Cataclysm (Four Horsemen #4)(106)

Our existence had perhaps become more mundane, but only in that we didn’t get our kicks from death and destruction. Instead, we threw ourselves into building a life we all wanted. Fortuity was as successful as ever, if not more so. We worked hard and played even harder.

Our playroom had become our sanctuary. A safe space away from the outside world where the five of us could explore our sexual and non-sexual forms of kink to our heart’s content. It was our outlet for the darkness we all craved since we’d left the underworld behind.

It was a perfect day to celebrate our twenty-eighth birthday together. There were no pressing matters for us to attend. Nothing for us to do but lie here in the sun and watch the world go by.

We were in Rosie’s garden. Her three dogs were chasing each other on the lawn next to the table the boys had dragged out earlier for our birthday lunch. One of the cats was curled up on the end of the blanket near Drake’s feet, enjoying the sun on his black fur. Ares had taken a liking to Drake. I was highly amused by the whole thing, especially the way Drake grumbled about the cat sitting on him when we visited Rosie and yet he’d quite happily pet Ares the whole time. I swear he liked the cat more than he was letting on.

Francis shifted next to me, drawing my attention to him. He rubbed his face on his t-shirt and set his phone down, letting out a sigh. His eyes darted over to Prescott, who had fallen asleep with his hand curled around my thigh.

“I see someone couldn’t stay awake.”

I grinned and continued stroking Francis’ hair.

“Rosie made him get up early to take the dogs out so she could start cooking. He was grumpy as fuck about it,” I replied, keeping my voice low so I didn’t wake him.

We’d arrived here two days ago to spend the weekend with Prescott’s mum. Drake and Francis slept in the twin room whilst West had shared with me and Prescott. It wasn’t unusual for us to be three to a bed. Drake’s, Prescott’s and Francis’ parents had got used to our relationship and the way we worked. Thankfully, Drake’s mother had come around to the whole thing. The thought of Drake walking out of her life had given May an incentive to accept the way things were. Besides, she’d seen how happy we all made each other. No one could deny we belonged together.

“I suppose that one took advantage of having you alone.”

Francis nodded his head towards West. I tried not to smile.

“Can you blame me?” West said, stroking his tattooed fingers down my bare arm. “You have a naked woman in your bed looking all sleep-rumpled and cute, you take advantage of the fact.”

I rolled my eyes. Yes, I had enjoyed a morning quickie with West and I wasn’t ashamed of it. He’d shoved his hand over my mouth to stop me from making too much noise. When Prescott came back, he’d found us in a post-coital haze and told us we should have waited for him. No doubt he would have enjoyed watching.

“Don’t worry, you get me later,” I said before Francis could reply.

We were going home after lunch. The five of us wanted to celebrate in our own way. The playroom would be involved, along with his ropes and chains.

He gave me a smile. I stroked my fingers down the side of his head and cupped his face, rubbing my thumb over his mouth. He poked his tongue out and licked me with a deviant look in his beautiful silver-grey eyes.

“Francis!”

He turned to look at the house, finding his mother standing by the table.

“Yes?” he called back.

“Your father wants to discuss the wedding anniversary arrangements with you.”

“Okay, I’m coming.”

Francis rolled his eyes and slumped back on the blanket. His parent’s thirtieth wedding anniversary was next week. They were having a big party for it. Francis had paid for everything because we weren’t exactly short on funds. He hadn’t wanted to get too involved otherwise but had been roped into it by Eliza.

“I thought our birthday was supposed to be about us, not their fucking party,” he muttered.

“It is about us and besides, you haven’t had to lift a finger today so far.”

He smiled at me, then sat up. The next thing I knew, he’d leant over and planted a kiss on my lips.

“Always keeping us in line.”

“Someone has to.”

“And you do it so well, little whore. Happy birthday, my stunning girl.”

“Happy birthday, my fallen god.”

He kissed me again and then hauled himself up. I watched him trudge off in the direction of the house, my fingers going to Prescott’s head and stroking his hair instead.

“Is it lunchtime?” Prescott asked a minute later, turning his head to look up at me.

“Almost, sleepyhead.”

“Mum will want me to help bring stuff out.”

I leant down and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“Then you should go offer your services.”

“And leave you? Never.”

I laughed and nuzzled his face with my nose.

“You’re just going in the house and I’m still right here, silly.”

He grabbed hold of my head and kissed me. I sat back when he released me, and he got to his feet.

“You three better make your way over before Mum hassles you.”

“I’ll make sure they take their seats.”

He stroked my cheek and gave me a smile.