“I’ll text you,” she said noncommittally before walking away.

  I shrugged and headed upstairs to do sit-ups.

  The second-floor space was empty, sunlight streaming through big windows onto the blue mats that covered a section of the room.

  I found a spot in the center and began my sit-ups.

  I was aware of someone entering the room during my first set, but kept my focus.

  After finishing, I looked over to see Kate mounting a stationary bike, her movements deliberate as she began pedaling.

  After a couple more sets, I stood up and stretched. “Came up to escape the crowd?”

  Kate glanced at me. “Something like that. Had enough of guys checking themselves out in the mirror downstairs.”

  “You’ve really got some attitude today, huh?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re grumpy. Still bitter about the gladiator match?” I grinned.

  She snorted, increasing her pace on the bike. “If we ever had an actual sparring match, I’d wipe the floor with you.”

  I laughed. “You’re not serious.”

  Kate stopped pedaling, her eyes narrowing. “I’m a black belt in jiu jitsu. What about you?”

  “Did some wrestling in high school, but nothing special.”

  “And what makes you think you can beat a black belt?”

  “I’m a lot stronger than you, Kate.”

  She stepped off the bike, moving toward the mats. “It’s on. Let’s have a round, right now.”

  I chuckled. “Kate, come on.”

  “Come on what? I’m serious.”

  “I can’t… I mean, I can’t fight a girl.”

  “Bullshit. A hundred-pound woman who knows jiu jitsu can take down a two-hundred-pound man.”

  I rolled my eyes and walked over to stand in front of her, still smirking.

  Up close, I could see the flush in her cheeks, the dilation of her pupils. She wasn’t just angry—she was turned on.

  But she was also dead serious about sparring.

  “Alright,” I murmured. “You want to go, let’s go.”

  “No strikes. Just grappling. First one to pin the other for five seconds wins.”

  She kicked off her shoes and moved to the center of the mat, taking a wide stance with her knees slightly bent.

  I did likewise, taking my position opposite her.

  She took a wide stance, her movements precise as we circled each other. Her first attempt to grab my arm missed as I pivoted away. Her second was quicker, catching my wrist.

  I countered by stepping into her space. The sudden movement caught her off guard, and I wrapped an arm around her waist.

  Her body was warm against mine, firm yet soft. I could feel her rapid heartbeat as our bodies pressed together.

  Kate twisted in my grip, her thigh sliding between mine, bringing her hips firmly against me. For a brief moment, our eyes met, heat flickering between us.

  We parted. When she came at me again, I caught her mid-lunge, using my weight to bear her backward. We tumbled to the mat, and I got on top of her thigh, putting my weight on her.

  With her big, thick leg beneath me I couldn’t help but respond, hardening against her.

  Her eyes widened before she squirmed and spread her legs, wrapping them around me, trying to leverage herself out.

  The strength in her legs was impressive, but not enough. I gripped one of her wrists and pinned it above her head.

  She bucked upward, trying to throw me off, but the movement only pressed her more firmly, grinding our pelvises together.

  A small sound escaped her—something between a grunt and a moan.

  With a surge of strength, I twisted my hips and drove my knee between her thighs, breaking her leg lock.

  Laying on top of her, I caught her free wrist and pinned both arms above her head, my chest pressing down against hers.

  She gasped, a look of shock crossing her face as she realized she wasn’t breaking free. A tremor ran through her body.

  “One...two…” I began counting, my voice rough.

  Kate struggled again, though less forcefully than before.

  “Three, four…”

  Her resistance stopped completely as her chest heaved against mine.

  Our eyes locked, all pretense falling away. The heat between us was electric. Her breath came out in gasps, her eyes half-closed.

  “Five,” I murmured.

  Chapter fifteen

  Ireleased Kate’s wrists and eased back onto my knees, still straddling her.

  “Game over,” I said with a small smile.

  Kate remained motionless, staring up at me, her lips slightly parted.

  “You okay?” I asked, standing up.

