Marissa's POV

I had fallen asleep in Silas's arms on the way home and woke the next morning tucked into his arms with North pressed against my back. My hand ached a bit when I stretched. "Sean sent some medicine for you, babygirl," North said, leaning over and grabbing a pill bottle off the nightstand. "He said you might be a bit sore for a day or two. It's just a mild painkiller, non-narcotic."

"Thank you," I said and took the pill with the water he'd handed me. "Sorry I was so much trouble last night.

North pressed a kiss to my forehead, "Ris, you weren't any trouble. We love having you here."

"He's right, agápi," Silas's voice was groggy with sleep, "I sleep better when you're here. Even if it isn't in our bed," he laughed as he reached out and tickled my ribs. I squealed and tried to get away but North blocked my escape and then began tickling me as well. By the time they stopped, I was breathless and flushed. My shirt had ridden up and left me half exposed to them. Silas's eyes darkened as he took in my appearance. He caged me beneath him, "I could get used to waking up with you, agápi mou," his head dipped as he placed kisses along my stomach, "you are the perfect way to wake us up every day." I whimpered when he sucked the skin just below my breast so hard that the skin darkened.

North's hands cradled my head as he bent down to kiss me, murmuring, "Our beautiful girl." I could feel the callouses on both their hands and remembered how Silas told me about them building the house themselves. My back arched as I felt North's fingers pinch my nipple.

Our moment was interrupted when Luke knocked and hollered through the door. "Hey guys, sugar has to get going or she'll be late for her playdate!"

"Cock-blocker!" they both yelled as I giggled. I could hear Luke's laughter from the hallway as he walked away. North rolled off the bed with a groan and held his hand out to me. "Let's get you dressed, Ris," he grinned then pulled my pajama pants down as I gasped. "What?" he said innocently, "You have to get undressed to get dressed."

"Okay, smarty pants, where are my clothes?" I said, stomping my foot. He backed toward the door holding my top and pants. "North, where are my clothes?" I asked again in a warning tone.

He opened the door slightly and smirked, "Down the hall in Gabe's closet. Good luck!" With that, he bolted out the door, roaring with laughter.

"Jerk!" I yelled after him, still hearing his laughter and now listening to Silas snicker behind me. I spun around and pointed my finger at him, "Fine, I'll teach you two." I flipped my hair, held my head up, and walked into the hall. "Hear ye, hear ye, I have been robbed! Would any kind soul like to offer me warm clothes?"

Every damn door opened.

In seconds, Owen was on the landing with a shocked expression. "Marissa, why are you naked in the hallway? Are you okay?"

I cleared my throat, "Yes Owen, I'm fine, however, North thought it funny to strip me and then steal my clothes." I shot North a look and was pleased to see his shock also. "I do believe he thought I would be too shy to strut down the hall in front of all of you. How's that assumption working for you, Daddy?"

His eyes darkened, "That's one, little girl."

I shook my finger at him, "Oh no, Daddy. You didn't play fair. I think that means you are at one, not me." His jaw dropped. I confidently strode down the hall and stood in front of him. I ran my finger down his nose and over his lips, then pushed his chin up. "Make no mistake, North, I love being a sub, but I'm also used to facing rooms full of men who constantly underestimate me in the legal arena. I can play the switch when needed, Daddy."

I heard Gabe's howling laughter behind me, "Oh my fucking shit, she just handed you your ass, North!" He clapped his hands loudly, still laughing, "Come on, spitfire, you've more than earned your nickname today. Let's get you some clothes."

I started to follow him, then stopped, "Um, actually, I think I know what I want to wear." I turned back to North, "Daddy, you owe me some clothes. I think I'll use your shirt today, please," I held out my hand. He grumbled as he took off his shirt and handed it to me. "Thank you, Daddy, I think we're even now," I smirked and then followed Gabe to find pants.

I heard Kota snort, "You realize she just topped you from the bottom, right North?"

"Shut the fuck up, Kota," North grumbled and all I could do was smile. Score one for team submissive.

