Page 32 of Conflicted
Suddenly Will’s face morphed from ‘thunder cloud’ annoyed to ‘rain for days’ depressed. “This is about Ruby and how sad and tired she’s looking the last couple of weeks.” His gaze swiveled from Bob to Nathan and back. “I figured it had to do with her parents but...,” his expression now turned reproachful and his voice turned a hoarse whisper, “she’s feeling this way because of us?”
“What’s wrong with her parents? Us?” Nathan blinked. “You think?”
“It has to be, otherwise Bob wouldn’t go all Doctor Phil on us.” Will shot Bob a stern look. “You’d better spell it out for us dumb fucks.”
Nathan snorted. “Speak for yourself,” but his voice held no venom.
With both Doms’ minds focused on the submissive’s problem, they had dropped their animosity. Good enough.
“The girl likes to play with both of you but she’s getting squashed between your mutual dislike.” Bob rubbed his forehead. “At first, I attributed her fatigue and unusual demeanor to personal problems, but today she confessed it’s because of you.”
“I’ve noticed she’s less cheerful and mischievous than usual,” Will admitted, “I attributed it to her worries about Jewel.”
“Who’s Jewel?” Nathan interjected. “And what about her parents?”
Bob cleared his throat. “I consider it Ruby’s story to tell and not ours.”
“Hmm, although frustrating, it’s a fair point.” Nathan rubbed a hand over his bare skull. “However, Ruby dropped after our last scene. I haven’t known her very long, but it never happened before.”
Will angled his body so he was facing Nathan more. “That’s certainly a sign, Ruby never drops.”
As one, they both turned to Bob, and again it was Nathan who spoke, “What can we do?”
“First of all, you should end this idiotic competition which is going on between you.”
Will slowly nodded and Nathan let out a hesitant, “O-kay.”
“Do you think you can try to get along for the girl’s sake?” Bob allowed a real smile to take over his face. “Actually, for all our sakes, because this tension between two members has the whole club on edge.”
“We could do that, couldn’t we?” Will cocked his head. For the first time, Will and Nathan made eye contact without giving each other death glares and a little bit of the starch left their bodies.
“We can.” Nathan straightened and held out his hand, which Will shook.
Bob sighed as he watched them turn the handshake into a pissing contest and wondered how long they would last. He had the perfect way to cut it short. “Have you ever considered co-topping Ruby?”
Will barked, “Hell, no!” as Nathan simultaneously exclaimed, “What?” The men let go of each other’s hands like they were touching a hot stove.
Bob snickered. “I didn’t say you needed to fuck each other. The scene doesn’t have to be sexual at all.” Amusement took over. “As experienced Doms you both know a sub’s need should always come first.”
Will narrowed his eyes. “That sounds doable.” He glanced over at Nathan, who shrugged.
“If it is what Ruby needs.” Nathan sounded less than convinced.
“I think it would be a great idea.” Bob placed a hand on each man’s shoulder and squeezed. “I’m convinced you can pull her out of her funk, if the two of you work together.” He let go of them and walked towards the bar, leaving the guys to sort things out.
––––––––
“Ruby?”
At her soft-spoken name, Ruby whirled on her stool and did a double take. Shoulder to shoulder Nathan and Will faced her.
“We’re sorry, spitfire.” Will sounded contrite.
Ruby’s head swiveled back to the bartender, who gave her a wink and back to the two men. What on earth did Bob say to them?
“Ah, okay.” Her tone was low and cautious.
She had been contemplating on going home but didn’t find the energy or strength to get up to do so. Now, something akin to hope blossomed in her chest – growing like a tattoo as she started adding color and shades to an outlined drawing.
