“Do you enjoy it? The teaching?”
“More than I expected to.” I leaned back in the chair, considering how to explain it. “There’s something satisfying about watching people discover parts of themselves they didn’t know existed. Watching them learn to communicate in ways they never have before.”
“Is that what you’re doing with me?” The question was slightly challenging. “Watching me discover myself, Sir?”
“Yes.” I didn’t shy away from her gaze. “But not in the detached way you’re implying. I’m very much invested in what you discover, Cami.”
Her breath caught slightly, and Majesty’s mouth curved into a knowing smile beside her.
“Why?” she pressed, emboldened by curiosity.
“Because you’re fascinating. Because you’re brave enough to be here, vulnerable enough to learn, and strong enough to push back when something doesn’t feel right.” I paused. “And because I’m attracted to you in ways that have nothing to do with teaching.”
“Oh.” It came out breathy, and I watched her throat work as she swallowed.
“Does that make you uncomfortable?” I asked.
“No, Sir.” She bit her lip. “The opposite, actually.”
Majesty chuckled softly. “I think what Cami’s trying to say is that she’s attracted to you too. She’s just being polite about it.”
“I’m sitting right here, Sir,” she protested, but there was no heat in it.
“We know,” I said, holding her gaze. “That’s what makes this interesting.”
She set down her wine glass with slightly unsteady hands. “You’re very direct, Lex.”
“Is that a problem?”
“No, Sir.” Her eyes sparkled with something that looked like excitement. “I like it. It’s... refreshing. Most people dance around what they mean.”
“I don’t dance,” I said simply. “When I want something, I say it. When I’m interested in someone, I make it clear.”
“And you’re interested in me.”
“Very much so. Have been since that first dinner.”
“Both of you?” She looked between us, seeking confirmation.
“Both of us,” Majesty confirmed, his voice warm and sure.
She stood then, collecting my plate with slightly flushed cheeks. “I’m going to clean up.” She said it more to herself than to us and watching her scurry away was cute and endearing. She had to come back, though.
We let her go, watching as she busied herself in the kitchen. Majesty caught my eye and I nodded slightly. She was processing, and she needed the space to do it. I would be right here when she returned ready for whatever other questions she had.
When she returned a few minutes later, she’d composed herself somewhat, though her eyes were still bright with possibility. She settled back on the couch, this time closer to themiddle, equidistant between where Majesty sat and where I was positioned in the chair.
“Okay,” she said, taking a breath. “I want to talk about what this actually looks like. Dating both of you.”
“Alright.” I moved from the chair to the couch, sitting on her other side so she was flanked by both of us. “What do you want to know?”
At first, she seemed flustered having us both so close, but in order for me to know if she truly was open to this, I needed to see her under the pressure of having our focus on her. Though nervous, I could see the way she breathed deeper and how aware she was of each of us when Majesty hadn’t moved yet, only me.
“I’ve been reading about polyamory,” she admitted. “And everything says there needs to be a primary relationship first. A strong foundation between two people before adding a third.”
“That’s one model,” I said carefully. “But it’s not the only one.”
“What do you mean, Sir?”
