Page 62 of Scandalous

Ezra isn’t what he portrays to the world. Maybe that’s why he’s so skeptical of me. Oftentimes, people project their own insecurities on others.

He’s worried I’m a fraud because he feels like one himself.

That takes all the wind out of my sails. I don’t want to hurt him.

I let out a sigh, backing away. “I’ve heard you loud and clear. Let’s try and make it through the rest of this little getaway in peace. After that, well, I’ll talk to the guys.”

His forehead burrows while he considers my words. “You will?”

I shrug. “I always knew this was a pipe dream. Can you let me have at least one more night in it before I have to go back to only seeing you guys from afar?”

He swallows hard but nods.

Before he can say anything else, John walks back into the room.

“I’m sorry, sir. We do not have a female on site today. Would you like to proceed?”

I shake my head. “No need. We’re done here.”

Then I walk out of the room without looking back.

Man, being an adult sucks.

* * *

“What do you two want to do tonight?” Santi asks as he comes into the living room and sits on the couch.

“I figured we would just hang out around here.” Drake shrugs, his hands fingering my hair as I lie with my head in his lap.

They talk back and forth, but I tune them out, my thoughts drowning me.

How is their date going? Is he making her laugh and have a good time?

I sit up so fast I almost fall off the couch. “He’s not going to fuck this up, right?” I blurt out.

“What?” Santi shakes his head, completely caught off guard by my line of thinking.

“Right?” I say to Drake, eyes wide.

Drake’s eyes soften. “It’s going to be fine. I’m sure Ezra is on his best behavior.”

“Ah.” Santi nods, making me look at him. “You’re worried that E is going to fuck this up for all of us?”

I stand up and begin to pace. “Won’t he? As far as I know, those two have never had a civil conversation. And let’s be honest, sometimes his British aristocratic upbringing turns people off when he starts frowning and demanding.”

“Some people get off on arguing with each other. I’ve always considered their bickering foreplay.” Santi shrugs. “I mean, only Aurora could make that man send a dick pic.”

“You’re right,” Drake says, making me look back at him. “E is one of those guys who isn’t for everyone. He’s uptight and high-strung, but he’s loyal and loves hard. We all know that,” Drake says, looking between Santi and me. “All day, they got along. Yeah, they threw some barbs while we were zip-lining, but nothing over the top. He knows how important Beauty is to all of us. The fact that he even asked her out is a big deal. I bet he’s pulling out all the stops trying to get on equal footing with us. Sneaky fucker.”

“She was nervous,” Santi says as he looks out the window, leg bouncing.

“When did you talk to her?” I frown, trying to remember if they got a moment alone.

“When she went to get ready, she asked me to stay and talk to her… while she showered.” He smirks.

Drake groans. “Lucky fucker.”

“Please, tell me you could see everything. Her body is a fucking wonderland.” I shake my head.

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