Page 23 of Jayce

“It doesn’t matter how long it takes to see them. That episode was bad ass. Just means we have to keep watching,” Nikolaos tells Shay while squeezing her hand.

My bull chuffs at the physical contact. I chide my bull. My cousin’s gesture meant nothing more than friendship. And I’m not next to her to comfort her.

“Why are you on your phone?” Cill asks Shay when episode two ends with no sweet butts.

“I’m looking up when the sweet butts first show up. It’s been a while since I’ve seen the first few episodes.”

I lean over Nikolaos to grab her phone. “Boundaries, bro.” He pushes me off, but not before I get the phone.

“Shay, if you say they’re coming, we believe you. Doesn’t matter if it takes ten episodes.”

She leans back and huffs with her arms crossed.

“I’m into it without these sweet butts. No worries, Shay,” Damian adds.

Cherry doesn’t come on screen until episode four. Only, I imagine that’s not her real name. She’s every bit as pathetic as the heifers who’ve thrown themselves at me over the years.

Cleaning my house, cooking for me, picking up my suits from the dry cleaners. Things I shamefully let them do, knowing their motives never stopped me from taking advantage of them. All looking for me to claim one of them as my “old lady”—my mate.

I never felt guilty before Shay came into my world. It’s the way of our people. The bulls take advantage of the overwhelming number of females willing to try anything for a chance at mating with one of us instead of settling for a human.

“Damn Shay, you called it. Our women act just like these sweet butts,” Nikolaos says.

“I wouldn’t ever call them that, though. They might cut your dick off.” Damian’s probably correct about that.

Anjal stands first after episode four ends. I rise and give him a thank-you hug. Then everyone follows him out the door.

“Call us anytime you need buffers,” Nikolaos says on the way out.

“Only if there’s food involved,” Damian adds.

Shay remains sitting on the couch, biting at her cuticles.

Chapter 17

Shay

I should leave with everyone else, but I can’t bring myself to move.

“Do you want to watch another episode?” Jayce asks, sitting in the seat Nikolaos vacated.

“What about everyone else?”

“This is ours—not theirs. They can continue watching on their own if they want.”

I swallow the lump in my throat.

He slides his hand underneath mine and laces our fingers together. “Push play.”

I wanted to anger him when I showed up with everyone else in tow. Only my plan backfired. He used it to his advantage.

I’ve fallen so hard. Like I stood on a cliff looking at the ocean, begging me to jump in. I jumped. The waves crashed over me and pulled me under. I’m lost in the depths of that ocean, and I’m never coming back up again.

After two more episodes, the yawns take over.

“Let me walk you home this time, please,” Jayce insists.

“Okay,” I whisper. He never let go of my hand. Even now, as he helps me to my feet for the walk next door.