Page 44 of Double Dare

Chapter 18

Maeve grills me about what I said to Ben, so I just keep denying I said anything until she gives up. I mean, it worked. He brought the subject up, told Maeve he liked the whole dom/sub dynamic, and asked her if that was something she’d be open to. She finally got laid how she wanted to get laid, and my little pep talk with Ben helped, so she can shove her accusations up her ass. She loves me.

“So, I take it you’re off the break up ledge you were never supposed to be on?” I ask.

“You’re a dick,” she scoffs at me. “Yes, we’re good. He wants to be exclusive.”

“Why are you hesitating with that?”

“Well, at first because of…us.” She shakes her head at herself. “We’re over, but at first, we weren’t, and I was hesitant to give up this sex for that sex. But we’re not fucking anymore.”

“No, we’re not,” I laugh. “Tea and talks, that’s our thing now.”

Maeve laughs. “Exactly. But then it was the whole communication thing, and I guess…I don’t have a reason anymore. I like him. I really like him, and even though I want to take it slow, I’m ready to be in a relationship.”

“Damn right. This is a good thing, Mae. Be happy. We had our shot, and now we have something better. You deserve that romantic bullshit you love, so if he can give it to you, and you want it from him, I say you go for it. Give it a chance, right?”

“I’m going to. I don’t know what you said to him…”

“I didn’t say shit,” I lie.

“But thank you.” She gives me a hug. “I needed that kick in the ass.”

“You deserve someone who measures up to your kinks.”

“Thanks for reminding me to be comfortable with them,” she laughs. “Okay, mushy shit over. Just, thanks…thanks.”

“Stop saying goodbye to me, Maeve. We’re still gonna see each other every day.” I smirk.

“Not mad about that,” she laughs. “Okay, go home. We’re done for the weekend, and I have a date tonight.”

I grab my shit and leave her to lock up. “Have fun being gagged and bound.”

Even though I won’t admit it aloud, I love Friday nights when all my brothers are home. The house is full and loud, Genny keeps us fresh, and the atmosphere is exactly what makes me comfortable. Family and new family, all packed into one place, being obnoxious and rude while having fun with it. It’s the perfect Friday night.

This is Liam’s second family night, and now that the pressure is off, he’s showing more of his personality by letting loose. Pleased to say Dom picked a good one. When Liam called Kolt the Simba of the family, he solidified himself as the best choice Dom ever made. He’s even coming with us to Jed’s fight tomorrow night; we gained another brother. Feels fucking good.

“Smoke?” Four nods at the front door.

I follow him out, figuring he needs to vent about something. He’s been there for me enough times over the years, I owe it to him. I’m a bit buzzed, but nothing extreme. Right in that happy place that makes me relaxed and more pliable for all their shit.

“Any news from Genny’s dad?” I ask, lighting a smoke.

“Not really, but she’s all mixed up about it. Wants them in her life but doesn’t want them to control her. Feels like she should reach out, but every time she does, all they do is pester her to go home and take life seriously. It’s fucking…imagine if Mom and Dad did that shit to us?”

No, can’t even fathom it. At all.

“And like, I’m happy she got a job here and shit, but what if he finds her? He knows she’s in Alaska, but he doesn’t know where, so all he’d have to do is look at hospital staff registries and bam. There she is. Genevieve fucking Alderidge, badass MD and ER doctor. Sexy little picture in her sexy little white coat and all.”

Genny does look good in that white coat. “We’ve all got her back, man. She’s not going anywhere or doing anything against her will.” I mean that, too. I’ll knock her pretentious dad out and deal with her scolding later. “You in love?” He’s never said it, but I’m getting those vibes hard lately.

“I wouldn’t know. I’ll flip my shit if I lose her, though. That love?” he asks, smirking.

“Obsession. Same thing,” I laugh. “Happy for ya. I mean, she’s got your dick on a leash, but happy for ya.”

“A tight leash. Chokehold.” He nods. “You and Jed good? Shit’s changing, eh?”

“We’re fine. Sick of people asking. Just trying to sort some shit, I guess.” I shrug, not really knowing what else to say about it.