Page 156 of The Charlie Method

I glance between them. “I can’t believe you made this happen.”

When I reach for the baggie, Beckett closes his fist around it. “No, baby girl.”

I frown.

“Not until we talk about the rules,” he clarifies, his voice firm.

I raise an eyebrow. “I thought the whole point of tonight was throwing away the rule book.”

Will’s tone is equally uncompromising. “Not yet. Before you take this, we need to get a few things straight.”

He’s trying to be the stern, protective guy—and he’s pulling it off. I love it when Will gets like this. Leaning into his commanding alpha side. I can’t help but smirk a little, knowing how much he cares but also knowing I’m going to push back, just a bit.

“Fine. Let’s discuss.”

Beckett crosses his arms, backing Will up. “Oh, this isn’t a discussion. The rules are nonnegotiable.”

Will’s gaze locks on to mine. “Rule number one: You stay with us the entire time. No wandering off, no going anywhere alone. Got it?”

I nod, trying to ignore the warm flutter in my chest at how seriously they’re taking this. On one hand, I feel like a little kid being told not to run with scissors. On the other hand, this overprotective dominant thing they’re doing is turning me on.

“Got it,” I say.

“Rule number two,” Beckett says. “If you start feeling weird—like, at all—you tell us immediately. Doesn’t matter if you think it’s nothing, you say something.”

I roll my eyes but can’t stop the smile that surfaces.

“Say it,” he insists, leaving no room for teasing.

I bite my lip to suppress a laugh. “If I start feeling weird, I’ll tell you guys immediately. I promise.”

He gives a satisfied nod.

“Rule number three,” Will says. “Hydration. You drink plenty of water, and I mean it. No getting dehydrated on us. Steady sips, no chugging.”

“Plenty of water, steady sips. Got it,” I answer, fighting to keep a straight face. It feels like we’re prepping for a big exam instead of a night of dancing and letting loose.

“Rule number four: No sex.”

My mouth falls open at that one. “What?”

“No sex,” he repeats, and Beckett nods in agreement.

I blink at them, caught off guard. “But…I heard ecstasy is supposed to make you really…”

“Horny,” Beckett finishes, chuckling. “Yeah, it does. And that’s exactly why neither of us is laying a finger on you tonight. I don’t care how much you say you want it or how much you beg. Right, Larsen?”

“Damn right.”

I pout, but along with my disappointment, I also feel a strange kind of respect.

Will steps closer, gripping my chin as he tilts my face up to meet his eyes. His thumb skims my lower lip, sending a jolt of desire through me.

“Baby.” His voice drops low, almost a growl. “We’re not fucking you while you’re on drugs. Understood? That kind of consent line is way too blurry for me. For us.” He glances at Beckett, who offers another firm nod.

“We promised we’d take care of you,” Beckett says gruffly. “That means not taking advantage of you in that state.”

“No sex.” Will’s eyes search mine to make sure I understand. “That’s final.”

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