A Way Home

Three... two... one.

"Everyone give it up for the amazing, the beautiful, Cassandra Railey!"

A euphoric rush washed over me as I whipped the curtains aside and strode up to the microphone with the humble crowd cheering and whistling at me. Me. I took several deep breaths as I waved to the one hundred plus people watching.

These little singing gigs never got old. It was exhilarating every time. The cheering from the crowd when I would really get into a song made me so happy. Seeing other people enjoy something I poured my heart and soul into made everything worth it. Also, some of the hookups after a show were a nice bonus.

I made sure to wear my black dress that hugged me tight, and went down to my mid thigh. My dark hair almost matched the dress, and blended in with the shoulder straps. I chose a wavy, flowing look tonight with a little extra eyeliner and eye shadow to bring out my eyes. I had no agent, so, my whole outfit and everything was up to me. It was stressful, but fun.

I stepped up to the microphone and said, "How y'all doin' tonight?" in a hushed voice, just to try and fire up the small crowd a little.

They cheered and I stood at the microphone, putting on my nervous stage smile.

I took the opportunity to sit at the stage piano and warm my hands up. Now is the moment of truth, Cass. Show them what you got.

I closed my eyes and felt the keys. The crowd went silent. I played my first chord. My first song, "The Blackened Tide," started off with a mix of major and minor chords. I felt the emotion behind the song swell inside me as the chords progressed.

I croaked in the first few words, and slowly moved into a smooth, rich tone that had been taught to me. The more I got into the music, the more I felt my muscles relax. My voice was easier to control and every note and every emotion felt like second nature. This was what I lived for.

I sang three more original songs, including "What Have I Done?," "Heartlock," and "Hate Me." The last one was more of a humorous song with a lighter tone. I liked ending my performances in a lighter tone to maybe help someone go home happy.

I hung out backstage for a while with the three other musicians that were performing tonight. One guy with his acoustic guitar, and the other two were a duo, man and woman, with a single ukulele. Respectable.

"You were great out there!" The woman said, shaking my hand. She looked about my age, a little shorter than me with red-orange hair in a short layered cut. She was cute. "You seemed so relaxed! How do you do it?"

"Oh! Thank you!" I replied, still hyped up on the energy of the stage. "Honestly, it's anything but relaxing, but I've done it a lot. It gets easier."

"Gosh, I hope so. I'm a nervous wreck here," she said, fanning herself with her hand. Her partner approached holding the ukulele.

"Oh, come on, babe, you'll be fine," he rubbed her shoulder. "Those were great songs by the way. Do you write your own stuff?"

"I do, and thank you."

"No problem. I'll be sure to buy one of your CD's on the way out."

I acted bashful. "Oh, thanks! I appreciate it, guys. I can't wait to hear you out there."

The woman laughed. "I wouldn't get your hopes up. I'm Rebecca, by the way, and this is my boyfriend, Caleb."

I shook both of their hands again. "Well, Rebecca... Caleb... It was wonderful to meet you! See you on the other side?"

As I walked off the stage, Caleb and I made eye contact. He subtly winked at me with a lustful smile. I knew the look all too well. I felt bad for Rebecca. That man was going to leave her soon. I almost didn't want him to buy my CD. I didn't mind guys hitting on me, and I enjoyed the occasional romp through the woods. I saw it as one of the perks of the job. But more often than not, I would get hit on by people already in committed relationships. Rebecca seemed really nice as well, and to see her with an unfaithful man made my stomach squirm.

While sitting at my booth, signing and selling copies of my new album, I heard Rebecca and Caleb. They weren't bad. They sang good, old fashioned folk music. I felt like Caleb's voice was a little high for some of the songs, but it was still pleasant to the ears.

After their performance, they came to my booth.

"Hey, guys! You did great!" I said, putting on my best happy face.

Rebecca ran up and hugged me. "Oh, thanks! Whoo!" She wiped her face with a handkerchief. "That was intense!"

"It's exhilarating, isn't it?"

"Yeah, definitely."

Caleb stepped up and grabbed one of the CD cases, observing the front and back.

"Would you like a signed copy?" I asked.

"Yes, please."

My eyes moved back and forth between Caleb and my writing. I eyed Rebecca who appeared increasingly uncomfortable. I signed to both of them and handed Caleb the CD. As he grabbed it, I felt a slip of paper fall in my hands, which I quickly enclosed in a clenched fist.

"Thanks again you two!" I tucked my hands under the table. "So, where are you headed after this?"

"Nowhere special. Just food, then home." Rebecca said as she hung on Caleb's arm.

"Yeah, we better get going. It was great to meet you Cassandra," Caleb said.

"It was great to meet the both of you! See you around!"

They waved as they walked toward the exit. Caleb took one more longing glance in my direction as I pulled out his little slip of paper and ripped it to shreds, throwing it up in the air like confetti. I squinted a loathing smile at him before he walked out the door. What a tool. I hoped Rebecca would move on quickly.

I sat at the bar after most everyone was gone, drinking some well-earned scotch. It burned so good.

"Hey," Jimmy, the bartender, got my attention. "Great job tonight, kiddo. How'd you do on sales?"

"Thanks, Jimmy. I did alright. I made about $400, so, not too bad."

"That's good..." Jimmy wiped down a small mess some previous people had made. "You know, Cassy, you really are incredible. Much better than the garbage that's on the radio nowadays."

"Thanks. Do you think I overdressed?"

He gut-laughed, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Very funny," he said, wiping away a tear.

"So, that's a no?"

"Yes. You look amazing as always."

I blushed. "Could I get one more, Jimmy?"

"Sure thing."

He topped off my shot glass and was called elsewhere by other customers.

I spaced off for a moment, wondering if things would change if I ever made it big. Was fame really what I wanted? Would I be content making ends meet doing small gigs a few times every week? I would like to think so. I didn't need to make it big. I just wanted to keep doing what I loved.

But even while I loved what I did, it would be wonderful to have someone to share it with. The one night stands we're getting... tiresome.

I opened up Bi-Stander on my phone, seeing if anyone had responded to my messages, or to see if I had matched with anyone else. I had some brief conversations with some guys that were looking for a quick hookup. Most of them weren't my type to put it nicely. I had some polite messages with a couple of women, but they weren't interested in anything long term, either.

I sighed and set my phone facedown on the bar, resting my face against my fist.

Then I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Excuse me."

I turned to face a large, broad man. I eyed him up and down in an instant, noting his thick, strong frame. He wasn't pudgy, no was he overly muscular. He was simply a big man who I felt like I could dive into and be enveloped in safety and security. I caught myself before I got totally lost in my own fantasy.

