Stefan lets out a long sigh. “Funfetti cake. Beau has ordered me one most years since we were eighteen. After I started wearing dark colours, he had black icing put on it and then shouted ‘surprise’ when I cut it open to reveal the colourful cake.”
“I knew there was a reason I like Beau.” Hendrix writes on the calendar. “Do you know what his favourite cake is?”
Stefan cracks a smile. “Probably funfetti for the same reason. As you said, Beau is more colourful than I am. But if you want to know for sure, you’ll have to ask him when he and Fraser get home.”
“Where have they gone?” I ask. I know they’re on their honeymoon.
“Rome,” Stefan replies.
“There are lots of interesting things to see there.” I’d like to go one day.
Hendrix smirks. “I’m not sure they’ll ever leave their hotel room.”
Stefan glares at him.
“What?” Hendrix glances at me. “Oh! Am I supposed to be watching what I’m saying? Do you count as polite company?” he asks me. “I mean, Rory told you we’re all kinky here. Fraser is into kinky role play, so I’m pretty sure that means Beau is too. Do you know what that means?”
I shake my head.
“Drop it, Hendrix,” Stefan says.
“Dressing up and pretending to be someone you’re not,” Hendrix continues. “You can act out all kinds of fantasies.”
“Like?” I ask, even though I should probably keep my mouth shut. I’m not sure Hendrix needs any encouragement.
“A teacher and a student.” Hendrix rakes his teeth over his lower lip. “You’d make a hot teacher. Do you fancy bending me over your knee later and spanking me with a cane? I’ve been a very naughty boy.”
“You’re always naughty,” Stefan says.
“I know. But you never offer to spank me.”
Stefan rolls his eyes. “I’m sorry,” he says to me.
I shrug. “It’s fine.” Part of me wishes I could be as forthright and confident as Hendrix. Maybe I would have been if that monster hadn’t walked into my life. “But I’m not interested in spanking anyone.”
“Shame.” Hendrix scratches his cheek. “Come to think of it. You’d probably be a sub.”
Stefan shakes his head. “Ignore him.”
“Am I wrong?” Hendrix demands.
“You can’t look at someone and decide whether they would be a Dom or a sub. Besides, Callan hasn’t expressed any interest in kink.” Stefan narrows his eyes. “Or you.”
“Fine, fine. I’ll be a good boy and stop talking.” Hendrix pretends to zip his lips. “Happy?” he asks without parting his lips.
“Did Rory warn you that you were coming to stay in a mad house?” Stefan asks me.
I chuckle. “No. You are like a breath of fresh air, though.”
Stefan raises his eyebrows. “How so?”
“From what I’ve seen, you’re all relaxed around each other. You say what you want, do what you want. You’re all free to be yourselves. I’ve never been around people who talk so openly.”
Hendrix unzips his mouth. “I’ve seen them all half-naked except for Stefan. He’s always fully dressed.” He smiles sweetly at Stefan. “Do you go to bed like that?”
“You haven’t seen everyone half-naked.” Stefan sounds bored. “You’ve seen everyone dressed for The Library. There’s a difference.”
“Kink gear. Half-naked. Same thing.”
