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I don’t hesitate, still too lost in the haze of sated arousal to question the command. Lifting my arms, I wrap my hands around the back of Conall’s neck and tug his face down to mine.

Though his hands are nearly bruising where they hold my hips, his lips are gentle, even reverent, as he kisses me. The faint taste of myself on his tongue draws another shiver from me.

With only the touch of his hands and his mouth on my breasts, this Lycan has ruined me for all other men.

Well, except for a certain woodsman with rough calluses and a dominant streak. Together, they made me do something no one else has—lose any and all control.

The knowledge frightens me. The amount of power they hold over my body is unacceptable. I can’t let it cloud my mind.

I withdraw from the kiss, trying to catch my breath. To my shock, Conall turns me to face Hunter. The Lycan seemed so possessive earlier, yet now, he’s giving the woodsman a chance to kiss me.

Hunter moves closer, fitting my body between his and Conall’s. I’m surrounded. It should feel confining. I should want nothing but escape, but I don’t. I want to wallow in their warmth, their presence.

Cupping my cheek in his hand, Hunter says, “Come home with me.”

The dominance is gone. It’s a request, not a demand.

“Both of you,” he continues. “Come to my cottage with me.”

The temptation is nearly crippling. I want to give in, to just let all this happen. It feels so good between them, no worries, no responsibilities. To give into the hedonistic urges deep inside me.

But I can’t.

I can’t give up my freedom, no matter how good they make me feel.

“I can’t,” I murmur. “I have to make tinctures and other medicines for the apothecary in Grimsgate. I need my tools and herbs.”

It’s an excuse. A ridiculous one. I’m sure Hunter sees right through it.

But he doesn’t argue.

Neither does Conall.

“Very well.” Hunter sighs.

His hands move to the laces of my dress, and he begins to do them up, covering my bare breasts with the fabric. Conall sweeps my hair over one shoulder and presses his lips to the base of my neck. I shiver at the touch, fighting the urge to lean back into him.

Once I’m dressed, Hunter takes my hand. “We’ll walk you home.”

Conall grunts and takes my other hand, his fingers lacing with mine. I swallow hard as emotion threatens to overwhelm me. They gave me incredible pleasure, and now they’re taking care of me in a different way. I want to wallow in their attention, but I resist.

It’s always like this in the beginning. All sweetness and passion. After time passes, men change. Once they have control, the sweetness disappears. I can’t trust it.

“I want to see you again,” Conall finally growls out, his grip on my hand tightening for a moment.

I bite my lip. Logic dictates I should say no. It’s dangerous to let him into my life. Even as the word teeters on the tip of my tongue, I find myself nodding.

“Tomorrow?” he asks.

“Yes.”

Satisfaction radiates from him, strong enough to warm my skin.

“May I see you tomorrow, too?” Hunter asks.

Conall growls again but stops when I nudge him with my elbow.

“I suppose,” I agree.