"Uhh... Can I help you?" I couldn't take my eyes off him, forgetting my previous thoughts about longing for something more. This man was definitely 'something more.'

"I hope so. My name is Jason. My wife and I saw your performance this evening and we were quite captivated."

He stepped to the side and gestured to his wife sitting at a table.

He continued, "We would like to invite you to sit with us, if you wouldn't mind."

I took another look at his wife, a good fifteen feet away. She was an absolutely gorgeous woman. Her long black hair resembled mine, but it was darker and slightly longer, reaching down past her shoulders with side-swept bangs over her forehead. Her skin was unblemished, and she wore a form-fitting dark blue dress, with straps tied behind her neck, leaving her shoulders bare.

I squinted at Jason. "And is your wife okay with this invitation?"

He chuckled. "She's the one who sent me over here."

I frowned. "Alright, then. I would love to come sit with you two."

"Wonderful. Right this way."

He offered his hand and helped me off my stool. His thick hand felt firm and didn't budge under my weight. I felt a slight prickling of goosebumps wash over me. Focus, Cass.

"Ooo, a gentleman." I said, raising my eyebrows at him.

"I try," he smiled. I smiled back and wrapped my arm around his.

His wife stood as we approached their table. I released myself and accepted her offered hand. She held onto mine, raised it to her mouth and kissed it gently. Her skin was unblemished, nearly perfect. A subtle heat rose to my face.

"Hello, Cassandra. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Selene." Her voice was rich and smooth.

"Hello, Selene. I love your dress. And your hair. You look lovely."

She flipped her hair back and rubbed her hips. "Thank you. You look beautiful yourself."

Jason pulled out a chair for me, and pushed me in after I sat down. He did the same for Selene before taking a seat by her side.

I looked at them, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

Selene leaned back on her chair and asked, "So, Cassandra, have you always been musical?"

"Yeah. Both my parents were very musical. My mother almost became an opera singer, but she gave that up when she married my dad. She brought out my dad's inner musical talent as she put it. They never performed professionally after they got together, but they were always playing and singing together. I always loved it growing up." I noticed my hands sweating. Darn it. Did I say too much?

"Well, it clearly shows. I had musical parents, as well. I never learned an instrument, however. Singing was my only prospect, although it never went anywhere. I'm not as good as you by any means, but I can carry a tune."

"Oh, I'm not that good."

Jason lowered his head convulsing from subtle laughter. Selene was more openly bewildered.

"Sweety, you had the best performance tonight, bar none. When you were up there, I actually felt like you meant the words you were singing. They weren't just lyrics. It really makes a difference in how someone sings a song, trust me."

"I... don't know what to say."

"I have to ask," Selene said as she sipped her margarita," How did you come up with the lyrics for 'Hate Me?' It was very creative, and quite different from your other songs."

I let out a small, wry laugh as I met Selene's curious, intense gaze. I almost felt compelled to be more honest than I usually was with appreciative fans.

"Ah, it's my own personal ode to passive aggression," I said, a slight smile playing on my lips. "It came from a relationship I was in a few years back. He was a good person... mostly... but he had an inability to talk about what was actually wrong."

I paused, choosing my words carefully. Jason had leaned in and was listening intently.

Anything big--fear, unhappiness, insecurity--it was all too terrifying for him to confront. Now, bottling up that much negativity inside means that negative energy has to go somewhere. It got channeled into the little things." I began ticking them off with my fingers. "The way I loaded the dishwasher, the fact that I always stole the covers, how I always ordered food wrong."

I shook my head, a genuine smile beginning to spread across my face."It was easier for him to get angry that I left a wet towel on the floor than to admit our life plans were going in opposite directions. After we broke up, I realized how absurd it was. I was being painted as this agent of domestic chaos. So, I decided to own it. If I was going to be the villain in his story, I wanted the crimes to be as ridiculous as possible."

I leaned forward slightly, my elbows on the table, my voice becoming softer and slightly more intimate, aimed directly at Selene. I think the alcohol was having an effect on me.

"The song sounds happy because the realization was freeing. It's about that moment you understand that when someone starts building a case against you out of tiny, insignificant things, the relationship is already over. They're just collecting evidence to make themselves feel better about it." I took a final sip of my scotch. "It's my reminder to never let it happen again.

Communication in a relationship is key. If someone refuses to communicate openly..." I whipped my arm up pointing behind me with my thumb, "... then get out is what I say."

"Wow... you know, I understand. Jason and I trust each other completely and are always one hundred percent honest." Selene paused and took Jason's hand. They looked at each other with the utmost... almost too much affection. Selene continued, "It's saved our marriage."

I observed how Selene and Jason looked into each other's eyes. I thought of how rare it was to see couples of any age so silently affectionate.

Looking at them, I felt an idea forming in my head of what I wanted in a relationship.

Jason excused himself to the restroom, leaving Selene and I alone at the table. We made some light small talk. I discovered that she is from the city, born and raised, and that her and Jason met in high school. They grew apart for a while. She modeled for several years in her early twenties--not surprising. After experiencing what she described as toxic and borderline-abusive working conditions, she quit, reconnected with Jason, and they got married.

"So what do you and Jason do now?"

The corner of Selene's mouth turned upward. "This may seem surprising, but we're actually marriage counselors. After we worked through our own issues, we wanted to help others work their own problems out as well, or help them get out of situations in which they felt trapped."

"Well, props to you, and Jason."

"Thanks, sweetheart."

We sat in silence for several moments before Selene broke it again.

"Cassandra, can I be honest with you?"

"Of course!" I said, shrugging my shoulders. I had a feeling for what was coming.

"So, when Jason and I worked out our 'issues,' it involved being a more... open couple if you get what I mean.

I nodded.

"Great. Well, for a while now, we have both been looking for... more in a relationship, or, rather, our relationship, specifically. Not that we're getting sick of each other or growing apart. Far from it actually," she let out a hearty laugh.

"No, we just need... I'll just come out and say it. We want to add someone to this relationship. When I saw you performing on stage, Cassandra..."

"Please, call me Cassy." I interrupted.

"... Cassy," a side grin opened across her face revealing her perfect teeth. "... when I saw you on stage, I felt something. Jason felt it, too, and if he would hurry out of the bathroom, he would say so."

"So you want me to be a third wheel in your long term relationship with your husband?" I visibly showed my confusion.

"No, never. Not a third wheel. An equal partner. And you saw Jason. There's plenty of him for the both of us.

We both let out a good chuckle.

