Page 58 of Not A Whisper

I look back just in time to watch Grant get to his feet only to double over as Trip’s fist connects with his gut. As Grant gasps for air, Trip looks up at me and gives me a curt nod. I look away, surprised and oddly vindicated. Turning to look ahead, I follow Jason into the kitchen.

Behind me, I hear Trip growl, “Do something like this again and you’re really going to be in pain.”

Fifteen

Trip and Jason make quick work of pulling out plates and drinks. As they do, I stand there and watch. My stomach twists uncomfortably—food is the farthest thing from my mind. All I want to do is sleep. I lean against the half wall that divides the kitchen and living room and cross my arms over my chest, watching them move around the space with ease.

I glance over at Grant as he walks into the kitchen. It’s hard not to admire his physique. He’s not bulky with muscle, but as the school’s running back, he clearly works out. Lean, with a long torso, arms, and legs, the muscle in each place flexes and relaxes.

If I wasn’t so emotionally drained, I’d probably be openly gawking. As it is, I barely have the energy to stand.

He catches my eye and frowns. “Really, Bri, I am sorry.”

Huh, the apology doesn’t soundasstiff as before. Maybe the more you use it, the easier it rolls off one’s tongue.

“It’s not real,” he adds. “It never was.”

“Does Carmilla know that?” I ask him. Confusion flickersacross his face, so I explain. “Or is she under the impression you’re really her fiancé? If that’s the case, she trusts that you’ll act as such. I don’t think fiancé duties include seeing another woman in her eyes. She would see this as a betrayal.”

Grant’s lip part in surprise. “Neither of us want this. It’s not like she loves me.”

“Yet I’m sure if word got out you were with me, she’d still be upset, right?” I counter sharply. “I’m sure it would be humiliating for her to find out the person she’s supposedly in a relationship with is out gallivanting with another woman. Ask me how I knowthat.”

Chagrin causes Grant’s face to flush and his shoulders to slump. “I’ll talk to her.”

I nod but remain silent, not sure really what else there is to say.

“Come here, dollie.” Jason ushers me over with a wave of his large hand. I move toward a chair. Before I can sit down, Jason drags me closer to him, and then, as he lowers himself to sit, he drags me down onto his lap with him.

“Is there a reason I’m not in my own chair?” I don’t mind; really, I don’t. Not now that I understand what’s happened. But I am curious.

“Because I need to feel you in my arms.”

I don’t protest. In fact, as he wraps an arm around my waist and leans forward to grab the pizza slice in front of us, I can’t help but smile a little. This feels right.

“You gave me a scare today.” Jason’s hold tightens. “But I can’t say I’mallthat surprised you tried to run. Once I heard you were with Garry, I figured he might pull something out of his hat to get you to scurry off.”

Trip grunts. The sound is full of irritation. He joins us at the table and begins plating pizza for everyone. “This probably won’t be the last encounter.”

“The guys said he threatened you?” Grant frowns. “How exactly did he?—”

“Shut up and get under the table,” Trip orders. “We’ll deal with that shit tomorrow.”

Grant sighs but he sinks to his knees and scoots under the table. My lips twitch. I remember this punishment and how degrading it is. To be forgotten, ignored… I’m ok with ignoring him for a bit while I adjust to the fact that these guys aren’t going anywhere.

The relief makes me a little lightheaded.

Jason lifts the pizza to my mouth, and I lean forward to take a bite. It’s no longer hot, but still, it’s delicious. I hum, appeased.

“There you go,” Jason murmurs into my ear as I take a second bite. “Such a good doll. You’ll eat every bite, right? Of course you will,” he answers before I can. “Because you want us to be happy, and the only way we’ll be happy is ifyou’rehappy and full.”

I snort but continue to eat. As I do, Jason’s hand, which was resting on my stomach, slides down just beneath the waistband of my skirt. I freeze mid-bite as his fingers dive deeper to slide between my legs.

“What are you doing?”

“Helping you relax a bit.”

“I’m not sure how I’m supposed to eat with you doing this,” I point out, swallowing hard as he lazily slides two fingers through me, occasionally caressing my clit before sliding back through my pussy lips.

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