  She sat up slowly, running her fingers through her hair. “That was…” she trailed off.

  I offered my hand to help her up. She ignored it, rising to her feet. She stood inches away, glaring up at me, her chest was still heaving.

  Then she turned and walked to the door, shutting and locking it with a decisive click.

  My eyes followed her movements curiously.

  She returned to the mat with renewed determination. “Round two. You got lucky.”

  I swallowed. My hardon was showing through my running pants, but Kate didn’t seem to mind.

  She came at me, her technique more aggressive this time.

  I countered her attempts, our bodies colliding as I caught her around the waist.

  The heat of her body and the smell of her skin got to me quickly.

  “What are you trying to prove?” I grunted as she struggled against me.

  Her answer was to hook her leg behind mine. I lifted her slightly, neutralizing the move but pressing her fully against me. Her eyes widened as she felt my hardness.

  I bore her down to the mat, pinning her beneath me more forcefully this time. I captured both wrists in one hand, my other hand gripping her hip.

  “Is this what you wanted?” I growled. “To be manhandled like this?”

  Her body shuddered, an involuntary moan escaping her lips.

  “Answer me,” I demanded, tightening my grip.

  She weakly bucked her hips, only managing to grind against me. “No... you can’t beat me,” she moaned, but her smile betrayed her. She arched her back, pressing her breasts firmly against my chest.

  Her arms went limp as I counted to five, watching her tremble and blush at the sound of my voice.

  “I win again,” I said quietly.

  I released her wrists but she didn’t move. I brushed her bangs from her eyes.

  “Is this what you wanted all along?” I asked, my hand sliding to her thigh.

  “Yes,” she breathed.

  Rolling her onto her side, I pulled up the band of her shorts, exposing the underside of her ass, and delivered a sharp spank. “Say it louder.”

  “Yes!” she gasped, her hips moving involuntarily.

  My fingers traced the inside of her thigh. She parted her legs as her breathing quickened. I slid my hand up her shorts, and she rolled onto her back, opening her legs wider.

  Pulling aside her panties, I slid my finger tips over her soaking wet pussy.

  “You’ve been enjoying this,” I said, my voice low.

  I pushed a finger inside her. She moaned, “Oh, your finger feels so good.”

  I was aware of the security camera, but my position may have somewhat concealed what was happening. I added a second finger, working her G-spot as her thighs tensed.

  “You like being dominated,” I said.

  She nodded, eyes closed.

  “Look at me.”

  Her eyes opened halfway, dark with vulnerability—the town’s most prominent ‘boss lady’ now surrendering completely.

  I increased my pace, rubbing her g-spot harder, feeling her body respond, her wetness coating my hand.

  “Come for me,” I whispered. “Right here in your own gym.”

  Her thighs squeezed together as she stifled a cry, her pussy tightening and convulsing around my fingers. As she came, her eyes opened wide, as if some deep truth was being unveiled to her.

  When the tremors subsided, she lay limp beneath me, her chest heaving.

  I leaned over and kissed her cheek. She looked at the door, almost startled. “I should probably get back downstairs.”

  I nodded and helped her to her feet. She gave me a shy look from behind her bangs. “See you soon?”

  “Tomorrow night,” I said, squeezing her hand. “At Caroline’s.”

  Her cheeks darkened with anxiety. She knew that getting involved with me meant getting involved with Caroline and Sofia too. We were a package.

  “Right—Caroline’s,” she nodded.

  “Hey,” I squeezed her shoulder. “We’re meeting to discuss our plans. Nothing else has to happen tomorrow.”

  She smiled and moved closer. “I know. It’s fine.”

  As she turned to leave, I caught her around the waist. She flung herself against me, her nails scraping my neck as she kissed me hungrily.

  “See you tomorrow,” she whispered before finally pulling away and walking to the door on unsteady legs.

  Chapter sixteen

  The next day, I spent much of the afternoon cycling. I’d found a mountain bike in the Buy and Sell.