"Look, Selene, I'm very flattered, really. I just... I don't know either of you that well. That and I have gotten a little tired of one-night stands, which is what this would probably end up being, if you'll let me be blunt."

"I appreciate your honesty, Cassy. I saw you tear up that piece of paper that other performer gave you. Not many people have your level of integrity. You seem like a wonderful woman, but you're right. We don't know you that well, you hardly know us at all." Selene's sigh made me feel really bad, but she snapped out of it rather quickly.

"Alright... We just need to get to know each other better."

She pulled a pen out of her dress and picked up an unused napkin. On it, she wrote her number, Jason's number, and their address. After she finished writing, she handed me the flimsy parchment.

"Just in case you ever want to connect in whatever way you see fit. We could go for coffee, lunch, dinner. We could just talk, anything! But..." she rose up out of her chair, clicking her purse shut, smiling at me. "... I'll leave that up to you, Cassy."

Right on time, almost suspiciously, Jason came out of the bathroom. He and Selene must have communicated something telepathically, because he showed no surprise or disappointment in her being ready to leave.

Selene slipped me a twenty dollar bill, asking for my CD.

"Oh! Yeah, of course! Thank you!" I exclaimed, handing her a copy. While trying to get her change, she stopped me.

"Keep the change, sweety. We hope to hear from you soon."

Jason grabbed my hand and kissed it, the roughness of his scruff scraping against my sensitive skin.

"Be seeing you," his voice low and matter of fact.

After they were out of view, I let my head drop onto the table. A loud bang followed startling those who were left in the bar.

A few days passed. I was in my apartment sitting at my writing desk. I fiddled with the napkin Selene wrote on. I added her as a contact to my phone and just looked at her name for the longest time. I fantasized about sinking into Jason's thick arms, about running my hands through Selene's silky, black hair. Why couldn't I stop thinking about them?

In my mental battle, my phone went off. A text message from Selene read:

Cassy, Jason and I were so taken with your music. We're having a quiet evening at our home on Friday and would be honored if you would join us for dinner. Think of it as a private concert for your most dedicated fans. We want to hear more.

How could they want me this badly? Why me? I wasn't as pretty as Selene. What if this turned out to be a one-and-done evening? Should I expect anything different with them already being husband and wife? I had never been in a threesome before. My curiosity was killing me. I said to myself, screw it, and texted her back.

Hey, Selene! I would love to come Friday night. I'll be there.

Friday night came around. Getting ready was surprisingly difficult. I was shaking from anticipation as I put my makeup on, and all my outfits felt mediocre. How was it all going to work? Was I going to be the center of attention, or will Selene expect it herself? What about Jason? What if I turned out to be a disappointment? I hoped all my questions would be answered at dinner.

I arrived at their... mansion at 6:00 p. m. sharp. Jason was the one to answer the door and welcome me in. He encompassed me in his awfully warm embrace as he took my coat and had me follow him. He wore an expensive black jacket with a white shirt underneath. I watched him closely, hopeful to see if he took note of my low cut, red dress. His eyes remained high and forward. He really was a gentleman.

Their home was stunning. Walking through the entryway felt like walking towards a royal throne room. The marble floor was lined with a velvet and gold carpet. To the right was a wide, carpeted staircase with a dark, wooden railing. Jason directed me past the stairs and to the left towards the beautiful dining room. An exquisite chandelier hung from the ceiling, its crystalline branches reflecting the light in brilliant patterns. The dining table was long and clean. I guessed it was mahogany, but I couldn't tell one type of wood from another. Three places had been set, and at the head of the table sat Selene.

She wore a different purple dress than the one she had the other night. This dress was longer and more modest, with long sleeves that had open shoulders and a neck that didn't reach below her collar bone. I felt subconscious in my revealing attire, but Selene's compliments alleviated any self conscious thoughts that threatened to take over.

She stood and smiled. "Cassy!" We hugged. "Thank you so much for agreeing to come. Please, take a seat."

I sat down at my designated spot. The butler walked up and poured me some wine as Jason sat across from me.

"Thank you, Ben," said Selene.

A mansion, butlers, chefs? How loaded were these people? How much do marriage and/or couple counselors make? Surely they must be doing something else, or they're just extremely good therapists.

"Lovely place you have here." I said, trying to make conversation.

"Thank you," they both said in sync.

"Forgive me, but is this all from couple's therapy? I'm thinking I might switch careers if I ever get married."

Their chuckling helped me feel at ease.

Selene spoke first. "No, not at all. I'm an author on the side and Jason is an artist. These paintings," she pointed to the paintings lining the wall all around us including a portrait of each of them, "... he painted all of them.

I admired each painting, even to the point of standing to get up close to each one.

"Holy crap, Jason," I said, jaw hanging to the floor. "These are amazing!"

"Thank you, Cassy," he said, his tone mild and humble.

After a second more, fawning over Jason's artwork, I turned to Selene. "What types of books do you write, Selene?"

"I write horror stories," she said with an evil smile.

"Really?" I was shocked.

"Oh yes, I'm a big horror fan. If you're interested, I can give you a copy of my personal favorite book."

"Yes! I would love that!" I was actually excited. I did not expect Selene to be a horror fan, nor did I expect Jason to be a fantastic artist. "You guys are insanely talented. I feel a little unworthy."

"Are you kidding, Cassy?" Selene shouted. "We could never match your musical talent in a million years! Which reminds me, after listening to them all, I have some questions."

Selene waited until after the food was set on the table and we started eating to ask her questions.

"So, a couple of the songs you performed, 'What Have I Done?' and 'Heartlock,' were beautifully written. What inspired those songs?"

I ate several shrimp as I thought about my answer.

"You know, as a performer, people of all kinds throw themselves at you all the time. When I started getting popular at the bar, it began in force. Not knowing how to handle the attention, I got with a lot of people I wished I had not been with. Those two songs in particular represent different relationships. 'What Have I Done?' is about a time in my life where I was so full of myself that I hurt someone that was actually a good person. That still hurts to this day." I rubbed my aching chest. "'Heartlock' was a song I wrote after I took a good, hard look at myself, reflecting on the person I wanted to become. At the time I was feeling intense loneliness while closing everyone off, regardless of who they were or what their intentions were. Since then, I have relaxed a little, and I feel much better off, even though loneliness is still a problem."

Jasonal and Selene listened quietly, their eyes not leaving me. Selene asked me about a couple of more songs from my album that related to my experiences dating and falling in and out of love.

"Do you believe in love at first sight, Cassy?" Selene asked.

"I believe an initial attraction can be very strong, but as far as love, I think that's something that takes time."

"Do you think writing these songs has helped you discover yourself in a way?"

