Page 98 of Beyond the Hate

She points at me. “You’re cruel.”

“I’m cruel? I’m not the one who stole the last piece of chocolate cake.”

“I didn’t want you to bloat in your dress. You were showing a lot of skin.”

“It was a sexy dress.” Maya sighs. “I bet Eli couldn’t wait to tear it off of you when you got home.”

He didn’t tear it off of me. He lifted the skirt up and had his way with me. It was fantastic. I press my legs together as memories of the night assail my mind. Eli appears all prim and proper in his three-piece suits but the man becomes a bad boy in the bedroom.

Chloe plants her elbows on the table and leans forward. “I want details of whatever has your cheeks turning red.”

“I don’t need details. I have an excellent imagination.”

Chloe rolls her eyes at Maya. “Not all of us inhale romance books faster than a mermaid can swim.”

“Speaking of Eli,” I begin.

Sophia rubs her hands together. “I can’t wait. I bet underneath those suits he’s a tiger in bed. Am I right? Wait. Don’t tell me. I don’t want to be disappointed.”

“You’re engaged.”

She blinks at me. “I don’t understand your comment.”

“Why do you need details of my sex life when you have a sex life of your own?” I ask.

Her nose wrinkles. “I’m still not understanding your point.”

I sigh. “Never mind.”

Chloe motions toward me. “Come on. I’m awaiting the details.”

“I’m not giving you any details.” She pouts. “I want to run something by you.”

“If it’s whether you should try handcuffs in bed, the answer is yes. The answer is always yes.”

My nose wrinkles. “Don’t your wrists get sore?”

She shakes her head. “You can’t use real handcuffs. You need the fluffy ones. Or you can use scarves as ties. Or ropes. Or—”

I hold up my hand to stop her. “I need to return to the brewery soon. I don’t have time to discuss your sexual habits.”

“Bummer.”

“What were you going to say about Eli?” Maya asks.

“I want to have a surprise birthday party for him. But—”

“Yes!” Nova pumps her arm. “What a great idea. We can host it at the resort. I’ll phone Hudson and ask when there’s availability.”

She whips out her phone but I snatch it from her before she can dial.

“Wait. There’s more.”

Chloe leans in closer. “More? Do you want to have a sex party? I’ve never been to one. What does it entail? Do I have to participate or can I watch? Is everyone naked?”

I stare at her with wide eyes. “Where did you get the idea I want to have a sex party?”

She shrugs. “You enjoyed orgy porn when we were teenagers.”

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