Chapter 117: _Truth Or Dare
Celeste’s POV
*****
Montecito, 7:48 PM
The cold water from my shower trickled down my body. I tilted my head a bit, washing my hair while closing my eyes.
Outside, thunder clouds and heavy winds have been gathering, bloating the already dark night skies.
As I bathe every inch of my body, trailing my hands to my breasts—the bonds flared.
Heat swelled in my stomach as images flashed in my mind without warning. The darkness that came with me closing my eyes shifted into a scene.
These were beyond mere intrusive thoughts.
It was the bond carrying the emotions from all my mates and influencing my mind in ways that made my cheeks burn.
The first image I saw was Atlas. Tall. Chiselled, hairless face. And dark chocolate skin gleaming under the waters of the shower.
He was naked, his length erect as it pointed at me.
I swallowed hard, a shuddering breath escaping my lips. "It’s... Is this real?"
Of course, it wasn’t.
I knew deep inside that this was a trance of sorts. Heightened by lust I could no longer contain.
Slowly, the image of Atlas reached out. "It’s anything you want it to be, Celeste." Came his calming whisper as his callous hand caressed my cheek. "And it can be more. If you’d only embrace your feelings."
He inched closer until his warmth wrapped around me in a claiming coil. His other hand landed on my waist, a finger sliding down the soft dip of my abdomen.
Dangerously close to my entrance.
A reckless gasp left me. "A–Atlas—"
Another body behind me stole the words out of my throat.
Okay... What the fuck was happening?
Not that I was complaining or anything—but this was beginning to feel real. Too real.
"Little miss," the person behind me rasped into my neck.
No. Not a ’person’.
"A–Azrael?" I mumbled, barely able to contain myself when I felt his naked body press against mine from behind. His cock—rock hard and monstrous—rested between my ass cheeks, grinding in an excruciatingly slow pace.
’Should I open my eyes?’ I thought to myself. ’This... This feels wrong.’
Yet it equally felt so fucking right.
"Breathe," Azrael whispered, parting my hair from my ears. "You want this... Don’t you?"
I bit my bottom lip as Atlas’s hands raked possessively, from my waist to my breasts. He kneaded softly, stimulating my nipples until sparks surged through my body.
"This... Isn’t... Real..." I told myself more than I told them. "It’s just bond mechanics. Nothing more."
That was when another person appeared beside Atlas, also naked and lustful.
Silas.
"It’s what we keep saying, love," he cupped my chin unhurriedly, tracing lines until his finger got to my neck. "You know what you desire. Deep down the real versions of us know as well."
A fourth body appeared to my left.
Yeah, you guessed it.
Luther.
"You’re in control now." He blurted, all while I held myself back from pouncing on them one at a time.
Or all at once.
Luther didn’t make a move to touch me but wrapped a hand around his throbbing dick. An invitation.
This was mental torture—and I couldn’t bear anymore.
"Stop!" I yelled, opening my eyes as the scene dissipated in a flash. Thunder rumbled outside, in sync with my voice.
No more naked hot bodies. No more lingering touches on my most forbidden parts.
Just me alone in my bathroom, standing like a total idiot.
My heart was in my throat, forcing me to step back under the shower until I rested against the cold marble wall behind me. I hastily found the shower handle, switching it off.
Suddenly, a knock sounded on my room door. "Celeste?" Silas’s concerned voice called. "I heard you scream. Are you okay there?"
I wished I could close my eyes right now but even blinking made me feel like those apparitions of my mates would reappear.
Did I like what just happened? Maybe. Did I find it hot? Fuck yes times infinity!
But by the gods, the fact that none of it was real made it daunting. Like a slap from the moon goddess... If I could call it that.
"Y–Yes!" I shouted, taking my hand off my neck. "I’m fine, Silas. I... I thought I heard a noise and got frightened."
Probably the dumbest lie I’ve ever uttered.
For a few seconds, Silas didn’t say anything. Which in turn added to my anxiety.
Then, "Alright. Oh, by the way, the guys and I are on the main balcony. Come join us. It’s almost boring without you."
I caught myself blushing. "Almost?"
"I mean... The stories Atlas is sharing makes it at least manageable. Luther and Azrael haven’t clawed each other’s throats yet so that’s a plus."
My hands rested on my waist as I nodded. "Sounds like fun! I’ll be out in a minute."
When it felt like he left, I let out the biggest sigh. "Fuck, that was an experience."
I slipped my right hand over my entrance carefully. Sure enough, I was wet and horny as hell.
Shaking my head, I brushed back my hair with both hands before grabbing a towel. "I’m definitely not sharing what happened with any of them."
.
.
"There she is!" A shirtless Luther barked, raising his muscular arms excitedly when I opened the French door.
The balcony was spacious, set right above the main entrance leading into the living room. White wooden chairs were set around a small table, glasses of vodka and other drinks sitting on it.
Meanwhile, the storm still gathered in the clouds above, and ocean water carried through the heavy winds.
"Why do I feel like I walked into something mischievous?" My eyes scanned past all of them before I made myself comfortable on one of the chairs.
Azrael, who wore a black night robe and had one leg crossed on top of the other, gestured. "Luther just suggested we play some adolescent game. What was it again?"
Atlas was the one who responded. "Truth or dare."
My heart dropped to my stomach, my pulse spiking.
All their eyes were on me, expectant. Waiting. Dare I say hungry?
"Oh..." I faked a cough, looking away. "Well, that sounds fun. Any rules other than the basics?"
When my eyes darted to Luther’s face again there was a big grin as he downed what was left of his drink. "Nothing other than go wild. No holding back. We’d still be going with this afternoon’s theme of being open, no?"
A constricting pressure settled in my throat.
Gods above and below—
Lightning cracked across the sky, illuminating all four of them at once.
Four powerful men. Four unstable bonds. Four sets of eyes that suddenly looked far too aware.
The storm rolled closer, wind whipping through my damp hair as thunder rumbled overhead.
Truth or dare.
After what just happened in that shower, I wasn’t sure which one would ruin me faster.