"I would say it has helped me to look at myself very carefully, from an outside perspective. So, yeah, I guess it did."

"You know, in our therapy or counseling sessions, we often recommend couples to write journal entries as if from their partner's perspective. It forces them to look at themselves from the perspective of the other, and it can lead to some revelatory experiences for them. The fact that you do something similar while writing songs is a very valuable skill."

"Well, thanks!"

Ben walked up to refill my wine glass. "This shrimp is delicious, Ben."

"Very good, ma'am. I will inform the chef."

I mostly talked with Selene as dinner progressed. She talked about her writing process and some of her favorite horror stories. When I asked Jason about his process when drawing he only said, "I just draw what I want to draw."

Well, cool. His silence was somehow endearing. It made him more mysterious and made me more curious.

At the same time, I felt captivated by Selene. Her full, wavy black hair looked so warm and snuggly.

As dinner wrapped up, Selene directed me to her private living area, away from those in her employ. The three of us entered a room with a grand piano, a large bookshelf, lounge chairs, and a couple of sofas. A wide chaise lounge lay in between, with a gold trim and brass nail accents. Selene closed the velvet curtains to the large window on the west side of the room. The furniture matched the curtains with velvet cushions and gold lining. The carpet was mostly gold with intricate patterns weaved and carved into its surface.

"You know, this place reminds me of Jane Austen movie sets, but more... rambunctious? Wild? I'm not sure if that's the word."

"That was the intent when we decorated." Selene said as she lit some candles.

I was growing nervous as Selene made this room more private and intimate. Jason led me over to the couch as she did her thing.

Once Selene was done, she grabbed me by the arm and led me to the piano.

"Would you mind serenading us with some music?"

I stroked the piano which must have cost a fortune. I lightly pressed a few keys which responded with crisp tones. "I'll see what I can do."

Selene sat down next to Jason and they snuggled while I played some songs from my CD. I performed 'Heartlock' for them again, as well as 'The Blackened Tide.' After the second song, I offered to play them one that wasn't on any of my albums.

Selene jumped up. "Yes! Please!" She clapped her hands and pulled Jason to his feet.

"I call this song, 'A Way Home.' Don't get your hopes up too high. I wrote this a long time ago."

I wrote the song when I thought about what being home would feel like. I remembered what it felt like when I was a kid, but that feeling had long since left. I wrote this song during a particularly lonely time in my life, trying to think of love and home. Sitting here, performing for Selene and Jason, was the first time I had felt any shred of this song manifest in reality.

I played and sang, watching the two of them dance with my music. It was over at that point. My locked heart was gone, ready to be open. When I ended the song, I stood up from the piano bench and faced the gorgeous couple. They both looked at me with a moment of confusion, and then understanding. Could I really fall for two people at the same time? Could they each fall for me as well as each other? Would this relationship work if we pursued it? I hated the thought of leaving and letting them go, and it wasn't just the nice mansion and their money talking.

"How would this work?" I asked, voice shaking, noting the understanding we shared.

Selene slowly walked up to me. We were basically the same height. She took my hand and stroked it. She pulled it up to her face and rubbed it on her cheek, then kissed it.

"Is it what you want, Cassandra?" she said as Jason walked up behind her and placed his large hands on her shoulders.

I looked at them, beautiful beyond comparison. Maybe it was the arousal talking, but I needed them both... badly. My chest started convulsing, and a blazing heat rose through my body up to my head as I anticipated what was about to happen. I was past the point of no return now.

"It's Cassy," I breathed, the words barely a whisper. Selene's dark eyes drank me in, her lips parting on a silent invitation. That was all it took. I surged forward, my hands framing her face, my thumbs tracing the sharp, elegant lines of her jaw. The instant our mouths met, a jolt of pure electricity shot through me. She tasted of dark, rich wine and a confidence that was utterly intoxicating. She didn't just kiss back; she consumed me, her hands clamping onto my waist, her fingers digging into the fabric of my dress to pull me flush against the heat of her body. My own hands tangled in the silk of her hair, impossibly soft, as a low groan rumbled in her chest, a sound of pure satisfaction that I felt against my own lips. Her tongue swept into my mouth, a dominant, searching heat, and I met her with a desperate hunger I hadn't realized I was holding back.

Her mouth hungrily moved down the line of my jaw to my neck, her tongue tracing a wet, hot path along the sensitive curve where it met my collarbone. I leaned my head back, a soft moan escaping my lips.

"Goodness, you're delicious!" Selene said, before capturing my mouth again in a deep, bruising kiss.

As we continued to make out, I felt her hand twisting in my braided pony tail. She pulled off the bands, her fingers working deftly to unravel the braiding that took me forever. She stepped back, a triumphant glint in her eye as she let my hair fall. A freeing sigh breezed past my lips as I felt it cascade over my bare shoulders. She whipped her own hair to one side before we both surged forward for more.

In the white-hot haze of our kiss, a new presence announced itself--not with a sound, but with a shift in the air behind me. Then, two large, warm hands settled firmly on my hips. My heart hammered against my ribs as I instinctively sagged back, my spine aligning with the solid wall of his chest, his strength palpable through the fabric of his jacket. Jason. He didn't budge an inch. As if on cue, Selene's mouth left mine, trailing a string of wet, open-mouthed kisses down the sensitive column of my throat. I tilted my head back, a silent offering, and my eyes fluttered open to meet Jason's. His gaze, a calm, dark fire, dropped to where Selene's mouth was working on my skin before rising to capture mine. He leaned down, and my world dissolved into a symphony of contrast: the delightful, rough scrape of his scruff against one cheek, while Selene's slick tongue traced the curve of my collarbone; the soft swell of her breasts pressing into mine, the thin fabric of our dresses the only barrier between us. His kiss wasn't Selene's frantic, hungry fire; it was a slow, deep pressure, a deliberate claiming that promised to ground me and unravel me all at once. I was pinned between them, earth and flame, and the sheer force of being wanted so completely, so differently, made my knees weak.

Then Jason's huge arms wrapped fully around me, his hands splaying across my abdomen in a gesture of absolute possession. He held me flush against him, and I could feel the thick, hard length of his erection pressing against the base of my spine, a shocking heat even through the fabric of my dress. At the same time, Selene's body was a firm, warm pressure against my front, her mouth continuing its delicious exploration, her lips and tongue now tracing the lace edge of my bra where it peeked from my neckline. It was the most incredible feeling of my life--being the cherished center of their world. The sensation of his deep kiss on my lips while her tongue teased the delicate skin of my chest was almost too much to bear. This dress, this thin layer of fabric that chafed and constricted between our desperate bodies, suddenly felt like an unbearable barrier. It had to come off. Now.

