“Us?There’s no—”
“Enough,” he cuts me off. “I get that you’re rattled. I get that you’re afraid. I’m trying not to hold what you’re saying against you, but please, don’t press your luck. This isnota you versus me situation. This is aboutus, and whatwecan do together. Don’t alienate yourself from me. Not just because it’s the stupidest fucking thing you could do right now, but because ithurts me.”
The vulnerability in his last two words makes me deflate like a faulty balloon. I go quiet, guilt creeping in. Dorian’s not at fault here. Heismy best hope of getting through this relatively unharmed. He’s rough around the edges—veryrough—but I can’t deny he’s been good to me. He could’ve taken advantage of my being here, in his house; he could’ve taken liberties with me many times in very bad ways. In waysClydewouldn’t have hesitated to. Instead, all I’ve received are punishments that came in the form of orgasm control.
“I’m sorry,” I murmur.
“I know,” he says soothingly. “I’m not mad. Just, please, stop making me your enemy. I don’t want to be, and you don’t want me to be.”
I nod; he kisses my head.
“Good. Here’s what’s going to happen; you’re going to hop into the shower and get clean. I’m going to send your roommates home with apologies and tell them you’re not feeling well, then I’m going to talk over some things with Seamus. He’s good when it comes to dealing with bad actors. Take your time in the shower, I should be back by the time you’re out.” He squeezes me again. “We’ll get you a new, secure phone tomorrow and figure out a comprehensive game plan.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Dorian
The movie’s rolling credits when I make a reappearance downstairs. Seamus is still staring at Valerie with a look that suggests he’s found his next conquest. Cara has made her way through no less than four cupcakes. Valerie’s stare is glued to her phone.
“Ladies,” I say amiably, turning off the TV and flicking on the lights.
Valerie casts a glance at me. “Where’s Mira?”
“Upstairs,” I reply. “She has an upset stomach, isn’t feeling well.”
Cara rises from her seat immediately. “I’ll go check on her.”
“That would be ill-advised,” I say mildly. “She’s showering off her date with the toilet bowl at the moment and then going straight to sleep. She’ll give you a call tomorrow, I’m sure.” From a new phone and new number with better encryption and protection, though I don’t bother saying that.
Valerie and Cara share a glance, and some silent communication passes between them. They both stare at each other for several long moments before Valerie nods and Cara shrugs. Whatever discussion they had through eye contact appears to have been settled.
“Well, we better get going, then,” Valerie says, also standing. “Thanks for playing host, even though this was supposed to be agirls-onlynight,” she mutters pointedly.
Seamus also rises, stepping beside Valerie. He brushes a hand down her spine; a light shudder shakes her shoulders.
“Let me get your number before you leave, love,” he says, giving Valerie a suggestive smile.
I’m glad that he’s found someone new to fix his attention on; if he had continued making passes at Mira or even looking at her for too long, I’d have ended up beating the shit out of him. A single punch between friends like us can be forgiven, but an extensive fight that I’d have ensured left him with a broken nose? Yeah, that would have disturbed the dynamics in the house.
That’s precisely why I think it’s best for Mira and I to get our own place as soon as possible. I’m becoming too possessive of her; my obsession has already crossed the point of no return and become a danger to the other inhabitants of the house. The last time Connor threatened Mira, I was ready to kill him. When Seamus flirts with her, even if it’s harmless, I don’t think he understands just how much he’s courting death.
In any case, I find deep satisfaction when Valerie stares at Seamus, considering him for several moments before shaking her head. “Nah, I’m good. If I’m interested, I’ll find you.”
She takes Cara’s hand in her own and both of them flit right out of the house, leaving a stunned Seamus in their wake. After snapping out of his temporary stupor born of rejection—something he doesnotexperience often—he takes a step forward, probably intending to catch Valerie before she drives off.
“I wouldn’t,” I tell him. “Don’t chase, it’sbeneath you.”
He slides me an irritated glance. “I never chase. I’m the one whogetschased.”
I raise my eyebrows, waving at him. He’s mid-step, but his focus briefly wavers from following after his newest object of interest. Realizing my implication, he immediately straightens and relaxes his posture.
“I don’t usually chase,” he amends. “But that one is interesting.”
Maybe he’s found himself a new point of fixation, one that’ll divert his attention frommyMira. Speaking of my Mira, there are several things I need to take care of so I can get back to her without guilt weighing so heavily on my shoulders. I’m supposed to protect her, yet I failed in that tonight.
“Go after Valerie in a few days if you really want. For now, there are greater worries.”
Seamus hears the serious undertone in my words and immediately switches gears, turning to face me fully.
