Page 78 of The Pakhans’ Curvy Prize

"Is it working?"

She pauses, considering. "Yeah. It is."

"Good."

We're down to our underwear when headlights flash through the windows. Marla tenses immediately, but I recognize the sound of the engines. "It's just Nick and Alex."

"Oh God." She scrambles for her clothes, but I catch her wrist.

"Leave it. Let them wonder."

"Russ—"

The front door opens before she can finish. Nick walks in first, his gaze sweeping the room and landing on us with zero surprise. Alex follows, and his mouth curves into a smirk the moment he sees the scattered cards and discarded clothing.

"Strip poker?" Alex asks, leaning against the doorframe.

"She accused me of cheating," I say.

"You were cheating," Marla protests.

Nick closes the door behind them and moves toward the fire without a word. He sits on the couch above us, his presence filling the space in that quiet, commanding way he has. Alex joins him, still looking amused.

"Who's winning?" Alex asks.

"I am," I say.

"He is," Marla admits reluctantly.

"Then keep playing," Nick says. "We'll watch."

Marla's face flushes, but she doesn't argue. I deal another hand, and the atmosphere shifts again. The playful teasing takes on a heavier quality with Nick and Alex watching. Marla loses the next hand, and when she reaches for the clasp of her bra, Alex's gaze darkens.

"Wait," he says.

She freezes, looking up at him. "What?"

"Come here."

It's not a request. Marla glances at me, and I nod. She stands slowly and moves toward the couch. Alex pulls her down between him and Nick, his hands sliding over her waist. Nick's fingers trace the line of her shoulder, and I watch the way her breath catches.

The cards are forgotten. I move closer, kneeling in front of her, and the firelight flickers across all of us. Her hands reach for me, and I catch them, pressing them against my chest.

"You're not panicking now," I murmur.

"No," she whispers. "I'm not."

Hours later, we're tangled together on the floor near the dying fire. Marla is asleep between Nick and Alex, her breathing slow and even. I'm lying beside them, staring at the embers, and the realization hits me hard and fast.

I don't want this to end.

32

MARLA

Nick stands near the window staring out at the dark woods, his shoulders tense. Alex leans against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Russ is pacing near the fireplace, his jaw tight.

I'm curled up on the couch wrapped in a blanket, trying not to think about my ex-boyfriend hunting for me or his corrupt father pulling strings behind the scenes. The silence is suffocating.