It was a silent, fluid command. Jason's hand moved from my hip to the small of my back, and I heard the soft, deliberate hiss of my dress zipper. The cool air of the room ghosted across my skin, a stark contrast to the heat of their bodies as my back was exposed to the room. Selene glanced at Jason and her grin turned sharp and predatory. She hooked her fingers under the straps of my dress and peeled the red fabric down my body, letting it pool in a silken heap around my feet. Her gaze locked with mine, a triumphant, tilted smile playing on her lips as her cool fingers traced the lace edge of my bra. With a flick of her thumb, the front clasp clicked open, and the sudden release made my breasts spill forward, heavy and full. Jason's hands slid the straps from my shoulders, and the flimsy garment followed my dress to the floor. Now I stood before them in nothing but my panties, my nipples hard and aching in the cool air. "Beautiful," Selene breathed, the words a hot caress against my skin, raising a fresh wave of goosebumps.

The word was still a hot breath on my skin when Selene lunged, her mouth closing over the peak of my breast like a starving woman at a feast. A sharp yelp escaped me as an electric jolt shot through my body, my hand instinctively gripping the back of her head, even as Jason's tongue continued its deep, plundering kiss. A silent symphony of movement began around me. While Selene feasted, I felt the solid pressure of Jason's chest retreat from my back. Selene's head lifted from my breast, her eyes fluttering open to look at Jason over my shoulder. A low, appreciative hum vibrated through her, and her gaze darkened with a new layer of hunger. "Much better," she purred against my skin, before returning to her worship. Then I felt Jason's warmth return, no longer filtered through fabric but as the raw, skin-on-skin heat of his bare chest against my back.

Selene pulled away from my chest just long enough to capture my mouth again, her lips slick and demanding. As she kissed me, I felt Jason's large, rough hands at my hips, skillfully peeling down my panties in one smooth motion. His hands trailed back up, his calloused fingertips ghosting over my bare skin before cupping the full curves of my hips and bottom, making my breath hitch against Selene's mouth. The world narrowed to a pinpoint when Selene's hand slid down my stomach, her fingers slipping between my legs and finding the slick, swollen folds of my entrance. A loud, guttural groan tore from deep in my chest, a sound of pure, helpless pleasure. Selene pulled back and then, with a look of dark, triumphant satisfaction on her face, nudged me back into Jason's waiting arms. It was like colliding with a warm, breathing wall of muscle and hair, and his arms wrapped around me, holding me securely against his bare, solid chest.

I was panting, a breathless spectator in Jason's secure embrace as his hands and mouth continued their worship. He massaged my breasts, his rough thumbs circling my nipples while his lips and the soft scrape of his scruff explored the sensitive skin below my ear, but my dazed eyes were locked on Selene. She held my gaze, a slow, knowing smile spreading across her face as she reached behind her back. There was a faint rustle of fabric, and the dark purple dress loosened. She didn't rush. She let it slide from her shoulders with a languid grace, the velvet clinging to her curves for a final moment before gliding down her body to join my own dress on the floor. She stood in nothing but shadows and a whisper of sheer, black lace that did more to highlight her curves than hide them. She unhooked her bra with the same deliberate slowness, revealing breasts that were high, full, and perfectly round, their tips hardening in the cool air. Her panties followed, and then she was completely bare, her skin glowing like warm marble in the candlelight. "Oh, wow..." escaped my lips, a sound of pure reverence. She was art. A goddess.

She strutted back to us, her hips swaying, and when she was finally there, she pressed into me. It was an avalanche of soft, warm skin against my own: the gentle press of her stomach against my belly, the lush weight of her breasts settling against mine. The sensation was so exquisite it made me cry out a sob of pure bliss. My hands came up to cup her face, and I pulled her into a deep, tender kiss, moaning softly into her mouth as her tongue met mine. With Jason's solid heat at my back and Selene's silken heat at my front, I was wholly, utterly surrounded.

Jason stepped back, giving Selene the stage. With a throaty laugh, she wrapped her arms around my waist. I felt the coil of hard muscle in her arms and back as she lifted me as if I weighed nothing. I let out a startled gasp that melted into a giggle. "Selene!" She carried me the few steps to the chaise lounge and gently laid me down on the cool, plush velvet. The world tilted, the ornate ceiling spinning above me before my view was filled with her magnificent, naked form. She straddled my hips, her knees sinking into the cushions on either side of me, and kneeled upright. With a low moan that was pure, feminine power, she pulled the heavy curtain of her hair over one shoulder and began to move.

It was a slow, deliberate rocking, the slick heat of her sex settling directly over mine, sending waves of exquisite friction through my entire body. Every subtle shift of her hips sent a new torment, a new promise, directly to the aching, swollen peak of my clit. A helpless whimper escaped my lips as I arched up to meet her.

Selene's movements slowed as Jason came to stand at the head of the chaise. He was still in his boxers, a dark shape against the golden light. From my vantage point, his powerful hips were level with my face. He leaned down, and I watched, mesmerized, as he and Selene shared a deep, searing kiss above me. A tremor of pure need went through me. Reaching up, my hands trembling slightly, I hooked my fingers into the waistband of his boxers. The cotton was soft, the skin beneath radiating a potent heat. I felt Selene's muscles tense against me as I slowly drew the fabric down his thighs. His thick, heavy cock sprang free, fully erect and beaded with moisture.

He and Selene broke their kiss to look down at me, their faces illuminated by the candlelight. They weren't just smiling; they were beaming with pride and shared desire. "Do you like what you see, Cassy?" Selene murmured, her voice a low, throaty purr. "Oh yes," I breathed, the words shaky. I raised my head, my tongue flicking out to taste the salty bead of pre-cum at his tip, feeling the heavy thrum of his pulse against my lips. He let out a low, controlled grunt, his hips bucking slightly as his fingers tangled in my hair. A moment later, Selene bent down to join me, her silky hair brushing against my cheek. Our tongues met over him, a slick, wet caress that was as much for each other as it was for him, and I thrust my hips upward into Selene's soft weight, a silent cry of overwhelming pleasure as her pubic bone pressed down against my clit.

A surge of something wild and demanding flooded through me. I couldn't be passive a moment longer. I sat up, breaking our intimate trinity, and guided Selene off me with a lingering kiss that promised more later. Then, I turned my attention to Jason. Fueled by a desperate need, I launched myself at him, wrapping my arms around his neck and my legs around his powerful waist, my inner thighs gripping the solid muscle of his hips. He caught me with a surprised grunt, his strength easily absorbing my momentum as he stumbled back a few steps, landing with a soft whoosh in the deep cushions of the nearby sofa. We both broke out into breathless laughter, the sound intimate in the quiet room.

