Dear Maria, Nadia wrote.

I’m sleeping with them. Yep, both of them. Who would have thought the key to my happiness would be not one, but two men? And don’t worry about castigating me for my behavior. I’ve beat myself up enough, but my libido just refuses to pay attention!

It happened first at the hotel and then again over the weekend. You’ll never guess the most titillating part. Lincoln and Perry are just as attracted to each other as they are to me. That should be a turn off, right? Only it isn’t. These guys are alphas—assertive and dominant. Multiply the wet effect times two.

Anyway, I keep going back to the thought that my subconscious is using this to rebel against my father. Maybe that was the case in the beginning, but now I’m not so sure. There must be more to it than that.

I know that this could be the worst mistake of my life. I mean, Lincoln is a self-absorbed actor, and Perry is a moody ass military vet. In another two weeks, we’ll say goodbye like this never even happened. This should never have gone this far. Yet, I can’t say no to this.

They make me feel alive. That’s what has me worried. What the hell am I going to feel like when this is all over?

She closed the notebook and slid it under the leaves of her bough bed. As she got up to exit the round lodge, she noticed Lincoln’s sketchbook and flipped it open. What she saw stopped her dead in her tracks. There were breathtaking vistas that were stunning enough, but it was the way he had rendered Perry and herself that caught her off guard. She ran her fingers over a smooth sketch of her in profile. When the door to the lodge swung open, she guiltily closed the book.

“What are you doing?” Lincoln asked.

“I was—I just wanted to see your drawings.”

“Curious about me, are you?” He grinned.

“I didn’t say that.”

“Actions speak louder than words. Come on out. Perry snared a squirrel for breakfast.”

She wrinkled her nose and chuckled. “Man, I can’t wait to get back to civilization.”

He met her gaze as he grabbed her hand. “I can,” he murmured. She understood the sentiment. Nadia sighed, thinking about the letter she had written to Maria. She was only allowed to cut free and break all the rules out here. When the trio got back to civilization, the joyride would be over.

She stepped into the clearing where the smell of roast meat filled the air, and her mouth began to water. Perry handed her a canteen. “We’re hiking out today,” he murmured.

She shot a glance at Lincoln, worried by Perry’s flat tone. He lifted a shoulder in a shrug and shook his head. Last night, Perry had returned to the lodge and quietly gone to bed with no talk of what they had done. He still seemed to be in an introspective mood about it.

“Where are we going?” Nadia asked.

Perry finally cracked a smile. “This week, I have a special treat for you. We’re heading higher into the mountains to visit the hot springs since health and wellbeing is on the lesson plan for the next few days.”

“Are you serious?!” Nadia squealed excitedly.

“I figured you’d like that, but I do really need to lay out some ground rules before we go. Nadia, Lincoln, if we’re going to keep sleeping together, it’s only fair I tell you I’m not available for anything else after this. It’s just…sex.”

Nadia crossed her arms defensively. “Yeah, sure! What else would it be? I’d never bring a guy like you home. I have a reputation to protect.”

Perry looked momentarily taken aback by her response. She wondered if her casual dismissal of him made him think of the time she had called him “staff” back at the hotel. But he smoothed his face and gestured at the campfire. “Wonderful. Glad we’re on the same page. Now, let’s eat, break camp and move on out.”

They feasted on a hearty meal of squirrel and wild greens. The food settled like a lump of concrete in her stomach. It’s just sex, he had said. Nadia knew his words were not personal, but maybe that was part of the problem.

After the meal, they meticulously scrubbed the clearing of any signs of their presence and packed their few belongings. Perry took them along a winding path through the woods. The ascent was gentle and not physically taxing in the least. This gave Nadia plenty of time to think.

Why had he felt the need to brush them off like that? She felt catty for suggesting he was subpar dating material, but why did it matter, when he clearly wanted them to know he was not interested in a relationship?

Nadia wondered what kind of internal war he was waging—a heterosexual male suddenly finding himself attracted to another man. It had to be doubly disconcerting for Perry, who seemed to place a high premium on all things macho. It was nobody’s fault that they couldn’t keep their hands off one another.

