Chapter 325: Samuel Came Prepared

The walk up the grand staircase was quiet, the heavy tension from the living room settling into an expectant, electric heat. Nat led the way toward his master suite, while Xavier walked close beside April, his fingers lightly brushing hers with a steady, quiet warmth.

Before they crossed the threshold into the suite, Samuel stepped forward, moving with his usual silent grace. From his inner jacket pocket, he produced a small, discreet silk pouch and offered it to Alexander with a completely unbothered, deadpan expression.

Inside were specialized lubricants and an array of... condoms.

Nat burst into a loud, booming laugh, running a hand over his face as he shook his head in absolute disbelief. "Are you fucking kidding me? You actually brought an entire toolkit for this?"

Alexander took the pouch, a sharp, amused smirk tugging at his lips as he glanced down at the contents. "I must admit, Samuel... your level of foresight is almost terrifying."

"Miss April’s physiological comfort and safety are my primary directives," Samuel replied smoothly, adjusting the bridge of his glasses without a single crack in his professional facade. "I suggest you utilize them wisely."

While the men carried the supplies inside, April quietly slipped away into the bathroom to prepare.

Standing before the illuminated mirror, April turned on the warm water, washing up carefully and thoroughly.

For someone whose mind usually operated like a clockwork machine, her chest felt strangely light, her heart beating at a slightly faster tempo against her ribs. She was nervous, but beneath the logical processing, a quiet, fluttery coil of genuine excitement was beginning to bloom.

This was her first time. And despite the unconventional arrangement, she felt completely safe.

After finishing her preparations, she wrapped herself in a soft, silk robe and slowly opened the bathroom door.

The room had been completely transformed. The harsh overhead lighting was extinguished, replaced by the soft, golden glow of warm ambient lamps that cast deep, intimate shadows across the vast master bedroom. Soft music played at a low, barely audible frequency, instantly setting a somewhat romantic mood in the air.

Sitting along the edge of the sprawling king-sized bed were Xavier, Nat, and Alexander.

To ensure maximum preparation and comfort—per Samuel’s strict, non-negotiable instructions before he stepped aside to stand by the door—all three men were already half-naked.

Nat sat on the left, his massive, sculpted chest and broad shoulders completely bare, the warm light catching the rough line of his jaw and his dark, burning eyes.

On the right, Alexander leaned back against the headboard, his shirt unbuttoned and hanging loose off his frame, displaying his lean, toned torso and refined, sharp collarbones.

And in the center sat Xavier. His crisp white shirt was discarded entirely, revealing his smooth, broad chest and strong arms. As April stepped into the dim light, his eyes met hers, filled with a raw, breathless devotion that made the air in the room feel instantly thick.

April stood at the foot of the bed, the soft golden light spilling over her bare skin as the silk robe hung loosely over her shoulders. The atmosphere in the room felt heavy—warm, thick with the quiet hum of ambient music and the steady, uneven sound of their breathing.

Xavier was the first to move. He got off the edge of the mattress, stepping towards her bare-chested. When his hands hovered near her waist, she caught the faint, subtle tremor in his fingers before he finally rested them against her skin.

"April..." Xavier’s voice was low, a little rough around the edges. "Are you ready?"

She looked up into his dark eyes. She had asked herself that question over and over in the shower, until she became certain of it. "I am."

Behind him, Nat sat with his elbows braced on his knees, his eyes fixed on her with a burning, restless intensity. Alexander remained leaned back against the headboard, watching with a quiet, laser-focused gaze. And by the door, Samuel stood perfectly still, though the set of his jaw was noticeably tight.

Xavier’s thumbs brushed the sensitive skin at her waist. "Can I... take this off?"

"Yes."

He untied the sash with careful, slightly hesitant fingers, letting the silk part and slip down her arms to pool at her feet. Cool air hit her skin, followed immediately by the scorching heat of his dark gaze. He didn’t rush. He looked at her—really looked—and the deep flush creeping up his neck made her chest tighten with a strange, sweet pressure.

"Come here," Xavier murmured gently, his hands resting lightly at her waist to guide her toward the large mattress.

April let him lead her, easing back against the cool sheets and settling into the soft pillows. The comfortable, reclining position immediately took the tension out of her limbs, letting her relax as Xavier climbed onto the mattress beside her, hovering over her carefully.

Samuel’s calm voice broke the quiet from the doorway.

"Master Reed. Start with your hands. Warm her skin. Do not go straight for the most sensitive places. Let her body understand it is safe."

Xavier nodded once, visibly relieved for the clear direction. His palms settled on her shoulders, then slid slowly down her arms, leaving goosebumps in their wake. He shifted closer, leaning over her until the bare, solid wall of his chest brushed against her breasts. April’s breath caught in her throat.

"Is this alright?" he whispered, his chest expanding against hers.

"Yes," she murmured, her heart thumping wildly against her ribs.

His lips found the sensitive spot beneath her ear—soft, testing, leaving a trail of fire against her skin. One of his hands slid around her waist to keep her against him, while the other stayed at her hip, his thumb stroking gentle, reassuring circles. She could feel the slight shake in his touch. He was trying so hard to be steady for her.

She didn’t call him out for it but someone else did.

Nat’s low, gravelly voice cut in from the side. "You’re shaking, Reed."

Xavier didn’t look away from her. "I know."

Samuel spoke again, softer this time. "Breathe with her. Match her rhythm. When you move lower, ask first."

Xavier’s hand drifted down, tracing over the curve of her stomach before coming to rest between her thighs. His fingers brushed the soft hair there and paused.

"April. Can I touch you here?"