I brushed my hair from my face, looking down at him. He smiled up at me, a look of pure, unguarded adoration in his eyes, as his large hands came up to cup my breasts, his thumbs stroking the hard peaks of my nipples into tight, aching points. His voice was a low, rumbling murmur that vibrated straight through my soul. "Welcome home, Cass."

Tears of relief pricked my eyes. I crushed my mouth to his, kissing him with all the pent-up loneliness and newfound hope in my soul. Behind me, I felt Selene's gentle hand stroking my hair, a comforting anchor in the storm. Slowly, with exquisite care, my hips tilted forward. I took the thick, slick head of his cock in my hand and guided him to my wet entrance. The sensation was breathtaking as I began to lower myself--a slow, perfect stretching, my inner muscles yielding and clenching around him. It was a feeling of being filled so completely it stole the air from my lungs. A high, sharp moan tore from my throat as I took all of his length inside me.

My legs locked around his waist, and I threw my head back, overwhelmed by the sheer, blissful fullness. His massive hands spread across my back, pulling me down until his face was buried in the soft swell of my breasts, his hot breath ghosting across my skin. I leaned into him, pinning him to the cushions as Selene moved around the sofa, her cool hands cupping my face. She kissed me, her tongue tangling with mine, as my hips began to move on their own. It was a desperate, rocking rhythm, my slick heat grinding against the solid base of his shaft, chasing a pleasure so intense it bordered on pain.

"Oh..." The whimper was torn from me, a sound of pure overwhelm. I was blissfully trapped, my hips still moving in that desperate rhythm, caught between the delicious torment of Selene's mouth on mine and the unyielding heat of Jason sheathing me from below. With a low groan, Jason shifted his powerful body, turning sideways on the long sofa and pulling me with him without ever breaking our connection. The movement created a space, an invitation, a space behind him. Selene accepted it without hesitation, climbing onto the couch to press her own naked body flush against his broad, muscular back.

We were a line of pure heat and sensation: I was molded to his front, my breasts crushed against his hard chest, my clit still pressed against the base of his rigid cock, while Selene was a sinuous heat against his spine. Her arms wrapped around both of us to tangle with my own, her soft belly pressing into his back. Her hands found my hips, her touch possessive, while Jason's hands roamed freely over my back and sides. It was a closed circuit of pleasure, a tangle of limbs and soft moans. Jason, caught in our delicious trap, buried his face in my neck and hair, his mouth and hands moving greedily, while Selene's lips found the sensitive skin of his shoulder, her teeth grazing him in a way that made his whole body tense, a tremor I felt ripple straight through me.

With a playful growl, Selene leaned over us, her hands sliding under my arms to pull me up flush against Jason's chest. The sudden movement caused him to slide out of me, and a soft cry of protest escaped my lips, only to be silenced as Selene crushed her mouth to mine. Our combined weight pressed him deep into the cushions, my breasts and Selene's now bracketing his face in a valley of soft, warm flesh as our tongues fought with a fiery passion. I felt him bury his face deeper between my breasts, his muffled groan vibrating through my entire body.

Reaching between us, Selene gave Jason's shoulder a firm, commanding squeeze. He picked up on her silent signal and hooked his arms under my knees and shoulders. I shuddered as the slick tip of his cock brushed against the entrance to my sex one last, teasing time before I was airborne. I felt weightless as he lifted me effortlessly, repositioning himself to sit up before settling me back against him, my head resting securely against the warm, solid wall of his naked torso.

With Jason now acting as my headrest, Selene had the space she craved. She knelt before us, a predator eyeing her prey. My own legs parted in open invitation. She moved in, her knees kept tightly together, and began her slow, targeted campaign of pleasure. She bent low, her breasts swaying slightly. In a single, agonizingly slow motion, she scraped the hard peak of one breast over my clit, the sensation so shocking it made my back arch. Then she dragged that soft, warm flesh up the center of my body, over my stomach and hips, until her breasts finally settled against my own.

Her hips then rocked with deliberate precision, her slick, hard clit pressing directly against my own with a slow, focused pressure. It was an overload of pure sensation, a direct line to every nerve ending in my body. Her mouth alternated between searing kisses on my lips and turning to share a hungry kiss with Jason. With every pass of her body, I could feel the hard, insistent ridge of Jason's erection pressing into the middle of my back, a potent promise of pleasures yet to come.

It was too much. Every nerve ending screamed with pleasure. Jason's calloused fingers gripping my thighs, Selene's soft lips on my neck, the unrelenting pressure of her clit against mine--it was a sensory assault, and I was joyfully drowning. I was lost. Then, Selene slid her hand between our bodies, her fingers diving into the slick heat. Her thumb found my clit, pressing down with unerring accuracy, and the world shattered.

My whole body seized, a current of pure fire ripping through me from my toes to my scalp. A strangled cry tore from my throat, a sound that was half their names, half a sob of release. The room dissolved into a flash of white behind my eyes as my back bowed, my hips bucking against her hand. I vaguely felt myself gripping Jason's powerful thighs, my anchor in the storm. As the first wave crested, Selene pulled my head to her chest, holding me tight. "Shhh... I've got you, Cass," she murmured into my hair, her voice a steady balm. "Stay with me." One last, deep, convulsive shudder pulsed from my sex through my entire frame, and all the tension bled out of me, leaving me boneless and utterly spent.

I lay sprawled across Jason's lap, a boneless, panting weight, my skin slick with sweat. Selene remained kneeling before us, her own breathing heavy, a look of sublime, triumphant satisfaction on her face. She elegantly swept her damp hair over one shoulder, then leaned in. Her touch was impossibly gentle as she traced a path with her cool fingertips from my stomach, over the now-sensitive, aching peaks of my nipples, up the line of my throat, to cup my face. She pressed a soft, lingering kiss to my forehead. "How was that, my beautiful musician?" she whispered. I could only manage a shaky, breathless sigh. "Oh, dear..." I finally managed, my voice hoarse. It was less than a sentence, but it held a universe of meaning, and from the soft smile on her face, I knew she understood every bit of it.

For several long moments, I floated in the blissful afterglow, held securely in Jason's arms. I could feel the rumble of his chest as he and Selene shared soft, lazy kisses over me, their breath mingling with the lingering taste of our passion. Their lips would occasionally brush mine in a tender echo, but I was too spent to respond. I wanted to join in, to rise back to their level, but my body felt heavy as lead, my mind adrift on a hazy sea.

