“Hey my babe.” Dakota sidles up to me in the kitchen wearing a tiny black robe. “Your man is lovely,” she whispers in my ear, even though the guys are in the living room and have the television on so loud, it’s like I’m at the concert they currently have playing.

“I know. It took us a while to get back to a normal relationship, if you can call it that. I told him I wanted more, and he gave me this,” I say, pointing to the thin silver choker around my neck.

Her giggle is enough to have me laughing too. “Are you sure you’re ready to submit?” she asks and I nod with confidence. “I’m pleased. You needed stability and he’s your rock.” Being open about our lifestyle isn’t easy, but with her, I know she gets it. It’s like having a sister to confide in. Even though we’re the same age, I feel protective of her.

“You two misbehaving again?” Axel’s deep voice startles us both from the entrance of the kitchen. The dark blue of his T-shirt deepens the blue of his piercing eyes. Lifting one brow, his gaze flits between us in question, and I can’t stifle my laugh.

“Come on, Axe. We’re just having some girl time,” Dakota whines beside me, and we notice another formidable figure joining Axel in the doorway.

Two men, complete opposites, but so alike.

“Yeah, come on, Axel…” I drag his name out slowly, and the blue in his eyes darkens considerably.

“Do you two need a spanking already?” Kael saunters into the kitchen, perching himself on the stool near the fridge. “I think they need a little girly time. I’d say we should take this to the hot tub with some champagne. Don’t you think, Phoenix?”

Dakota snaps her gaze to mine, and it’s as if our minds are one because the expression on her face tells me we just had the same idea. “I think my Kota would like to join me in the water.” I lean in and whisper in her ear, “How about we have a few drinks and then taunt them a little?”

We stare at them for a moment then stroll past two pairs of hungry eyes with a bottle of bubbly and our flutes. The hot tub is out on the second-floor deck, which has an incredible view of the city.

Only a minute passes before the guys join us, both dressed only in their briefs, and from what I can tell, they’re both very happy we’re here.

“You two look delicious all wet,” Axel quips with that side smirk that deepens the dimple in his cheek. Both men join us and seat themselves in the bubbly water. The spray jets out at random sections, which massage or tickle, depending on the pressure.

“Time to toast.” Kael pops the cork and fills the flutes, while Axel hands us ours. “To new and old friends, and to forever.” We clink glasses. Taking a sip of the cold alcohol, I sit back, and we settle into easy conversation.

“Action time,” Kota whispers, and I nod. Both men are deep in conversation about business deals or something, but as soon as we turn and lean in, our lips touching, all chatter ceases. I feel two pairs of eyes, burning into my side, as Dakota’s tongue and mine swirl alongside each other.

Our moans and whimpers are the only sounds surrounding us. I reach for her breasts, teasing the hardened buds between my thumb and forefinger. Her hands trail down my hips, tugging me against her. We’re slippery, and based on a quick glance at the two men, I’d say our plan is working perfectly.

They’re both entranced. I pull her up along with me, and when we stand, the water cascades down our legs. “Sit, Kota. You’re first.” I wink and she settles on the edge, gripping the wood to keep herself steady. I spread her slender legs and lean in, teasing her with feather light kisses on her inner thighs. “My perfect little, K,” I moan, glancing up to find her eyes hooded.

“Please, Phoenix,” she whimpers, and I can’t deny her. My mouth latches on to her bare slit, and I lick and taste the sweetness of her. She leans back, her legs splayed almost lewdly, as I suck on her clit, teasing my fingers into her. “Oh, oh, shit.” Her body pulses around my fingers and I know she’s close. I know what she needs, so I bite down on her little nub and crook my fingers to stroke her sweet spot and she flies apart under my touch. “Shit, shit, oh, shit!” Her cries echo around us, but we’re both lost in our pleasure.

In our own bubble.

I continue licking her until she slowly descends from her high. “You’ll kill me, Little Red.” She giggles down at me. Without casting a glance at the boys, we swap places, and she settles between my thighs. Her tongue works magic on me, and I’m gripping the edge of the Jacuzzi like a fucking lifeline.

Her mouth taunts and teases as she suckles my throbbing clit. Her fingers slide into me, pumping in and out, slow and meticulous. My release is so close I can taste it, when she suddenly curls her two fingers inside me, pressing down on my G-spot, which sends me spiraling into oblivion. “Fuck, God, Dakota!” I cry out as my body locks and she continues plunging her digits into me.

My body trembles and when I open my eyes, Dakota’s pretty caramel ones are glistening along with her lips. “I love you, Phoenix.”

“I love you too, Kitten.”

“You two are fucking beautiful.” My man’s deep voice is akin to a growl. We both turn to find Kael and Axel staring at us with their fists around thick, angry erections. It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. “How about you both come and show us a little attention too.”

“I think the little Kitten and Phoenix need to show us some love before they get those sexy asses spanked till they’re bright red,” Axel grunts in a rough tone. When these two hot men are sitting naked with their dicks in hand, we’re not going to deny them.

