Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 35413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 177(@200wpm)___ 142(@250wpm)___ 118(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 177(@200wpm)___ 142(@250wpm)___ 118(@300wpm)
“That’s my mom,” I say, glaring at the two women.
“Yes, and that’s my boyfriend,” Billie says with a sly smile. “It’s just a joke, Iggy. When did you get so uptight?”
When I woke up this morning and had my fantasy crash over my head and turn into a damn nightmare.
I’d never wanted to commit to anyone. When I woke up in the same bed as a lay, I ran like I was about to be set on fire. With Marley, it was different. Waking up with that man in my arms, his legs twisted with mine, had me wanting to chase that feeling of happiness forever. I was so far gone I would have put a ring on his finger and made him mine for eternity. He, however, didn’t want more. That’s the problem. I’d take the crumbs he’d give me and be his dirty little secret, because something with that man was better than anything else I could have had in life.
“Hey,” Marley said, his voice husky from sleep.
“Hey yourself.” Why did I suddenly feel shy? I’d never felt so damn insecure in my whole life. I wasn’t sure what the decorum was at that moment. Was I supposed to pack up and go to my childhood room? Did I take him out for some eggs and bacon?
My eyes shut as his fingers brushed back the hairs falling on my forehead. That shit was so confusing. Casual sex wasn’t cuddling, gentle kisses, and staring into each other’s eyes like a love-drunk fool.
“What’s up?” Marley asked.
“What the fuck are we doing, Mar? You said you want to keep things casual, but this shit doesn’t feel casual.”
Marley turned away from me, lying flat on his back. I was hoping he’d say something, but his silence was all the response I got to my question. Rising off the bed, I shoved my legs in my jeans, fastened them up, and then turned to him. “I’ll see you later.”
I wanted Marley to say something, to grab my arm and profess something about how he wanted me to stay. He stayed silent, and I walked out.
“So this is what it feels like when someone doesn’t have a dysfunctional mother,” Billie says as she hugs my mom. “Thank you so much for such a wonderful evening. I now understand why Cain and Lars love you so much.”
“Oh, Billie, it was lovely to have you join the family. You make my boys happier than I’ve ever seen them and for that, I will be eternally grateful.”
Cain and Lars come out of the kitchen, each kissing my mom on the cheek.
“Love you, Momma Donnavan,” Lars says.
“Thank you for doing the dishes, but you really didn’t need to.”
“There is no way we’re letting you cook and clean,” Cain says.
“I hope you boys packed up some leftovers for yourselves.”
Lars lifts a reusable bag bursting at the seams. “Sure did.”
After my mother kisses everyone and pushes them out the door with their doggy bags, she kisses me on the cheek and tells us she’s going to go up to bed, leaving me alone with Marley.
Marley is the first one to cut the silence. “You’re lucky to have her.”
“I know,” I say.
The longer we stand in the silence, the angrier I find myself. I’ve known this asshole for eight years. There’s been nothing I haven’t shared with him. He’s standing in my childhood home, for fuck's sake. He’s gotten every single part of me I could give him and the one thing I need from him, he’s refusing me. I’m an idiot for thinking I could fuck someone I love so much and have it mean nothing more than an orgasm to them.
“Anyway, I’m heading out. There’s a party I want to check out. Maybe get laid.”
Marley’s jaw tics. “I thought we’d said exclusive.”
I shrug, just like he does. “Yeah, well, I’m not sure that’s going to work out for me.”
As I take the first step up to my room, a firm grip lands on my throat as I’m being slammed against the wall. Marley steps closer, covering my body with his. His eyes narrow, his body stiffens, and his fists clench tightly at his sides.
“You. Are. Not. Fucking. Anyone. Else.”
Fuck this motherfucker. My hands clasp around his throat, and I push back, reversing our positions. His hand instantly drops from my throat. “Listen, you little bitch. You don’t fuckin’ own me. I fucked around with you ’cause it felt good, and now it doesn’t. I’m gonna pop some Molly and if I want to, I’ll participate in an orgy and fuck people until I pass the fuck out.”
A shiver runs down my spine, keeping me frozen in place, as Marley’s smile widens. His words are strained and lethal. “You won’t like what happens if I find you’ve touched or are touching anyone other than me.”