Page 18 of The Traitor

“Stop it, Gage.”

Again, he laughed. “See? He denies it, but I know. I’ve seen it.”

A slight smile was on Josie’s face when she spoke. “What wild days?”

Knox groaned. He thought it was a bad idea to reminisce about his violent, sexual, and criminal past. “Nothing.”

“Nothing? Come on! You can’t dismiss it like it was nothing.”

Determined to end this conversation that was taking a turn he didn’t like, Knox got to his feet, throwing a deadly glare at Gage for good measure, not that it would stop him at all.

Back in the kitchen, he checked the fridge. He’d bought everything he needed to whip up a full breakfast. A full mouth might shut Gage up.

“Do you need help?”

The soft feminine voice so close behind him made him hit the shelf, almost causing a pickle jar to fall. Barely refraining from cursing, Knox turned. “I told you, you don’t need to do everything around here because I offered you a place to stay.”

Josie seemed to consider it and turned to Gage who had followed her from the lounge and now sat at the island counter. “Just checking, but can you cook?”

Gage twisted his mouth, quickly glancing at Knox before answering. “We survive. I’m no good in the kitchen, and the more Knox cooks, the less he burns stuff, so it’s an improvement.”

Knox closed the fridge door and crossed his arms. “I don’t burn stuff. And I don’t know why you’re complaining. You’re always eating out.”

“Exactly, pal.”

Josie laughed softly, touching his arm to move him over. “Why don’t I do the cooking around here? I’m good at it, and I love it too. You guys can do the other stuff. That way, nobody gets taken advantage of.”

Knox was too focused on her hand to answer right away, but Gage whooped and jumped off the counter. “I vote yes. And I promise, if it’s only slightly better than Knox’s attempts, I’ll eat here morning, noon, and night.”

Nodding, Knox looked deep into her hazel eyes. “Only if you want to do it. Gage and I can take care of other things like vacuuming and cleaning. We each wash our own stuff, so that part is up to you too.”

“One more thing.” Gage came closer and the quick look he gave him made him guess what the topic was about. It was the elephant in the room since they’d all emerged from their bedrooms this morning. Gage touched her shoulder to make her look at him, and Josie blinked, but remained silent. “We haven’t discussed what happened last night. Are you okay with it? Knox and I wouldn’t dare presume. Personally, I prefer being upfront.”

Josie swallowed hard and looked at Gage before looking at him. Knox swallowed but remained silent. If he was honest with himself, he didn’t know what to think about this whole situation. He’d had threesomes, many of them in the past, and never really thought twice about them, or how the participants felt once it was over. When the sun came up, they all jumped into their clothes and went their merry ways. But this was different.

“I … I don’t know what to say apart from that I obviously enjoyed myself. I don’t know the protocol here. Should I say thank you?”

Her hesitation made her way too adorable, and before Knox could react, Gage took her in his arms and kissed her, twirling her until she couldn’t help but giggle in his mouth. Weirdly, Knox wondered how it would feel to have her like that, swallowing her joyous laughter in his kiss.

“Thank you is kind of you, but I … we … should be the ones bowing to you, oh Sex Goddess! Another thing we need to discuss is if you want a repeat.”

Her smiled died and she licked her lips. That simple action made Knox want to take his cock in his hand as it jerked in response.

“Again, I don’t know what to say. I’m willing to test the waters, go with this … thing … between us. Maybe I’m crazy. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around it, convince myself it happened. Are you honestly interested in a repeat?”

Gage’s laughing eyes turned dark, an obvious sign the man wanted more. Knox wished she was in his arms, but instead pushed her hair aside to nibble at her neck, bidding his time. “It’s up to you, babe. You’re in the driver’s seat. But if you want my honest answer, it’s a hell yes.”

Her hand reached back to circle his neck and caress his hair. The touch was soothing and arousing at the same time, so much so Knox closed his eyes, enjoying the moment a little more.

As Gage pushed her against him, Knox circled her waist.

Knox felt Josie shiver before she untangled herself from them. He watched her try to get her breathing under control as she leaned against the fridge and looked at them both. “You’re very convincing and I’m very tempted. So, yes. For now, at least. But I have one condition. Anyone can call it quits at any time. No harm, no foul. Deal?”

Knox’s heart boomed in his chest at the idea of having her. Maybe the arrangement was for the better. With a little more time, he was certain to rid himself of the desire he felt for the woman and once that was done, he could return to the boring new life he’d chosen for himself.

Chapter 10

Josie lookedat the roaring fire as she sat in the oversized chair, sipping a hot cup of tea. Night was turning the large windows into onyx mirrors, transforming the house into a warm cocoon.

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