Page 17 of Married to the Beasts
Bliss has been enjoying the luxury lifestyle today, but the clothing store appears to be making her feel as out of place as it is me. “I can’t afford any of this, but I guess I’ll try things on,” she says as we’re about to separate into individual stalls.
“I can’t either, of course.”
“I’d expect your new husband will be buying your clothes,” she says. “According to interviews, they come from humble roots, so hopefully they remember what it’s like to have limited funds.”
Humble roots? I search my memory to see if I know anything about their family, but I come up blank. Will I be meeting their parents, and what will they think about our spur-of-the-moment nuptials?
Before I have a chance to ask Bliss what she knows about the Curran family, she says, “Are you sure you haven’t had sex with them yet? Because those looks they were giving you at lunch—my god. If someone looked at me like that, I’d be in their lap before you could count to one.”
It’s the opening I needed, and now that we’re alone, I can confide about something that’s been worrying me.
“I’m kind of nervous, Bliss. As far as I know, I haven’t told Conal I’m a virgin, and though I’m readynotto be a virgin, I doubt I can handle three men.”
She gets a faraway look in her eyes. “Oh, what a problem to have.”
“I mean … I don’t even know if I can handle one man.” The python under the sheets comes to mind again, and my pussy clenches. “What if they don’t want to be with someone who doesn’t have any experience? They’re probably used to women who know all kinds of ways to please them.”
“I don’t think men care about that, as long as they’re with an enthusiastic partner. Besides, who better to show you the ropes than the three hottest men in the country?”
I let the idea of them showing me the ropes settle in for a while, and I like it. They’ve been thoughtful today and patient with my hangover, and maybe that kind of care will spill over into the bedroom.
Maybe I’ll be a quick learner. I know anything I do with them will be a million times more exciting than accounting.
The salesperson encourages us to model our clothing for the men, which is yet another surrealexperience. The brothers’ eyes seem to eat me up, no matter which outfit I have on.
At one point, I’m standing in front of the three-way mirror in a short skirt and sheer black top when Conal comes up behind me, sliding his hand over my hip before gently squeezing one of my ass cheeks, making it jiggle as he keeps hold of it.
“Everything looks good on you.” His voice is a low growl near my ear.
When I look up to thank him, he steals a quick kiss. “Sorry, babe. Can’t help myself.”
When I look back at the mirror, my eyes go to the white bra that’s glaringly obvious beneath the shirt. “Maybe I can have my mom send some of my things to me. Underwear and casual clothes for around the house.”
“No need for that. I’d enjoy buying underwear for you, or better yet, seeing you go without any.” He winks at me before stepping back to join his brothers, and I try to keep my knees from shaking when I walk back into the changing stall.
The Currans purchase everything I tried on that fit, which was most of it, and they buy a skirt, blouse, and evening bag for Bliss, who looks like she won the lottery, though she tries to play it cool.
We only go to one other store, one known for athleisure, and we leave with two big shopping bags filled with comfortable pants, shirts, hoodies, and more. By that point, it’s time for Bliss to get on the road, so the limo takes us back to the hotel, where I help her collect her things.
“I’m sorry I’m leaving you to drive home alone,” I tell her as she and I wait for her car. The Pythons’ security team drove it over to this hotel last night for her, and the valet is retrieving it from the garage.
“I’ll miss you, but I couldn’t be happier that you’re not coming with me.” She gives me a smile so broad it makes her eyes squeeze shut, and I try to soak up some of her excitement, because now that she’s leaving, my nerves are returning in a big way.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” I ask, though it’s me I’m also worried about.
Her car approaches, and she pulls me into a hug. “Hazel, those men are wild about you. Relax and enjoy every minute.”
I hug her back, then reluctantly let her go, putting on a smile braver than I feel. Iamexcited, and I’m happy about my situation, but there’s so much that’s unknown. I thought graduating from college was going to bring big life changes, but I never imagined anything like this.
“Keep in touch,” she tells me, as two steadfast Pythons security guys load her luggage into her car.
I wave at her until she drives out of sight, then follow my escorts back up to our suite, where Conal is waiting for me with open arms.
HAZEL
“Welcome back, Mrs. Curran.” The title delivers a jolt, and Conal notices, because he immediately pulls back from an embrace to look at my face. “You’ll take our name, won’t you?” It’s another huge thing that I somehow haven’t even thought about yet.
“You liked it last night,” Rafe says from across the room.