Whatever the reason for his distancing act, the walls were back up between the three of them. Lincoln had also pulled back and was every bit as emotionally distant as Perry. Nadia hated to admit it, but her feelings were hurt. She was stuck with a lust she could hardly control and zero prospects of a happily ever after.

After all, it really is just a bad case of ‘in lust,’ she told herself. She was a young woman with a bright future ahead of her that did not include running off with two strange men. Even if she wanted more, Perry was content with his isolation, and Lincoln came from a world that she wanted no part of. A world where sex was ‘just sex.’

By the time they came upon their second encampment, she had made up her mind. She could handle ill-fated attraction. When the time came to part ways, she would be okay with it. After all, neither of these guys was in love with her. If anything, they thought she was risky dating material—wealthy, high-maintenance, and under her father’s thumb to boot.

Hell, if she were in their position, she would run in the opposite direction, too. Nadia rolled up her sleeves in the brisk fall air and got to work helping Perry and Lincoln make another round lodge. She hid her blues well. On the bright side, at least she was getting a hot spring vacation out of the deal.

* * *

Lincoln stretched, feeling limber and at peace as the sunset turned the mountainside a dark, misty blue. The first stars were out, and the baying of wolves in the distance came like a lullaby that no longer bothered him. He knew they were safe with Perry in charge.

“Good job on setting up the round lodge and starting a fire. For your reward…” Perry beckoned for Nadia and Lincoln to follow him, and Nadia let out another squeal of excitement. It was time for the hot springs. Lincoln had to admit he was excited, too. After a week of cold baths, the naturally heated waters would be divine.

His anticipation built as they neared their destination. He heard the tell-tale sound of water, but it quickly became apparent that they were not alone. He heard quiet chattering underscored by gurgling geothermal pools. At first, he wondered if the sound of talking was a trick of the mist, but as they drew closer, the voices became more distinct.

Lincoln hesitated. He was not in the mood to be swamped by fans, especially not in his current state. “Is this a tourist spot?” he asked uneasily.

“No,” Perry muttered. “No one is usually here. Stay put. I’ll go check it out.”

Nadia crossed her arms and blew out a breath, stirring her hair. “What do you think this is about?”

“I’m not sure, but it doesn’t look like part of Perry’s anally retentive plans.”

She smiled at the reference to Perry’s inflexibility. Lincoln studied her silhouette in the darkness, and she caught him staring. “So, how are you feeling about last night?” she asked quietly. He felt the heat creep over his face and shook his head, smiling shyly.

“I got the impression from Perry that neither one of us should be feeling anything.”

Nadia giggled. “Maybe I should rephrase the question.”

“Yeah,” he snorted, chuckling.

Nadia took a step closer. “Did you like it?”

Lincoln looked away and took his time answering. Had he liked it? He had enjoyed every second of it—submitting to passion, exploring his sexual fantasies. There was no way to explain how gratifying it had been. “Best sex I ever had. I’ve got almost no regrets. Was it good for you?” He met Nadia’s gaze, and she fondled the collar of his shirt.

Her seductive smile lured him to her mouth, and he gently bussed her lips. Her soft laughter turned into a moan, and she leaned into his arms. “I don’t think I’m a greedy woman, but I could get used to this. No strings attached.”

Lincoln read the bittersweet awareness in her eyes that there would be no getting used to anything as far as the three of them was concerned. Their adventure was a fleeting one that would be over soon. Before Lincoln could respond, Perry returned with a scowl, prompting the two of them to step away from each other.

“Let’s go,” Perry said gruffly.

“What’s going on?” Lincoln asked.

“Rick Feldman,” he spat. “We had an agreement. He would stick to his side of the mountain, and I would stick to mine. Now, suddenly, he’s on my turf, and I want answers. Come on. He’s meeting me back at our camp in ten minutes.”

“So, no hot springs?” Nadia threw up her hands in disbelief.

“I’m sorry, guys. We’ll have our chance to soak in the springs tomorrow sometime. Let’s go.”

