Page 94 of Lovestrung

“Actually, you only get some teaser banging if you aren’t a subscriber, but the things you do get? Holy mama.” Ella grinned at her. “I’m just saying that it’s seriously cool. Might give you some ideas.”

I frowned and shook my head. “I’m not really sure I want my girl to watch porn, Ella. At least not without me.”

Penelope whipped her head around. “What?!”

Grinning, I kissed her. “Joking, darlin’.”

Though I had to admit that it might be a thrilling thing to do. To see how she’d react when she saw some of my solo performances was bound to be an experience. I shot the thought down before I could let it take root in my mind. That part of my life was over and done with, but maybe, once I’d told her, I could show her some of my photos.

“What did you say it was called again?” Hugo asked from his seat next to me, Eliza curled up to his side.

“Privé.”

Eliza dug into her back pocket and pulled out her phone before handing it to her. “Send me a message with the link. I don’t mind having a look,” she grinned cheekily at Penelope.

“Well, you might as well send it to me as well,” Penelope looked back at Ella. “I admit that my curiosity is piqued now.”

“All right, enough talk about porn,” Luke put his hands flat on the table. “I’m going to go get us another round of drinks.” He gave me a chin lift. “You sure you don’t want one?”

I shook my head. “I’m good with water, thanks.”

He nodded and flashed Ella a smile. “Want to dance with me when I come back?”

“Sure,” she waved her hand at the crowd below. “Unless you get distracted while you’re away, then that’s that.”

He sighed as he frowned, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the tension between them would ever go away. He moved to leave us, and I watched him go down the winding staircase until I couldn’t see him anymore.

When he was out of earshot, Penelope reached out her hand and covered Ella’s. “Are you all right?”

Ella kept her eyes down shrugged. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Somehow, I didn’t believe that.

“One of these days, you’ll have to tell us what’s going on between the two of you,” Eliza covered the girls’ hands with hers, making them a united front, and I smiled at the bond they shared.

Ella’s gaze flickered to mine before she took a deep breath. “Yeah, I will.”

I clapped Hugo’s back. “Is this where we give our girls some alone time? I kinda get the feeling that having a dick in this company is the wrong thing.”

Ella grinned and shook her head. “This is not the night for girl talk. You’re safe.”

Hugo laughed and kissed the top of Eliza’s head. “Thank God. Dance with me, beautiful?”

Eliza nodded and let go of the girls. “I’d love to.”

“I have to go to the ladies’ room,” Ella said as she grabbed her purse.

I scooted back, my legs to the side, as all three got up from the couch and I looked at Penelope, relieved to have a moment to ourselves. The party scene wasn’t really my thing, but I had to admit that, up until a moment ago, I’d enjoyed being out. But my relief dissipated as the smile in her eyes slowly disappeared and turned serious.

“Is Luke cheating on Ella?” she blurted.

I let out a laugh. “What? How the fuck should I know? And what kind of a question is that?”

She scooted closer and placed her hand on my thigh, her intense gaze never wavering from mine. “It’s just…Ella’s so unhappy, and I don’t get what’s going on between them. I’m worried, that’s all.”

“Your guess is as good as mine, but I doubt he’d do that to her.” Frowning, I covered her hand. “Look, maybe you shouldn’t jump to conclusions. When she’s ready, she’ll tell you.”

She didn’t look convinced but nodded. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”