Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87015 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87015 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
When Declan pulled back, he wrapped his arms around Sebastian from behind. Sebastian nuzzled their faces together, and damned if my jealousy didn’t grow. They were comforting each other, having a silent conversation, and fuck if I didn’t want that with Parker.
“So, are you going to let us in or what?” Parker asked.
They stepped aside. The other Vers guys were in the living room, along with a few people I didn’t recognize.
“Jesus, Declan. Is everyone you hang out with hot?” a younger twink with short, dark hair and warm brown skin asked. He looked in his midtwenties. His tee was so tight, I could tell his nipples were pierced, and he had a short, groomed goatee around his mouth and along his chin.
“That’s Parker’s husband,” Declan said at the same time with Parker’s, “He’s my husband.” I smiled hearing it from him and appreciated that even though Declan wasn’t sure what he thought about me, he was supporting us.
“I’m just stating a fact,” the guy told Declan. “Your boyfriend is hot too.” Then to me, “Hey. I’m Kai. I work at Declan’s bar. What are your intentions with Declan’s best friend?”
I laughed. The kid was funny. Not that he was a kid.
“I already put a ring on it. Doesn’t that tell you what you need to know?”
“Good point.” He turned to Parker. “He’s gorgeous, but the important thing here is Marcus. I want him. Declan won’t help, so I’m coming to you.”
Parker’s mouth dropped open, but before he could reply, the man in question approached.
“Hey, baby. Miss me?” Kai winked at him.
“You’re playing with fire, little one. Be careful you don’t get burned,” Marcus warned, his voice dark and smoky.
Kai fanned himself.
Declan groaned. “Please stop. What’s happening here? Don’t flirt with my friends.” Then to Marcus, “Don’t flirt with my employees.”
“You act like this is a surprise,” Kai said.
I would definitely fit in with these people if they allowed it. On instinct, I reached over and interlaced my fingers with Parker’s. His head snapped up, eyes trained on me. I shrugged, and damned if he didn’t smile.
And he didn’t let go.
Corbin joined us a few minutes later, jumping in and ribbing the guys. It was something they did a lot, and when Marcus joked around with Parker, I wrapped my arms around him and playfully said, “Leave my husband out of it. I got your back, beautiful.”
What I didn’t expect was the silence that immediately followed. There were other people at the house, and I was sure they still spoke and time moved on in the background, but Parker’s friends were silent. Parker’s spine was stiff as he buried his face in my pec.
“I have a feeling something’s going on that I missed,” Kai’s voice pierced the silence.
It seemed to be the icebreaker people needed.
Corbin let out a long, “Awwww!”
Sebastian freaking Cole, who I still couldn’t believe was standing close to me, nudged Declan. “Why don’t you defend my honor like that?”
“I do,” Declan replied, pulling Sebastian close, but his gaze snagged on me, like he couldn’t look away if he tried. It wasn’t an angry expression; it was a curious one, like he was trying to figure me out.
“I’m jealous,” Corbin said. “Love me until my date arrives. I feel so left out.” He hugged Marcus.
He’d spoken teasingly, but Marcus kissed his head. “You know I love you, kid.”
“Um…can I squeeze in the middle of you two?” Kai asked, and another round of laughter broke out.
We chatted for a while. The whole time, I held Parker’s hand or kept mine at the small of his back. I liked touching him, wanted him to know I was close and that I liked everyone there to know he was mine. It was an unexpected rush I knew he felt too.
Eventually, one by one, they began to trickle away. Parker said he had to go to the restroom but looked concerned about leaving me. “I’ll be fine. I’ll do some exploring. I might go outside for some fresh air. Just hurry your gorgeous ass back to me,” I teased.
He rolled his eyes, then kissed me before sneaking away.
I made my way through the living room and went out the French back doors. There was a pool with a slide, an outdoor kitchen, a workout area, and basically everything you could ever need back there.
So far, today had gone better than expected. Marcus and Corbin had both spent some time talking to me. They were all even funnier in person than on The Vers.
When I heard the door open behind me, I assumed it was Parker, but looked back to see Sebastian.
“Needed to breathe a little?” he asked, coming to stand beside me by the pool.
“Yeah, Parker had to use the restroom, and I figured he might want some time with his friends. Is it okay to admit I’m freaking out talking to you?”