Page 230 of Master of My Life

“Is it that bad?”

“No. Not bad, just something you’re not fond of.”

Ethan frowned, looking confused, then his eyes widened. “Again?”

“Yeah.”

“Fuck.”

“Exactly.” It slipped out before Chase realized he said it.

Ethan stared at him, then burst out laughing. “Well, yeah, I guess.”

Chase laughed along.

“You?” he asked.

Chase nodded.

“Just you?”

He nodded again. “We haven’t done it in a long time, though. Are you okay with that?”

Ethan stared into his orange juice, tapping his fingers on the glass. A myriad of emotions passed

over his face, then he set his jaw. “I’ll do it.”

“I wasn’t worried about your willingness, but I am concerned about your reaction to it.”

Ethan let out a breath. “I know it’s different with you. At least, my mind knows it’s different. But,

man . . .” He leaned his head back. His hand trembled and he clenched his fists. “It’s hard to separate

the two sometimes.” He looked at Chase. “What we did . . . How you helped me the first time. It

helped.” He pressed his lips together and clenched his fists tighter. “I can do this.”

Chase’s heart went out to his friend. He didn’t know if he could “help” him this time. He and

Sabrina hadn’t talked about what the relationship between the three of them would be like. Yes, Ethan

would have to be with Sabrina today, but what about beyond the ritual? Would Ethan share their bed

when Chase was home? He had to stay with her when he was gone, that much was certain. Would

Ethan even be interested in the three of them being together? He’d been resistant until now, but would

he feel differently when there was an actual relationship between the three of them? Would Sabrina be

okay with something like that?

There were so many unanswered questions and so little time to discuss them.

Ethan stared at the table. His jaw was as tight as his fists.

He was torn. It was so much to ask of Ethan, but they both wanted to protect Sabrina. If Chase

withdrew his offer, Ethan would be more upset than he was now.

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