Theirs to Corrupt (Titans Captivated #5)

Chapter 33

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Tessa

A divorce? I frown. I’ve been thinking about it. But I never expected him to be the one to bring it up. “Link…”

“Answer me.”

My emotions lodge in my throat, and I choke on them.

“You’ve been out looking at apartments.”

So my guess was right. Even if I don’t have Hawkeye bodyguards assigned to me, Pax still isn’t taking any chances.

“Look, Tessa…”

Tessa . Not little dove.

He scrubs his hand over his face. “You don’t have to leave.”

There’s no way I can continue to sleep under the same roof as Pax and Link.

“Even if you can’t be with me—with us—you have a home here.”

But I don’t. Not really. I have a place to sleep while wondering what they’re doing. And I spend a lot of my time holed up, trying to avoid them.

“You can have the guest house.”

“The…” I’m shaking, and I don’t know how to respond.

“I know you’ve been talking to Celeste. She had to have asked about a prenup. Since we don’t have one, that means that whatever you want, financially, I will pay.”

Wrapping my arms around me to ward off a chill, I shake my head. “You don’t know anything about me.” This—my attraction to him, the fact I care so deeply—has nothing to do with money. In fact, that may make things even more difficult. “I don’t want anything of yours.”

“You deserve it. I know I turned your life upside down.”

Without giving me a choice.

“Every court in the land would agree with that.”

“Link.” Frustrated as always when it comes to him, I suck in a breath. “You’re not listening.”

“Then fucking talk to me. Say something. Anything.” His voice cracks, and I steel myself against the way I’m melting inside.

“I don’t want to be manipulated.” Even though tears are stinging my eyes, I continue. “I don’t want anyone telling me what to do.”

“You have the trust fund.”

I wave that off. “I won’t be able to claim that for years. But there are provisions for my education and some living expenses.” Which he no doubt knows because of spousal privilege. “I’m thinking about getting a part-time job, maybe back at the Rusty?—”

“Over my dead body.”

“Shut the fuck up.”

Stunned by the forceful interruption, I turn toward Pax. I had no idea he was there.

“Stay out of this,” Link bites out.

“The hell I will.” His stance is wide, his eyes blazing with barely restrained threat. Tension cords his muscles, making them bulge. “Shut the fuck up before I shut you up. Tessa is making her own decisions.”

“Goddamn it.”

I turn and run up the first few steps, but then Link’s voice freezes me where I am.

“Tessa, please.”

There’s anguish in his tone,

“Please hear me out.”

Despite myself, I remain in place.

“I am a flawed, fucked-up human being.”

Fighting to remain steady on my feet, I carve my fingers around the banister in a death grip.

“The truth is…”

Slowly, slowly, I turn.

Link looks broken, defeated in a way I’ve never seen him before.

Clearing his throat, he starts again. “The truth is, I love you. I don’t fucking know how to act.”

“About goddamn time,” Pax all but growls.

My knees wobble. I can’t possibly have heard right.

“I don’t deserve you, little dove. Don’t deserve a second chance.” He swallows deeply. “But I can’t let you go without a fight.”

“You…?”

“I love you.” His voice breaks.

“Keep going,” Pax clips. “While you still have the chance.”

“My father…” He stops.

Everything inside me urges me to go to him, to run my fingers across his furrowed brow to soothe his emotional pain. Instead I force myself to stay where I am.

“Link,” Pax warns.

“I was five. Kindergarten. It was close to Mother’s Day. The teacher had us all make gifts for our mom.”

I remember doing the same thing. Cards. Paper flowers. Decorated plant pots.

“On Mother’s Day morning, at breakfast, I ran upstairs to my room to get her gift, and I gave it to her. She smiled and thanked me.” He gives a half smile. “I got teary and kissed her on the cheek, and I told her I loved her.”

His words are halting.

“My father dragged me outside and beat me.”

No. Losing my grip, I sink down onto a stair. My heart breaks for the boy he’d been.

“Merritts don’t show emotion.”

Weakness.

