Free Centerfold by Kris Norris

his lips across hers. A tremble shuddered through her as he slowly claimed her mouth, licking his way inside, humming at the sweet taste that burst on his tongue. She reminded him of chocolate and honey, with a distinctive tang that tempered the other flavors. Scarlet responded, following his retreat, tangling her tongue with his until he broke the kiss, holding her forehead to his. Their breath mixed, and he dropped another quick kiss on the corner of her mouth before gently releasing her, lowering his hands to her hips. Scarlet blinked, sucking in a few deep breaths before visibly drawing herself up, plastering on a smile as Thomas clapped his hands together.
    He stepped between them, a sly grin on his face. “Well, well. Looks like we might have some new competition for some of our ruling champions. Because if you boys eat pussy and fuck half as good as you kiss, you’ll give us all quite the show over the next couple of weeks.” He bowed, waving them toward a sweeping staircase. “My staff has already taken your belongings up to your room. Feel free to take some time to recover from your trip. Festivities start first thing tomorrow. We’ll send a schedule of the photo sessions to your room. I look forward to seeing much more of you three in the near future.”
    Aiden nodded. “Thanks. We’ll see you soon.”
    He palmed Scarlet’s back again, guiding her toward the staircase. She walked woodenly up the steps, barely registering the other people milling about as they made their way to their room. It wasn’t until they’d locked it behind them that she seemed to snap back to her senses.
    She whirled on them, hands on hips, anger coloring her features. “What the hell was that?”
    Roman glanced at him, silently telling him to tread lightly. “You’ll have to be a bit more specific. What was what?”
    “That kiss.”
    Roman furrowed his brow. “It was what we needed to do to convince the old man we’re exactly what we appear to be.” He took a calculated step closer. “Unless you wanted us to take option two and give him a real show.”
    She clenched her jaw, narrowing her gaze. “Not funny.”
    Aiden moved in beside Roman. “It’s not like we had a choice. And if it means anything, you were very convincing.”
    “Me? It wasn’t me that convinced him.”
    Hurt flashed in her eyes, and Aiden didn’t miss the way she blinked away unshed tears. He looked at Roman but the man seemed equally confused.
    Aiden shuffled closer, frowning when she crossed her arms defensively across her chest. “Scarlet? What’s going on?”
    “Maybe you boys should tell me.”
    “Tell you what?”
    She kicked at the floor, shame hunching her shoulders, before glancing at them—the hurt impossible to miss this time. “You could start by telling me how long you two have been lovers. Because there’s no way that kiss was the first you’ve ever shared.”
    Roman closed the distance, stopping when she took a few quick steps back. “Don’t. Don’t fucking back away like you think we’d ever do anything to hurt you.”
    “Oh, you mean like disappearing from my life with nothing more than a few token words?”
    Roman faltered for a moment, guilt tightening the fine lines around his mouth. “I’ve tried talking to you—at the station and on the drive up, but you refuse to give me a chance to explain.”
    Scarlet swiped at her cheeks as a few tears slipped free, cringing as they fell silently to the floor. A mumbled curse crossed the short distance between them as she took what looked like a fortifying breath. “I think you just did.” She spun on her heels, stalking to the bathroom before closing the door, the sound of the lock tumbling into place echoing through the room.
    Roman crossed over to the door, palming the surface. “This isn’t helping, Scarlet. We need to talk.”
    “I need some time.”
    He leaned his forehead against the door, looking completely lost. “Please. Darling. Just let us in.”
    “You and