Page 138 of Their Wicked Ways

“Was that the wrong thing to say?” He wrapped his hands around his cup, studying me closely. “You just looked so stressed out I wanted to reassure you. But I should have just let you say it.”

“No. I mean, it’s fine. I’m just… How long have you known?”

“About you and them, or about you?” he asked softly.

“Both.” My cheeks and neck went hot. I slipped the cup sleeve down, then slid it back in place just to have something to do with my hands.

“I didn’t know, not officially. Not until just now. But I’ve suspected for a while.” He leaned back in his chair. “Do you want to tell me about it?”

“Well, I guess I don’t really have to say this, but I’m bi.” I glanced around to make sure we were still alone. “I’ve known for a long time. I just wasn’t ready to come out until now.”

He nodded encouragingly.

“And Wes, Ez, and I are kind of a thing?”

He smiled. “Is that a question or a statement?”

“Statement.” I scrubbed my hand over my face. “I’m sorry I lied to you?—”

“Nope. I’m gonna stop you there. You didn’t lie to me—or anyone. Sexuality is an incredibly personal thing, and the only one who can decide when and if to tell people is you. Not telling us isn’t the same as lying, not even close.”

“My aunts said that too.”

“They sound like smart ladies. You should listen to us.” His smile was warm and made the last of my fear melt away.

Of course Quinn would be okay with everything. He was one of the smartest and most open-minded people I’d ever met, and one of the most supportive. He’d happily give a stranger the shirt off his back. That was just who he was.

“I know.” I toyed with the sleeve on my cup. “And I’m trying. It’s just hard after everything.”

“I imagine it is. It takes a lot of strength to move past the things you were taught.”

“Yeah.” I sighed. “It wasn’t easy.”

“Are you worried about your job? Because if you are, you can stop right now. Ez and Wes are family. And you’re family. The only thing I care about is my family being happy and healthy and living their best lives. It sounds like the three of you are doing just that.”

All the fear and tension I’d been holding in left me in a rush, leaving me feeling stupid for doubting him.

“Do you want to tell the guys, or do you want me to?”

“We should tell them.” I rolled my shoulders, stretching out the tight muscles. “And you’re sure it’s not a problem, us being together? Not everyone will be okay with that. We don’t want to cause issues.”

“If someone has a problem with anyone on my crew, they can take a long walk off a short pier. I don’t give a fuck who they are.” He patted my arm reassuringly. “But I doubt you’ll have any problems. You’re not the first throuple I’ve known, and I’m sure you won’t be the last.”

I tapped on the lid of my cup, bouncing the part that you pull up to drink from. “Thanks. It means a lot to know you have our backs.”

“Always.” He patted my arm again. “Are you good to go, or do you need a minute?”

“I’m good.” Picking up my cup, I stood.

“Say hi to Ez and Wes for me.” He scooped up the box of donuts. “And tell them to hurry their asses up if they want any of these.” He shook the box. “You know how the twins get around sweets.”

I chuckled and took a sip of my drink. “I swear River would mainline them if he could.”

Quinn laughed. “He would. We’ll just have to entertain ourselves watching him double fist them instead.”

We shared a look, then burst into laughter.

“You good now? Less stressed?” Quinn asked when we’d finally composed ourselves.

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