“The last time I almost cried was the day of her funeral. I was thirteen. After placing a rose on her casket, my father pulled me away. I stopped to look back.” He swallows deeply. When he goes on, his voice shakes. “She was in that box. All alone.” He pauses for a moment, and Pax nods at him. “My dad warned me not to cry. But because there were people around, he settled for pinching me and reminding me who I was.”

A Merritt who wasn’t allowed to be human, even at his own mother’s graveside.

“After everyone left, he beat me.”

Tears stream down my face. “Oh, Link.”

He scoffs. “The irony is, my dad cared for my mom. He was scared of something happening to her. So he showed love in the only way he knew how.”

God. It makes so much sense.

“He suffocated her.”

I understand Link so much better now. And Pax as well. He knows Link’s secrets and has remained by his side. That kind of loyalty means something.

“I won’t blame you if you can’t forgive me.”

“I…”

He shakes his head. “There are no guarantees. I know I’m controlling. But you mean more than anything to me. I can promise I will always try to be the man that you want. That you need. That you deserve.” His face twisted with raw anguish and honesty, he drops to his knees. “I promise—I vow—that I will die trying to be someone worthy of you.”

Giant sobs rack me.

He’s shredded my heart.

I run to him, lower myself to the floor, and wrap him tight.

He grabs me hard, as if he’ll never let go, and he gulps giant breaths of air. I sob into his shoulder, soaking his shirt, shedding tears for the boy who’d been emotionally crushed and for what we’ve come so very close to losing. “I love you, Link Merritt. You dictatorial, know-it-all?—”

“Bastard,” Pax supplies

Grinning, we both look at him.

“Little dove, say anything you want. I’ll take it.”

I place my palm alongside his face. “I love you. Link. I love you. Now and forever.”

We both hold on tightly, desperately.

Minutes later, Pax helps us up, and the three of us embrace.

“I was afraid I was going to have to beat some fucking sense into you.” Pax’s voice has lost its edge, and I’m grateful for that.

Link nods. “As long as you did it before she got away from us.”

“For damn sure.”

All three of us joined together, Link looks at me. “Please say you’ll be my wife— our wife —now and forever.”

“There’s one condition.”

“Name it.”

“I want to renew our vows.”

He frowns. “We just?—”

“With the word love in there.”

He nods. “Of course.”

“We’ve had something official. I want something meaningful, just for us.”

Both men grin.

“Link knows how to organize events,” Pax says.

“I’ll make it happen. Within a month?”

“Yes. It’s okay with you, Pax?”

“More than,” he assures me.

Everything inside me melts.

“Little dove…” Link tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.

“I’ve missed you,” I whisper. Then I look at Pax. “Both of you. More than words can say.”

“I need you more than oxygen.”

“Take me?” I ask. I want to make this real, to feel them inside me.

Neither man needs a second invitation.

Link removes my shirt so fast that buttons pop off. Simultaneously Pax unfastens my jeans and pulls down the zipper.

Laughing, happier than I’ve ever been, I kick off my heels.

Maybe this is why I couldn’t find an apartment. I secretly wanted to be here, with them.

With frantic movements, they finish stripping me, their strong fingers tracing familiar paths over my skin. I shiver with anticipation, and my heart thunders. I’ve craved this, missed this—their touch, passion, possession.

Link captures my mouth in a searing kiss, his tongue sweeping in to claim me. Everything he demands, I happily give.

Behind me, Pax presses against my back, his hands roaming over my hips, my thighs, before sliding between my legs to cup my mound.

I moan into Link’s mouth as I buck my hips against Pax’s hand.

“You’re already wet,” Pax murmurs.

Yes.

I need this.

Link breaks the kiss, his breath ragged. “I want you over the back of the couch.” It’s an order, but the words are hoarse with desire.

Gently but firmly, Pax guides me into the living room.

Are there any limits to the new ways they want to claim me?

I have to lift onto my tiptoes to bend myself over the couch. And because I know they won’t be easy with me, I dig my fingers into the soft leather.

