Page 62 of The Sadist and the Brat

“He probably came up with it because he knew you’d enjoy it,” Rebecca said. “Which I think is sweet.”

“Very sweet,” Amanda agreed, and the others murmured their assent.

“I also think he enjoyed the hell out of it,” Rebecca continued.

“He did laugh a lot,” Sadie murmured, remembering.

Amanda leaned forward, eyes sharp. “Really?”

“Not mocking laughter, or like something was funny. It was more…joyful,” she decided.

“Happy sadist laughter,” Sam put in. “That’s what Collette calls it when she’s having so much fun she just can’t hold it in.”

“Nick does that sometimes,” Rebecca said with a nod. “It’s hot.”

“Very,” Sam agreed.

“It scared me a little,” Sadie admitted and laughed. “And yeah, it was hot.”

“But you don’t want to play with him again.”

Sadie looked at Amanda and sighed. “Truth? I do. And that scares me, too.”

“It’s about damn time,” Amanda said.

“Hear, hear,” Rebecca said and leaned across the coffee table to tap her glass against Amanda’s.

Sadie’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Youwantme to be scared?”

“Of course not.” Amanda reached over to pat her hand. “But if you’re scared, then it matters.”

“And thatissomething we want for you,” Rebecca said. “Because we love you.”

“Um. Thanks, I guess?”

“You’re welcome.”

Olivia reached for another piece of cheese. “Why did he put a pillow on your feet?”

“Because I can’t sleep unless there’s something heavy on my feet.”

Rebecca’s gray eyes went dreamy. “Aww.”

“That’s fucking adorable,” Sam decided.

Amanda nodded, eyes sparkling. “Hallmark channel-level cute.”

“Hey, did you hear that Nikki has a date with Kody?” Sadie asked brightly.

“Smooth,” Olivia said, and Amanda snickered into her wine.

“That is a very obvious ploy and normally we would not let you get away with it,” Rebecca admonished. “But I’m very invested in this Nikki-Kody thing. When are they going out?”

“Friday,” Sadie supplied.

“Scene or date?” Sam wanted to know.

“Date.” Relieved to be talking about something other than her suddenly very confused feelings about Jack, Sadie plucked a handful of grapes out of the bowl Sam still held. “She told me Kody said they should get to know each other before they discuss playing.”

---