It’s only fair that he receives pleasure too.
At my back, I feel hands lift my rump upwards. Hands explore my holes. One finger flicks my sensitive clit. A thumb presses onto my puckered hole.
Time loses all sense when I’m this lost in pleasure, and I don’t mind losing my mind in it at all.
***
Later in the day, after hearty meals between more rounds, I’m in Lix and Stan’s room, dressed for once after spending many hours with us being mostly naked.
At the moment, we’re almost finished getting ready to attend the gathering at the garden. It’ll be Elle’s birthday celebration, before it gets too cold and dark.
I would have gotten ready in my own room, but Stan insisted that this is my bedroom now too, and I can’t argue with that, especially since the other guest rooms are being renovated, so Darius and Idris have been assigned my bedroom for their rest.
Although, Idris spent last night and earlier this morning here with us. Now, it’s the afternoon, and while the sun is up, the garden is only mildly chilly instead of freezing cold.
Our room holds warmth despite the season. The vents beneath the window hum, while pale winter light filters through the glass windows.
I sit on the edge of the bed while Lix stands behind me, the comb in his hands moving through my hair, his fingers guiding the motion with more attention than necessary.
“My hair’s growing rather long,” I murmur.
Stan leans in and places a kiss on my cheek. “You look perfect, Em,” he says, as though the matter requires no further consideration.
Lix meets my gaze when he turns to face me, smiling as he nods in agreement. He doesn’t argue my concern. He simply keeps combing, gathering the front strands between his fingers and tucking them back.
Soon, we’re leaving the room together, our steps naturally aligning as we move through the corridor.
The air cools when we come closer toward the open space, wherefrost glints faintly along the stone path leading into the gardens, strings of lights thoughtfully placed in anticipation of an early sunset.
Kaye’s voice carries across the gardens when we see her at a long table topped with warmed trays, and at the center, a purple cake with candles waiting to be set alight. She’s arranging the flowers we received yesterday into tall vases and placing them in the empty spaces on the table.
“Dae, I swear to god, your face isdistracting,” she snaps, waving her hands emphatically at the table. “I need this perfect before Elle gets here, and you’re standing there being—ugh—annoyingly good-looking.”
Damon stands at her side, with a confused frown on his face. “I’m here in case you need help,” he says.
She glowers at him. “Yeah, you’re not helping. Go be useful somewhere else.”
He doesn’t move when she shoves him. Barely budging him, really.
Before she can react, he scoops her up effortlessly, hoisting her over his shoulder. Kaye shrieks, her fists pounding against his back as he turns toward the mansion.
“Put me down!” she yells. “Dae, I’m serious. Put me the fuckdown!”
He adjusts his grip, nodding politely to us as he passes. “We’ll be back in time for the festivities,” he says.
His hand connects sharply with her backside.
Stan laughs outright, shoulders shaking as he tries to stifle the sound.
Kaye’s protests echo down the corridor as Damon carries her inside, her voice rising in indignation.
Lix and I exchange a glance. The expression we share requires no explanation.
Some moments pass as Lix and I drink from crystal flutes, sipping soda and swapping stories about his stepfather and his research,while he does his best to stop Stan from trying to get the first taste of the cake.
“But babe, fuck’s sake, it’s ube!” Stan stomps his foot.
Lix rolls his eyes, smiling before distracting Stan with a kiss on the lips. It sufficiently silences him for long enough that we hear footsteps approach.
