Page 40 of Dauntless

“I want your full attention, or do you only want to give it when Dane’s around?”

I stared at him in confusion. Elliott’s jaw was tight, and he was not looking at me. If I hadn’t known better, I’d say Elliott was jealous. My stomach knotted. My mind reminded me that this was their idea, but I was just as guilty.

“Gia, will you come to the restroom with me?” Sophie asked. It was sudden, but I rose and left without a backward glance. It only took me to the archway out of the room to regret it. I glanced back and saw Elliott staring over at me. My stomach fluttered.

“I’m so sorry. Bradley is tactless,” Sophie told me once we reached the hallway.

I smirked. “That’s one of the ways I’d put it.”

She burst into laughter. “You don’t have anything to worry about. We don’t push ourselves on anyone. Bradley knows better.”

I smirked. He does now.

“Elliott needs to clear his head too,” she added.

I couldn’t argue with that.

She leaned next to me by the sink while I powdered my face. “I’m really sorry for what happened to you. I didn’t have the same experience though. It was odd I lost my job, and I thought everything was over, but just like that, I got a call, and they rehired me this week.”

I bit my cheek. Just like that. “Didn’t you suspect anything by the sudden change?”

She shrugged her shoulders and brushed her long hair. “Life changes all the time these days. The Agency was bad, I believe, or some people were, but they found me a match. Bradley and I love each other. We left The Agency and joined a new exclusive club.”

I opened my mouth and closed it. After everything that she heard that happened with The Agency, I didn’t understand her willingness to join another. Though, I understood if sharing your partner was part of your relationship, they’d want to find other partners in the lifestyle.

She cocked a brow. “Go ahead and ask me. I’m sure you have questions.”

“Doesn’t it bother you to watch Bradley with other women?” I asked.

“Nope,” she said simply. “We love each other. When we have group sex or swap, it never goes beyond sex. We’re not interested in a new partner. We do it for pleasure. Our relationship is deeper because we have a lot in common.”

Her situation was different than my own. Dane had a connection with Angel. Elliott would want the option to have his own girlfriend if I kept Dane, who kept Angel.

“Things do work out if you all communicate and decide what’s best for you.” She held out her hand to show me her diamond ring. “We’re getting married.”

“Congratulations,” I replied forcing a lift to my voice.

“Thank you. I hope you work something out with Elliott and Dane,” she said putting her brush away. “It would be great to have new friends. I know it’s not easy to find people that will talk to you in this lifestyle. You can always call me. No judgments.”

“Thank you,” I said and meant it.

We exchanged numbers. It turned out Elliott had been right: I did need to speak with someone that had participated in their lifestyle while in an exclusive relationship. I felt better. Although, admittedly, a little tipsy.

“I’ll meet you back at the table.”

“Are you sure?” she asked.

I nodded and went to stand in the stall to see if I had actually had too much to drink and might be sick. Once I was sure I was fine, I walked out to return to the hall, but it was blocked.

“I’m sorry,” one of the hostesses told me. “We have some dignitaries attending tonight. We must perform a security check before we let anyone back inside. You’re free to wait in the hotel bar.”

I smiled. More drinks. Elliott will be pleased. I was about to head there when I realized I didn’t have my handbag. I must have left it in the bathroom.

I doubled back and went into the stall that I had been in and fumbled. My purse landed on the tiled floor with a thud. I grimaced. I’m cutting myself off.

Just as I was bending down to collect it, a burst of laughter filled the room. Angel. I started walking out hoping to congratulate her on the show. There was still so much I’d like to discuss with her. I was halfway through pushing the door open when I heard a man’s voice: “No one in here? I’ve locked the door. How much time do we have?”

“Not long,” Angel answered in a loud whisper. “We’re alone. Dane’s off looking for his new lovely. He never could have just one. He always needs another woman to play with.”

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