Page 54 of The Dom with the Clever Tongue

As friends went, Malachi was different. She figured he wouldn’t turn her down if she propositioned him, but their relationship was more about enjoying each other’s company and a mutual appreciation for Reece. They often stayed up late talking about stupid things and laughing their asses off. He was funny as fuck when he got going. He was actually her friend, not just a guy wanting to use her to kink up his life.

The way girls mooned after him wherever they went, Malachi didn’t need her or Reece for kink. Most women would happily explore their non-vanilla side for a chance to be close to him, she was sure. But when they were out together, all of his focus was on them – talking, making them laugh, making subtle bids to get closer to them physically. He was a touchy-feely guy. The women leering after him on thestreet might as well have been invisible. It was weird.

“Whatcha thinkin?” Reece broke into her thoughts, looking up at Scarlet from where she lay in her lap. They’d been watching a tattoo reality show that Malachi liked. It occurred to her he wasn’t watching since he was in the kitchen, cooking. Jeez. Even when he wasn’t here, he was still here.

Scarlet sighed. “I was thinking about Mal.” She trailed her fingers through Reece’s silky hair, watching as it looped around her fingers, trying to keep them prisoner.

Her expression turned serious. “What about him?”

“You like him. I watch you two together. He may have been a prick to you in high school, but he’s proven he’s not like that anymore.”

For a few moments Reece played with a crease in the knee of Scarlet’s jeans, flattening it under her finger. “He’s a good friend,” she said nonchalantly, but Scarlet wasn’t fooled.

“You’re attracted to him.”

She shrugged. “So are most girls. Doesn’t mean anything.”

Scarlet scrubbed a hand over her face.

“Are you upset I think he’s hot?” Reece’s eyes were huge, worried.

“No.” She chuckled. “I can’t fault you for that, but in the spirit of honesty, I have to tell you something.”

“What?” Reece started to bite a nail and Scarlet swatted her hand away from her mouth. She’d be angry at herself if she bit her nails down again.

“I love watching him fuck you.”

Reece’s eyes widened. “What? Seriously?”

She traced a line from Reece’s forehead to the end of her pretty, upturned nose. “Yes. You two are good to look at together. It’s like my own personal porn. The two hottest people I know fucking... Mmm.” Her brain took off with that idea and replayed various montages of the two of them together, right where she could touch... Reece. Whoa, now. Just Reece, right?

Reece sat up so quickly they almost bumped heads. “Oh shit! Did you just say Mal is hot?”

Scarlet felt heat creep up her neck and scald her cheeks. “Well, he’s not badfor a guy, I guess. If I even liked guys.”

“Shut. Up! I never thought this day would come. Do you know that I half thought you were lying when you told me that you found some guys attractive? I’ve never seen it happen. You don’t even look at guys.”

“Fuck. You shut up. I wouldn’t even know what to do with one. If you tell him, I’ll... I’ll...”

Reece held up her hands. “Slow down, Killer. No need to get dramatic. You know I won’t tell. But I think you should do something about it. See how it feels. If you like it you can take it a step further. If you don’t like it, stop. No obligation.” At her hesitant expression, she added, “You used him to experience bottoming, might as well for straight sex.”

She grimaced. Is that what she was doing? “I’m worried that if I’m not into it, it’ll make things weird between us. You know?”

“I think he values your friendship enough to let you try it and see, with no strings attached.” Her smile was encouraging, but Scarlet knew better. “Plus he thinks you’re hot.”

She snorted. “Don’t fool yourself, Reece. We both know there are already some strings attached. None of us are getting out of this unscathed, at this point. And anyway, he’s almost done with us so the point is moot.” She made sure not to let the hurt show on her face. No need to burden Reece with her sentimental thoughts.

“You care about him, too. I know you do. He’s actually your friend, not some guy that sees you as a challenge. I don’t understand how so many people don’t get you, Scarlet, or just want to use you. You’re one of the nicest people I know.” Reece leaned in and kissed her just as Malachi started walking down the hall toward them, juggling three plates.

“I make supper for us and I come back in to this? A little kissing and everyone’s still dressed?” Hetskedas they took their plates from him.

“Mmm...spaghetti. Are these homemade meatballs?” Scarlet was impressed.

“Yup. It was the easiest way to get my balls in your mouth.”

Scarlet choked on a laugh just as Reece almost spat out her drink.

“Crude, Malachi.” Reece shook her head. “It’s a good thing you’re a good cook”

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