Page 26 of Talk About… Trouble

“If you’re both going, you know I’m coming. I’m not sitting here alone,” he huffed, still sounding a bit strange. I couldn’tstand the idea of any awkwardness between us but he was already disappearing into his room so I had no choice but to go to mine.

Grace stopped me with a hand on my arm, her blue eyes full of concern.

“You guys know that if you have a connection it won’t change anything with the living situation, right?” She asked gently. “Like, don’t fuck on the sofa or something and there shouldn’t be an issue.”

A startled laugh escaped me and I started to deny it but snapped my mouth shut. That look of concern quickly morphed into a grin.

“Girl, don’t lie to me or yourself, I know you want that sexy little omega. So take what you want. You deserve it.”

“I do, don’t I?” I said, but then froze. “You don’t think it’s bad that I think that way, do you?”

Her face was the picture of pure confusion. “What? Getting with another omega?”

“No,” I said, looking anywhere but at her. “Those alphas took a lot from me and I just refuse to close myself off from letting a real pack find me. Even if my omega is dormant and I’m a panicked mess half the time, I still deserve to find love and happiness… right?”

“Look at me,” Grace said, voice a low growl. It shocked me enough my eyes snapped up to hers. She waited to speak until she had my full attention. “You went through hell but you never deserved it. They took enough, don’t let them have this. And anyone who thinks you should be celibate to ‘recover’ can fuck right off. Recovery and trauma responses are unique to the person.”

I gave her a wry smile. “That’s what my therapist said, too.”

“They sounds like a smart person,” she said before gently pushing me toward my room. “Now go. Look cute as hell so he can’t resist you.”

Cute and comfy were two of my favorite things when buying clothes. After my shower, I snagged my favorite worn band tee. The Alpha Effect was one of my favorite bands. The lead had this sexy raspy voice and their music was this fun mix of folk and rock.

I paired it with white comfy shorts and thigh high red socks. I teased my blonde hair into cute space buns, leaving a few strands down.

Makeup wasn’t really necessary so I brushed on some mascara, blush, and lip gloss and called it a day.

Grabbing my black boots and red oversized cardigan, I was done, hurrying out to meet the others.

Grace was waiting in a pink matching lounge set. Her eyes lit up when I walked in.

“Shut up, I wish I was that good at pairing outfits. I’d never have considered it but you look hot as fuck and cozy too. He’s going to be eating out of your hand like a little lost puppy in no time,” she hissed.

Thank god Devon was always the last to finish getting ready, so he didn’t hear her. My cheeks flamed all the same but I didn’t bother to hide my smile.

Devon wasn’t playing fair either. He stepped out in a pair of gray sweatpants that hugged his perfectly rounded ass and showcased exactly what I’d get if I gave him a shot.

Damn. I didn’t expect that from an omega.

He was running his gaze over me just as slowly, his eyes full of fire and a slow smile curling over his plump lips.

Fuck, this was going to be a long night and I was going to be more than a little disappointed if we didn’t fall into the same bed afterward.

“Come on, you two,” Grace snorted, snagging her purse and heading for the door. Devon didn’t move, eyes still locked on me.

“You look like sin in the best fucking way,” he husked. “Tell me you’re going to give in to me soon?”

Thank fuck he was feeling the same way I did. Even if we didn’t last forever, why not give it a shot. There were no guarantees in life and if we wanted each other, why not?

“Just hearing you say someone else was hot had me all jealous earlier, Wren. I promise you even if I find a pack, I’d tell them we’re a package deal. Non negotiable. Just think about it.”

“I’d tell mine the same,” I said. Even without overwhelming scents, I wanted him more than I had ever craved anyone else.

“Guys!” Grace called from the hallway. “We’re going to miss out on all the fun.”

“Coming,” Devon said, holding out his hand for me. It was an invitation that felt like so much more than simply leading me after our roommate.

Even before I’d mentally made my decision, my hand was in his. Warm fingers curled around mine and he pulled me closer so I was breathing in that green apple and cedarwood scent that wrapped around me and had any lingering tension sliding away. I swear it was like my own version of an anxiety med.

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