Page 53 of Disgrace

“I can imagine what you thought, but from what Jason tells me, there is zero chance of him playing away, darling.” He winks and does this non-verbal code thing with Jason. A series of subtle—well, not so subtle—facial ticks and grins. We take our fresh drinks over to a corner booth and sit, Jason on one side with his arm proprietarily over my shoulder, Will on my other side, his legs stretched so wide one thigh is touching mine. He has also discarded his shirt and is just as gloriously toned as Jason. I can’t help but wonder if the mirror image is reflective all the way down. I take a sip of my drink, which does nothing to wet my parched throat; I doubt any liquid will. He is just as charming as his brother, and I am a little mesmerised.

“Is that okay with you, beautiful?” Jason’s warm breath brushes my neck, and I shiver, but I have no idea what he asked. I actually have no idea what conversation has passed between him and his brother in the half hour we have been sitting here. Christ, it’s like I’ve never sat between two attractive men before. I shake myself.

“Sorry, what was that?” I look up into Jason’s smiling eyes.

“All right, beautiful, I think it’s time I got you home. I think you’ve had enough excitement for one day, don’t you?” His knowing tone makes my face flush and my legs clench. I’m shameless. Jason chuckles and taps my nose. “Will is going to be hereallweek, Sam, but you have an important day tomorrow, yes?”

“Oh, yes.” I let out a breath I didn’t realise I was holding, and shake my head. What the fuck has gotten into me? I can feel my face burn a little brighter. Jeeze could I be any more obvious? “You’re right, I do.” I push against Jason, moving us closer to the edge of the booth seat and nearer to my escape before I make more of an exhibition of my wantonness than I already have. Jason holds one hand but I offer the other awkwardly to Will when I say goodbye. He grabs it and pulls sharply. I slap my hand on his chest to stop me from head-butting him on the chin. He tips my chin up just like his brother does, and I swallow thickly. His smiles spreads like warm honey lighting his face as his eyes darken. I’ve seen those eyes; I know that look. I fight to hold in the whimper that is just itching to make itself known. He plants a tender kiss on my cheek and helps me to steady myself.

“It’s really nice to meet you, Will, and again, I’m really sorry for earlier.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll make it up to me.” He grins.

“Maybe.” Jason’s warning tone surprises me, given all the overt flirting that has been flying unchecked from all directions this evening.

“Your call, brother.” Will shrugs; his smile is affable and wide.

“No, it’sourcall.” Jason chuckles as my whole body gives a full-on involuntary shudder.

“What’s with the ice pack on your pussy or is Jason really that hot?” Leon laughs out.

“Please don’t call it that; you know I hate that word.” I scrunch my nose up with distaste. Another throwback piece of baggage I have repugnant Richard to thank for. I get an actual taste of vomit in my mouth thinking about the vile way he would repeatedly insult me with that word. Leon rolls his eyes. He knows I hate it, but I doubt he’ll pander to my sensitivity. He is happy to try and desensitise me with its use. It’s just a word.

“What would you prefer? Foof, nuun, hooha, mini, whim wam or my personal favourite c—”

“Fine!” I screech my interruption. “Fine, pussy is fine.” I bite my lips together at his shit-eating grin.

“Yes it is, mighty fine.” He waggles his brows, his playful grin reaching far and wide, making me laugh. I wince at the sudden muscle movement and carefully move the pack as the ice has started to warm. I really need the numbing qualities of the freezing temperature.

“I treated myself to a full Hollywood wax yesterday but failed to adhere to the golden rule, maybe I am a masochist after all.” I pout.

“Nah, your pussy is too much of a pussy for pain if you’re nursing like that after a simple beauty treatment and a little heavy pounding from lover boy.” He chuckles at my scowl.

“Simple? There is nothing simple about…never mind.” I shake my head at the futility of explaining pain thresholds to a masochist.

He arches his brow and continues to snicker. “It’s no different for a back, sack and crack, babe. No pain no gain.” He waves off my discomfort. “You want a drink to aid the numbing?”

“It’s a little early.” I glance at my watch. It’s mid-morning on a weekday but looking at Leon he looks like it might be hair of the dog time. “Late night or early morning?” I inquire.

“Week off.” He flashes a wolfish smile.

I nod. I’m sure he must have told me but my head has been a little distracted.

“Ah, so hair of the dog then.” He grins and pours himself a shot of whiskey in his espresso. “I’ll have a camomile tea, though. It might help calm me.” He pours some boiling water into a cup and fishes out a bag from one of the many jars lining the back wall of the kitchen. He saunters over and carefully slides to sit next to me.

“I’m sure yourfoofwill recover, no need to get antsy.” I take the cup with one hand and nudge him lightly with my shoulder. “Not that idiot. I find out today if I will be gainfully employed as junior solicitor at the Mission.” I beam.

He slides his arm around my shoulder and pulls me in for a side hug. “You definitely don’t need to be worried about that babe. They would be crazy not to bite your arm off, and if they don’t I know my firm would snap you up.”

“Thanks, but I really want to work somewhere that makes a difference.”

“Hey, we do pro bono. It’s not all fat cats and criminals.” He scowls but his words hold no animosity.

“No, I know, honey, I didn’t mean anything by that…It’s just…This place is important to Jason, too. He told me about it on our first date, so it is just a little special that’s all.” I give a light shrug, and he squeezes my shoulder.

“Ah, my baby girl’s fallen in love.” He lightly teases, but his eyes are soft, his voice is full of happiness. I have no smart remark just an incredibly warm feeling radiating from my chest, consuming me from the inside out. “I’m happy for you, babe.” He kisses me roughly on my head and we both let out sap-filled sighs. “So tell…why did you wax yesterday, when the probability of you not doing a round or two with marathon man was always going to be nil.”

“It was our four-month anniversary.” I smile sheepishly.

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