Page 92 of Stranded

“Okay, okay. How aboutnine is rhyme. So I start with a word and we go around saying rhyming words, the person who can’t think of one or repeats one… well, normally they’d be the one to take a drink, but we need a different punishment.”

Once again, his eyes find mine and he smirks. “The loser has to take off an article of clothing.”

“Bower,” Weston says in warning. “I don’t think that’s a wise idea.” His concerned eyes take me in before he turns back to him.

“Actually,” Bower says, leaning back on his palms, “I think it’s a perfect idea. Right, Zee?” He smirks at me and I swallow heavily. After what we shared in the hammock, I felt like something vital had clicked between us. Like he gets me on a deeper level now, he understands my need to keep moving forward and not stay stuck in the past.

“Bower and I spoke about this, after I told you guys about my past.” I look at Weston as I speak, as I’m in Kingsley’s lap and can’t see his face. But my words are meant for him, too. “I know you’ve just found out about it, but for me, it happened a very long time ago. Yes, it was still giving me nightmares… until I started sleeping in here with you three. But I don’t want to let it hold me back any longer. I don’t want to let them have any control over what happens between us. So please, don’t hold back because you think I’m not ready. Instead, can you just ask me, and trust that I’ll tell you if I’m not?”

I take a deep breath, realizing I said a lot more than I meant to. But I wanted them to understand where I’m coming from and stop worrying so much. It gives the assholes that assaulted me power, and I’m more than ready to leave them in the past.

Weston doesn’t respond, he just nods, seeming to understand my request.

Kingsley kisses my head. “Of course, sweetheart. Whatever you need, we’re here for you.” I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding as he speaks again. “So this is likestripKing’s Cup now?”

“Any better ideas, smart guy?” Bower asks with the rise of an eyebrow.

“No, no, it’s fine.” Kingsley wraps an arm around my waist, his large, warm hand resting against me. Even though he isn’t touching any skin there, it still sends a tingle of awareness through me.

“Hut,” Bower says, starting the game.

“Gut,” Weston says next, then looks at me.

“Butt!” I say excitedly.

“Shut.”

“Cut.”

“Rut,” Weston says, looking at me.

“S—” my eyes widen when I realize shut was already used. “Fut.”

“Fut?” Kingsley asks with a chuckle.

“Sorry Zee, I think you lose this one,” Weston tells me as I look at him with wide eyes.

Looking down at my body, I realize I’m at a huge disadvantage here. They’re all wearing pants, boxers, socks and a shirt. All I have on is a long t-shirt and a pair of boxers.

Swallowing nervously, I stand up and quickly slide them down my legs, tossing them on the desk before carefully placing myself back in Kingsley’s lap, being very careful to keep my legs together, and not flash anyone.

They might have seen me naked before, but it feels different this time. Not in a bad way. It was like there was a level of tension in the air that was thickening with each glance.

Weston breaks the weird haze I’m in by flipping over the queen of hearts. “Hmm, the queen,” he says, his lips twisting in thought. “I think the queens should represent our little queen.” He stares at me intently as he speaks. “Whoever flips it has to say one thing they love about Zee.”

I inhale a sharp breath of surprise. “And if I flip it?”

“You have to say something you love about yourself. As for me, I love how big your heart is. How, after everything you’ve been through, you still helped us survive here, even when you knew nothing about us.”

My cheeks heat at his praise, and unsure what else to say, I give him a small smile. “Thanks.”

He nods, then points to the cards. “Your turn.”

I reach forward and flip over a King. “Okay, whoever flips this over, I will tell you something that I love aboutyou.”

“And if you flip it over?” Kingsley asks, his arm around my waist giving me a small squeeze.

I smile over my shoulder at him. “Then I have to say something about each of you. Kingsley, I love how caring you are, how you always make sure that I’m taken care of.” I turn my head to Bower next.

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