We can find somewhere small like that place in England.”

Shay smiles. “I’d like that, love.”

“And talking of the road trip,” I sigh, pulling the iPod out of my ear and swinging myself to the edge of the bed, “I need to get dressed and then start packing for it.”

“You mean grabbing things that are currently stuffed without being ironed at the back of your closet and then throwing them into your suitcase.” D’Angelo crosses his ankles. “Oh, along with a ton of books, shoes, and sex toys.”

Asshole…who happens to be right.

“I feel called out.” I sniff.

“What’s the plan tomorrow?” Shay settles next to D’Angelo against the headboard.

“I’m driving us there,” D’Angelo replies. “If we drive all day with minimal stops, it should take three days.”

“What are we driving?” Shay asks. “Please tell me that it’s something cool like—”

“I’ve sorted it out. You’ll find out tomorrow.”

I wrinkle my nose. “Why am I worried now?”

“You shouldn’t be. Eden’s arranged it for me.” D’Angelo glows with pride. “He’s been on top of hiring what we need, the timings, and our itineraries. I imagine that he’s already working on the last minute details now. He’s even packing for me.”

Shay gasps. “His arm is in a sling.”

“That man can do more with one arm than I can do with two.”

I flush.

Isn’t that the truth?

By D’Angelo’s knowing look, he can tell what I’m thinking.

Damn.

I swing my legs. “So, I could get Eden to pack for me?”

D’Angelo looks smug. “Definitely not. He’s not your PA.”

Touche.

I wonder what Eden has hired for us to drive? What are the plans for the long journey?

I could simply work on Eden to tell me…

I try to hide my scheming face, but this time, D’Angelo catches it.

D’Angelo wags his finger at me. “And no pleading, puppy dog eyes, or tricking of my PA to tell you the details. You’ll find out everything en route. If coach insists that we’re handled twenty-four seven like our house arrest goes on tour, then we may as well enjoy it. So, enjoy the surprise.”

I pretend to laugh, holding my sides. But there’s no going against the wagging finger combined with dom face.

They’re deadly.

Suddenly, D’Angelo’s phone vibrates on the nightstand.

Shit, not Dad again.

D’Angelo sighs, pulling out the earbud with an apologetic glance at Shay. He leans over him to pick up the phone.

Then D’Angelo frowns. “I don’t recognize the number.”

D’Angelo’s sudden tension unsettles me. “Who could be phoning you?”

“I don’t know.” D’Angelo’s expression is tight. “For security purposes after everything that’s happened since the start of pre-season, only a couple of people know this number. The security team have made certain of that. This shouldn’t be possible.”

Anxiety spikes through me.

“Don’t answer it,” I urge. D’Angelo’s finger hovers over the phone. “Please.”

Finally, he nods.

“We’ll need to tell security.” I wrap my arms around my middle.

All of a sudden, the phone vibrates.

I jump.

“It’s a text.” D’Angelo’s expression is grim.

“What does it say?” Shay peers over D’Angelo’s shoulder.

“It says,” D’Angelo voice is low, “ truth or dare .”