Page 36 of My Karmic Destiny

“Can we talk?” he asks, looking a bit nervous.

I have a pretty good idea what’s coming, so I beat him to the punch. “It’s cool.” I swallow back the emotion threatening to come out. “I figured you’d be dumping me now that you have your real thing. No hard feelings, dude.”

“Dammit, Kurtis. That’s not how it is.” He captures my face between his hands, and I look at him in surprise.

“Isn’t it?” I shrug, and half-heartedly try to pull away. “She’s the one you want. I was just a convenient option.”

“I was going to ask you if you were open to me talking to her about us,” he corrects. “See if she’d be into a true polycule. I don’t want to start things with her on a lie. I like you—a lot. I was into what we were doing more than I expected, but if you don’t feel the same, and I was just a convenient option for you, then tell me now so I don’t potentially jeopardize my chances with her.”

“You’d want to continue? With me?” I ask in shock.

“If we’re going to make this work, we all need to be open with our feelings. And that means from the start.” Evan strokes my cheek. “So, yeah, I’m into you.”

“I’m into you too. But…”

“Tessa comes first, I know.” He kisses me on the forehead and strolls out, leaving my head spinning.

“Tell her,” I blurt out after him.

He pauses and nods. “I will.”

16

FAVORITE DESSERT

EVAN

In the mansion’s foyer, Tessa magically appears in front of me like a goddess. She looks the part too.

Her silky, dark hair is in loose curls, and she’s wearing a red wrap dress that hugs her luscious curves. Her makeup is expertly done. I only notice because she rarely wears any. I’m honored she felt that our date merited the effort, although it isn’t needed. She’s stunning, no matter what.

My eyes fall to her lips, which are painted a deep red to match her dress, and all I can do is imagine that color on my cock.

Fuck. This isn’t about sex. Unfortunately, that’s my default. My mind sexualizes almost everything. It’s how I’ve been bent and shattered.

That’s why I like BDSM play, because it gives me rules to follow. A guide to make sure I don’t cross lines. I enjoy negotiating what is and isn’t allowed. It keeps me honest andpresent in the moment. It keeps me from hurting someone. Or being hurt.

But if I plan on being in fully realized relationships with Tessa and Kurtis, I need to be willing to break some of my rigid rules that helped me remain emotionally detached in my past.

“Is this okay for what you have planned?” She swishes her hips back and forth, making her skirt fly up and expose more leg. “You hadn’t mentioned what we’d be doing.”

“It’s perfect,” I say, just above a breath. “You’reperfect.”

Her cheeks pinken. “Evan,” she warns, like I’m being naughty. “Don’t overdo it. I’ll think this is a prank.”

“I’m not overdoing it. If anything, I’m under-doing it.” I step closer, invading her space. We’re so close that full breasts skim my suit jacket. I gaze down into the deep pools of her honey brown irises. “If I had my way, I’d explain to you exactly how hot you are, but then we’d never leave the bedroom.”

Her breathing picks up and her pupils dilate. She swallows and asks, “Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise, wildcat.” I wink and give her a satisfied smirk when she laughs at my nickname.

Her hand lands on my chest, and my heart explodes with giddiness. I love her laugh. And now I want to recreate that sound from her as much as her moans of ecstasy.

I offer her my elbow and lead her outside to my vintage convertible Corvette that I brought to the front steps. The top is up since it’s a little chilly tonight. I remember how much she loved the rumble of the engine. In a way, we had our first genuine moment alone together in this car.

She beams at me when I open the passenger door for her and help her in.

I’m sure with her horrible history of dating, she didn’t have many guys in her life with manners. Dante is alright and better with emotions than I am, but he probably doesn’t do the littlethings like this. It will be what I can offer her. The caring details of life.

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