Page 47 of Restrained

“Don’t cheat on her.” He has a reputation, and we both know it.

“Not possible, Lols.”

I move back to pick up my coffee and take a sip, looking over my mug at him. “And why’s that?”

“She doesn’t want commitment. At least not yet. So, there’s no way I could cheat.”

“She doesn’t want commitment? Oryoudon’t want to commit?”

He takes his own mug of coffee in his hand. “We aren’t there yet. Taking it slow.”

“Fucking other people?”

Unbelievable. I swear. They’re all going to kill me with their blatant stupidity.

“If we want to, yeah.” He shrugs casually, and it’s infuriating. I hate standing by, knowing people I care about are going to get hurt, but what can I do?

Like Viv said, their happiness is up to them.

Even if they’re being fucking idiots.

“You’re really okay with her sleeping with someone else? And she’s fine with you putting your dick where you like?”

Okay, so I'm still not great at staying out of it.

He takes a drink of coffee, but I noticed him cringe slightly when I mentioned her with someone else. “I’ve never done thecommitment thing. Not really, Lola. We have to take it slow or I’ll fuck it up. She knows it, and so do I.” He takes another drink. “And besides, I’m not sure she really wants only one dick at this point.”

“So it’s casual.”It’s not.I see the way they look at each other. There are feelings there.

“Yes. It’s casual.”Liar.

I sip my coffee, deciding this is not my battle. “Okay. Just be careful.”

He nods. “I will.”

“Make her some breakfast though. She deserves to be spoiled.”

He grins and gives me the “aye aye, captain” salute with his hand. “Yes, ma’am.”

I roll my eyes and go back to my room with my coffee. I take a shower and get ready for the day, saying a quick goodbye to Viv and Sawyer, who are sitting together at the kitchen table eating when I go outside through the side door to check on my flowers before I leave. I hear a car approach and walk to the front of my house, gasping when I see my youngest brother climbing out of a car at the end of my driveway.

No.

Asher walks up my driveway, swinging a bag over his shoulder and looking broody and pissed-off as usual. I meet him halfway and look back toward the front door, where Sawyer and Viv are inside.

I turn to face Ash. “What are you doing here?”

He looks at me like I’m insane. “I’m taking your advice and being a good uncle. I miss the fuck out of Baz.”

I feel awful, seeing the loneliness and sadness in my little brother’s eyes. “I’m sorry. Of course. I just meant you didn’t say anything about coming to visit.”

“I thought it was an open invitation?”

“It is.” I want him to know that he’s always welcome. “It’s just...” I look nervously at Sawyer’s car parked on the street.

When I look back at Asher, his eyes have followed mine, and they darken, looking up toward the house. “Sawyer’s here.”

It’s not a question. He knows. And it breaks my heart.

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