Page 127 of Tormented Kings
They wanted to study together in a little study group, but I knew right away there was no way I’d be able to be alone with my men and keep our hands to ourselves.
I can guarantee the only studying that would have been done was anatomy.
As for Preston, we’ve been taking things slow. Unfortunately, unlike Collin, their father has been riding Preston’s ass. He’sbeen having to go do more and more things with Tina. She’s like a dog with a bone.
It’s like ever since I went public with Declan, she’s made it her mission to make Preston’s life miserable by playing the loving fiance. Like she can tell her time with him is limited, and she’s not willing to go down without a fight.
All of it is affecting Preston. He’s become more and more quiet, his smiles seem forced, and he looks tired. The only time I feel like I get to see my Preston is on the rare occasions when I catch him staring at me with a heated look in his eyes.
Neither Declan nor I have been able to further our relationship with him because we haven’t had a chance to have any alone time with him.
Preston moved back into his father’s house full-time. His life now is all about school—which is the only time we see him—and then going home to do whatever his father asks of him.
The fight in him has vanished, and I don’t know why. What is his monster of a father doing to him that has him giving up?
It has Declan and me worried. We want to move forward, but how do we do that when we know Preston is still keeping things from us?
There’s a knock at my door. “Come in,” I call out, flicking on the bedside lamp.
The door opens, and I grin when I see Mom step inside. “Hey, honey.” My eyes light up when I see her holding a big stocking.
“You remembered,” I cheer excitedly.
“Of course I did,” she laughs. “I’d never forget.”
“Come.” I pat the bed. “Because neither did I.” I lean over and grab the stocking I made up for her and place it on the bed. She smiles, laughing softly as she comes over to sit on my bed as we open our stockings.
“How are you doing, my girl?” Mom asks me after we’re done.
“I’m good.” I shrug, wishing with all my heart that I could tell her everything about what’s going on in my life. Sometimes, just for the smallest moments, I wish my life was the way it was before. Where I didn’t have to worry about anything except if I was going to pass a test or if Raymond wanted to drag me out to do something I didn’t like.
I shut those thoughts down fast because my life before, in a way, was worse than it is now. Sure, I didn’t have anyone putting a target on my back, but I didn’t have a man who loved me, made me smile, put me first, and made me their whole world, either. Let alone four.
Even if it’s hard—sometimes, hard isn’t even the word to describe it—they’re worth it. Being able to be held by them, touching them, kissing them. It’s worth it.
“How is it that you’re going to be twenty already?” she smiles. “You’re growing up so fast. Where did my little girl go?”
“I’m still here.” I laugh. “I’ll always be your little girl.”
“Damn right.” She grins.
We’ve talked a few times about some of the big changes in my life, mainly my new boyfriends. She’s amazing and really is okay with the fact that I’m dating two men. She just cares that I’m happy and being safe. Gotta love reassuring your mom that you’re still on birth control.
Honestly, I’m glad I am. With the amount of sex I’ve been having, I’d be knocked up already. And as much as I’d love to be a mom someday, that day is not anytime soon. Give me another eight years, and I’ll be good to go.
I’m just living day by day at this point. With my life being a shit show, I do not want to add a baby to that.
“Mom.” I nervously play with the wrapping paper spread around my bed. “I know you’re fine with my dating Collin and Declan. Something I still can’t get my head around, by the way.” I laugh, shaking my head.
“Hey, I’m a cool mom,” she teases, sounding like Regina’s mom fromMean Girls, and we both laugh. “If you wanna live the poly lifestyle, as long as you're happy and you all treat each other good, it’s your life, Sadie. I will love and support you no matter what.”
My nervous flutter in my belly as I lick my lips. I want to ask if that means my stepbrother, too. But I think better of it. That’s not something I want to bring up on Christmas day. Soon. Soon, we will tell them.
“So, you wouldn't be upset if I was seeing someone else.”
“If you mean Preston. No.” She grins.
“You know?” My brows furrow.