Chapter 18
REN
I yawned and cracked a couple of eggs into the ceramic pan.
It was a good thing I wasn’t using oil because I’d started cooking in my boxers.
Switching the knob to a lower temperature, I eyed the eggs carefully.
There hadn’t been many circumstances as a child when I’d cooked.
We had only the best maids and chefs who ran our house, but when my parents sent me to boarding school, I’d learned the basics required to stay alive.
As much as I hated Pleasant Beach Academy, it prepared me in ways my parents never could.
Father wanted me to go on to the academy’s sister school, Pleasant Beach West University, but as a legal adult, I’d brushed off the idea.
I’d gotten a tattoo artist apprenticeship instead.
My choice had pissed Father off, and he’d thrown accusations along the lines of “you’re exactly like Luke” and “go live in New Gothenburg with your useless brother,” but by that point, I had thick skin.
Behind me in the living room, the preseason hockey game from last night played on the screen. I had a subscription to the streaming service for the games, especially the team that my former boarding school buddy played for.
I snickered at the thought of Ripley. I grabbed my phone and sent him a text.
Ren
In New Gothenburg now. jsyk.
We communicated when we could, but he had a busy schedule. I usually worked as much as possible, not only because I loved the cash, but I also enjoyed the job. Inking came with pride, and I had mad skills. No one could tell me otherwise.
From where I stood, I caught sight of Florida making a goal against LA within the first ten minutes. I groaned. “Fuck. Come on! Get your defense together!”
My phone buzzed and I smirked down at the screen.
Thorne in my Crack
fuck off. you’re really doing this revenge bullshit? the shithole with the Blizzards? RIP from boredom dude.
Ren
Might join the Blizzards. They need a good defenseman.
Thorne in my Crack
theyd take u 2. they take the shitty players.
Ren
Yeah, yeah. Visit next time you’re in town.
Thorne in my Crack
fuck off. but yeah I will.
Then, a moment later.
Thorne in my Crack
see that loss last night? was fucking shit, man. 5-1.
I groaned.
Ren
Spoiler Alert. I’m watching the game now.
Thorne in my Crack
dont waste ur time. game sucked.
I laughed and dropped my phone on the counter next to the stove.
I flipped the eggs as the door to my bedroom opened and the sound of feet padding against the vinyl floor reached my ears.
A loud yawn echoed as Oliver made his way into the kitchen and paused, eyeing me carefully when I glanced toward him.
His mussed dark curls stood in different directions and his eyes were hooded in a way that let me know he probably hadn’t been awake for more than a few minutes.
“Good morning, sleeping beauty. Sleep well?” I teased.
I knew for a fact he did. After the events of last night, we’d decided it was best if all three of us went to bed together.
Oli had taken the middle, and I hated to admit it was nice to cuddle him.
He’d been pliant, snuggling up to KC while also reaching a hand behind for me.
I’d plastered my chest against his back, and the sound he’d given in response had gone directly to my cock.
But I was good and kept my mind free of dirty thoughts.
Mostly.
KC had woken around the same time as me, and when I’d told him I was making breakfast, he’d insisted on going home for his protein smoothie.
I’d tried to argue, but he’d waved me off and told me he had to stay on track, and then he was gone to get an Uber to where he’d left his Jeep.
Arguing with him seemed pointless. He was a soft guy, but he also had a stubborn streak I could appreciate.
Oliver inched closer to the kitchen island, rubbing his right eye. “Yeah, slept all right.” He hesitated, then sighed. “Thanks for last night.” Each word sounded as though it pained him, and I grinned, pleased.
“Yeah, well, the meltdown was partly my fault, Kitten.”
He growled low in his throat, not proving my nickname wrong. “You’re an asshole.” He climbed onto a stool at the island and rested his elbows on the counter. His shoulders curled forward, a gesture I’d come to realize was his way of trying to hide. “I . . . enjoyed most of what was happening.”
I flipped the eggs again and watched him from the corner of my eye. There was a softness about him this morning and he was adorable. All the sharp edges of distrust had disappeared, leaving behind a peaceful expression on his face. As much as I loved seeing his tears, this was nice, too.
“Want to talk about it?” The words came out awkwardly.
Talking wasn’t my forte. It was easier for me to drag the emotions out of someone while they kicked and screamed.
Manipulation was a tool I’d learned early in life, and I’d never had a reason to have a deep discussion with anyone.