I look over my shoulder, watching as Link swiftly removes his clothes, his body lean and toned. Pax’s movements are efficient as he undresses to reveal his massive chest and muscular arms.

Both so different. Both so perfect.

Link’s cock is large and throbbing, seeming to arrow toward me. “You’re going to take me. All of me.”

I nod. I’ll die unless he enters me.

He places his hand on my back to hold me down, and Pax reaches between my legs, fingering me, making me squirm, making me ready.

He pulls away, and then Link takes me with a single, powerful thrust, filling me completely.

I scream his name, digging my fingers even deeper into the couch.

“Look at me.” Pax fists a hand in my hair as he turns my face in his direction.

They’ve trapped me, keeping me helpless.

With his free hand, Pax masturbates himself, his enormous cock getting even bigger. The thought of him filling me…

I’m on the edge, my body tensing around Link as he relentlessly makes up for lost time.

“You’re mine.” He presses his palm harder against my back, grounding me.

“Yes.”

“I love you.” Driving deeper, Link slams into me.

The physical and emotional domination is too much, and I scream his name as I come hard, my body convulsing around him.

He groans, slowing his thrusts, and then pulls out. “God, you’re spectacular.” He circles around to face me, his cock glistening with my pleasure. “Stroke me, little dove. Feel what you do to me.”

I’m hardly able to keep my balance, but somehow I manage to wrap my hand around him.

“Do it,” Link commands.

I start, and then I feel a thrill as he pulses in my hand, hot and hard.

Pax moves behind me. As always, he ensures I’m ready before bending his knees slightly to enter me. Instinctively I tighten up, bracing myself for his invasion.

“Relax,” he coaches.

Will this ever become easier?

Inch by inch he pushes in, stretching me, filling me beyond belief. I gasp, my hand faltering on Link’s cock.

“Keep going.” Link covers my hand with his, setting the rhythm.

How could I have forgotten how truly amazing making love with them is?

Pax pulls out slightly, then drives in deeper, sending waves of pleasure through me. He repeats the motion, each thrust bringing me closer to the edge again. But just before I tumble over, he pulls away.

I whimper at the sudden emptiness. “Pax!”

Link releases his grip on my hand. “Stop stroking me.”

The moment I release Link, Pax scoops me up and carries me deeper into the living room. Link tosses a couple of blankets onto the coffee table. Then Pax positions me on all fours, his fingers digging into my hipbones.

“You’re going to suck Link off while I fuck you from behind, sweetheart.”

How can he expect me to think while he’s inside me?

Link kneels in front of me, cock jutting against my face.

He reaches forward to play with my breasts, rolling my nipples between his fingers. I moan, feeling a response pull deep inside me.

I could let him do this forever. Instead he guides himself toward my face. “Open your mouth for me.” He places his cockhead on my tongue, and I swirl around it, tasting myself on him. “Show me how much you want this cock.”

Pax begins to enter me again, and I suck Link’s dick into my mouth.

“Good girl.” Link’s words are a sensual purr of approval.

“This pussy is mine.” Pax forcefully thrusts, pushing me forward onto Link’s cock. Being filled from both ends is overwhelming. I choke on Link’s impressive length, and he grabs my shoulders as he groans deeply.

Pax’s pace quickens, his hips slapping against my ass. “You’ll always belong to us.”

Their words— their possession—sends me spiraling out of control. I come hard, gagging and crying. But Link is relentless. His body tense, he continues.

Finally, long moments later, he spills in my mouth, leaving me desperately trying to swallow every drop.

Pax thrusts several more times. Then, with a groan, he pulls out. His hot release streams onto my back, and he rubs it into my skin, marking me.

I’m theirs.

Maybe always have been.

Exhausted, I collapse and roll onto my side.

Pax lifts me into his arms and carries me upstairs to Link’s bedroom. Our bedroom now.

They lie down beside me, their bodies warm and solid against mine. I’m sandwiched between them, exactly where I want to be.

“I love you,” I whisper.