* * *

Having Dakota here has allowed me to vent, rant, and spill secrets. Over the years we’d spent at Inferno together, I’d become accustomed to her being around, so when I left, it took some time getting used to not seeing her every day. There’s always been this innate need in me to care for others, and when I first laid eyes on the little Kitten, I knew we’d be best friends. That we’d be soul sisters. It might sound cliché, or even hipster, but it’s true. We know each other. We finish each other’s sentences, almost like twins.

Conversation flows between the four of us. It’s been an hour since we got into the hot tub, and our champagne is long since finished. Dakota and Kael are deep in conversation, so I silently slip out of the water and pad into the kitchen. Opening the wine cooler, I grab the chilled bottle of sauvignon and proceed to uncork it when I hear soft footfalls. “Did you follow me for a quickie?” I question, giggling. “You shouldn’t leave our guests alone out there, baby…”

My voice drops when I lift my gaze and am met with the eyes of one of my closest friends. I’m still thankful to him for all he did for me after I left Caged. His deep blue eyes pierce me. A small smile lifts the corner of his mouth as he holds me hostage with an intense stare. “I suppose you were expecting someone else?” he quips with a gesture toward the door, and I nod.

“I was. I’m sorry. I thought he followed me.” Dropping my gaze, I focus on the bottle in my hands as I pick at the label. Axel nears me and places his index finger under my chin, making me meet his searing gaze. There isn’t any lust or desire in his eyes, instead they’re filled with concern, though I’m not sure why.

“I’d like you to look at me,” he requests kindly with another smile. “You’re an incredible woman, Paige. My girl loves you, and in turn that means I love you too. You’ve given Dakota more than I can ever thank you for.”

“You better treat her right, Mr. Knight,” I warn. “Because I will kill you if you hurt her.” My warning has him chuckling and he pulls me in for a hug.

“I’ll never hurt her. And you, my sweet Firebird, you have my protection if you ever need it.” He steps back, offering me a warm smile. “Now let’s get back to those two.”

* * *

Since my best friend left yesterday, I’ve been focused on my classes. I miss her when she’s in New York, but I know she and Axel need time together. When he told me how he feels about her, my heart filled with happiness. She needs a strong man to care for her. Her past is much like mine, filled with heartache.

Our stories have an intermingling storyline in the sense that we’ve both faced atrocities. And even through everything life has thrown at us, we’ve managed to pull each other out of darkness before. The support of our friendship has given us strength. I will always make sure she doesn’t spiral into that abyss again.

Stepping into the studio, I take in the small class waiting for me. “Hi girls, you ready to dance?” I drop my purse on the floor near the mirror and the five girls nod in unison.

“Yes, Miss Paige!” they all shout out excitedly. They’re here for hip-hop classes and are always overly enthusiastic about class.

“Good. Who’s been practicing?” They all raise their hands, and I smile, pushing the Play button on the stereo. The song comes through the speakers, and squealing erupts over the sound of the song choice. Thirteen-year-old girls all squeal when it comes to the Biebs. “Okay, I want to see your forms. Let’s get those counts right. Remember, it’s an eight count.” They nod and as the song starts, they get into routine and I watch with pride as they fall into step beside each other.

It’s been a long while since I felt such pride. Yes, teaching wasn’t what I thought I’d end up doing, but seeing them so excited to learn how to dance makes me smile. I sit back and wonder if I’ll ever have children one day. It’s something Kael and I haven’t really spoken about, but I know I’d love to have little Wolfe’s running around. And that brings my thoughts to marriage.

To be Mrs. Wolfe one day is something I want. I know Sam and Freya are married now, which makes me wonder why Kael hasn’t asked me yet. I don’t want to rush into it, but I know in my heart I’m ready. If he asked me today, I’d say yes. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s my forever. He’s always been the man embedded in my heart, and even after those months in Caged, he somehow managed to ingrain himself in my soul.

The love I feel for him is something otherworldly. He’s given me my life back, and all I want is to finally be happy, have a family, and perhaps even focus on a future.

“Miss Paige,” one of the girls calls to me, and I realize I’ve been lost in my thoughts. I look up to find them all watching me.

“Sorry, girls. Let’s get this routine down so you’ll be ready for the dance competition coming up.” Pushing off the chair, I stride to the front of the room and we lay down the steps. This is me in my element. Always. Since I was a young girl, I loved dancing, music, and learning new moves.

Being the daughter of a prestigious family, I was expected to do all the extra-curricular activities my mother dictated. Dance was one of them. At first, I thought I’d hate it. But the day that I walked into my first dance class, was the first time I felt like myself. At ease with who I was. The music, the movement of the body was something I soon became addicted to. I danced well into my late teens. Before I was taken. Shaking my head of that memory, I focus on my class and the girls I’m teaching.

They bring me happiness. So does the man I love. I’m finally who I wanted to be all those years ago. I have a family, friends, and I can be the Paige I remember.