  I started on the Robertson Park trail, then explored some of the country roads. My mind kept going back to Kate. After what happened between us, I knew she’d want more.

  But would she make it easy, or would she need me to pin her to the ground again?

  When I got home, dusty and sweaty, Caroline was busy in the kitchen.

  She wore a tight black top and a skirt that hugged her hips, hair loose around her shoulders. “Hey, stud. Dinner’s almost ready. Just heard from Sofia. She’s bringing a little something to wet our whistle.”

  “Pisco sours again?”

  She turned around to meet me. “No, something different.” Her arms slid around me, her lips pressing against my ear. “Missed you today, baby.”

  “Missed you too.” I squeezed her ass, earning a playful yelp. “Sofia’s still at the restaurant then?”

  “Yeah. She’ll be here soon… And so will Kate.” Caroline pulled back, her eyes glinting mischievously.

  “What?” I smirked.

  “Ready for round two?”

  I shrugged. “With Kate? We’ll see what happens.”

  She waved her hand. “After your little domination session yesterday? She’s probably still wet thinking about you pinning her down.”

  A moment later, the doorbell rang, sharp and insistent.

  “She’s early,” I said.

  Caroline shot me a look over her shoulder. “Military gal.”

  I opened the front door and found Kate standing there, framed by the porch light.

  I did a double take.

  Her face was polished—subtle eyeshadow and a deep red lipstick that made her lips pop. Her bangs were styled, and she wore earrings, softening her buzzcut’s edge.

  She wore a sleeveless blouse—its silky folds clinging to the curves of her chest—tucked into high-waisted shorts that showed off her thick legs.

  A pair of strappy black heels lifted her a few inches, making her calves flex as she shifted her weight.

  “Hey,” I said. “You look nice.” Putting a hand on her waist, I kissed her lips.

  Kate blushed, but she squared her shoulders. “Figured we’re working tonight, might as well look the part.”

  “Good thinking,” I said. “Come on. We’re eating in the kitchen.”

  I casually put my hand on the small of her back and led her through the living room.

  Caroline turned as we stepped in, her eyes taking in Kate’s transformation. “Wow, look at you! I’ve never seen you dressed up all girly like this.”

  Kate made a face. “Just felt like it. No big deal.”

  “You look lovely,” Caroline smiled warmly, giving her a hug. “I’ve set a place for you next to Ryan.”

  I guided Kate into the chair, my hand brushing her ass as she sat.

  “I’ve pulled together those consulting contracts,” I said. “We’ve got more than enough evidence to show their kickback scheme.”

  Kate leaned forward, her blouse shifting to reveal her cleavage. “We’re going to nail them on Thursday."

  Sofia’s footsteps sounded on the patio. “Hello, my loves! Can you open the door?”

  Caroline let her in. Sofia breezed through carrying bags of liquor, her sundress fluttering around her thighs.

  “Hi! Sorry I’m late. You guys ready for negronis?”

  Kate raised her eyebrows with interest. “Negronis?”

  Sofia nodded, already unpacking bottles onto the island. “You’ll love them.”

  “I can tell you want one,” I murmured, leaning closer to Kate.

  She smiled. “I do love a good cocktail.”

  As Sofia mixed the drinks, Caroline set the table. “So in this Thursday’s council meeting, you’ll both present the evidence at the hearing?”

  “Yeah, and Kate should go first,” I said, catching Kate’s gaze. “She’s been working on this longer than I have.”

  A pleased smile crossed Kate’s face. “I appreciate that.”

  Caroline twirled a strand of hair, standing at the table. “You two make a good team. Kate brings the passion, Ryan brings the strategy.”

  “Is because they trust each other,” Sofia said, shaking the cocktail mixer rhythmically.

  She poured out two drinks, then carried them over to the table, handing them off to us.

  Kate took a sip of her negroni, her eyes widening in appreciation. “This is excellent, Sofia.”

  “I told you,” I said.

  We settled into eating, the conversation flowing easily at first. Gradually, though, I noticed Kate growing more reserved as her mind seemed to fix on the upcoming meeting.

