Page 70 of Saving Sophia

“Jesus, Soap, what’s with the slow burn?” She leaned back on her elbows and held up one foot, watching the water drip from her toes. “He’s hot, you’re hot, he’s obviously into you. That was clear at dinner. What’s holding you up?”

“Well, we’ve done a … I mean, I … did a?—”

Callie sat back up abruptly and dropped her foot back into the water with a splash. “Sophia, you dirty girl! Did you swallow his babies? I’m so fucking proud right now. Amber Jade takes the wheel!”

I buried my face in my hands, laughing. I’d missed her.

“And what did he do for you?”

I took a deep breath. Which was harder, telling her about the murder? Or telling her about what Ethan had done for me? “He”—I covered my eyes then peeked at her through my fingers— “spanked me.” I dropped my hand to my mouth and chewed my thumbnail, waiting for her reaction.

“Ooh … he’s kinky? I love it,” she squealed. “Did he spank you like a dungeon master? Or like a Daddy Dom?”

I blinked at her, shocked but not shocked. Of course, Callie would take this in stride. No judgment. Only excited curiosity.

“More like a … Daddy Dom,” I muttered, my cheeks flushing.

“Aww, Soap … he’s perfect for you.”

“But what about … girl power and being a seductress?” I asked. “You don’t think it’s stupid that he wants to take care of me … and I want to let him?”

“Fuck, no. Daddies are super-hot.” Was that a hint of wistfulness in her voice? “I can’t believe I didn’t pick it up myself.” She dipped her fingers in the water then flicked them at me, her green eyes bright and happy. “Amber Jade is a sexy Little.”

The acceptance was overwhelming.

“I love you, Callie.”

“I love you too.” She leaned over and gave me a hug. “Now tell me about the rest of these brothers. Are they all kinky?”

I took another breath. I could tell her about Mr. Roscoe too, but I needed this moment of girl talk. I wanted it to last just a few minutes more. “Well, there’s five of them altogether. Ethan, Rook, and Hayden, the detective.” I counted with my fingers. “Griff, the scary one at dinner, and …” What was the fifth brother’s name? “Oh yeah, Vincent. He owns a club that caters to … uhh …”

“Oh my god, we’ve hit my fantasy jackpot, Soap.” She threw her hands up in the air with glee. “Well, except for Griff. He’s a grumpy ass.” She rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, he’s scary,” I agreed.

She snorted. “He didn’t scare me. He pissed me off.” She puffed up her shoulders in an exaggeration of Griff’s big muscles and pulled her face into a scowl. “I wasn’t asking.” She snorted back a laugh. “Who does he think he is?”

“The guy who has to keep your bratty ass safe, apparently.” At the sound of his deep growl behind us, I came embarrassingly close to tipping myself into the pool. Callie froze, her eyes expanding like balloons.

We whipped around to spot Griff, all broad shoulders, shaved head, glowering eyes, and arms crossed over massive pecs, standing in the doorway of the pool area.

“Oh look, Soap, did you order some big brooding biceps? Cause I didn’t.” She kicked her foot through the water with a splash of annoyance.

I gaped at her sass then looked apprehensively at Griff.

He hadn’t moved. “Do you always have such a smart mouth?” he snapped.

“Do you always skulk around, listening to people’s conversations?” she threw right back.

He stomped past us and pointed to a camera in a corner. “I wasn’t skulking. I’m working on the security system. Because we’re harboring a couple of girls in more trouble than they seem to realize.”

Callie scowled at him, uncharacteristically lacking a smart answer. Before she could recover, Griff’s phone buzzed.

He glanced at it then flipped a hand at us. “Let’s go,” he snapped and stalked toward us, pointing to the door.

“Excuse me?” Callie stood up and grabbed her shoes but refused to move. I was not as brave as her. His command had me tugging my socks and sneakers back on as fast as I could.

“Ethan’s looking for you,” Griff growled. “Let’s go.” His emphasis hinted he wouldn’t ask again.

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