Sensing my retreat, the rhythm changed. Jason shifted, and Selene slid from the couch. Then, Jason's strong arms were under me again, lifting me like a child. He carried me to the opposite sofa, the short distance feeling like a mile. Wait, don't leave me, a small, panicked voice cried out in my head as he gently placed me on the cool, soft cushions. The sudden space around me felt vast. A deep, bone-chilling cold washed over my bare skin, and I shivered. I reached up, a desperate need to reconnect driving the motion, and caressed his rough cheek. He gave me a sad, knowing smile, taking both my hands in one of his and gently folding them over my own heart, a gesture of tender release that felt terrifyingly like goodbye.

Selene perched on the edge of the cushion beside me. She kissed my cheek, her lips warm, before leaning close to my ear. "Time to watch, sweety," she whispered, her voice laced with a possessive fondness. "Join back in when you're ready." She then rose and flowed back to Jason, wrapping herself around him.

I could only watch, a voyeur to a private universe I had only just been allowed to visit. And in that universe, the roles had reversed. With me, Selene had been the storm. With Jason, she was the calm eye at its center. He became the aggressor, his hands gripping her hips as he began to move with a deep, driving rhythm she expertly matched. His movements were infused with a raw, hungry passion she guided and tamed. He was the lion, and she the trainer, her hands firm on his shoulders, her whispers in his ear a command he gladly obeyed. It wasn't the chaotic, exploratory passion they'd shown me; it was a practiced, perfect dance. A ritual.

And watching it, a cold dread began to seep into my bones. This perfect, intricate machine of theirs... had I just been a shiny new cog they were trying out? A discordant note in their perfect harmony? The warmth of their desire curdled into the icy fear that I wasn't a new foundation for their home, but merely a temporary, thrilling crack in its walls.

My strength returned, but the warmth did not. I sat up, the air suddenly feeling frigid against my bare skin. An involuntary shiver ran through me, and I wrapped my arms around my chest, a desperate attempt to hold myself together. A lead weight of shame settled in my stomach. They had invited me, yes, but my own eagerness now felt cheap, naive. While the intimate murmur of their voices filled the room, the sound of shared secrets I was no longer privy to, I crept from the sofa, my movements furtive. I found my discarded dress and underwear, the red fabric feeling flimsy and foreign as I pulled it on. The rustle of the cloth was deafening to my own ears, but they were lost in their world.

Dressed, purse in hand by the door, I took one last look. Selene was straddling Jason's hips, her head thrown back in ecstasy, her body moving in that same practiced rhythm. They were beautiful together, a perfect, passionate portrait. My heart ached with the desire to stay, to believe. And in that moment of weakness, Selene's head lifted, and her dark, sated eyes found mine across the room.

Everything stopped. The motion, the sound, the very air in the room seemed to freeze. The languid passion on her face instantly dissolved, replaced by a look of such sharp, genuine worry that it stole my breath. In a single fluid motion that spoke of innate grace and sudden alarm, she was off Jason and moving toward me. "Cassy? Honey, what's wrong? Did we do something?"

Her concern was my undoing. My lower lip began to tremble uncontrollably. Hot, fat tears welled in my eyes, blurring the sight of her beautiful, worried face. She stepped closer, her warm palm cupping my cheek, her skin a shocking contrast to the cold dread that had settled over me. I fought it, I fought so hard, but a thick, painful knot swelled in my throat, and a choked sob broke free. The dam burst.

I collapsed against her, burying my face in the crook of her neck, the constricting fabric of my dress a miserable barrier against the soft, naked comfort of her embrace. She held me, one hand stroking my hair with a gentle rhythm. "C'mon, sweety, tell me what's wrong," she whispered, her breath a ghost against my ear. It was the same unflinching honesty she demanded in her song analysis, the same open communication she valued. I owed her that much. I sniffed, pulling back just enough to speak, my voice a broken, watery wreck. "I... I don't want to ruin... this. Your relationship. It's so... perfect."

Jason moved from the sofa to join us, his presence a solid, calming force. He didn't say anything at first, simply brushing a stray strand of damp hair from my temple. He then tilted my chin up, his large, calloused thumb stroking gently across my tear-wet cheek. The rough, gentle texture of his skin against mine sent a grounding shiver through me. I closed my eyes, a fresh tear escaping to follow the path of his thumb. "Cass," he began, his voice a low, steady rumble that seemed to vibrate right through me, chasing away the chill. "No relationship is easy. Not a single one that's worth anything. It's work. Selene and I see it every single day. We know this," he gestured between the three of us, "is unconventional. We know what people might say. But we are not afraid of the work, Cassy. We are only afraid of missing something... real."

Selene squeezed my arms, her eyes fiery and intense. "He's right. And Cassy, when I heard you sing, I didn't just hear music. I heard you. I heard your heart, your history, your humor. I want to know all of it. I want to know how you turn pain into beauty, what keeps you up at night, what makes you laugh until you cry, and yes, damn it, I want to know your favorite color!" A wet, startling laugh bubbled out of me, and Selene laughed with me, her face softening. She cupped my face in her hands. "This isn't a hookup, honey. This is a beginning, if you want it to be. But the choice, as always, is yours. We will not pressure you." She pulled me back into their shared embrace, and I let myself be held, just for a moment. When I finally pulled back, I wiped the last of the tears from my eyes, clearing my vision. And I saw them. Not a lion and a trainer, not a perfect, intimidating ritual, but two beautiful, flawed, open-hearted people offering me a place to land. My own hands came up to cup their sweaty, gorgeous faces. A sob of pure, unadulterated joy escaped me. "... It's green," I said, the words choked with laughter. "My favorite color is green."

A wave of pure relief washed over their faces, mirroring my own. "So," Selene asked, her voice cautious, hopeful. "Does that mean you're staying?"

I couldn't speak, so I just nodded, tears of joy now tracking paths through the old ones. Selene surged forward, her lips meeting mine in a kiss that was worlds away from our first. It wasn't a hungry exploration, but a deep, sealing promise. It tasted of salt and relief and forever. When she pulled back, her eyes were shining.

"Oh, you are in for it now," she purred. "Ready for round two, beautiful?"

Before I could answer, Jason stepped in. His large hands framed my jaw, holding me steady as he tilted my head back and crushed his mouth to mine. It was a kiss of pure possession, deep and branding, a kiss that said mine without a single word. He left me breathless and dizzy. I looked between them, a wide, genuine smile finally spreading across my face.

