Page 51 of Ice, Love, & Other Penalties

Lyric narrows her eyes. “Something about this isn’t sitting well—what is it, Indie?”

I shake my head. I hate feeling used and . . . He fucking used me, and I let him.

“Listen, I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but he really seems to care for you,” Harper states. “When we arrived, he asked us not to wake you up. He was concerned for you.”

“What deal did you make?” Lyric asks.

I shrug, beginning to walk toward the stairs.

“Talk to us,” Harper calls out. “We can’t be there for you if you close yourself up.”

“Friends with benefits,” I say without turning around to see them. “It’s stupid. I . . . need to get a real job.”

“That’s why we’re here,” Lyric says. “Get dressed so we can talk about my proposition.”

When I arrive at my room, I take a quick shower, put on a sun dress and brush my hair pulling it into a ponytail. I pick up my phone from its cradle and realize there’s a message from Ty.

Ty: Sorry to leave before you woke up, but I needed to pick Myra up from school. Also, I couldn’t go back to tell you because your sisters were about to disrupt your nap.

Indie: I really don’t know how to react to your note or what happened between us.

Ty: If I made you uncomfortable let me know. I want this to be perfect for you—as it is for me.

Indie: I’m trying not to overthink it or feel used.

Ty: This is just like any other hookup you’ve had.

Indie: That’s the thing. I’m usually in charge. My rules and my . . . I’m the one who leaves.

Ty: Oh, you didn’t like the dynamic. We should’ve talked about that. Next time I’ll consult with you beforehand. Sorry if this wasn’t good for you.

Indie: It was . . . different. Maybe you’re right and we need to set up some ground rules.

Ty: Okay, next time I go down on you, I’ll wait for you to guide me on when and how . . . just don’t expect to come fast. I’ll still be in charge of your orgasms, darling.

I squirm when I read his text, heat rising in my cheeks. My heart flutters at his words, a wave of desire and nervousness twisting in my stomach. My fingers curl into fists, nails digging into my palms. Do I want this? To give him such control, to cede the reins of my pleasure to him?

Yes. The word whispers through me, sending a shiver down my spine.

I stare at the text, reading it again and again, imagining the scrape of his stubble against my thighs, the warmth of his breath and the slide of his tongue. My breaths come faster, shallow and wanting. I want to give myself to him completely, let him take control of my pleasure and push me past my limits. The thought sends a spike of arousal through me, and I have to bite back a moan.

My phone buzzes with another text.

Ty: Thinking of you and how wet you’ll be for me. I can’t wait to taste you, feel you come around my tongue. You were so responsive, so eager to please. My perfect good girl.

I flush, equal parts embarrassment and need. He’s not even here and already I feel boneless and pliant, ready to do whatever Ty desires.

Which is exactly how he wants me.

As I’m about to text back, Lyric calls me, “Indie, we don’t have all day. Can you please come down soon?”

I toss my phone back to the bed. Ty teased me and made me wait to get my reward. Maybe I should do the same with him.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Indigo

When I step back into the living room, the flowers are artfully arranged in a vase, the box of pastries sits invitingly open, and a cup of tea emits a welcoming steam just for me.

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