Page 75 of Lilacs and Leather
“And you slept with Mateo right before turning around and sleeping with Rhett? Isn’t that…” Gabby trails off, giving me a strong side eye.
“It wasn’t like I hopped out of Mateo’s bed and walked across the hall to jump into Rhett’s. Regardless, they’re both okay with this, and I’m okay with this,” I snap back, confusion seeping into my anger.
Rhett and I finally taking that step felt right in the moment, like a culmination of weeks of flirty texts and innuendo-filled conversations. With Mateo, it just felt so natural. He and I just clicked on a level that I’ve never experienced before, and I have no regrets about spending the night with him. I appreciate Rhett wanting to take things slow now that I can look back on it, because it gave me time to develop the trust to know that he would look out for me and not press any unfair advantage when our play makes me emotionally vulnerable. But Mateo’s very nature is spontaneous and authentic, so following that pull to come together intimately didn’t feel wrong or rushed. Both alphas provide me with something different in my relationships with them, and I can’t imagine not having either of them in my life for the sake of keeping the other.
“I guess I’m just not used to you... being involved romantically with anyone, let alone two people at that same time,” Gabby shrugs, a little too dismissive.
“I’ve dated before, and you’ve never had a problem with how fast or slow I take it,” I retort, eyes narrowing.
I’d casually dated three guys since becoming friends with Gabby, but they were all betas she’d set me up with. They’d been fine, but there hadn’t really been that spark I craved, so the relationships never lasted. And now that Rhett and Mateo have started wildfires in my blood, I can see how shallow those attempts at companionship had been.
“It’s not you that’s going to be the problem.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“They’re men, Lydia. If this is what they want now, this is probably all they’re going to want ever.”
I blink and reel back slightly at the heat in her voice, the flash of her eyes. “Rhett isn’t afraid of commitment. He’s been with Lucas for years—”
“Then why aren’t they bonded?”
I open my mouth to snap out a reply but come up short. My teeth clack together as I purse my lips and try to recall Rhett ever mentioning why he and Lucas aren’t bond mates when they clearly are both fully on board for the long haul. But even as I try to find any scrap of information in my memory, my gut wraps itself up in knots. I look down into Gabby’s lap at the article and my shoulders sag. Mateo never said anything about having been with an omega before, and Rhett’s only mention was cryptic and vague. Who was Seth Douglas to this pack?
“It’s not that I don’t believe you when you say they’re good guys, but I don’t want to see you back in that place where I found you,” she goes on, voice softer and her face full of worry.
I nod vaguely, fighting down the rising burn of anxiety in my chest. I knew Rhett would never intentionally hurt me. He was too careful for those sorts of missteps. But Mateo and I were still getting to know each other. We’ve been texting, and he’s sweet and flirty and funny. But this article makes him out to be a party boy who craves attention. He claimed Rhett was the competitive one, but he fully admitted to doing things to get a rise out of Rhett in the past. My instincts tell me that Mateo’s interest has been genuine, but my instincts also trusted Darren at first, too.
“Sorry, that’s not fair. I’m just feeling bitter,” she mumbles, scratching at the magazine a little.
“Is everything okay?” I ask, concern for my friend temporarily pushing my doubt to the side.
Gabby shrugs. “Wes and I broke up over the weekend. Found out he was hooking up with girls from a dating site.”
“Why didn’t you say anything! I would have been home in an instant,” I cry, scooting over and wrapping my arms tightly around her.
She relaxes into my hold, and I hear a small sniffle. “And drag you away from Mr. Perfect, and apparently his friend Mr. Flawless? I think not. If they make you happy, then you deserve that, even if it’s not conventional,” she says, snuggling into my chest.
“But you’re my best girl, Gabs. I’d drop everything to help you, even if it was just to eat your feelings and talk shit about your ex,” I say, rubbing her back.
“We can still do that, you know.” She laughs.
“I would hope so. No breakup is complete without ice cream and a roast.” I laugh back.
She untangles herself from my arms and gives me a long look. It’s soft, and I blush a little under it.
“Damn it, Lyds. What did I do to deserve a friend like you?” she says with a shake of her head.
I shrug. “You did chase down a purse snatcher that one time,” I comment.
She laughs and moves off to the kitchen. “Popcorn and Hot Fuzz, it is. Then we’re going to paint our nails, braid our hair, and talk about how shitty of a fuck Wes was,” she throws over her shoulder.
I laugh, glancing at my phone for a moment. The boys know that I’m having a girl’s night with Gabby, but they still sometimes message me with no expectation of a reply. I don’t have anything from them, but my finger hovers over my internet browser. The article said the breakup had been public, so there must be other articles about Seth Douglas. The temptation to look pulls strong, but I put my phone back down before I can give in.
“We’re working another wedding at Wickland House next week, did you see that?” Gabby comments as the popcorn cooks.
“I did. If we don’t want to be stuck in the holding cell, I can ask Rhett if we can hang out in the suite until clean up,” I say with a small smile.
“I’m sure Rhett would love to give hisgood girlwhatever she asks for,” Gabby snickers, pulling out the popcorn and dumping it in a bowl.