  She sat straighter, her posture becoming more rigid. The commanding officer was reasserting herself.

  Her voice took on that professional edge, “So, Ryan, about the presentation format—”

  “Did you enjoy your wrestling match yesterday?” Sofia interrupted with a giggle, taking our glasses to refill them.

  Kate’s professional demeanor cracked. She glanced at me, a deep flush spreading across her cheeks. “Yes, I did.”

  Sofia returned with our topped-up glasses. “Why do you never wrestle with me like that?” she asked, draping herself over my shoulders.

  “I guess because you’ve never physically attacked me,” I joked. “I was defending myself.”

  Kate laughed.

  Caroline gazed across the table at Kate. “And you followed your own advice—Locked the door. Smart girl.”

  Kate scratched her forehead, looking down shyly. “I was waiting for this to come up.”

  Sofia put a hand on Kate’s shoulder as she returned to her own seat. “Sorry if we embarrass you.”

  “No, it’s fine,” Kate said, straightening up. “I was expecting to talk about it…obviously. It would be weird not to. I mean, you guys are…together.”

  “Yes, the three of us are together, Caroline confirmed. “We know what happened between you and Ryan yesterday, as you can see. And we don’t mind.”

  Sofia smiled. “Yes, is okay, don’t worry!”

  I put my hand on Kate’s back, rubbing her.

  Her cheeks flushed, and she gazed into her drink with a bemused smile. “So, I would be…joining you then? I’d be the third addition to Ryan’s…harem?” A momentary frown creased her forehead.

  “If everything goes well and we all like each other,” I said.

  Sofia beamed. “Yes, we want you to…start dating us.” She giggled.

  Kate hesitated. “I’ve just never…been in a situation like this before.”

  Caroline laughed. “Neither have I, hon.”

  “Me too! Of course I never!” Sofia added.

  Kate sipped her drink, her cheeks glowing. “Well, I guess that’s what we’re doing then,” she said after a moment. “Let’s see how this goes.”

  My gaze met Caroline’s and Sofia’s, and I could feel the excitement between us, knowing we had another woman coming into our romantic circle.

  We ate for a few minutes in silence, but the room was palpable with expectation.

  After a moment, Kate tried to reassume her professional demeanor, clearing her throat. “So, anyway, about the meeting on Thursday, I thought we could discuss—”

  “Do you really want to talk about that now?” I said with a humorous smirk.

  Kate suppressed a smile, struggling to maintain her serious face. “Seems like as good a time as any.” She reached for her folder. “Anyhow, I was thinking we should—”

  “Is that your command voice?” Sofia interrupted, her eyes sparkling. “Is very sexy.”

  Kate’s lips quivered, and she barely clung to her business-like demeanor. “Look, I’m just trying to make sure we’re prepared.”

  “Always so organized,” Caroline said. “Always in control.” She reached across the table, her fingers lightly touching Kate’s hand. “You know you’re allowed to let go once in a while. Especially here. With us.”

  Kate’s eyes widened, almost as if this information was surprising to her. “Sure. I… I know that.” The blush spread down her neck.

  “Don’t worry about the meeting,” I said soothingly, stroking her hair. “We’re well prepared.”

  She relaxed under my touch.

  Caroline reached across and touched Kate’s hand again. “Do you remember that conversation we had that time after pilates class? When you told me what you really wanted?”

  Kate’s flush deepened. She pulled her hand away suddenly, placing her hands in her lap. “And what did I say, Caroline? Go ahead, I’m sure you’ve already told everyone anyway.”

  Caroline softened her tone. “No, I only told them the general gist.”

  Something changed in Kate’s expression now. A hungry, lewd look came into her eyes. “Go ahead and tell them.” Her voice sounded strangely different—soft and high.

  Caroline shook her head. “No. But you can if you want to. You’re safe here with us.”

  Kate sat up straighter, her chest expanding as she inhaled. Her voice was sultry as she looked between me and Sofia.