Page 12 of Scandalous

“Yes, Mrs. Knettleson’s son found himself in a compromising position.”

I lean forward. “Tell me more.”

I wouldn’t admit it to anyone else, but I love hearing all the drama my mum has in her life. It’s often someone else’s, but it’s always entertaining. She even lets me feature some of it on my platform.

“I figured you would want to hear this. I know this one is going to make your little show. I don’t know how, but somehow the poor boy ended up with a mouse trap stuck to his penis.”

I choke on my tea, coughing. “Come again?”

“Not the kind that springs down, pinning the poor creature in place, but the sticky kind,” she describes, making me wince.

“That had to be painful.” I cringe.

“I heard it took off the first layer of skin.” Mum nods.

I swallow hard, feeling ill. “Change the subject, please. I can’t listen to any more. What else did I miss?”

She chuckles. “Oh, you boys are so cute. Anyway, he ended up in the hospital, but he’s okay now. Let me see. What else has happened?”

As Mum rattles on about different things happening in our neighborhood, who’s cheating on who and whose child is now getting a divorce, my mind drifts back to Aurora.

A couple of years ago, she came across the boys’ and my radar. We all instantly wanted her, but neither of us really realized how the other felt. When Liam asked if we could invite her to a party, I realized it was going to be an issue. There is no way we could all share one woman. She would have to choose and the others would be upset.

Sweet little Aurora made waves with her quirky video to us. She was adorable and innocent, everything I should stay away from yet wanted. Then she opened her mouth, and I realized she was loud, brash, and could use a good spanking. Not at all my type. I prefer women a little more submissive and into some very specific sexual kinks.

Even with the knowledge that she prefers praise over degradation, I still want her. The guys have individually said she should be invited to one of our events, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I’ve spent so long building her up in my head. What if she doesn’t meet my expectations? No, it’s better this way.

“Are you even listening, Ezra Morgan?” Mother says, bringing my attention back to her.

“How is the tea today, Mrs. Morgan?” the server asks, saving me from answering.

“It’s lovely, dear.” Mum smiles at the girl.

“Perfect. Do you need anything else?” the girl asks Mum while staring at me out of the corner of her eye.

“That will be all.” The girl lingers for a moment too long. “I know he’s handsome, but he’s unavailable. You can leave now, dear.”

The girl blushes as she scurries off, making me laugh.

“Honestly though, son, couldn’t you do us a favor and find a woman already? If you don’t soon, I’m afraid we will have to find a new tea place because they won’t have any staff left after you break their hearts.”

“You know I would never pick a woman up here,” I remind her.

Mum hums, “What about that girl you always argue with online? She’s the one that sounds like a princess.”

I glance down at my plate. “Aurora.”

“Yes, her. The pretty one who always puts you in your place. Why don’t you go out with her?”

I groan, rubbing my face. “She’s not an option.”

“Well, with the way you talk to her, I’m sure she’s not. Give her a chance though. She will see through all those thorns.” Mum reaches across the table to pat my hand.

“That’s not it. She’s an influencer. She’s probably fake. Besides, all the guys have a crush on her. We refuse to let a chick get in the way of our friendship.”

She looks thoughtful for a moment. “You’re an influencer, Ezra. She’s another person, just like you are. Don’t judge her so harshly when you won’t even give her a chance. Who is to say that she’s not meant to be part of your group? If not as your girlfriend, but as a friend? You can’t keep your heart closed to the possibilities out there.”

I hate the way her words hit me. I’ve been so closed off for so long. Ever since my father sent me to boarding school, I’ve felt abandoned. My mother didn’t want me to go, but before he died, my father ruled her every move.

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