While Link echoes my words, Pax kisses my forehead. “I love you, sweetheart.”

I don’t consciously fall asleep, but I must have drifted off because when I open my eyes, I’m on my side and both of my husbands are gently exploring my body.

Pax circles my nipple, then he lowers his hand to stroke my pussy, spreading the wetness that’s already gathering there.

Behind me, Link is pressed against my back, his arm wrapped securely around my waist. “Ready for me?”

“Yes.”

Within moments, he’s easing into me and moving his hips in a slow, steady rhythm.

This isn’t the fierce, demanding sex we had earlier…it’s gentle and connects us together emotionally. It’s lovemaking.

I sigh as I respond to their touch.

Pax captures my mouth, his lips giving instead of demanding. His tongue teases mine, and he continues his slow movements on my breasts.

Gently Link places a kiss at the tender spot on the back of my neck. Though his beautiful cock fills me, his movements are measured, designed to build my pleasure gradually. He’s not chasing his own release. Instead, he’s nudging me toward mine.

Pax releases my mouth, and I reach back to touch Link’s hip, urging him closer.

Maybe guessing I’m ready to climax, Pax teases my clit again.

As Link continues to stroke, Pax increases the pressure on my sensitive flesh, moving in smaller, tighter circles.

Suddenly Link begins to thrust faster, and he pushes deeper. My men are in sync, working together to bring me pleasure.

“Come for us, little dove,” Link murmurs. “Show us how much you love this.”

Pax captures my mouth once more, swallowing my moans.

I’m right there, teetering on the precipice, and then with one more thrust from Link and a final stroke from Pax, I tumble over.

My orgasm washes through me in waves, and my body clenches around Link’s cock. He groans, burying his face in my neck as he finds his own release.

Pax breaks the kiss. “You’re incredible.” He releases my clit to cup one of my breasts.

I lie still, feeling safe, loved, and cherished between these two men who have become my world.

After sliding from inside me, Link helps me onto my back. “We didn’t think about birth control.”

I go still.

Frantically I try to think about the timing. “I don’t think it’s the right time of the month,” I say. Hope. “We should be okay.”

“We’re all in this together,” Link promises. “Whatever your dreams are, you’ll never have to give them up. Pax and I should both be competent at childcare.”

I see fear in Pax’s eyes, and I can’t help but grin. This giant, strong bodyguard who has faced incredible danger all over the world is scared of an infant?

“If we need a nanny, childcare, a second housekeeper to help us, we’ll make that happen.”

I nod, relieved. “I want kids,” I assure them. “But I’d prefer to wait a little while.”

“Understood.” Link nods. “Selfishly we don’t mind having you to ourselves for a while.”

“And give Pax a little time to adjust to the idea of fatherhood?” I tease.

“You’ll pay for that.”

Within seconds, squealing, I’m scooped from the bed and thrown over his shoulder. I’m laughing and frantically kicking, as he strides into the bathroom and dumps me onto the counter.

I start to scramble off, but Link’s there, blocking me in place.

“I think you should be a good girl and take your punishment without complaint.”

Punishment? It’s a good thing I’m sitting because there’s no way my body would be able to support me.

As I peek around Link’s imposing body, Pax sets the water temperature, testing it with his hand before crooking his finger at me. “Come here, sweetheart.”

Link helps me down, and I’m shaking as I make my way into the glass shower unit. It used to seem enormous. Now it feels small and tight with the three of us inside and me not knowing what to expect.

“Hands on the far wall.” Pax’s voice is rough with command, making my thoughts fracture.

Each motion feeling awkward, I do as I’m instructed.

“Hands higher. Press your beautiful breasts against the tiles.”

They’re cool, and goose bumps chase up my arms.

“Legs farther apart,” Link adds.

“And stick your ass out as far as you can.”

Their orders are coming at me so fast that I’m beginning to lose track of what they’re saying.

“You don’t want us to have to repeat our instructions,” Link warns.

God help me.

Quickly I do as I’m told.

