Page 62 of The Billionaire's Bride
Edward's jaw hardens, but he nods.
I turn to Baron, "And if I slept with Ed, you'd be okay?"
A vein pops at Baron's temple, "I have to be." He squares his shoulders, "It's the best way for us to see this thing through."
"And neither of you thought of asking me how I felt about it?"
Edward shuffles his feet, "Look, Ava, all we're saying is, we’ll just act normal and if, at any point, you feel the desire to...shag one of us, the other one won't get in the way."
"How generous of you." I roll my eyes. "So, what you're saying is, if I get an itch, I should not hold back?"
Baron's jaw tics. "Let's just keep things natural, and allow them to progress organically." He rubs the back of his neck. "I realize how strange all of this sounds, but we’ve discussed it and believe that this is the best way forward.”
We’ve discussed it.I stare between them and bite back the multiple sarcastic responses that stampede through my head.
Edward continues, “This way, there is no pressure on you, and there are no artificial conditions imposed on the situation. At the same time, if the situation arises where you want to sleep with one of us, then you can do so with a clear conscience."
I am literally speechless.This situation is completely insane. Seriously, the two of them talking about how we are going to stay in this place as fuck buddies, then negotiating the terms of how I am supposed to sleep with either of them if...when I feel like it...? Shit, this is going to be one cozy party…Not.Tiredness drags at my limbs. The headache at my temples intensifies. "I am not feeling well," I murmur. "I rise to my feet and both men get up as well."
"I am fine." I wave them off, "Really, I think I just need some rest."
"You need to finish your breakfast." Edward frowns.
My stomach churns. "No more food," I whisper.
I turn and my knees threaten to give way, but Baron is already there. He scoops me up in his arms.
"I can walk," I protest.
"I am taking you to bed." I sense him exchange a glance with Edward, who doesn’t say anything. Turning, Baron walks out of the kitchen and up to my bedroom. He places me on the floor next to the bed. I shrug off the bathrobe, and Baron averts his eyes. I blink.Whoa, what the—? Did he just glance away to give me some privacy since I am not wearing anything under the bathrobe?That is some un-Baron-like behavior.
I slide under the covers. He tucks me in, then bends to kiss my forehead. I tip up my chin so our lips almost brush. At the last second, he turns his head and kisses my cheek.
"Wha—?" I frown, "Why did you do that?"
"You need to sleep, babe." His lips quirk, but his eyes are serious, "Get some rest; we’ll talk when you feel better."
He turns to leave and my eyelids flutter down. Sleep pulls me under.
The sound of footsteps grows closer. I glance over my shoulder, but there’s no one there. I increase my pace, reach the entrance to the subway, and hesitate. Do I want to walk in there? It’s so dark. Just then, thunder flashes overhead, followed closely behind by raindrops. Within moments, they plaster my clothes to my shoulders. Shit. I step inside the subway and the rain cuts out. Cold grips me and I shiver. Goosebumps pop on my skin. I walk into the narrow passageway. The darkness deepens. I half turn, hesitate, then push forward, increasing my pace. I continue walking. Footsteps sound again behind me. I turn and cry out. There’s a man silhouetted at the entrance. His shoulders fill the space. No, no, no. I turn, race for the exit. Another man steps up to block the way. He’s so tall, so big. He widens his stance, slaps his palms on his hips. My heart begins to race, my pulse pounding at my temples. Sweat beads my palms and I wipe them on my dress. Behind me, the footsteps grow closer. I turn to find the first man is closer. Fear bubbles up; my arms and legs tremble. I turn away, only to find the second man is moving toward me. "No, please, no." My voice echoes in the space. I stumble back, trying to put space between me and the two men who walk toward me. My back hits the wall. The first man moves closer.
"What’s wrong, Ava?" Baron frowns. "We won’t hurt you."
"Baron?" I swallow, "Is it really you?"
"Of course, Sweetheart, who else would it be?"
"Don’t call her, Sweetheart," The second man draws abreast. His golden eyes glow, almost cat-like in the darkness. "She’s not yours; she’s mine."
Baron’s jaw hardens. He pivots, grabs Edward by the shoulder, "She was never yours to begin with. She belongs to me, you hear me?" Baron throws a punch.
"She’s mine," Edward blocks him.
"Mine," Baron growls. He raises his fist, sinks it in Edward’s side.
"Mine." Edward lurches back, shaking his head to clear it. "I am going to rearrange your face." He leans forward on the balls of his feet, when I step between them.
"Stop it, you two!" I yell. "Stop."
