Page 69 of Pucking Obsessed

I’d love to see Shay’s expression, when he roots around in my panty drawer in detective mode and realizes that I’m planning to use a demon tongue on him in our next scene.

I furrow my brow.

Where should I hide my rings next?

Only, someone has upstaged me with the gift giving.

They ruined the mood for the entire weekend. Since those fucking cuff links turned up this morning, D’Angelo has barely spoken. Instead, he took the shirts out of his closet and meticulously folded and then refolded them, spiraling into an OCD episode.

Who the hell sent the cuff links?

I take a deep breath, allowing myself to relax. It’s a relief to have a break from the house and come out to the lake.

The luxurious megayacht, which Dad namedBethafter Mom, is painted in striped shades of blue and white. It’s opulent with an array of loungers, couches, a long swimming pool, and round jacuzzi.

I don’t exactly fit in with the elegant luxury, since I’m bundled in my favorite faded One Direction sweater over jade leggings.

My other clothes are still creased or dirty. Eden is spending the day doing the laundry and ironing.

At least it will help take his mind off the Misfits.

The last thing my Phoenix needs is to feel like people are trying to own the people who he loves.

He’s darker than Shay.

Sometimes, I don’t know how seriously to take his threats toburnpeople.

I cross my ankles casually, pretending that I’m not paying attention to the quiet conversation that’s going on between Austin, Cody, and his husband.

It’s important that Cody resolves things with Dad himself.

Yet I understand why he wants me to be here. I make him feel safe. But I don’t know if I ever trulymadehim safe.

I cringe away from that truth.

My relationship with Dad is complex.

The men are huddled together by the railing. A table stands next to them, which is covered in glasses of wine and platters of decadent pastries.

Austin’s silver hair and beard are neat. He’s dressed in black pants and a charcoal sweater with the sleeves rolled up.

This is his laid back outfit, which he saves for the weekend.

Cody’s clothes are equally relaxed: pastel blue long-sleeved t-shirt and board shorts.

Yet his posture is the opposite, stiff and uncomfortable.

I can feel how frightened he is from here.

I’ve always been close to my brother, and he’s spent his life being fiercely protective of me.

I’d be over there with him, if he didn’t have his husband’s arm around his shoulder. Cody is leaning back against Michael’s chest like he needs the support.

I smile.

They’re good together.

Michael has been in my brother’s corner from day one. He loves Cody unconditionally.

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