Page 211 of Plaything

“They mean,” Wyatt snapped, looking at his two friends harshly. “Congratulations—”

“No, I mean exactly what I said,” Niko dismissed, making me laugh. “I’ve got unanswered questions.”

Dominic chuckled. “I wasn’t sure how things would turn out. By the time I was a few years in and fully committed, I figured I’d tell you all about it when I finished,” he answered. “A few years ago, Dane Arwien mentioned that if I ever decided to pursue medicine, he’d hook me up with a residency. There’s a position in orthopedics waiting for me at the hospital down the street,” he explained.

I couldn’t stop the smile that broke out across my lips. I was so happy for him! It was apparent to everyone—even the other staff and students—that he despised teaching. Although picturing him in a white coat with a stethoscope around his neck was hard, I knew he’d make a great doctor.

Behind his rock-solid exterior, there was an empathetic teddy bear. He always kept his composure and was able to think critically during stressful times. The more I considered it, and the initial shock lessened, the more I realized it was the perfect career for him.

“This is a lot of information to take in 10 minutes. Our girlfriend is an heiress, and Dominic is a doctor,” Aiden grinned. It was then that I noticed how proudly he looked at Dominic. Wyatt and Niko were surprised, too, but their happiness and support for their friend were evident.

“When do you walk?” I asked. I would be there when he got that diploma; we all would.

He gave a dismissive shake of his head. “I’m not. I’ll just have it mailed.”

“You have to!” I sat up straighter. “Don’t be so macho; you earned it,” I scolded.

Dominic smiled and shook his head, giving his final answer.

“Boo,” Niko chanted.

“Fine. But we’re having a party to celebrate,” Wyatt pointed a finger at him.

Of course, Reesia was planning on throwing me a graduation party, just with my guys and our friends. I should work with her to plan one for him, too. Or combine them—it was his moment, and I’d let him decide. For now, I was just happy.

For the first time in a few weeks, I was hopeful that everything would be okay—more than okay—because I knew exactly what to get Dominic for his graduation gift. Putting himself through medical school and obtaining a PhD wasn’t cheap, but I think he’d be able to enjoy his new career debt-free from student loans.

It was the least I could do—it was also my first step towards becoming a philanthropist! A real one, unlike Charles.

“Does this mean you’ll actually sleep now?” I wondered in a soft tone. Literally, from the day I met him, he never slept, and when he did, it wasn’t for long.

A lovely, hearty laugh filled the room as Dominic laughed and shook his head at me. It was contagious, and the rest of us gave our own chuckles.

“You’re cute,” he grinned, and I blushed. “Does my lack of sleep really bother you that much?

“Yes.” My voice wasn’t the only one that answered. All four of us spoke in unison.

Dominic put his hands up in surrender, looking somewhat surprised at how concerned we all were. “I’ll try to sleep for you,” he mumbled.

Niko laid back on the sofa, placing his head in my lap and his arms around my thigh. I ran my hands through his thick brown hair, admiring his handsome face and chiseled jaw. For a moment, my mind slipped as I remembered my first night sleeping in his bed. The night I woke up with his head between my thighs. The night I agreed to be theirs.

Three months was all it took. My life had changed in so many ways since then. I recall thinking, ‘Even if it goes down in flames, the burn would be worth it.’ And it burned. There was lustfire that overtook my body, heartache that melted me from the inside out, and yesterday, everything almost burned down. Through it all, I felt like a phoenix, risen from the ashes.

Niko smirked. “Estás tan enamorado de mí. Mírate, fantaseando con mi lengua entre tus piernas a plena luz del día.”

[You’re so in love with me. Look at you, fantasizing about my tongue between your legs in broad daylight.]

“Niko,” I gently scolded while flicking his head. Cocky asshole.

“I was right, wasn’t I?” He teased before closing his eyes and cuddling further into me.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Odette

Charles Whitlock died this morning. He showed up for his appointment alone, without final words for the press. His euthanasia went as planned, and he passed peacefully. I was notified by email.

While the news wasn’t unexpected, I still sat and made peace with it for most of the morning. The weight was heavy, but I wasn’t carrying it alone. I was thankful for the four men in my life; they gave me the comfort I needed... while keeping me excited for what the rest of the day had in store.

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