****

I got back to my place just in time to take a shower and replace my bandage before the front desk called up about Chloe and the boys. I opened the door and Troy practically knocked me over as he attacked my legs. "Aunt Rissa! Guess what?"

"Hey buddy, what?" I asked, ruffling his hair. He grinned up at me, missing a tooth from the last time I saw him. "Ahh, looks like someone got a visit from the tooth fairy," I said as he grinned wider.

"Yep! She gave me a dollar. Mom says I can even buy a candy bar if I want to." He rambled on about his spoils as Chloe stumbled in with little Jack in her arms and a bag over her shoulder.

"Chloe, let me take him," I said, reaching out for Jack. He lunged forward into my arms with a squeal. "Hey big guy, how are you?" He responded in a series of babbles that I'm sure made complete sense to him as I nodded and smiled. I led the two boys into the front room listening to their stories. Chloe flopped onto the couch with a look of pure exhaustion. I set Jack down on the floor and rolled out the big blankets Gabe had sent with me. They were huge and so fluffy it was like being on a cloud. I poked in a cartoon, and within minutes, the boys were giggling and rolling around with their toys.

I sat on the couch near Chloe, "So how are you holding up?"

She sighed and whispered, "Is it a bad thing to say I hope his plane crashes?" I blinked in surprise. "Okay, not really, but I'm just tired of not knowing. Do I confront him? And if I do, what will I do if the answer is yes? Gods, Rissa, I can't raise three boys on my own," she groaned. I patted her hand, unsure what to say to comfort her. She laid her head back on the couch, then winced, "Okay, we pause this rant to take a bathroom break - freaking kidney shots," she grumbled as she walked down the hall toward the guest bathroom.

I smiled to myself as I watched the boys play. Winston and I had always wanted kids and it still hurts to know that dream will never happen. Of course, if it were up to my father, I'd be married off and popping out babies every year. The sound of a text message brought me out of my thoughts.

Sean: How's the hand, sweetheart?

Marissa: It's good, just a bit stiff this morning, but no pain now. I changed the bandage after my shower.

Sean: That's good. I'll check in a bit later. It's been a crazy day here, short-staffed - I'm helping in the ER for the rest of my shift.

Marissa: Be safe and text when you can

Sean: Will do, enjoy your sleepover 💋

Marissa: 💋

"Well that definitely isn't work-related," Chloe said coming back into the room. "No one smiles at their phone like that for work."

I blushed, "Well, I guess in a way it's work-related. It was Dr. Green. He was just checking on me and my hand," I waived the bandaged hand in front of me.

"Shit, Rissa, what happened this time?"

I laughed, "Slippery fingers. I dropped a glass and then cut my palm on the glass shards. Sean cleaned it out, then bandaged it. He's still on shift at the hospital so he texted to see how I was."

She hummed, "Uh huh, keep telling yourself that, sweetie. Jackie, get that out of your mouth," she hollered and headed toward the toddler.

I looked down at my phone and smiled. She wasn't wrong. I may not have told them, but I'm head over heels and terrified.

****

The boys had finally fallen asleep in a tangle of blankets and stuffed animals while Chloe and I had indulged in far too much ice cream. She had retired to the guest room while I sat in my own bed lost in my thoughts until my phone pinged.

Sean: Are you awake?

Marissa: Yeah, what's up?

Sean: Come open your door, please. I looked at the phone and frowned, wondering what was wrong.

When I quietly opened the door I was greeted by a disheveled-looking Sean. His eyes were bloodshot and swollen as if he'd been crying. Without a word, I pulled him into my apartment and silently led him to my room. Once the door was shut, I wrapped my arms around him. "What happened?" He didn't answer. Instead, I felt his body shake as a sob broke from his chest. I just held him as he cried. When he seemed to wear himself out, I gently removed his jacket, then his scrubs. I tugged his hands, bringing him to the bed, and sat him down. Climbing next to him, I asked again, "What happened? Please let me help you," I begged.