"More ready than I'll ever be," I said, my voice ringing with a confidence I hadn't felt in years.

Then, holding both of their burning gazes, I reached for the zipper on the back of my dress. My own fingers felt foreign, electrified, as they closed around the small metal tab. The sound of the zipper was different this time--not their quiet, stealthy hiss, but my own loud, deliberate unfastening. A declaration. I let the dress fall from one shoulder, then the other, the red fabric whispering down my body to pool at my feet for the second time. But this time, I was not a conquest; I was an offering. I unhooked my bra, letting it drop, and my skin prickled with goosebumps, not from cold, but from the sheer intensity of their combined stares. I stood before them, naked and unveiled by my own hand, my heart hammering not with fear, but with a wild, joyful power. Selene let out a low, appreciative whistle, while a deep groan rumbled in Jason's chest. This time, it wouldn't be a seduction. It would be a celebration. And I was ready to lead the choir.

A wicked, delicious power surged through me. I was no longer the guest; I was a creator. I walked to Jason, my hips swaying with a purpose I hadn't known I possessed. Placing my hands on his solid hips, I guided him back to the sofa, a silent command he followed with a hungry look in his eyes. Once he was seated, I turned to Selene. I took her by the shoulders, her skin warm and pliant under my touch, and gently pushed her onto Jason's lap, positioning her to face me. I saw her sharp intake of breath as the soft weight of her bottom settled onto Jason's thighs, her full lips parting as she bit the bottom one in anticipation.

Then, it was my turn. I straddled them both, my legs on either side of Selene's thighs, and slowly lowered myself. It was a symphony of soft skin and shared heat: my breasts pressing into the lush swell of hers, my own sex pressing into the soft mound of hers, our combined heat settling onto the unyielding foundation of Jason's lap. I began to move, a slow, rocking grind, my focus entirely on the woman in my arms. My pubic bone pressed rhythmically against her clit, and a profound pleasure ignited within me at the sight of her unraveling, knowing that I was the cause. Her eyes fluttered closed, her head falling back as gasps and soft shouts escaped her lips. I leaned in, kissing and licking the salt-sweet skin of her face and neck, my mouth muffling her soft cries, claiming her moans as my own.

"You taste like strawberries," I murmured, my lips brushing the shell of her ear. A shudder wracked her body. That was the key. I leaned back slightly, just enough to guide her face into the valley between my breasts, enveloping her in my scent and softness. Over her head, my eyes found Jason's. I gave him a single, sharp nod. He understood instantly.

In perfect sync, I pressed my entire body forward into Selene, holding her head securely, while Jason's powerful hips surged upward from beneath, his hard lap meeting her sex in a firm, undeniable pressure. It was a perfect, inescapable trap. Selene's cry was a muffled, desperate sound against my skin. I felt the powerful, convulsive clenching of her pelvic muscles around his hand, the frantic tightening of her arms around my shoulders as the wave crashed over her. A tremor wracked her entire frame, a shockwave I felt pass directly into my own body, and then, just as suddenly, she went limp, melting against me in a state of boneless, blissful surrender.

"Oh, Cassy! You're amazing!" Selene gasped, her voice a breathless pant, her eyes hazy with pleasure. She grabbed my head and pulled me in, her mouth merging with mine. Her kiss was all wet heat and grateful hunger, deep and sloppy as she looked at me with her beautiful, dark eyes, which then darted back at Jason. I received her signal loud and clear.

I hopped off Selene as she turned to Jason... With a playful reverence, she guided him to the chaise lounge and gently pushed him onto his back. He lay there, a willing sacrifice, his deep, steady breathing filling the quiet room. The sheer, magnificent sight of him turned Selene and me into conspirators, and a shared, giddy smile passed between us.

We knelt before him, a mirror image of shared intent. What followed was a tandem rhythm of pleasure. Selene took one of his testicles into her warm mouth while my own tongue traced the thick vein running up the underside of his shaft. It was a dance of mouths and hands where our own intimacy was woven into his. In the heat of our shared worship, our tongues would meet in a fleeting, slick kiss over him before returning to their task.

His steady breathing began to hitch, deepening into a low growl that rumbled from his chest. We pushed him further, faster, our mouths working in concert to take him deeper, until that powerful growl finally broke, replaced by a raw, vulnerable whimper that was the sweetest sound I had ever heard. A final, shuddering groan tore from his throat as his back arched, his powerful body pulled taut. Waves of hot release pulsed against my tongue, and he collapsed back into the velvet cushions, utterly spent and beautifully undone.

As the last powerful shudders of his release quieted, I slid up his sweat-slick torso, my lips and tongue tracing a reverent path over the hard planes of his chest. I rose above him, my knees bracketing his hips, and met his dazed, grateful eyes. With a slow, deliberate grace, I lowered myself onto him. There was no shocking discovery this time, no overwhelming surprise. There was only a deep, profound sense of rightness, of a key sliding perfectly into its lock. Of completion. I leaned down, my hair creating a dark curtain around our faces, and pressed my lips to his. Against his mouth, I whispered the truest words I had ever spoken, my voice thick with emotion, loud enough for our entire world to hear. "I found my way home." His eyes, hazy with pleasure, fluttered fully open. A slow, deeply felt smile spread across his face as his hand came to rest, firm and possessive, on my hip. I sealed the promise with another long, deep kiss, and then Selene was there, climbing over his chest to join us, framing my face with her hands as our mouths met in a kiss that tasted of him, of us, and of this new, impossible, perfect reality.

The hours that followed blurred into a languid, joyful exploration. Time lost all meaning, marked only by the rhythm of our breathing, the slick slide of skin on skin, and bursts of shared, breathless laughter. Eventually, the frantic energy gave way to a deep, bone-weary satisfaction. It was Selene who finally untangled herself to fetch blankets from a nearby closet. We didn't make it to a bed. We collapsed together on the plush carpet, a tangle of exhausted limbs and contented sighs. I lay between them, a warm, heavy blanket covering us, my head pillowed on Jason's steady chest, his heartbeat a slow, reassuring drum against my ear. Selene's arm was draped possessively over my waist, her soft breathing ghosting across my shoulder. In the deep, quiet dark of the night, I found myself wide awake, listening to them sleep. A bubble of pure, unadulterated relief rose in my chest and escaped as a soft, silent laugh. Gone was the ache of loneliness, the fear of being in the way. There was only this. This profound peace. Daringly, I reached out and let my fingertips ghost across Selene's cheek. Her skin was real. So incredibly real. I closed my eyes, sinking into the safest, sweetest embrace of my life, and for the first time in a very long time, I couldn't wait for the sun to rise.