Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
“Fine, we can answer questions.” I grabbed the tablet. “‘What are your thoughts on top privilege and bottom shaming?’” I read out loud, then answered before anyone else had the chance to speak. “It’s rampant in the community. I used to see it all the time when I was on hookup apps.”
One look at Marcus and how he cocked a brow told me he noticed I said when I used to be on hookup apps. He knew Spencer and I were together, of course, but I was sure it was interesting for him to hear things like that from me.
Parker answered next. “The other day, I saw this asshole online complaining he had a date and ended up with a messy dick. He said he stopped fucking the guy, and it basically sounded like he’d scolded him on how to clean out and accused him of not caring about his tops!”
Declan said, “That guy is a fucking dick and doesn’t deserve that bottom.”
“Shit happens,” Marcus said. “If a guy can’t understand that, he has no right expecting to stick his dick in someone’s ass.”
“That part,” I agreed.
“Tops do need to realize there’s a lot bottoms have to do, and should appreciate them for it,” Declan added.
“Plus,” Parker said, “it’s not healthy to use too many products or to douche too much. It can cause all sorts of issues. And the shaming and fear of accidents transfers into many bottoms restricting their food.” As soon as Parker finished speaking, they all looked at me, not because my food issues were due to bottoming, but because they all knew I had them.
Marcus, as always, brought us back on track. “Just like any other community, ours can be toxic sometimes. We have to call it out as we see it and try to do better. Bottom shaming is definitely a discussion that needs to be had, and not just that, but also some people’s idea of what it means if you’re a bottom and how all twinks must be bottoms and bears are likely tops. That’s the case sometimes, and others it isn’t. I guess the point is, there’s a lot of stereotyping, putting people into specific boxes.”
“You can say that again.” Declan nodded.
“We love you, bottoms! We see you, and some of us are more you than we are not.” Parker winked.
“Dude,” I said, “for real. I fucking love bottoming for my boyfriend. He turns me into a needy little hole for him.” I fanned myself.
“Um…are we admitting on the show that you have a boyfriend now?” Declan asked.
“Are we forgetting the fact that I don’t even know him yet?” Marcus cut in.
“Did you want to date him too?” I teased, and Marcus rolled his eyes. “We’ll discuss that later. Let’s finish this episode.” Because honestly, I was dying to tell them about all the new developments. And, okay, maybe brag a little too because Spencer and I together were really fucking hot.
We answered a few more questions, had a quick “Mimosas and Man-Talk” segment where Parker raved about a new movie he and Elliott had seen, and Declan updated everyone on Sebastian’s upcoming show.
From there, Marcus shared a Queer Historical Fact before going through our sponsors. When he stopped recording, three sets of eyes turned my way.
“What? Did you guys want to talk about something?” I teased. “Oh, I’ll have to RSVP with a plus-one for the wedding, Park.”
“I feel like things have changed. You told us you had a boyfriend, but you didn’t say anything on the show and now you did. Plus, holy shit, do you realize your smile is trying to swallow your face right now?” Parker grinned too.
“I mean…I might have one thing to share…” I planned to enjoy this, so sue me.
“You’re in love with him,” Marcus said before anyone could ask what happened or play my little game.
“What the fuck, Daddy M!” I punched him in the arm. “You ruin all the fun. How did you guess so quickly? I didn’t think any of you had me falling in love as something that would happen anytime soon.”
“I can see it in your face, kid. Come’ere.” Marcus stood, tugged me to my feet, and pulled me into his arms. I went easily because duh, and hugged him back. I knew he was worried, knew he wanted to protect me and take care of me and didn’t know Spencer well enough to trust him yet. Part of that was my fault for waiting to bring him around, but then…hell, the fundraiser for World AIDS Day had barely been two months ago. How could everything change that dramatically that quickly? Regardless of the worry I knew Marcus felt, it meant the world to me that he was showing his support this way, that he would quiet the voice inside him that loved us all so fucking much, the daddy who just wanted to take care of us, and let me have this. “I love you.” Marcus ran his hands up and down my back.