Page 70 of Used

“Based on that blush blooming in your cheeks, it was far more than just a run-in.” Selene jokes, but Zuri’s expression only seems to confirm Selene’s suspicions.

“He’s cute,” Zuri admits. “They’re a cute couple.”

“Cute?” Selene questions. “Cute doesn’t cut it, babe. They’re hot as hell.”

“Fine. They’re hot.” Zuri acquiesces.

“Who is this?” Naomi asks. She is the newest addition to our friend group since she moved to the city after quitting her doctorate program in Dallas.

“Emir and Derek Bonner. Emir is the other founder of the security company Gunnar works for.” Selene explains, turning to engage Naomi in the conversation more. “Derek is...”

“Oh my god. He’s the bisexual linebacker, right?” Naomi gasps. “He’s an icon.”

“Yes. That he is.” Selene smiles at her friend, likely just pleased to see her friend excited over something once again.

“That’s so cool,” Naomi says with a little more light in her eyes.

“You should see Derek shirtless, though. I’ve seen him working out with Emir in their corporate gym. Phew.” Selene says, fanning her face. “I don’t understand why they had him in all those clothes for the magazine article he was in.”

Zuri laughs alongside Selene, and they have both me and Naomi grinning.

“The two of them together though?” Selene continues. “Oh, would that be a marriage bed I’d like to be a part of. Don’t tell Gunnar.”

“Selene!” Zuri scoffs with a deepening blush.

“What? They’re hot.” Selene shrugs.

“Yeah. But they’re not even in the lifestyle. They’re Gunnar’s business partners. They’re not kinky.” Zuri pushes back.

“Oh, Zuri. Everyone’s a little bit kinky.” Selene says offhandedly. “They’ve never batted an eye at any of the shit that Gunnar tells them. I doubt they’re as vanilla as you think.”

“Then why haven’t they come to the club? I’m sure Gunnar has invited them.” I question. “The Playground is run by a queer polycule. If anyone’s going to create a space where two gay men feel comfortable, it should be the Morgans, right?”

“Bisexual and queer.” Zuri corrects.

“What?” I ask, turning to her.

“Bi and queer. Emir is queer, and Derek is bisexual. They’re not gay.” She explains further. “Well… they are, but they aren’t.”

“Okay, fine. We’re all a little bit fruity.” I chuckle. “My own bisexual ass included in that.”

“Now you’re getting it,” Selene says with a smile.

“Okay. They’re hot.” Zuri admits. “Nothing’s going to happen though.”

“But you’re interested,” Selene says with a raised eyebrow.

“That doesn’t mean they’re interested in me.” Zuri protests.

“That doesn’t mean they’re not interested in you either, Zuri.” I point out. “Polyamory is becoming more and more popular. You have no idea what their relationship dynamic is.”

“And what about you and Marshall?” Selene says, seizing the opportunity to steer the conversation in a direction that fulfills her curiosity. “What’s y’all’s relationship dynamic like these days?”

I look away from her piercing stare. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, you are an absolute fibber. You know exactly what I’m talking about.” Selene insists. “Something’s changed between y’all. Spill.”

When I look up at the girls, each of them has an entirely too eager and focused expression on their faces. They look like they need a good tea-spilling session almost just as much as I have this gnawing feeling that I need to word-vomit all my thoughts and feelings to them.

---