“I don’t need pills.” Torrent spoke carefully, like he was using every bit of resolve to stay calm. “I’m”—he cleared his throat—“very happy to be friends with Candy.” He gave her a tight smile. “So much so that I could be friends with her for… a very long time and be happy with it. No, thrilled.”

All three of the guys laughed. Tide doubled over, spilling his whiskey. He wiped at his face and had to sit down. Sky rolled her eyes and mouthed ignore them to Candy.

Torrent clenched his jaw so hard Candy was worried he might end up cracking a tooth. He looked like a lost little boy. He was sucking it up for her. She knew in that moment that he would crawl through hot coals for her. He would do anything for her. All of her. The good parts, the bad parts and the ugly parts.

Candy cleared her throat and stepped forward. The guys stopped laughing. The room became so quiet. The only sound was of the crackling fire. “I think we should go now.”

“Your friend is tired,” Storm said. Tide chuckled, as did Lake. Sky hit her mate on the arm so he stopped, looking guilty.

“Actually, I’m not in the least bit tired.” She looked at Torrent who was frowning. “I was thinking that maybe we could go back to your place.”

The frown deepened, turning to more of a confused look than an angry one.

“I don’t know.” She twirled the pearls between her fingers, his eyes dipped to her cleavage. “Maybe we could have hot, sweaty sex.” They flashed back to lock with hers.

His mouth fell open. All of their mouths fell open.

“All night, bed-breaking, sheet-tearing sex.” She whispered, knowing full well that they would all hear her perfectly.

Sky giggled.

“That would be great.” He yelled. Then he turned serious. “Um…” He swallowed thickly. “I mean, yes, definitely. Only if you’re sure that’s what you want?”

“Pussy.” Tide coughed the word into his fist.

Candy turned her gaze onto Torrent’s brother. She gave him what she hoped was a seriously dirty look. The guy had the good grace to look sheepish.

“Further more.” She closed the distance between them and looked into Torrent’s eyes. His beautiful pale blue stare. He took her breath away. Made her feel tingly all over. “I don’t want to be your friend.”

“You don’t?” The look on Torrent’s face was almost humorous. “No. People who have hard sweaty sex can’t be friends… not really.”

Torrent made a choking, growling noise.

She licked her lips and his eyes tracked the movement of her tongue. “I want you and I choose you and…”

He put his hand over her mouth. “You’re publicly choosing me... again.”

She nodded.