Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83542 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83542 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
I wink at him, so his frown deepens.
I love it.
We arrive at Tripp’s way too soon, because I’ve never had this much fun in the back of an Uber before. Oh, wait, that’s a lie. I once hooked up with an Uber driver when playing an away game in LA, but I dunno, this might even be better than that.
That was sex. This is like fore-foreplay. It’s a lead-up, and sometimes, that can make the payoff even more explosive.
Plus, I dunno. I like being around Lane. Teasing him. Messing with him. I like knowing that I can affect him when he’s normally so in control. I’m the one who makes him slip.
I’m not worth it, but that doesn’t seem to be stopping him.
When I enter Tripp’s apartment, both he and Dex look sullen.
“Okay, let’s have it,” Tripp says. “Let the gloating begin.”
Lane follows me in and then Aleks. Surprise flits through Tripp’s eyes, but he schools it fast.
“Instead of gloating, I figured I’d offer the Collective a present. New blood.”
Tripp’s gaze ping-pongs between Lane and Aleks. “I don’t think PR reps are included in our arrangement. Lane’s always welcome, but he can’t officially join or anything.”
“It’s me,” Aleks says and then screws up his face. “Can I come out publicly already?” he asks Lane. “Then at least everyone will know, and I won’t have to awkwardly fumble every time I blurt I’m bi.”
Lane looks sympathetic but says, “We want you to be legally divorced before you say anything, or people are going to think you left Rebecca for a man. And I know it’s not the thing you want to hear, but it’s probably best if you focus on dating women first before you even think about being seen with a man, or the public will come to their own conclusions.”
“That’s such bullshit,” I mutter, and everyone agrees.
Even Lane. “I know it is, but we don’t want to be perpetuating stereotypes that all bisexual men will leave their female partners for other men because they can’t make up their minds. Or worse, that he’s saying he’s bi to hide that he’s actually gay. That misconception needs to be changed. So the plan is divorce. Date a couple of women. You don’t even need to go on second dates. I can arrange for you to date some B-list celebrities, and then after a few, you can come out and date whoever you want.”
“It sucks that I’m ready to take that leap and tell the world. No, I’m available to take that leap. I’ve been ready for years but saw no real point in it when I was happily married. Maybe I should’ve done it sooner, and then there wouldn’t be all this red tape with coming out.”
“I understand,” Lane says. “I really do. But being a public figure—”
“I know.” Aleks sounds so dejected. “I just wanted to point out that it sucks.”
I slap his shoulder. “Welcome to the club of sucky double standards purely because we’re awesome. And on that note, let’s celebrate the glorious win tonight by drinking all of Tripp and Dex’s expensive whiskey.”
“Oh, so fun for me,” Lane says.
“Babysitting is your job here, isn’t it?” I drag Aleks to where Tripp keeps his liquor.
I pull out a bottle of Jack Daniel’s and glasses from under the counter.
“No Macallan tonight?” Tripp asks.
“Nope. Not enough of us here to induct Aleks. Could you imagine Ezra’s face if we did that without him? He loves those things.”
Tripp nods. “True. I used to think it was because he was expanding his hookup pool, but now that he’s with Anton, he’s still just as excited to welcome new members.” He gasps. “Could … Ezra be … thoughtful and supportive?”
We all contemplate it for a moment.
I shake my head. “Nah. Not possible. Must be something else.”
“Agreed,” Tripp and Dex say in unison.
Aleks looks from one to the other. “You guys seem fun.”
“We are. And don’t worry, Ezra will throw you your own welcome party when the time comes.”
“When I’m allowed to.” Aleks side glances at Lane.
“Hey, we’re both on Lane’s leash now. Ooh, kinky.” I smile at Lane and lift a glass in his direction. “Come on. Live a little. We promise to be good boys for you.”
I love the way Lane looks like he’s trying to decide between yelling at me, spanking me, or fucking me right here in front of everyone.
And even with all that, I’m sure I pick up a twinkle of … tolerance? Amusement?
Dex whispers to Tripp, “I know I’m usually slow, but he’s trying to tempt Lane into a threesome, right?”
Tripp snorts.
“Even I’m not that stupid to think Lane would break his rules for me.” Lies. My goal is to get him to break all of them for me, and I’m off to a great start.
Instead of playing my game, Lane reaches for the glass of whiskey. “I’m going to need this tonight.”