He stared at me, glassy-eyed as he played with a strand of my hair. "I was working in the ER, and there was an automobile accident - a family," he stuttered. I felt my heart clench, knowing what was coming all too well. "The little girl, she...she was so small, and I tried, fuck I tried, but..." his words broke off into sobs again.

"Oh, Sean, it wasn't your fault, love," I whispered, hugging him tightly. I pulled him down, his head resting on my chest as I tried to reassure him. His cries finally subsided as he fell asleep clutching me around the waist. I carefully reached for my phone.

Marissa: Sorry if this wakes you, but just wanted to let you know Sean is at my place. He lost a patient in the ER - a child, and came over very distraught. He's asleep now and I don't think he should drive.

Owen: Do I need to come to pick him up?

Marissa: No, if you don't mind, I think he needs to stay put.

Owen: You're what he needs right now, love. Text or call if either of you needs anything. Sleep well.

Marissa: You too, Owen. Good night

I ran my fingers through his blonde curls, watching him sleep. "I'm so sorry you had to experience this, Sean. I love you and I'll be here for you as long as you'll have me," I whispered.

Sean shifted a bit and raised his head, "Say it again."

I thought he'd been asleep and blushed, but did as he asked, "I love you, Sean Green." His lips crashed against mine, his hand tangling in my head as he straddled me.

We were breathless when the kiss broke, his forehead pressed against mine, "I thought maybe you didn't mean it last night. That you didn't mean it like that, well, only as a caregiver when you're in little space, but Marissa, I'm head over heels in love with you. Fuck, we all are." His eyes practically glowed as he spoke, "I love you, Marissa Ryland and I want you around forever." I giggled as he kissed me again, in a playful manner, then trailed kisses down my neck and chest. He tugged off my t-shirt, leaving me in just my panties. His fingers trailed along the band. "May I?"

"Yes please," I said softly as I lifted my hips so he could slide them off. I reached up and tugged at his boxers which he quickly removed. Damn, he was gorgeous. I ran my hands over his chest and stomach, loving the feel of his skin against mine. When he lowered himself to my core, I let out a needy sound. He chuckled then began to run his tongue along my folds. A low keening noise came from my throat as my hips snapped toward him. "Sean," I gasped. My fingers wrapped around his arms and I tugged him toward me.

He gave me a puzzled look, "Did I do something wrong?" I shook my head. "Then I'm confused," he chuckled.

I pulled him toward me, "Make love to me, Sean." His eyes went wide. "Please," I begged.

"Are you sure?" he asked, "Don't get me wrong, I want to, oh gods I want to, I just don't think I'll be able to stop if we start." He kissed me, groaning, "Fuck, Marissa, I don't think I'll ever get enough of you."

I returned the kiss, shifting so that my legs were spread wide, "I don't want you to stop. I don't want this to be an accident or a one-night stand," I told him. "I want this, I want you." He searched my eyes for a few moments longer then crashed his lips to mine again. He bucked his hips forward and thrust inside of me as I moaned into his mouth. My legs wrap around his waist as he pumped inside of me, making me cry out softly.

He flipped us over, pushing me up on his hips making him sink deeper into me. "I want to see you," he groaned as his hands grip my hips, controlling my pace. I brace my hands on his chest, feeling every inch of him move in and out of me until the familiar pressure in my stomach begins to build. He tells me to cum and my body begins to shudder as I press down hard on his length. "Marissa," he groans as I feel him release and coat my insides. Sean pulls me down onto his chest, stroking my back, "Are you okay? I didn't hurt you, did I?"

I pressed my lips to his chest and giggled, "No, that was perfect."

He grabs my hand and kisses the palm, then each fingertip. "I want to kiss every inch of you, to claim all of you." He nuzzled against my hair as he talked and I felt so loved, so safe. We stayed tangled in each other's arms making love again until sleep finally came.  

Author's Notes:  I loved writing this moment with Sean.  It just seemed fitting since he was the first one she met.

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