They trudged back to the camp to wait for the Empowered Survival instructor. The trio was on guard when Rick Feldman stepped into the circle of light from the campfire a few minutes later. Lincoln eyed the new arrival with barely concealed contempt. Lincoln refrained from analyzing why Perry inspired such a protective, defensive stance. He just knew Rick Feldman had sleaze ball written all over him, and he hated to see his friends abused.

“Cozy little camp,” Rick grinned. “I almost didn’t find you.”

Perry’s shoulders stiffened as he rose to his feet and confronted the other man with arms crossed. “Cut the crap, Rick. Why’s your group using my hot springs?” he asked. Rick spread his hands innocently.

“I had a few students who wondered if we might stumble across Lincoln Easley out here, and I decided to try to give them what they wanted. It was a long shot, Perry. How was I to know for sure you’d be at the springs? I was just humoring them.”

“Yeah, well, the same way you have an obligation to your students, I have an obligation to mine. That means protecting their privacy and making sure no one invades their space. This side of the mountain isn’t big enough for the both of us.”

“Point taken,” Rick backed off.

A look of suspicion flitted over Perry’s face, but he quickly concealed it. “Thank you,” he said warily.

“Not a problem.” Rick ambled toward Lincoln and held out a card. “When you get tired of rolling around in the mud with this guy, give me a call. My group stays in a chalet with a fully stocked pantry, fantastic showers and working internet.”

“Then, what kind of survival guru does that make you?” Lincoln asked. Rick chuckled and walked off, not bothering to answer.

Lincoln moved to toss the card into the fire.

“Not tempted to keep it?” Perry asked.

“What for?”

“He came all this way for you.”

“No, thanks. I already have a survival training instructor. Rick Feldman can scavenge for celebrities elsewhere.” Lincoln dropped the business card and watched the flames eat away at the paper until it disintegrated.

“Thank goodness he doesn’t know who I am,” Nadia sighed. “What are we going to do about this, Perry? I doubt the guy will stay away, and now his group knows where we are. I bet good money they’ll come snooping around.”

Perry went into his backpack and brought out a set of cowbells. “It’s late, and it’s dark. We can’t do anything about it tonight, but tomorrow we can set up perimeter alarms so if anyone gets too close, we’ll hear them.”

“And any extracurricular activities will be done in the lodge,” Nadia suggested. Perry cut a glance at her, but he did not say anything. Lincoln watched the exchange warily.

No one could know they were sleeping together, and if Rick stuck around, they would have to stop. Lincoln wanted things to end on their terms, not someone else’s. But if it was “just sex,” why not just stop? Perry and Nadia would not fit into his future.

He had worked out his destiny: Once he completed the three-week survival training, he would return to Los Angeles and audition for Mitch Trepan’s movie. Then, he would score the role and go on to receive high-acclaim for his portrayal of the protagonist in the man versus nature flick. He was sure he would be cast in the role…Well, mostly sure.

“I need another favor,” Lincoln murmured.

Perry grabbed a piece of wood from the pile of kindling and started whittling. The campfire painted him warm umber, and shadows slanted over his handsome face. He looked like something out of an old western. He looked good. “What kind of favor?” Perry asked warily.

“I saw you talking on your phone early this morning.”

“Checking in on Clyde. He’s been released from the hospital. What about it?”

“I know you don’t want us relying on technology, but it was unrealistic of me to think I could do without regular communication with my team. My livelihood depends on it. I need to contact my agent and find out what’s going on in LA.”

Nadia stepped out of the round lodge and seconded Lincoln. “He’s right. I need to call my father, as well.”

“You two are determined to change the way I do things,” Perry sighed.

“Only where it matters.” Lincoln grinned.

* * *

Perry tossed Lincoln his cellphone and left his students to make their phone calls while he made a perimeter sweep. He was more bothered about Empowered Survival showing up than he had let on to Rick. The odds of someone discovering the trio in a clandestine moment increased exponentially when stalker fans were crashing around the woods.

