Page 78 of Resist
I can’t help smiling. “Bringing up my Cecelia days. Way to remind me I started this relationship off on a lie.”
He grins. “I was trying to be affectionate. I’ll stick to Corabelle.”
“I like that you use my whole name.”
“I like using it.”
The edges of my awareness register silence. What happened to our friends? They were a whir of animated chit chat only moments ago.
I risk a cautious glance over my shoulder and the whole room is watching my interaction with Sterling.
“You’re so adorable together.” Talia sighs.
“She’s not wrong.” Addison nods. “Very cute.”
“Did we miss something?” I need to get attention offSterling and myself. Everyone’s eyes lingering on us makes me inordinately uncomfortable, and I don’t want Sterling getting the wrong impression with me shifting my weight on his lap.
Last thing I need is a horny fake husband in front of all of our friends.
“We were talking about going to the club after pizza.” Phoenix points a finger at me. “Feel like it’s the least you can do since you invoked rule number ten today.”
“That wasn’t even me! It was Sterling.” I point a finger at him. “You moved his house, not mine.”
“You’re married, Coco. He invoked it on your behalf, still counts.” Maddie is very smug with herself as she hi-fives Phoenix.
“We bought pizza as repayment.” I point out, trying to avoid putting myself in a position where I get to watch people fuck while I stand next to a man I want to fuck.
“I don’t think that’s enough.” Foxy, the traitor, raises her hand. “I think you need to come out with us to Protocol.”
I look at Sterling for help, but apparently he can’t read the “Fuck no” fears on my face.
“Sounds like fun, right, Corabelle?” There’s a teasing tone to my fake-husband’s voice that makes me want to kick him in the shin.
“Fun...?” I’m not sure going to a sex club when we’re attracted to each other and can’t have sex with each other is a good idea.
Sterling’s eyes sear into me, there’s an element of uncertainty holding me in his gaze.
We shouldn’t put ourselves into that kind of situation. It’s stupid, and while there’s an element of peer pressure involved around this room, we’re still grown-ass adults and can make our own decisions.
But it’s not the last time we’ll be in Protocol together as a fake-married couple, we should probably get used to the ideaof being in potentially compromising spaces together without acting on our carnal impulses... right?
My rationalization is flimsy, even to me, but the room is waiting for my answer, and bottom line, I don’t want to say no. So I nod.
Turns out, I was wrong. Last thing I need is a horny fake husband, in front of all of our friends, at a fucking sex club.
CHAPTER 29
Sterling
She was supposed to say “no.”
When our friends brought up the prospect of leaving her apartment, getting ready, and hitting up Protocol tonight, my darling bride wassupposedto say no.
But she didn’t. And now we’re making our way to Protocol.
I’ve never thought it fair that men simply have to wear a suit, and women generally have to wear fetish outfits to go to these types of clubs. Sure, men can wear fetish items if they’d like, but as long as they’re well dressed, they get access.
It should be the same for women. Which is probably why Corabelle is wearing a fucking suit to the club, thumbing her nose at Slade and his guidelines. Granted, they’re very loose guidelines. Most of his rules are about the safety of the patrons, and his staff. Those are enforced and reinforced, and when necessary, backed up by the full force of the law.