This is better, though. If I keep Monroe and Broderick focused on putting on a show that will protect both of them, they will stop worrying so much about my past. “What do we do? I’m assuming you have something resembling a plan.”

Monroe flips her hair over her shoulder. “The same thing we’ve been doing, love. We fuck and we play, and we let everyone know we’re getting along swimmingly. We give the faction leaders no reason to get involved.”

Chapter 26

Broderick

I thought taking the time to go get coffee would be the break I needed to get my head on straight. It didn’t work. Sitting here on this bed with two of the most beautiful women I’ve ever encountered, having a conversation that doesn’t involve arguing for once…

It’s enough to make me want things I’m not sure are meant for me.

Monroe stretches. The sheet is bunched at her waist, leaving her breasts bare, and combined with the cute way Shiloh has the covers nearly tucked to her chin, my heart gives an uncomfortable lurch.

I care about Shiloh. Fuck, I love her. I have for a very long time.

I didn’t expect to care about Monroe, too.

It’s not love. That would be ludicrous. Not simply because she’s the enemy, but because just a few days ago, we were at each other’s throats. I can admire her strength and cunning and beauty without being in love with her. I can enjoy how seamlessly we work together when we’re focused on accomplishing the same thing without my emotions getting involved. No matter how much I enjoy her in my bed, ultimately sex changes nothing.

At least in theory.

I clear my throat. “I don’t know if it will be enough to fuck and frolic or whatever the hell you just said.”

“As long as we’re moving in the right direction, neither your brother nor my mother will jump the gun.” Monroe shrugs. “War is bad for everyone, and they’re not going to dive headfirst into it if there’s another option. We need to be convincing enough to prove there’s another option.”

Shiloh pulls her knees to her chest and wraps her arms around them. “What if you’re wrong?”

“I’m not.”

“You say that so confidently, I almost believe you.”

“You should.” I clear my throat. “She’s not wrong.” I know Abel. He might give the impression of being a barbarian brute, but there’s a reason we’d all follow him to hell and back without complaint. He’s too savvy to do something he can’t take back just for the sake of doing it. “Depending on how we play things, it should negate the current danger.”

Shiloh curses. “Fine. What’s the plan, then?”