Perry knew the answer to his problem was to not sleep with Nadia and Lincoln again, but after last night, he could not stay away. Pushing into Lincoln’s body had been sheer bliss. Nadia’s cries of abandonment still echoed in his ears, and walking away was definitely not an option.

He bristled at the fact Rick had given Lincoln his business card—payback for Perry handing out his own back at the hotel. He knew Rick was only trying to recruit the actor to put him out of business. It did not seem to matter that Empowered Survival was doing fine without sabotaging Survive Anything. Perry sensed that his rival’s feelings of inadequacy fueled the competition between them.

When he returned to camp, Nadia was still on the phone, and Lincoln was sketching her portrait. Nadia ended her call and handed her phone back to Perry with a grateful smile as he settled by the fire.

He reached into his pack for some of the rabbit jerky they had made together midweek. It would have to do for the night. With Rick nearby, he was in no mood to forage or track down food, and the savory hickory smoked jerky was a welcome treat. He handed Nadia and Lincoln their portions and nibbled a morsel, taking it down with water from the canteen. “Well, we’ve got nothing better to do. Let’s talk,” Perry sighed.

“Have we sunk to the new low of needing to make small talk to get through the night?” Lincoln grumbled.

“Humph! You’re lucky we can do that, with Rick Feldman and crew are out there. I don’t want to do anything…incriminating…So, what’s your upcoming movie about?”

Lincoln lifted his brows and shrugged lethargically, “Mitch Trepan, the director who filmed my last movie, told me this famous screenwriter named Landon Ashville created the role just for me…”

“You don’t seem too enthusiastic about it,” Perry noted. Lincoln wore a studied frown, and the jovial atmosphere that had been in place before Rick Feldman had paid a visit was now well and truly gone.

Lincoln finally set aside his charcoal and looked at him. “That’s because, rumor has it, another actor has been given the part. Here I am, wasting my time at a stupid survival training camp, and Jasper Kent is taking my place in LA.”

“That’s terrible, Lincoln! I can’t believe they did that to you,” Nadia empathized.

“It is what it is,” Lincoln muttered.

Perry shifted uncomfortably. Would the bad news have any bearing on how the actor judged his course? Perry had been looking forward to the publicity, knowing Lincoln would mention his experience with Survive Anything in behind-the-scenes interviews. It was all Lincoln had talked about during the previous week. Now, he looked as if the wind had left his sails.

Perry tried to cheer him up. “There will be other roles. I know that’s not what you want to hear right now, but I think you’re forgetting that you’re a talented, driven young man. I mean, playwrights are writing roles tailor-made for you...” He trailed off, peering into the underbrush on the outskirts of the camp.

“Yeah,” Nadia picked up, “don’t let this get you—”

“Shh!” Perry slashed a hand through the air, suddenly on high alert. He squinted at the yellow eyes glowing back at him. He heard the unmistakable snarl of a wolf, and Nadia gasped and turned to him with wide eyes. “Don’t turn your back on it!”

“Oh, my God!” she gasped.

“Calm down. Absolutely no need for panic.”

“What is it doing?” Lincoln asked as he woodenly turned his head to watch the rangy wolf loping past him. By Perry’s count, there were three of four of them, and they moved soundlessly around the camp, looking for a point of weakness. He slowly reached for his weapon as he calculated how much time he had before the beasts pounced on them.

His students looked to him for answers, and he hated to tell them this threat had caught him with his pants down. He had been so consumed with the Rick Feldman situation and Lincoln’s unexpected news that he had not given this scenario a thought.

One of the wolves bayed, and an answering howl came from roughly a mile to the east. The haunting sound raised the hair on the back of Perry’s neck.

“The pack must have circled around. I heard them hunting in the distance earlier this evening.”

“Well, don’t just sit there. Kill it!” Nadia squeaked hoarsely.

“The problem with that plan, sweetheart,” Perry chuckled, “is there’s more than one wolf out there, and there’s only one way we’re gonna get out of this without getting attacked by the whole pack. On the count of three…One…two…three!”

“Do what?” Lincoln asked desperately.

“Make all the noise you can!”