Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65083 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65083 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
“Thanks for letting me know, Ava. I need to run. I’ll call you later.”
I don’t exactly run, but I do hurry out of my office and down the hall. The privacy of my room’s bathroom is my destination, but I don’t make it there.
“Alex. Can I have a quick word?” Clare’s coming in the opposite direction, and her tone doesn’t leave room for me to deny her request.
“Clare, hi. Sure.”
“Something’s been brought to my attention. We should probably discuss it in my office, but I’ll be brief.” After looking both ways to ensure the hallway is clear, she lowers her voice. “I was alerted to some pictures and videos that have been posted online.”
The queasy feeling in my stomach was bad enough, but now my skin is prickling and I feel lightheaded.
“I’ve seen just a few of them, and honestly, I don’t plan to look into it further. What you do in your private life is none of my business, but it can’t be a distraction from your work, or from the events you plan here. It’s best if your private life is just that—private.”
Her eyes are fixed on mine, waiting for agreement. When I offer her a nod, she gives a small one in return. “Very good. Thank you.” And then she continues on her way, leaving me feeling ice cold and too hot all at the same time.
I make it to my room, grateful for the refuge it offers, but also wishing I could run out of the front door of the resort and never look back.
I decide to take the rest of the afternoon off, and when I can’t settle my mind or find a way to plan myself out of the turmoil I’m feeling, I crawl into bed, curl into a ball, and listen to sad music until I eventually fall asleep.
When I wake up, it’s dark outside, and I’m disoriented. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for me to remember what had me in bed in the first place.
I get up and pour myself a glass of water and settle at the table with a notepad. I don’t know if I’m planning to make a pros and cons list, or plan action steps for my exit from this fantasy life, but all I end up doing is staring at the blank sheet of paper.
Even though being with Gage, Kai, and Thorn is my problem, they also feel like my solution.
I could use some of Kai’s irreverence, and I can imagine him telling me to “fuck everyone else’s opinions.” If only it were that easy.
Gage would offer tender comfort, and the desire to be in his arms right now is almost overwhelming.
But maybe what I need is to have some fun and take my mind off of things until I can think more clearly, and Thorn is the best at making me laugh until I forget all of my cares.
I need to figure things out on my own, though, and I need to get my emotions in order so that I can decide what to do in a logical way.
But my body and my heart ache for each of them, and when Gage sends a text, asking if I can come over, I don’t hesitate nearly as much as I should.
In fact, I hurry over to his place, eager for him to make me feel good, because I know he will.
But he’s not alone when I arrive.
Kai and Thorn are there, too.
GAGE
I haven’t been able to think straight since Kai and I shared the night with Lexy.
But at times, I’m positive I’m thinking more clearly than I ever have in my entire life.
We need her with us—all of us. Day and night. And this routine we’ve gotten into, of Lexy dating the three of us separately, splitting her time, sharing stolen moments while pretending nothing serious is happening—all of that needs to evolve into something that’s so much more.
Kai told Thorn about our shared experience the day after it happened. Keeping it to ourselves wouldn’t have been right, and in Kai’s mind, including Thorn is the logical next step toward forming our family of four. He’d considered having Thorn come over the other night, too, but didn’t want to overwhelm Lexy.
Our plan is to talk things over with her tonight, because whatever happens depends on her, but as soon as I see her face, I know our planned discussion needs to wait.
She’s smiling when I greet her at my door, but the expression is thin, only there for my benefit.
She hugs me much too briefly, and as she pulls back, she draws in a breath when she spots Kai and Thorn inside my apartment. “Oh.”
“Sorry to take you by surprise. We wanted to talk to you, but first, tell me what’s wrong.” I still have hold of her arm, and I give her a reassuring squeeze. She knows she’s safe with us. Always.