Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 113880 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 569(@200wpm)___ 456(@250wpm)___ 380(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113880 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 569(@200wpm)___ 456(@250wpm)___ 380(@300wpm)
“I’m in,” I say, only to be met with surprised silence.
15
JONAS
As we all stare at Allie, not quite believing she’s actually agreed to Theron’s out-there proposal, I grin and shake my head because I know I played a big part in making this thing happen. Allie said yes because I exposed her physical need. She’s been hiding behind her self-control and self-denial for too long when what she needs is what we all need. To feel a connection with another human being. To find out about our own sexuality and embrace it.
I usually train every day, running off any pent-up energy or memories that I wish were buried, making sure that this body that earns me a living stays in perfect condition. Today, my body aches for something else.
Sweet Allie with her mysterious brown eyes and lips that are perfectly pouty with a cupid bow I want to lick. Sweet Allie with curves for days, and a total lack of awareness of just how sexy she is. Sweet Allie, who pretends she’s happy being one thing but really craves to be another.
I recognize that duality. So much of the way I act around other people is a shield. The jokiness helps me feel in control, and people love to laugh. I got kicked in the head a lot less in foster care when I was funny instead of angry.
Being in this house with so many people reminds me a little of the good times I had growing up. The best foster home I spent time in had eight other kids, and I was never lonely. It was the only time I felt like part of a family.
Before I get a chance to reply, Theron’s asking how Allie wants it to work. The poor girl looks like her brain might explode from the stress and that isn’t what sex should be about.
“We’ll work out something between us,” I say. “And if it’s good for Allie, it’ll be good for us.”
Allie’s shoulders lower, as the burden shifts from her to us. “Thanks,” she mouths. “So, I’m going to head inside to work. I’ll see you guys for lunch?”
“I’m cooking,” Tom says.
“Please tell me you have some culinary skills,” Carson says. “I’m famished already.”
Allie swishes her hips as she makes her way from the water, raising her hands to squeeze the water from her hair. Her retreat is watched by every man with an intensity I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed from a whole group before.
“I can’t believe you guys are talking about food. All I want to eat is walking away right now,” Jimmy mutters. “People around her need to get their priorities straight.”
“I hear you, brother,” Theron says, turning to me. “So, you got an idea?”
“We draw straws. Ten straws cut from short to long. Longest goes first, then in order until the shortest.”
“Seems easy,” Stefan says.
“Seems fucking mercenary,” Russell grumbles.
“Allie asked for this, dude. But you don’t need to be a part of it if you don’t want to be. Just make sure you explain to her why you’re not interested.”
He rubs his chin, eyes shadowed by his cap. “She deserves more,” he says.
“More than what we can give?” I ask. “Doesn’t sound like you have much faith in our abilities to please her!”
“I mean love,” he says. “She deserves to be with someone who loves her and knows her value. Someone who’ll treat her like the princess she is.”
“I plan on treating her like a queen,” I say. “And I’m sure every other man has the same aim.”
“Unless she wants something different,” Theron says. “This is about her fantasies. I say we make it clear that she can ask for whatever she wants from us.”
“Exactly,” I say.
Gabe stretches his arms above his head, cracking his back and neck. “This is going to end with hurt feelings. I’d put good money on it.”
Tom and Russell both murmur their agreement.
“Why do you say that?” I ask. “Allie’s a big girl. She’s made her choice…it’s empowerment.”
“Except she’s going to get confused, and she's bound to catch feelings for some of us, and maybe we’ll catch feelings for her. That’s what happens with sex.”
I wish I could say I knew what he was talking about, but I don't. Not really. I’ve been with lots of women, and enjoyed most of those experiences just fine, but sex has never been something emotional for me. It’s always just been about giving and taking a physical release.
“We’re all adults, aren’t we?” Stefan shrugs like he’s not worried about any of that.
Oliver shakes his head. “This is a bad idea.”
“So, you’re out?” Theron asks quickly, like he wants to show Oliver isn’t being genuine.
Oliver slicks his tongue over his teeth, looking down to conceal the frustration that’s completely obvious. “I didn’t say that.”
Forget Allie being torn. Oliver is practically tearing himself in two.