Page 117 of Deceit

How would the others react? How would Asher react? My assumption is both would not be good. But if anyone was going to be added to this…thing, why shouldn’t it be Asher? I know that he said the guys would be welcome anytime, and that he would be discreet when he would see women once we are married, but I don’t want that. At all. The very topic turned my stomach, if I’m being honest.

Oh god. I think I have feelings for him. Not just lusty you’re hot and I bet we would have amazing hook-ups together, feelings. Me not wanting him to see other people, to sleep with them. I think that counts as the real deal ‘I want you for myself’ feelings….shit.

“So, I don’t know what to do. She’s nice but she literally told me she was wanting to experiment. If I’m being honest, being the straight girls one night ‘experience’ has gotten really old. I want someone to want me for me, not for the thrill or taboo factor, you know? I thought I had that this summer, but she was just like all the rest,” Maggie says, with a frustrated sigh.

I frown, feeling like total crap that she was bearing her heart and soul to me while I was daydreaming about what it would be like to have a fourth boyfriend. I’m the worst.

“What happened to her? The girl this summer?” I ask.

Maggie looks at me as we ride the elevator up to my room.

“Nothing, really. One day we were wrapped around each other in bed, admitting heavy feelings, the next we were here, and she was pretending I never existed outside of these walls,” she laughs, though it’s a sad bitter sound.

I pull her in for a hug, rubbing her back soothingly.

“I’m sorry, Mags.”

She sniffs once, before clearing her throat and shaking her head as she pulls away.

“It’s whatever. I’d just like to get over her by getting under someone that would actually be interested in dating me, not just fucking me, you know?”

I go to respond when she cuts me off.

“Oh wait, you don’t know because you have three boyfriends. You don’t know about such issues, when everyone and their mother is desperate to be a part of your little harem.”

I roll my eyes, shushing her as I look around the halls.

“Ears everywhere, remember?” I scold, as we step out of the elevator.

“Relax. You’re golden for now. You’re not getting married until June. The heat will really come right before then. All eyes on you.”

“Actually,” I say. “It’s been moved up. October.”

Maggie stops in her tracks, eyes wide as she leans forward.

“Excuse me?”

“I think it’s supposed to be a secret, but Asher and I are legally getting married in October. On Halloween of all days,” I laugh bitterly. “We are still going to have the wedding in June, but no, eyes are very much on Asher and me, right now.”

“Wow, uh. Are you ready for that?” she asks.

I laugh and shake my head. “Not in the slightest,” I say, as I swipe my key card and step inside, a heavy feeling of dread sinking in instantly.

There is a white piece of paper resting on my bed, along with three pictures. Shakily, I step forward taking care not to touch anything this time as I read the letter.

My jealousy is bitter and unwavering

Do you enjoy seeing the way you have me shaking?

You have always and will always be mine

So I have to ask, why waste their time?

The clock will strike twelve and along will they go

Off to their duties, other women, they’ll leave you all alone

I’ll always be here to pick up your pieces and lick away the pain

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