Page 93 of Seduction in Spades

“Does that mean you’re not capable of being in one? I’d say no. Drake was raised by a single mom who wasn’t very involved in his life in the poor end of Boston. He grew up with nothing and zero support. The man worked his way to a full ride at MIT. And hell, he’s the most romantic, sweetest, sexiest man I’ve ever met. He sure the hell didn’t pick up any of those traits from his childhood or schooling. His rough past made him into the man he is today. So has Trey’s. And yours. You’re a beautiful soul, Avery. Don’t sell yourself short.”

“There’s... I have a lot of emotional baggage.”

“I’m sure Nolan’s aware.” She strokes my hair with tenderness.

“Actually, he’s not. We have the most amazing sex, but we don’t talk about anything other than superficial stuff.”

That’s not entirely true. Nolan opened up to me about his family, his real name, and has told me stories from his time as a SEAL. I, however, have told him very little about my life.

“Why is that? Are you worried he won’t be interested in you if he knows about your past?”

“Not exactly. The worst part of my upbringing he’s aware of. Our parents are junkies and are serving time in jail. I practically raised Trey since I was eight and he was six. I’d just graduated from high school when they were arrested and was Trey’s guardian until he could make it on his own.”

“You’re incredible, Avery. And now look at you. You have a successful career in medical research.”

“I don’t know aboutsuccessful.I’ve only been on the job for a few months.”

“You’ve made something out of your life despite the obstacles. I’m sure that’s one of many reasons why Nolan admires you.”

“I guess.”

“So what’s holding you back?”

I twist my hands in my lap. “I... I don’t knowhowto talk about my feelings. It’s not natural for me. I have no problem telling him what I like in the bedroom. I have no problem picking a restaurant. But when it comes to my heart, I don’t know how to read it or interpret the varying beats.”

“It’ll come.” She squeezes my hand.

“I’m worried I ruined his friendship with Trey.”

“You’re not responsible for that, Avery.”

“He wanted to tell my brother about us from the beginning. I wanted to keep it a secret because... well, to tell him would mean I’d be making myself vulnerable. He’s always been upset about that.”

“Did you tell him why you didn’t want Trey to know?”

“No.”

“Maybe that’s where you should start.”

“If he’s still even interested after my brother’s waterboarding interrogation.”

---