I didn’t let myself care enough about most people to do that.
“With you? Fuck no.” Oliver glared as I huffed out a laugh. His gaze turned gentle and he sighed. “I have some anxiety. I don’t enjoy being left out, but I didn’t realize I would feel that way.” He scratched at the island with his fingernail. “You and KC were very hot.”
“Yeah, we are.”
“Next time I’ll tie you up,” he grumbled, and I laughed.
“I’d like to see you try, Kitten. I’d really like to see you try.” And I meant it. I wouldn’t make it easy on him if that was what he decided he wanted to do. If I was the person on that chair, then KC and Oliver would have to fight hard to get me there.
Silence filled the space between us. The only sound in the kitchen was the crackling eggs, and I zeroed in on them.
Once I focused on him again, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to look away.
We were already in dangerous territory. He was a pawn I’d planned on moving in my game of chess with Luke, but now it was difficult to think of him as anything but the king, alongside KC. What the fuck was I going to do?
“Where’s KC?”
I opened the fridge and pulled out the juice.
Once I had two glasses from the cabinet, I placed them on the island in front of Oliver and filled them.
“Gone home to get his precious protein smoothie.” I forced myself not to frown in concern.
It was none of my business what KC did and how many of the smoothies he drank.
Oliver eyed me suspiciously as he took one of the glasses and sipped the juice. “You’re not trying to hurt him, are you?”
I smothered a grunt. His question was one for the history books. Was I trying to hurt KC? Yes, but only because it would hurt Luke. But the more time I spent around these guys, the more I was second-guessing myself. “No. I like him.”
It was only half a lie. I did enjoy KC’s company. More than I should.
“How did you know I had a crush on him?” He sat up straighter, protectiveness overtaking his posture. He was cute when he was trying to look big and defensive. “You mentioned it in the alleyway when you tackled me. You didn’t know me then.”
I smirked. I’d already thought up an answer for this question because I’d known it was coming sooner or later. I took a sip of my juice and swallowed. “I had a haircut at your old workplace. I overheard you and your former boss talking about it.”
He frowned, his cute nose wrinkling. “I would’ve remembered you.”
I shrugged and turned to switch off the stove, then moved the pan onto a wooden cutting board. “Clearly, you didn’t.”
“Are you sure?” Suspicion crackled in his tone. “Because I barely ever talk to Barber about that kind of thing.”
“How else would I know?” I threw a grin over my shoulder as I grabbed plates and transferred the eggs before sprinkling them with salt and pepper. Next, I slotted some bread into the toaster.
“You’re right. You wouldn’t.” Oli chuckled.
If only he knew. I was a snake, and he was my future victim, completely unaware of my existence. But the real question was this: Would I bite him or slither away? Fuck.
Once the toast popped, I transferred it over to the plates and passed him one. I took the seat beside him and had another sip of my juice. “I’m an asshole, but I’m not a supervillain.”
He choked around his juice and coughed. Thumping his chest with his palm, he glared. “You’re not far off.”
“Hey!”
He laughed again, his pretty brown eyes lighting up. He nudged my shoulder with his and smiled with a softness I didn’t want to overanalyze. There was no way he was starting to like me. Right?
Right?
Double fuck.
The door opened and KC walked through with a protein smoothie in hand. A wind-flush flooded his cheeks and he grinned the moment his gaze landed on us.
“Who are these two sexy guys?” KC winked as he ate up the distance between us. He leaned in to kiss me.
I grasped his face between my palms and ate at his mouth. The taste of his smoothie was already coating his tongue, and I didn’t enjoy the chalky flavor one fucking bit. I preferred to rely on food for protein instead of potions and powders.
KC broke the kiss and dipped in to give one to Oliver, too, and I twisted the seat around to watch their lips meld together. The sight of them sent a spike of heat through me that pooled low in my stomach. My cock stretched awake in my boxers.
When KC pulled away, he gave me a knowing look. “Keep it in your pants, inked god. We’re going out after you finish breakfast.”
“We are?” I raised my eyebrows.
“You promised me a date with the three of us. The farmers’ market by the lake is open. It’s Sunday. I haven’t been in a while. It’d be nice.” He curled an arm around Oliver’s shoulders and pressed a kiss to his temple. “Oliver would like to go, too. Wouldn’t you, sweetheart?”
Red bled across Oliver’s face and down his neck, but he nodded eagerly, dark curls bouncing. “They have bear claws there sometimes.”