Pax leans close to me, and I inhale his sense of determination. “Look at me.”

I turn my head slightly to meet his gaze.

“Tell me your safe words.”

He expects me to be able to communicate? “Yellow for slow.” I swallow. “Red for stop.”

“Good. And where are you right now?”

Scared. Curious. “Green.”

He nods. “You know what this is?” Then he lifts his hand to show me something he’s holding.

My mouth dries. “Uh…” I expected him to use his hand. “A bath brush.”

What is he going to do? Use the bristles between my legs? Or use the back side to spank me? Or worse, both?

“Stings more if the skin is wet.” Link’s words are conversational as he takes down the showerhead.

After turning on the water and checking the temperature, he drenches my rear.

In silent protest, I wrinkle my nose.

Then he stands to one side and sets the spray to pulse and directs it between my legs, finding my pussy, making me gasp.

For balance I spread my fingers even farther apart.

“Ask for a spank,” Pax says against my ear.

He’s so beastly. “Please. I’m ready.” The first is always the worst.

Link brings the water closer to me, ratcheting up my pleasure. Helpless, needy, I moan. “Yes.”

As I hoped, Pax uses the back of the brush and taps my rear as a warmup.

I exhale, relaxing into trust as he lands a second on my other butt cheek.

He continues, alternating sides, each a little firmer than the last. The sting builds, but the pleasure from the pulsating water on my clit balances it out, creating a dizzying mix of pain and pleasure.

“Where are you, little dove?” Link asks, adjusting the showerhead to change the pattern.

“Still green,” I gasp out.

“Still green, Sir,” he corrects.

Sir? He expects me to call him that?

Tensing, I wait for Pax to go on, but he doesn’t.

“Say it.”

Can I? Will I?

Link moves the water away from my aching pussy.

I need this…everything we’re doing.

“Still green , Sir.” The word rolls from my tongue easily, naturally. It feels so right.

“Fuck, yes.”

Pax lands another strike, this one harder.

Simultaneously Link increases the water pressure, the spray pounding against my clit. I moan, bucking my hips back, wordlessly demanding more.

Behind me, Pax continues with the bath brush, creating a delicious sting that radiates across my skin. The combination of the water and the punishment makes me throb with need.

“You’re doing so well.” Link’s voice is thick with desire. He leans in, capturing my mouth in a searing kiss, his tongue mimicking the pulsating rhythm of the water.

As Pax lands the implement again, I whimper into Link’s mouth, my body shaking. He slowly ends the kiss, his eyes dark with lust and something deeper—love.

“We’ve got you,” Pax says, his voice steady and reassuring. He spanks me again, the bath brush hitting a particularly sensitive spot, and I gasp, digging my nails into the tile.

“Doing okay?” Link asks, his gaze locked onto mine.

I nod.

Link adjusts the showerhead yet again, the stream now relentless against my clit.

I arch my back, and Pax delivers a hard strike.

“Your ass is so red.”

The bath brush clatters to the floor, and then his hand is there, soothing the ache, his fingers slipping between my cheeks to tease my tight hole.

“You’re so close, little dove,” Link murmurs, his voice a low growl. “Come for us. Let go.”

Pax presses a finger into my back entrance. The pressure is too much.

A climax crashes through me in wave after wave of intense pleasure. I scream, my hands slipping as I fight to stay upright.

Link hangs up the showerhead, and warm water cascades over us. He wraps his arms around me, holding me tight as I ride out the storm. Pax’s arms join his, their bodies pressing against mine, supporting me, their cocks hard against my skin.

As my breathing slows, I become aware of their hands, gentle and soothing, stroking my back, my arms, my thighs. I surrender to their touch, my body sated and limp.

“Such a good girl,” Link whispers.

“So beautiful,” Pax agrees, his voice low and deep against my ear.

I attempt a smile. But there’s no doubt I feel cherished. And loved. This was everything I could have hoped for. “That was…remarkable.”

“Good thing you liked it,” Pax says.

Link leans forward and finishes with, “Because we’re just getting started…”