Page 54 of About Last Knight

I smirk. “I have, but…they’ve all been a little bit younger. I got older, but my bedmates remained the same age.”

“So you went from younger, childless women straight to a grandmother?” She smiles. “That’s a big jump.”

I laugh. “I guess I did. If I’d known grandmothers were like you, I would have started there a long time ago.”

She narrows her eyes in a playful way. “I’m teetering somewhere between flattered and terrified. Terrified what you must think of me after being with younger women your whole life.”

I don’t like this lack of confidence I’m seeing. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever been with. I wish you saw what I see.” I motion over to the portrait studio. “If you let me take your picture, I’ll show you what I see.”

“Clothed or unclothed?”

“Unclothed.”

She shakes her head. “Not now, Declan.” She shrugs. “Maybe at some point in the future.”

I nod. “Definitely at some point in the future.”

Chapter Sixteen

Melissa

Declan and I have spent the past month together. Our relationship has blossomed into something special. I’ve completely fallen for him.

At times he’s sweet and tender, at others he’s rough and demanding. He can be controlling, unreasonable, and possessive, but then he’ll spend hours worshipping my body as if I’m the most precious thing he’s ever been around. I get off on all of his sides, especially when I don’t know what’s coming. There’s just something so exciting to me about an unpredictable man. I’ve never been with one before.

I walk into the chosen restaurant for lunch with the girls. The four of us sit and order our normal drinks.

Once the waiter leaves, Cassandra looks me up and down. “Wow, you look all sexed up. Someone has been getting it good, besides me.” She winks.

I’m so happy, I won’t even scold her for the last bit she slipped in. I smile as I lean back in my chair. “Iamsexed up, and Iamgetting it good.Verygood.”

They all laugh. Izzy asks, “Are we ever going to meet him? I’m not sure he really exists.”

I give a small smile. “Oh, I promise you he exists. I just wanted him to myself for a little while. He’s…different. I don’t know how you’ll react to him.”

Izzy pinches her eyebrows. “How so?”

“He’s unfiltered. He doesn’t particularly subscribe to normal social propriety. He always says what he’s thinking. He can also be a Neanderthal at times. He’s possessive, jealous, and bosses me around. He manhandles me and controls everything about our sex life.” I moan. “I fucking love it. It’s all such a turn on.”

They all laugh, but I sigh. “Our private bubble will get popped this week. Rayne and Grant are meeting him on Saturday night.”

Rayne’s eyes light up. “We’re so excited. This is the first time we’ve been out as couples in over ten years. I can’t believe it’s been that long.”

I grab her hand. “I’m sorry you guys lost Jackson in the divorce. I know how much you and Grant always liked him.”

She gives me a sheepish look. “He and Grant actually still play golf together sometimes. You know Jackson uses Grant’s engineering firm on his projects, so they have a business relationship. And he still calls me for some of his advertising needs. Honestly, we did have him over a few times before he met Darian, but I won’t go out with him now that he’s married to her.”

Cassandra clears her throat. “Excuse me, but don’t sit there and trash my best friend. Darian is fucking awesome. She’s not the bad guy. She’s done nothing wrong. You guys would love her if you just gave her a chance.”

Rayne shrugs. “I don’t think it’s right that they’re all over each other in front of Melissa. It’s disrespectful.”

Cassandra shakes her head. “First of all, it’s him all over her ninety-five percent of the time. That’s not Darian’s fault. Secondly, it’s not like Jackson and Melissa had some big scandalous falling out where she’s the scorned woman. She doesn’t long for him. Darian came into the picture way after the divorce. And thirdly, they don’t do it to hurt anyone. I don’t think they’re aware of it half the time. It’s just how they are. There’s no reason to begrudge them their happiness. You’re being petty.”

Rayne shakes her head. “Melissa’s my best friend. If it makes her uncomfortable, it makes me uncomfortable. I’m sure if something bothered Darian, it would bother you, Cassandra.”

Cassandra starts to respond, but I interrupt. “Both of you stop. Cassandra, you’re right.” I turn to Rayne. “If you want to have a social relationship with Jackson and Darian, it’s completely fine with me. Honestly, I’m starting to get used to it. It’s like white noise now. And I’m happy with someone else. I’m sure that will make it easier too. If they want to have sex in the middle of the street, more power to them.”

Cassandra gives Rayne an overexaggerated grin in triumph.

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