"Timer's starting," Arthur said from across the room.
"Before we start," Liam said, voice even, "I should clarify something."
There was something in his tone that made the room go very still.
"I'm not just a virgin to April," Liam said. "I am a virgin."
Caleb stared at him. "Wait—what? Why?"
"Because I don't do casual." Liam's shrugged, expression remaining fixed.
"That's—" Caleb gestured helplessly at Liam's entire face. "That's insane coming out of a man who looks like he owns three yachts."
"Two in the family," Liam corrected. "And they're not relevant."
Jax's voice cut in, dry. "Define 'virgin.'"
Liam glanced at him. "I've never had penetrative sex. With anyone."
"By choice," Jax clarified.
Liam pursed his lips. "It started as... not a choice, exactly. Just hadn't happened. Then I met someone who made me want it to mean something." His eyes found April's. "So I waited."
Mateo made a low sound, between acknowledgment and solidarity. "If we're admitting things..." Mateo tipped his head toward April. "Me too."
Caleb's head snapped toward him. "No."
Mateo's smile was pure trouble. "Yes."
"You're both serious," she managed.
"Completely," Mateo said.
Caleb's eyes narrowed. "Okay. Then why? Both of you. Why make that choice?"
Liam didn't hesitate. "Because I didn't want a story I wouldn't respect later. I've had opportunities. I didn't see the point in crossing a line for momentum when I could wait for intent."
"How far have you gone?" Jax asked.
"Far enough to know what I like," Liam said. "Not far enough to make the waiting feel pointless."
Mateo's answer came warmer, almost like he'd been waiting to say it and finally had the right room. "For me, it wasn't about purity. I like touch. I like pleasure. But sex..." He shrugged. "Ididn't want it to feel like a habit. I wanted it to matter. To be worth the hunger."
"I don't like strangers in my bed," he added.
Caleb pointed at him. "How. How is that possible? You're literally in a living room surrounded by strangers."
Mateo's eyes swept the room, then returned to April. "These aren't strangers."
Jiro hummed agreement.
They chose her. And she felt the weight of their trust like something she wasn't qualified to hold.
April looked at them both. "Are you sure? Your first time and it's... like this?"
"I'm sure," Liam said.
"Me too," Mateo added.
